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
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a graduate-level degree. While in most states RNs currently need only a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree to become nurse practitioners, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has proposed that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the minimum requirement for all advanced practice nurses by 2015. Listed below are the best online colleges offering accredited MSN and DNP degrees.
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Georgetown University — The Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies offers two online Master of Science in nursing degrees. The MS in family nurse practitioner program prepares students for careers as family nurses. The MS in midwifery / women's health nurse practitioner program perpares students for careers as nurse practitioners who specialize as midwives and caring for female patients. |
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University of Phoenix — The Master of Science in nursing for nurse practitioners from the University of Phoenix is a flexible online program from an accredited school. Students will learn advanced nursing skills, finance, change management, and evidence-based nursing research. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to advance their nursing careers. MSN specialties are offered in health education and health informatics. Dual degrees (MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA) are also available. |
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Kaplan University — The MSN nurse administration, nurse education, and nurse informatics degree programs from Kaplan allows nurses with bachelor's degrees to take their careers to the next level. Students of these programs will learn advanced nursing theory, health policy, evidence-based decision making, financing, and more. |
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University of Cincinnati — The MS in nursing degree program with a specialization in women's health practice offered online by the University of Cincinnati is geared toward nursing students wanting to receive expert training on women's health issues. Cincinnati also offers many other nurse practitioner degree programs, including MSN specialties in clinical nursing, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric & mental health nursing. |
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South University — South University has built a reputation on class flexibility and affordability. Their MSN program for nurse practitioners is no exception. This program is ideal for registered nurses who may be too busy with work for full-time campus classes, but looking for professional advancement in their respective careers by earning an online degree. |
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