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Nursing Degree Programs and Schools
and Online Schools
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A masters degree is an 18-24 month program that allows a
nurse to specialize in a particular area - such as an area of advanced
clinical training or research. Some students take on joint college
in related fields like business administration, public health, or
hospital administration. Most people working towards an MSN already
have a BSN, but there are accelerated college-program for ADN nurses
to earn a BSN and MSN in one shot, or for non-nursing college graduates.
Typical requirements include a BSN from an accredited nursing school,
an RN license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and some period of clinical
work experience. Each school has its specific requirements, so make
sure to check with them before applying.
RN-to-MSN
This program is for RNs who have an associate degree in nursing
and want to earn an MSN immediately after earning the BSN. The courses
in the program are tailored to the specific needs of the student
so that they receive as much advanced placement credit for their
BSN as possible, and so there's no overlap between their BSN and
MSN courses.
Find RN-to-MSN Degree Programs.
Direct Entry MSN
Direct entry MSN college-program , also sometimes called “graduate
entry” or “master’s entry ” college-program , are designed for non-nurses
who hold bachelors’ college in non-nursing fields. These college-program
give students credit for having completed their liberal arts requirements
and allow them to complete an abbreviated schedule of undergraduate
nursing coursework before moving directly into graduate nursing
coursework -- combining preparation for RN-licensure with advanced
training in a master’s specialty area. Direct entry MSN college-program
typically require three years to complete, with the first year being
devoted to entry-level nursing coursework and the last two years
to master’s-level study.
A variation of the Direct Entry MSN is the Accelerated MSN. Although
the terms "Direct Entry MSN" and "Accelerated MSN"
are sometimes used interchangeably, some Accelerated MSN college-program
may be completed in two academic years, rather than three. A 3.0
GPA is often an entrance requirement for both Direct Entry and Acclerated
MSN college-program .
Post-Master's Certificate Degree Programs
Professional Certifications are specialized exams that you can take
to prove your expertise in a specific field, beyond the skills required
for an RN license. The exams are provided by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, which is part of the American Nurses Association
(ANCC). The ANCC offers generalist, advanced practice, and clinical
specialist exams in almost 30 areas. Certifications show that the
nurse has a commitment to excellence in their field, and can give
them a leg up on career advancement.
Post-Master's Certificate college-program are designed for nurses
who already have a Master of Science degree in nursing who wish
to qualify to sit for one of the certification exams or to expand
into a new area of specialization.
Post-Certificate Master's
In the past, many states allowed RN's to earn certification as nurse
anesthetists (CRNA), Certified Nurse Practitioners, or Nurse-Midwife
without earning a Master's degree. These requirements have generally
changed, and some college offer college-program that allow these
certified nurses to earn their master's college while earning credit
for their past educational and work experience. More and more states
and employers are now requiring Master's college to allow these
certified non-master's nurses to practice. In some ways these college-program
are parallel to the RN-to-BSN college-program , which don't qualify
you for any new certifications and licenses, but which add to your
professional credentials and make you more employable.
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