RN to BSN/MSN

As an RN, there are a number of options for career advancement. In order to become an RN, a student has to have an associate’s degree or already have their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The RN to BSN/MSN program is designed for RNs who have obtained their basic nursing education and wish to earn both the BSN and MSN. RN to BSN/MSN programs, which can also be called RN to MSN programs, allows students to get their master’s degree in the shortest time possible, which can save not only time, but also money.

Overview of an RN to BSN/MSN Program

• Students need to have a BSN degree in order to obtain a master’s degree, which means that they first need to get an RN to BSN/MSN if they are currently working as an RN with an associate’s degree.
• Students can choose a specialty from the start, allowing them to better prepare for their future career as a nurse practitioner or other type of advanced practice nurse.
• Coursework prepares students to become nurse educators, nurse administrators or nursing informatics specialists at the master’s level.
• The goal of a RN to BSN/MSN program is to provide an option for students to earn the BSN and MSN degree in a seamless integrated curriculum.
• The curriculum combines undergraduate and graduate nursing studies, also giving RNs the option to earn a BSN degree, or earn a BSN degree and a MSN degree

Steps to Obtain an RN to BSN/MSN

1. Earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.
2. Receive a Registered Nurse Certification.
3. Enroll and complete an RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Practitioner program.
4. 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 RN to BSN to MSN Degrees

• MSN – Education (RN to MSN): Western Governors University
• RN to MS in Nursing: American Sentinel University
• RN to MSN: South University
• RN to MSN – Adult Health Nurse Practitioner: South University
• RN to MSN – General Track: Walden University
• RN to MSN Option: Grantham University

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.

MS in Family Nursing MS in Midwifery/Women's Health	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. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Nurse Admin MSN in Nurse Informatics	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. Click Here Click Here
MS in Nursing MSN/MBA Dual Degree MSN/MHA Dual Degree MSN in Health Education MSN in Health Informatics	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. Click Here Click Here
RN to MSN MSN in Case Management MSN in Infection Prevention MSN in Management MSN in Nursing Informatics	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. Click Here Click Here
MSN in Nurse Educator MSN in Nurse Educator Bridge	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. Click Here Click Here
Click here to see more nurse practitioner degrees...