RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner

When students enter a master of science in nursing (MSN) program, they are asked to choose one of four education tracks: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). An RN to MSN program is the most efficient way to become a nurse practitioner as quickly as possible without sacrificing educational quality. Within a few years, students are qualified for higher-paying jobs in leadership positions.

Overview of a RN to MSN – Nurse Practitioner Program

• Many RN to MSN programs require students to choose a specialty from the start, which gives them the advantage of getting specialized training in their field even before they complete their BSN.
• Students learn to diagnose and treat patients in their field, as opposed to clinical nurse specialists, who typically work in administration, research, and education.
• Students study how to effectively communicate with patients on planning goals that facilitate wellness, health, healing and well-being.
• The curriculum incorporates adult learning principles and recognizes prior academic course work, continuing education and clinical expertise.
• Courses include content in the following subject areas: anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, sociology, general psychology, developmental psychology, and health assessment skills.

Steps to Obtain a RN to 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 a RN to 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 MSN – Nurse Practitioner Degrees

• MSN – Education (RN to MSN): Western Governors University
• RN to MS in Nursing: American Sentinel University
• RN to MSN: Nurse Educator: Gonzaga University
• RN to MSN – CNL: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN – NE: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN – PCSA: Sacred Heart University
• RN to MSN: South University
• RN to MSN – Adult Health Nurse Practitioner: South University
• RN to MSN – General Track: Walden 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.

MSN MSN in Adult Gerontology Practice	Kaplan University — Kaplan University's online presence is almost unmatched, offering over 170 online degrees and programs, including MSN and two Nurse Practitioner programs in Family Nurse Practice and Adult Gerontology Pratice. 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 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
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	Capella University — Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is an online school with over 38,000 current students across the nation. Its online programs like MSN in Nurse Educator 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
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
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