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.
Explore The Advantages Of Our Online Msn In Nursing Administration
The MSN in Nursing Administration at Radford University is designed to deepen your knowledge and expand your clinical and research abilities, as well as prepare you for leadership certification. This online masters degree in nursing administration builds on your undergraduate foundation and expands your expertise to critical management areas such as informatics, financial management and legal issues in healthcare.
Long known for producing well-qualified nursing professionals, Radford offers instruction from experienced faculty and a partnership with one of the largest medical providers in the region. As an online student, you will enjoy all of Radfords resources, including the writing center and 24/7 online tutoring.
Coursework includes extensive looks at healthcare systems and policy, leadership issues, and factors affecting organizational practice. A scholarly masters project gives you the opportunity to research and study an area of interest.
The MSN in Nursing Administration degree academically prepares graduates for several nurse leader/manager/executive Certifications:
- The American Organization for Nursing Leadership
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- Nurse Executive Certification
- Nurse Executive Advanced Certification
Certification eligibility also requires varying amounts and types of nurse leader/manager/executive work experience.
Why Should You Get An Msn
MSN programs prepare a Registered Nurse to better serve their patients from a holistic perspective. Graduate-level nursing courses will cover topics such as ethics, public health, leadership, healthcare practice, and clinical skills.
One of the major benefits of an MSN degree is that not only does it offer more advancement opportunities and earning potential, but it also allows you to specialize in a role and/or patient population that interests you the most.
For instance, you can choose to specialize in a clinical specialty track as a Nurse Practitioner or choose a more administrative role, such as a Nurse Educator or Nurse Researcher.
Also Check: Clinical Simulation In Nursing Journal
Online Master Of Nursing Specializations
A key part of selecting an online nursing masters degree program is deciding upon a specialization. This focus area will likely determine a large percentage of the credit hours earned toward the MSN degree as well as what state requirements must be met so the degree can be put to use in the field.
Some online MSN programs require applicants to choose their concentration upon enrollment others allow some flexibility before a commitment to a particular track must be made. Either way, it helps to have an idea of the concentration you are pursuing when selecting and evaluating a prospective school. There is no guarantee that simply because a school offers an online masters in nursing, it has the exact concentration or specialization you seek. Similarly, there is no guarantee the experiences in each specialization are of equal quality. Here are some typical areas of specialization:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Care
- Research Nurse
What Type Of Post

Post-graduate nursing certificates are offered for numerous specializations within the nursing field. Some common post-masters nursing certificates include:
- Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs Online
The types of nursing certificates available vary from school to school, but with many schools offering nursing certificate programs online, its likely that youll find a certificate program that matches your career goals and fits into your schedule. Keep in mind that details such as length of program and curriculum may vary based on the schools particular requirements.
Don’t Miss: Top 10 Nursing Schools Illinois
How Much Do Nursing Majors Make
A nursing master’s degree prepares graduates for careers in high-paying, growing fields. Registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $75,330 with faster-than-average projected job growth. With a master’s degree, nurses increase their earning potential. For example, the highest-paid RNs make over $116,000 annually.
Advanced practice registered nurses such as nurse practitioners and nurse midwives benefit from high salaries and strong job demand. These nurses earn a median annual salary of $117,670, and BLS data projects nearly 118,000 new jobs for APRNs between 2019-2029. These roles require a master’s degree in nursing.
Nursing salaries vary by industry. APRNs who work in hospitals or outpatient care centers earn above-average salaries for their field, while professionals who work in doctor’s offices or educational services earn slightly lower salaries. Job title, location, and experience also influence nursing salaries.
Msn Careers And Salary Outlook
A career in nursing offers many paths with numerous specializations and concentrations. Those with a masters in nursing degree are in high demand. With the aging population, increased public reliance on outpatient and urgent care, and shortage of nurses in many areas, nurses of all kinds should continue to enjoy job security.
Don’t Miss: Online Nursing Programs For International Students
Rn To Msn Bridge Program
Who is it right for? RNs that have an ADN or Diploma
If you have your Associates Degree in Nursing, or if you have a diploma RN, you can either earn your BSN and then apply to an MSN program, OR you can earn both your BSN and MSN at the same time, known as an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
These typically allow RNs to earn their MSN about a year sooner than the traditional route.
Why Get A Nursing Degree
A nursing degree trains students for many in-demand careers. Nurses can apply for an RN license and enter the field with a two-year degree. Community colleges educate nurses at affordable tuition rates. Nursing students can choose from in-person, hybrid, and online programs.
Current RNs can increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles with a bachelor of science in nursing . RN-to-BSN programs allow current RNs to complete a bachelor’s degree in 12 months. With a BSN, nurses can apply to graduate programs to become nurse practitioners or other advanced practice RNs.
Don’t Miss: Private Nursing Schools In Northern California
In This Msn In Nursing Administration Program You Will Learn To:
- Analyze and integrate theories of nursing, education, leadership and other sciences to guide professional role development and improve nursing practice across diverse settings
- Provide organizational and system leadership that emphasizes the importance of professional accountability, ethical decision-making, collaborative relationships, and protection of human dignity and diversity
- Contribute to nursing knowledge by applying current research outcomes within the practice setting: resolving practice problems, working as a change agent and disseminating results
- Analyze the impact of system policies on healthcare, participate in policy development, and use advocacy strategies to influence the quality of healthcare
What Is The Best Online Msn Program
The best online MSN program is the one that can help you reach your personal and professional goals, at an affordable price, on your timeline and is accredited.
At SNHU, that translates to:
- Career focused: Our MSN program was built by nurses, for nurses. It was designed around recommendations within “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” report from the National Academy of Medicine, formerly the Institute of Medicine which outlined how roles should change in our healthcare system. In 2021, the report was updated to reflect new recommendations to meet further meet the needs of today’s nursing workforce.
- Affordability: Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
- Convenient: Enroll in 1 or 2 classes per term whichever works best for your busy schedule. Plus, you’ll have 24/7 access to your courses, meaning you can complete your work any time during the week to meet your deadlines.
- Accredited: The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the masters degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791. CCNE is an accrediting agency that ensures baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs meet quality standards.
You May Like: What Is The Best Way To Become A Nurse
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.
Johns Hopkins offers an online MSN with a healthcare organizational leadership track. This master’s degree in nursing combines online coursework with in-person clinical experience. Nurses can prepare for careers in management and administration, IT, and healthcare policy.
Applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing or an entry-level master’s in nursing with specialized nursing accreditation. They also must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a current registered nurse license. Additionally, students should have completed an undergraduate statistics course.
Certifications And Licensure For Nursing

Registered nurses and APRNs need a license to practice in every state. Nurses can also pursue certifications to demonstrate specialized skills. For example, nurse practitioners earn certification in their specialty area and nurse educators also pursue certification. Nursing certification generally requires a degree, clinical hours, and passing scores on a certification exam.
Also Check: Columbia University Nurse Practitioner Program Tuition
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.
Financial Aid And Scholarships
The first place to start your search for funds that can help you pay for your education is the Federal Student Aid Office. Their website is easy to use and can help you navigate to all the pages and forms you need to begin the application process.
The financial aid office at each university you are considering is a great place to begin your search for funds that can help you pay for your education. In addition, because of the nursing shortage our country is currently experiencing, several private, government and military organizations offer funding to qualified applicants.
Check out the Nurses Educational Funds Organization for information about funding for nurses who wish to advance their education. Other public or private donors may also provide scholarships or other income sources to help nursing education students with tuition and related expenses.
Don’t Miss: Best Associate Degree Nursing Schools
Best Online Masters In Nursing Education Programs
Home » 2022 Best Online Masters in Nursing Education Programs
From historys battlefields to todays battles against a pandemic, nurses have been on the frontlines, and your online masters in nursing education can help give you the things you need to assure the next generation of nurses continues this tradition of excellence.
Your studies will combine clinical and education-based courses to help prepare you to teach in academia or work in staff development in hospitals, clinics, other health care, nonprofits or businesses.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Recent nursing shortages have been exacerbated by a lack of qualified instructors. Your degree can help put you in high demand for this financially and personally rewarding career.
Master Of Science In Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing online degree will help to provide for the increasing global need of health care practitioners with expanded nursing knowledge. The degree directly addresses the University of Central Oklahomas mission to contribute to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social advancement of the communities and individuals it serves. The inclusion of 100 practicum hours facilitates the participation of students in transformative educational experiences that directly benefit the Oklahoma City metro area community.
The Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- May complete in as little as 16 months
Don’t Miss: Nursing Schools In Denver Colorado
What Can You Do With A Masters In Nursing Education
A Masters in Nursing Education is in demand in the workforce according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your online degree can enable you to teach nursing students or current medical employees in clinics, hospitals, and a variety of businesses or nonprofits that employ medical personnel.
Increasingly, nursing educators are needed as university faculty or to assume leadership positions in academia or other sites with medical responsibilities. You can work in staff development in government, nonprofits, businesses, or directly with patients and their families to help them understand their health profiles and make wise decisions.
Explore Our Nursing Master’s Program
Stevenson University Online offers you a Master of Science in Nursing program that lets you expand your career horizons. Our online 36-credit hour nursing masters program offers concentrations in nursing leadership and management, forensic nursing, education, and population-based care coordination. Courses are offered in convenient 8-week sessions, 6 times a year. Many of our students are working registered nurses, so you will be joining an online community of colleagues looking to make significant impacts in nursing and healthcare, and improve health outcomes across various populations.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at Stevenson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .
- Nurse Navigator
Also Check: University Of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioner Program
The Cohen Scholars Program
Stevenson University offers scholarship through the Cohen Scholars Programs for individuals interested in obtaining a Nursing Education masters degree. The Maryland Nurse Support Program II provides funding for Cohen Scholars to complete the graduate degrees and core education coursework to become nurse educators, nurse faculty, clinical educators, professional development specialists, nurse residency specialists, or other nurse educators in hospital education roles. Cohen Scholars receive awards ranging up to the sum of all tuition and mandatory fees for courses in the approved nursing plan of study at participating Maryland public and independent colleges and universities. Candidates must apply for the scholarship through Stevenson University.
Stevensons masters in Nursing Leadership/Management provides you with the skills necessary to become an adroit leader in nursing. Course work in the concentration also enables you to develop the knowledge to tactfully analyze and solve managerial difficulties in healthcare to achieve optimal outcomes in business management and patient care. This 36-credit hour masters program is delivered 100% online with courses offered in six separate 8-week sessions.
Ready To Start Your Journey

A master of science in nursing is an advanced degree that can prepare graduates for multiple nursing career paths, including clinical research nurse, advanced practice nurse, and nur2se educator. Students with an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing may earn their MSN through traditional or bridge programs.
A traditional MSN program takes about two years of full-time study to complete, with some accelerated online options leading to a degree in one year. Tuition costs vary dramatically based on the program, specialization, and school and can range from roughly $13,500-$100,000.
Earning an MSN may lead to advancement opportunities as well as increased earning potential. According to PayScale, as of September 2021, individuals with an associate degree in nursing earned an average yearly salary of about $71,000. In contrast, those with a bachelor of science in nursing made $87,000, and MSN degree-holders boasted an average annual wage of about $97,000.
Also Check: Bachelor Of Science To Bachelor Of Nursing
Can You Get An Msn Without Being An Rn
Some schools offer direct-entry programs for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Many online MSN programs do not offer a direct-entry option, and those that do may require or strongly prefer candidates with a degree in a healthcare field, such as public health, or relevant work experience.
Certification Exam Pass Rates
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing publishes pass rates for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams. You can download this report to find out how graduates from different schools fared. This will give you an idea of how well a program prepares its students for licensure exams. Even if you already have your RN license, high NCLEX-RN pass rates may indicate that a program effectively prepares students for their jobs.
Recommended Reading: Nursing Home Administrator Jobs Houston Tx
What To Look For In An Online Master’s In Nursing Program
Finding the best online nursing master’s program for you depends on your career goals, learning style, and what kind of MSN you want to pursue. Program format is also important. If you plan to work while earning your master’s in nursing online, a part-time online MSN program may be ideal, while full-time learners usually graduate faster.
A Degree That Delivers
One of the best ways to measure the success of a degree program is the employment opportunities its graduates enjoy. WGUs College of Health Professions is proud to have graduates who have worked or are currently working at notable organizations, including:
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
of WGU graduates are employed in their degree field.
2020 Harris Poll Survey
Also Check: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs In Florida