Why Get A Graduate Nursing Degree Online
Pursuing an online master’s degree in nursing can give students greater flexibility, enabling them to set their own schedules. This option may be particularly valuable for people with family or work responsibilities. Many students continue to work full time, limiting their lost wages while pursuing their master’s. Some online programs also offer accelerated tracks, leading to reduced completion times.
Additionally, online students may reduce their educational costs. For example, some schools waive campus-based student service fees and out-of-state tuition fees for distance learners.
Advance Your Nursing Career With Local Roots Online Classes And A Global Health Experience
Northwest Universitys Master of Science in Nursing program enables you to advance your career in a number of different areas. The MSN program emphasizes leadership, policy development and regulatory practice, nursing research, and cross-cultural practice. You will gain specialized experience and knowledge with the design and implementation of a scholarly project aligned with your nursing interests. Complete your program entirely online with practice experiences near your own home. Although an online student, you are welcome to interact with university nursing educators in person on the Kirkland, Washington campus. You even have the option of joining faculty for a unique global health experience.
Is Now A Good Time To Pursue An Msn
Due to the ongoing healthcare staffing crisis, increased demand for nurses, and an aging U.S. population, now is an excellent time to enroll in an online nursing master’s program. The BLS projects a 52% job growth rate for NP positions through 2030, making NPs one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States.
Also Check: St John Fisher Nursing Program Requirements
How Much Does An Online Masters In Nursing Education Cost
The average cost per credit for an online masters in nursing is around $950, although it can be as low as $300. Some institutions are even higher per credit. Overall, MSN tuition can be $18,000 to $57,000. Students should spend time researching the best fit for their financial needs. Private school MSN tuition tends to be on the higher end for those who are considering going private versus public.
Dual Master’s Degree Programs

Who is it right for? Nurses who want advanced leadership or healthcare administration roles
If you know that you want to one day become a hospital CEO or a Chief Nursing Officer, you may want to consider a dual master’s degree in nursing program. With these, you can earn an MSN at the same time as you earn a more leadership-focused degree like an MSN/MBA, or an MSN/MHA — Master’s in Healthcare Administration. You can also earn an MSN/MPH if you want your career to take a public health route.
Don’t Miss: Ut Austin School Of Nursing Acceptance Rate
Why Is It Important To Choose An Accredited Online Msn Program
A major consideration that must be taken into account when applying to an online nursing program is accreditation. Accreditation ensures the same standards and criteria for all nursing programs. The accreditation process improves the quality of nursing education and keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends in advances in nursing and healthcare.
There are two main accrediting bodies for nursing programs:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is designed to support nursing education and ensure it is done in a safe, reliable, and consistent manner.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is considered the voice of academic nursing in America and contributes to the overall safety of the public’s health. This committee supports the continuous self-assessment of national programs to ensure quality education is delivered to all nursing students.
Hospitals Demand Nurses With Advanced Credentials
Many hospitals and healthcare facilities now require a certain percentage of M.S.N.-qualified nurses on staff. Nursing professionals with advanced degrees have an advantage in the job market for nursing careers like:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Director
- Nurse Educator
On average, nurses with M.S.N. degrees earn over $40,000 more than nurses with bachelor’s degrees.1 Whether you choose to pursue the Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive Leader concentration, earning your M.S.N. online from Benedictine will position you for continued career success.
You May Like: University Of Holy Cross Nursing
Empowering The Next Generation Of Nurses
Purdue Global’s nursing school has helped thousands of working adults advance their careers with our comprehensive online nursing programs. Each flexible program is taught by experienced practitioners and designed for working nurses who manage jobs and families.
Our online nursing programs are regularly evaluated to stay current with new technology, treatments, and research. We know that keeping your skills up to date is one of the most effective ways to stay at the forefront of the industry.
We also understand that nursing degrees can help open the door to a variety of career paths, including patient care, administration, and teaching.*
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Purdue Global are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .
Take 3 Weeks and Get to Know Us
Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period. Theres no financial obligation.
How Do I Get Started?
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Can I Afford This?
Enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program prepares you for greater responsibilities and gives you the academic credentials to seek advanced nursing career paths. You can work in areas such as:
- Community education and public health
- Nursing case management
- Health care administration
- And more
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Also Check: Direct Entry Msn Programs For Non Nurses
What Are The Application Requirements
The requirements for obtaining a post-graduate nursing certificate vary widely depending on what type of certificate you are pursuing and what school you are attending. Since post-graduate certificates supplement your graduate education, most programs may require students to have completed a masters degree in nursing before applying.
Certain certificate programs may also require academic transcripts, letters of reference, submission of a resume, a personal interview and proof of active licensure. Information regarding specific requirements can often be found on the website of the school administering the certificate program. For some speciality certificate programs, schools may require that students have previous work experience in that field or that they have completed specified coursework.
Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs
- Associate of Science in Nursing
Receive in-classroom and online instruction and prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Complete lab requirements at an Iowa, Maine, or Nebraska location. Learn more about our two-step BSN pathway, an easy transition into our online RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Get on a direct path to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Choose a specialized pathway: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner family nurse practitioner, primary care executive leader psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Don’t Miss: Community Colleges In Mississippi With Nursing Programs
Skills Obtained From An Online Msn Program
When enrolling in an MSN program online, you may already have specific medical/nursing skills. According to the CCNE-accredited program standards, you will likely learn more about core courses such as advanced physiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and population-focused or state-focused coursework.
The skills you obtain from an online MSN program may prepare you for a career as a nurse practitioner. According to an O*NET report, nurse practitioners have skills in:
- Active learning
- Systems evaluation
- Negotiation
If you are hoping to become a nurse practitioner, you may want to pursue further education. Currently, nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses are required to have completed a masters degree in nursing in order to begin practicing. However, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has stated that .
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is the highest practice-based degree in the nursing field. The curriculum of DNP programs often builds upon masters in nursing coursework, focusing on evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Most DNP programs require applicants to hold a bachelors or masters degree in nursing or a related field, according to the CCNE DNP Essentials . The skills and education you gain from completing an MSN program may help you succeed as a DNP student.
Sponsored Online Nursing Programs
Msn Online Degree Programs: The Top Programs Available

Masters of Science in Nursing, or MSN, enjoys great popularity across the globe because of the ever-increasing demand for nursing professionals. This profession needs people who want to help others and find rewarding and fulfilling work. Lets learn more about becoming an experienced nurse, the education required, and the top accredited MSN programs.
Article Navigation: | | | | | | | |
Also Check: Ways To Pay For Nursing School
Specialized Knowledge Can Impact More Lives
As the number of primary care physicians has started to decrease, the role of an advanced nurse practitioner in the delivery of patient-centered care has grown increasingly important.
Quality care relies on a well-educated nursing workforce one with specialized expertise and diverse health care industry experience. In fact, research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and positive outcomes are directly linked to nurses prepared at the graduate degree level.*
Learn with us, and well deepen your understanding of what it means to be an advanced practice nurse today.
*American Association of Colleges of Nurses
- Achieve a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study
- Current unencumbered R.N. license valid in the U.S.
- One year of work experience as an R.N. preferred specialty-specific experience desired*
- Reside in a state in which the University of North Dakota is approved to deliver the graduate nursing program
In addition, you must provide the following:
- Online application and $35 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts from every institution attended
- Nursys license verification report
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of goals
- Three letters of recommendation**
- If enrolled in a previous graduate nursing program, a letter of good standing from program director, unless a degree was conferred
Upon offer of admission, the following will be required:
For international students:
Empower Your Patients To Take Control Of Their Lives
Certain populations rely on the expertise of nursing professionals more than others. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, nearly 15% of nurse practitioners practice in communities of less than 10,000 people. AANPs survey also highlighted the fact that approximately 1 out of every 15 patients that nurse practitioners treat receive charitable care. We know how important it is to care for these populations, which is why our masters in nursing programs focus on teaching you what to expect and how to improve their care experience.
But underserved populations arent the only ones at risk: So many of the issues involved with poor population health are due to poor health literacy. People often dont know what to avoid, but they do know who to turn to when crisis strikes or chronic illness flares: nurses. But not just any nurse advanced practice nurses who they can trust when they need relief. Give your patients more than a diagnosis when they come to see you. Empower them to play an active role in controlling their conditions and their outcomes.
At the University of North Dakota, we offer an online Master of Science with a Major in Nursing degree with two specializations so you can focus your expertise and confidently address patient needs. Earn your degree in one of these areas: Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Complete coursework 100% online
Recommended Reading: Good Nursing Schools In The Us
Master Of Science In Nursing Online Degree Program
The Master of Science in Nursing online program prepares registered nurses to become effective and ethical leaders in an evolving health care industry, all in as little as two years.
Benedictine’s M.S.N. online curriculum aligns with the education standards specified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which emphasize organizational and system-based leadership, healthcare technologies, advocacy, inter-professional collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and cultural awareness.
Online Nursing Degree Programs
Complete this form to receive the Purdue Global Program Guide.
It takes an exceptional person to be a nurse. It also takes a dedicated educational institution to stand beside you throughout your career. Purdue Global has the people and programs to help you pursue your educational and career goals.
nursing
Don’t Miss: Accelerated Nursing Programs After Bachelor’s Degree
Celebrating Nurse Leaders With A Special Scholarship
One thing this year has shown us is just how much America needs nurses, especially nurse leaders. So were celebrating the Year of the Nurse with a special scholarship honoring a lifelong nurse leader.
Named for Dr. Margaret McClure, the catalyst for todays magnet hospital program, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one recipient each quarter who has demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.
Types Of Msn Programs
RN-to-MSN/ADN-to-MSN Programs
Candidates must have either an associate degree in nursing or be an RN to enroll. Students earn their BSN and then continue on through to complete their MSN. This type of program may or may not be accelerated.
BSN-to-MSN Program
This program is the traditional route to an MSN. Students earn their BSN degree first, then continue on to earn their master’s degree in nursing. Many students work as RNs for a year or more in between their BSN and MSN programs.
Direct-Entry/Accelerated MSN Program
Direct-entry programs target students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to become nurses. As with the RN-to-MSN program, students can earn a BSN on the way to earning their MSN. After completing undergraduate coursework, students usually need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before beginning master’s level coursework. In an accelerated direct-entry program, a student may be able to earn both their BSN and MSN in as little as 18 months.
Don’t Miss: Coppin State University Nurse Practitioner Program
Are There Accelerated Msn Programs Online
An accelerated masters in nursing program is designed for students who have a non-nursing bachelors degree and want to pursue a career in nursing. These BSN to MSN programs can be online and are also for students who are not registered nurses. Accelerated MSN programs, their time commitment, and curriculum will depend on the chosen specialization.
Clinical rotations are required for these accelerated masters in nursing programs. Students should prepare for the length of these programs. Also, students may need to take bachelors level courses before being admitted to an accelerated MSN program online. Once a student has taken these courses, they may officially begin the BSN to MSN online program.
Online Masters In Nursing Admissions Requirements

A masters in nursing online program requires students to meet certain criteria before admission. While everyones journey into nursing school is different, here are common steps to help guide you:
- Candidates can choosea nursing specialty, which includes a certified nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, and certified nurse-midwife.
- Candidates can attend information sessions to compare programs and choose the best MSN school online program for them.
- Candidates should make sure theyve completed the prerequisite coursework. These prerequisites include: for entry-level masters: a bachelors or other graduate degree in a field other than nursing for registered nurse to masters: associate degree in nursing or a related field and RN license and for a bachelors to masters: bachelors degree in nursing or a related field.
- Candidates must also pass entrance exams.
- Candidates can expect to provide a letter of recommendation, transcripts, personal essay, letters of intent, and an interview with their application.
Read Also: Can You Become A Nurse Practitioner Without A Nursing Degree
California State University Dominguez Hills
Tuition per credit: Variable based on programGraduation Requirements: 30-48 credits
The California State University is a WSCUC accredited public school that offers an online MSN program with CCNE accreditation. This program offers six concentrations: family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse administrator, clinical nurse specialist-neonatal, clinical nurse specialist-pediatric, and clinical nurse specialist-adult/gerontology.
Admission requirements include:
Attain The Clinical Skills And Knowledge Needed To Lead Health Systems
Due to an increasing emphasis on preventive care, an aging population and a focus on addressing chronic conditions, nursing is one of the fastest growing fields today. With the many challenges that healthcare practitioners face, nursing leaders must step forward to offer innovative solutions.
When you earn your MSN degree online, youll be prepared to develop leadership, management and teaching strategies to improve the quality of healthcare within your institution. Youll become a greater advocate for patient safety as you increase your sensitivity to the many factors that influence nursing across the globe and within your community. Through research, evidence-based practices and critical thinking skills, you will influence health and public policy to impact even more lives.
Are you an RN with a Non-Nursing Bachelors Degree?Licensed RNs who have completed an AS in Nursing or diploma nursing program and have earned a non-nursing bachelors degree may apply to a MSN program with prerequisite courses.
Note UCF is currently accepting applications for this program from individuals who reside in Florida, as well as other member states of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing nurse-licensure compact. Visit the NCSBN website to view the full list of states included.
Ready to get started?
Read Also: What Accreditation Do Nursing Schools Need