RN-to-MSN Degree Overview

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Attend classes and complete the requirements as directed by your ADN program.

Candidates must apply to the nursing regulatory body in the state where they wish to be licensed. After authorization, register to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Prepare and study before taking the exam.

Application requirements include a current RN license, 1-2 years of clinical experience, a minimum GPA, a personal essay, and personal recommendations.

Secure recommendations and request transcripts well before application deadlines. Find the best RN-to-MSN program for you and and apply according to that program’s instructions. Depending on the chosen area of specialization, application deadlines may vary. Some schools offer rolling admission.

Attend classes according to your program’s requirements and specialization. You will also complete hands-on clinical hours to put your knowledge to work.

Congratulations! You have completed your coursework and graduated with an MSN. Now you can move forward with the certification and credentialing process for advanced practice.

Admission requirements for RN-to-MSN programs vary by school and each applicant’s previous educational experience. However, common requirements typically include the following:

Once admitted, completing an RN-to-MSN degree takes about three years for most nurses.

RN-to-MSN programs often include undergraduate general education courses, core coursework at both the BSN and MSN levels, and hands-on clinical hours. At the undergraduate level, prepare to take general education courses in various areas including:

Core requirements may vary based on the coursework already completed at the associate level, and some programs may also accept transfer credits for core classes. Bachelor’s level nursing coursework for the RN-to-MSN may include:

Upon completion of BSN-level courses, students move on to specialized master’s level coursework. In addition to advanced coursework in leadership, ethics, pharmacology, health assessment, and research, MSN coursework will focus on specific issues and practices in the student’s chosen specialization.

Accredited RN-to-MSN programs that prepare nurses for advanced practice roles must include a clinical component that meets or exceeds the required hours for national certification organizations and state licensing boards. Both the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board require at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience to qualify for the certification exam. MSN degrees in leadership and education also require clinical hours. Explore our ranking of affordable rn-to-msn programs online.

Online RN-to-MSN programs offer flexible schedules for busy nurses balancing their work, family, and educational responsibilities. Students complete most of the didactic components of the coursework, such as lectures and discussions, online. Labs and clinical experiences take place on campus or at a local healthcare facility. Most nurses complete their clinical rotations at the hospital where they already work, with a colleague serving as a preceptor.

Courses are often offered asynchronously, allowing nurses to complete their education on their own schedules. Online students have access to many of the same resources as on-campus students, including counseling, tutoring, and advising.

As with any degree program, there are pros and cons to seeking an RN-to-MSN. Although most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree, holding an MSN can benefit a nursing career by improving an RN’s skill set and increasing eligibility for high-paying positions.