BSN to MSN
The next advancement option available for a RN is to become an advanced practice nurse, which requires at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in most states. A BSN to MSN program allows nurses who already have a bachelor’s be able to obtain a master’s degree. Before joining any MSN degree program, a RN must choose an area of specialty. There are four types of advanced practice nursing programs: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
Overview of a BSN to MSN Program
- Students choose a specialization that allows them to obtain the career route they desire upon graduation.
- Students prepare to lead medical teams in hospitals and other health care organizations, depending on their specialization.
- Courses allow students to study in an advanced program, cutting out most of the general courses that are required of all majors, since the student already has a bachelor’s degree.
- The curriculum in most BSN to MSN program includes classroom work integrated with clinical rotations.
- Prerequisites for this program is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a satisfactory GPA and GRE scores, a RN license, and clinical experience.
Steps to Obtain a BSN to MSN
- Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
- Receive a Registered Nurse Certification.
- Enroll and complete a MSN Nurse Practitioner program.
- Obtain NP certification and proper licensure, which varies by state.
Salary and Career Information
- Estimated Salary: $56,967 – $100,087 (determined by place of employment and area of specialty), according to Payscale.com.
- Job Setting: Private practices, outpatient care centers, nursing homes, hospitals (intensive care unit), neonatal unit, internal medicine clinics, ambulatory care, family practice offices.
- Job Prospects: Excellent, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online BSN to MSN Degrees
Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
Online nurse practitioner programs have grown in popularity in recent years as more accredited schools have begun offering online alternatives to these degrees. Combining flexibility with the lack of campus visitation required these programs are ideal for working professionals. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.
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Georgetown University — Stationed out of Washington DC, Georgetown University is a cultural and social hub and is one of the oldest schools in the nation. The school has two online nursing programs available, an MSN in Family Nursing and an MSN in Midwifery and Women's Health. Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. |
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Kaplan University — Kaplan University's online presence is almost unmatched, offering over 170 online degrees and programs, including MSN in Nurse Administration, MSN in Nurse Education, and MSN in Nurse Informatics. However, there are also 70 campuses across the country for those interested in a more traditional education. Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
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University of Phoenix — While it may not be surprising that the University of Phoenix is based in Phoenix, AZ, the school does have over 200 additional locations around the country. Phoenix has more than 200 online programs available, with nursing degrees in Health Education, Health Informatics, and a general track. Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
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American Sentinel University — American Sentinel University is an online college focused on technology, business, and healthcare. The school offers several nursing programs like the RN to MSN bridge programs or the MSN in Nursing Informatics. All of these programs require no campus visitation and can be completed online entirely. ASU has an accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council. |
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Capella University — Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is an online school with over 37000 current students across the nation. Its online programs like MSN in Nurse Educator (Bridge option also available) have one-to-one tutoring, accelerated study, and low student to teacher ratios. Capella holds several accreditations, including The Higher Learning Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. |
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