Specialties Educators Article

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs directly bridge RNs with diplomas and associate degrees to the master's degree level (master of science in nursing degree). These type programs require licensure as a registered nurse, a certain amount of bedside work experience (usually 1 or 2 years), GRE or MAT (with minimum specified score, completed either before entry or at halfway point of program), and a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 or higher.

Published

RN to MSN Programs

As in RN-BSN programs, certain prerequisite courses must be completed before being admitted into RN-MSN programs. Specific requirements vary by institution and the student's previous course work.

According to the AACN, there are currently 160 RN-MSN programs available nationwide. The number of RN to MSN programs has more than doubled over the past 15 years, from 70 programs in 1994 to the 160 programs today.

These programs facilitate the transition to the graduate nursing degree level with minimal repetition of courses and maximal flexibility for learners. Some RN to MSN programs are offered in an entirely online format; others are a blend of traditional classroom and online courses.

There are clinical requirements (clinical practicum, etc.) that often may be completed in the student's local community.

RN to MSN programs generally require about 3 years to complete for the fulltime student. These programs combine 1 year of an RN-BSN program with 2 years of graduate study. Baccalaureate content is built into the beginning of the program and graduate specialty course work in the latter part of the program.

Duplicate courses (such as nursing issues) that appear in both BSN and MSN programs (around 6 to 9 semester hours) are deleted from the curriculum. Upon completion, some programs award both the baccalaureate and master's degree, but some only award a master's degree.

Several years ago, one of my good friends completed an ADN to MSN program and is a successful family nurse practitioner today. She worked night shift and during "slow" shifts would work on her course requirements. It took her about 4 or 5 years to finish, as she was a part-time student.

References

RN to master's degree programs

Schools offering rn to master's programs, fall 2008

0 Likes
VickyRN

About VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

VickyRN, PhD, RN, is a certified nurse educator (NLN) and certified gerontology nurse (ANCC). Her research interests include: the special health and social needs of the vulnerable older adult population; registered nurse staffing and resident outcomes in intermediate care nursing facilities; and, innovations in avoiding institutionalization of frail elderly clients by providing long-term care services and supports in the community. She is a Professor in a large baccalaureate nursing program in North Carolina.

105 Articles   5,349 Posts

Share this post

More Like This

VickyRN

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

105 Articles; 5,349 Posts

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds. Has 16 years experience.

One downside of RN-MSN programs is that many programs do not award a BSN. If the student quits the program (for any reason) before receiving the MSN degree, there is no BSN to fall back on, and no degree credit given for completed course work.

Liddle Noodnik

Liddle Noodnik

4 Articles; 3,789 Posts

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep.. Has 30 years experience.
RN to MSN programs

nice job deah! Thank you! I wish I could get worked up about continuing nursing ed FORMALLY. I do enjoy learning stuff at work, inservices and mini-courses,etc., but to go FT or even PT, seems like it would take a huge effort on my part. Yep I am lazy...

Thanks for writing! Maybe someday I will get psyched to do this!

BabyLady

BabyLady, BSN, RN

2,300 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

The only thing that I don't like about the RN to MSN programs is that many of them require the GRE to be taken mid-way through the program...and if you don't get the minimum score, you cannot proceed in the program.

To me, that is too much of a gamble...and I have yet to see a program that didn't require it.

If someone has found one (not a private online, for-profit school...they are too expensive)...please shoot me a PM.

BabyLady

BabyLady, BSN, RN

2,300 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
One downside of RN-MSN programs is that many programs do not award a BSN. If the student quits the program (for any reason) before receiving the MSN degree, there is no BSN to fall back on, and no degree credit given for completed course work.

But what job would require a BSN that would not take an MSN?

I cannot imagine.

VickyRN

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

105 Articles; 5,349 Posts

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds. Has 16 years experience.
But what job would require a BSN that would not take an MSN?

I cannot imagine.

The POINT is - if you DON'T finish (for any reason) - even if you only lack one or two courses, you will be awarded NO degree at all. You are left with your ADN or diploma. Many of these programs have a time limit as well. You must finish within 5 or 6 years or repeat many of the courses.

VickyRN

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

105 Articles; 5,349 Posts

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds. Has 16 years experience.
The only thing that I don't like about the RN to MSN programs is that many of them require the GRE to be taken mid-way through the program...and if you don't get the minimum score, you cannot proceed in the program.

To me, that is too much of a gamble...and I have yet to see a program that didn't require it.

If someone has found one (not a private online, for-profit school...they are too expensive)...please shoot me a PM.

This RN-MSN program gives the option of either the MAT or GRE upon admission.

Circejane

Circejane

136 Posts

Specializes in LTC, M/S, CCU, ER.

I could be wrong, but I do not believe that Oakland University in Michigan requires the GRE if you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Fink

Fink

13 Posts

Has 12 years experience.

I'm looking at a program at USA in Mobile, AL., clinical nurse leader. I have my associate and most all prereq's for my BSN. It does award a BSN. My only thing is the CNL is new and I am 51 yrs old! How is the job market for CNL especially for an older(but young at heart) nurse? I don't want to waste my time, but would really like to advance my degree, my knowledge base, and my career.

elkpark

elkpark

14,633 Posts

I'm looking at a program at USA in Mobile, AL., clinical nurse leader. I have my associate and most all prereq's for my BSN. It does award a BSN. My only thing is the CNL is new and I am 51 yrs old! How is the job market for CNL especially for an older(but young at heart) nurse? I don't want to waste my time, but would really like to advance my degree, my knowledge base, and my career.

There are a bunch of older threads here discussing the CNL role. Have you looked at them? You could find them with the "search" button in the upper right corner of the screen.

VickyRN

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

105 Articles; 5,349 Posts

Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds. Has 16 years experience.
I'm looking at a program at USA in Mobile, AL., clinical nurse leader. I have my associate and most all prereq's for my BSN. It does award a BSN. My only thing is the CNL is new and I am 51 yrs old! How is the job market for CNL especially for an older(but young at heart) nurse? I don't want to waste my time, but would really like to advance my degree, my knowledge base, and my career.

From what I have personally observed, the job market for the CNL is not good - it is a "dud." Going for a more established Master's specialty, such as the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a better move, in my opinion. The latter is also an advanced practice nursing specialty, whereas the CNL is not.

Register To Leave A Comment