Post Masters Certificate in Nursing

A post masters certificate in nursing is designed for nursing students that already have their masters degrees, but would like to specialize their practice without having to return to school full time for a second masters degree. These certificate programs give students the core coursework they need, without wasting their time with redundant classes.

They are ideal for nursing students who already have a masters degree, and:

–        Want to change their career path to nursing education.

–        Wish to become nurse practitioners.

–        Want to specialize in another, specific area of nursing, like nurse administration, nurse informatics, or psychiatric nursing.

–        Would like to make themselves more appealing to employers in their area.

These programs are not intended for students with non-nursing masters degrees that want to make a career change to nursing. In situations like that, those students would have to go through accelerated nursing programs to get their bachelors degrees in nursing first, and continue to get their masters degrees afterward before they would be eligible for a post masters certificate program.

Requirements for a Post Masters Certificate in Nursing

In order to qualify for these programs, prospective students must already have completed their bachelors and masters degrees in nursing, and taken any necessary licensing exams. These certificate programs are designed to allow nurses to specialize in a specific field of nursing. In most cases, a state’s Board of Nursing requires nursing students to complete a certain number of hours of instruction in their chosen field before they are allowed to take any kind of licensing or certification exams for it. A good example here is nursing informatics, which requires a student to have a masters degree in health informatics, or thirty hours’ worth of a post masters educational program, coupled with several thousand hours’ worth of job experience.

Are Post Masters Certificates Necessary?

In order to be able to practice certain types of nursing, either a masters degree or a post masters certificate is a necessity. Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses currently have a minimum requirement of a masters degree or equivalent, but that’s probably going to change soon. A lot of states are updating their educational requirements to reflect a new standard, which requires APRNs to have doctorates degrees. So, nursing students that are considering pursuing a post masters certificate in nursing should get while the getting is good, and they can be grandfathered in when the new educational requirements are placed into effect.

Is it Worth it to Pursue a Post Masters Certificate?

The nursing shortage is hitting every sector of the healthcare industry pretty hard, but nurses with advanced degrees are one of the hardest hit. Due to a shortage of qualified educators, a lot of masters programs for nurses have been suspended, if not cut entirely. As a result, though it can be difficult and expensive to go through a masters degree program, employers have made it extremely worthwhile. Nurses with masters degrees and beyond can command very high salaries- some nurse practitioners make around $120,000 per year- and there are always jobs available for them.

Using a post masters certificate in nursing to further specialize can help nursing graduates make themselves more marketable to employers, including hospitals, mental health facilities, nursing homes, and private practices. When it comes to nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurses, they can even allow them to start their own practices.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a post masters certificate in nursing is a personal one, and it won’t necessarily be a good idea for every nursing student out there. For nurses who don’t plan to specialize their nursing practice, or who want to continue to work as registered nurses, post masters certificate programs may end up being a waste of time.

A post masters certificate in nursing is a faster, less expensive way to further your education without having to go through a full masters degree program again. For students who have already obtained masters degrees in nursing, these nursing certificate programs represent a way for them to set themselves up for higher salaries and more job offers, without having to sacrifice more of their time to schooling than absolutely necessary.

Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing

A master’s degree in psychiatric nursing prepares nurses to handle some of the most challenging patients out there- the mentally ill. Nurses that go into psychiatric nursing can handle patients of all ages, and focus on dispensing psychiatric medication, coping with difficult behavior, and learning to interface with their patients.

Though many nurses, from licensed practical nurses all the way to advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), can work with psychiatric patients, a masters degree in psychiatric nursing allows APRNs to:

–        Assess and diagnose patients.

–        Create a mental care plan for their patients.

–        Prescribe medication (in most states, though regulations may vary).

–        Act as individual, family, and group counselors in a variety of settings.

–        Practice independently, or as part of a mental healthcare team.

In essence, these APRNs can perform most of the functions that a psychiatrist can, depending on the state in which he or she is licensed.

Obtaining a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing

Psychiatric nurses with masters degrees are advanced practice registered nurses, which means that they must first start out as registered nurses. This can be by getting an associates degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses before going back to school for a bachelors degree, and then the masters in psychiatric nursing. It can also be accomplished by getting a bachelor’s degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, and then going back to school for their masters degree.

After obtaining their masters degree in psychiatric nursing, some APRNs choose to go back to school again for a doctoral degree. By the year 2015, this will become a requirement to become a psychiatric nurse, so students who are not yet close to obtaining their masters should anticipate having to continue on to their doctorates afterward.

Once psychiatric nurses have completed their educational requirements, they can be board certified and given the right credentials to prescribe psychiatric medication to patients.

Psychiatric Nurses versus Psychiatrists

Psychiatric nurses are comparable to psychiatrists, but the emphasis with nursing is usually on non-medication approaches to healing. Psychiatric nurses may use more physiotherapy, psychosocial interventions, spiritual interventions, or other non-drug means to help psychiatric patients control their behavior and learn coping mechanisms for their condition. If necessary, APRNs can prescribe psychoactive medication as part of their patients’ care plans.

Psychiatric nurses may work in hospitals to help patients experiencing nervous breakdowns, or other crises. They may also work with patients individually, in private settings, as community mental health nurses. Some choose to go into forensic psychiatric nursing in prisons or medium-to-high-security hospitals, and work with mentally ill people who have committed some sort of crime.

Psychiatric Nurses and the Board of Nursing

As APRNs, all psychiatric nurses are governed by the Board of Nursing for the state in which they practice. The Board of Nursing covers things like entry requirements, continuing educational standards, licensure, scopes of practice, and more. It is the first place that any new nursing student or existing nurse should go for information on anything nursing-related. Students that want to find an approved nursing program should contact the Board for a list of them. Many colleges offer nursing programs (even advanced degrees) that aren’t approved, and are thus useless for nurses that want to be able to practice after graduation.

The Board of Nursing is also a disciplinary organization. It can suspend or revoke licenses of nurses that work outside of their scopes of practice, and also handles patients complaints. Though psychiatric nurses have a pretty broad scope of practice, it’s still important for them to avoid doing anything that falls out of the scope defined by the Board of Nursing.

Psychiatric nursing is a challenging degree program that may not always be easy to get into, but obtaining a  masters degree in psychiatric nursing is always worthwhile. With good psychiatric nurses, people can get the long-term mental care that they need to remain functioning members of society, elderly people suffering from dementia can pass their golden years peacefully, and prisons coping with mentally ill criminals can help lower their rates of recidivism.

Masters Degree in Nursing Requirements

Masters degrees allow nurses to expand their scope of practice, and even specialize in one of many new, exciting areas of nursing. Masters degree in nursing requirements are similar to requirements for other masters degree programs, with a few interesting twists.

These include:

–        Students pursuing a master’s degree in nursing must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and be a registered nurse.

–        Although students of diploma or associates degree programs may also be considered registered nurses after passing their licensure exams, they are not eligible to continue on to a masters degree in nursing.

–        Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may enter an accelerated nursing program to get their second bachelors, and then continue on to obtain their masters degree in nursing.

–        Students who already have a masters degree in nursing can obtain a post masters certificate, which allows them to specialize without having to go through a second masters degree program.

Masters Degrees and the Board of Nursing

Every state has a Board of Nursing, though its exact name may vary. This organization is the governing body for all things nursing related, from education to licensure. Students looking for approved masters degree programs should contact their state’s Board for a list.

Because the nursing industry is currently suffering from a lack of qualified, masters level nurses, many states have special financial aid schemes set up for students pursuing advanced nursing degrees. If you’re contemplating going back to school for your nursing masters, it may be worthwhile to contact your state’s Board of Nursing, and see what tuition help may be available to you.

Going Beyond an RN With a Masters Degree in Nursing

There are several ways to enter the nursing profession, but the easiest one for students that plan to pursue advanced degrees is to either get an associates degree in nursing, become an RN, and return to school for a bachelors, or to get a bachelors degree in nursing from the get-go. Both of these paths allow nursing students to meet masters degree in nursing requirements.

After getting their bachelors, students can choose how they want their nursing career to progress- do they want to open their own practice as a nurse practitioner? Would they like to focus on working with the mentally ill as a psychiatric nurse? Would they like to focus on helping the victims of violent crime with a forensic nursing degree program? For a lot of nurses, becoming an RN are just a starting point, and a masters degree program is where things get interesting.

Is a Masters Degree in Nursing Worth it?

Masters degree programs can be long, expensive, and (due to a shortage of qualified nurse educators) difficult to find and get into. So, after an extra two years of school, tens of thousands of dollars, and months of waiting, is a nursing masters degree worth it all? The answer is generally yes.

As a byproduct of the nursing shortage, and the emphasis on pumping out licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, nurses with masters degrees aren’t always easy to find. As a result, they can command high salaries. Psychiatric nurses can earn up to $90,000 annually, while nurse practitioners can earn up to $120,000. They also help to fight the nursing shortage in their own way- nurses with masters degrees can essentially choose whether they want to be practicing nurses, or nurse educators. Nurse educators are in extremely high demand right now, as more and more schools struggle with getting new nursing students off of waiting lists, and into classrooms.

Unfortunately, a masters degree isn’t always going to be enough. New standards being put through in many states will raise the minimum education level for advanced practitioner registered nurses to a doctorate. So, nurses that wish to pursue their masters degrees should do so as soon as possible, so they have the chance to be grandfathered in when the new standards are made official.

Masters degree in nursing requirements are strict, but they’re necessary to make sure that only the most dedicated, qualified students can take advantage of these programs. With a masters degree, nursing students can take their nursing careers in any direction they’d like to go.

Masters Degree in Nursing Administration

Some people pursue nursing degrees so they can take an active role in bedside patient care. Others pursue a master’s degree in nursing administration so they can help improve a facility’s standard of patient care by acting in an administrative capacity.

Though all nurse administrators are nurses, there are a couple of other duties that fall to them:

–        Creating budgets for their nursing departments, and developing plans to make sure they stick to them.

–        Acting as an interface between nurses and other healthcare professionals in a facility.

–        Ordering new supplies.

–        Policy-making for their nursing departments.

–        Delegating duties to the nurses on their staff.

–        Maintaining records for patients, billing, and ordering.

Even though a nurse administrator has the same background in nursing as any other nurse, a nurse administrator may find him or herself spending more time doing paperwork and ensuring that things are running smoothly than actually seeing patients. Other careers for a graduate with a Masters Degree in Nursing Administration include being a Clinical Nursing Manager, Health Information Manager, Nurse Manager , Hospital Nursing Administrator and a Nurse Executive. Typically, graduates will be awarded either a Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MS in Nursing Administration) Degree or a
Master of Arts in Nursing Administration (MA in Nursing Administration) Degree.

Typical courses in these Nursing Administration Masters Degrees include Advanced Nursing Theory, Nursing Leadership, Financial Management, Nursing Research and Advanced Nursing Administration

Obtaining a Masters Degree in Nursing Administration

To get a masters degree in nursing administration, nurses must already have a bachelors degree in nursing, and have passed their National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. After that, they can enroll in a masters degree program to become nurse administrators.

After graduating with a masters degree, nurse administrators must sit for a licensure exam in the state in which they will be practicing. They may also choose to become a Certified Nurse Administrator through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. This is not required, but may make new nurse administrators more marketable to prospective employers.

Nurse Administrators and the Nursing Shortage

There’s a worldwide shortage of nurses going on, and it’s pretty bad. Experts predict that, by 2020, we will need anywhere from 800,000-1 million more nurses just to cover the demand. In the U.S. alone, we’re going to need an extra 580,000 nurses. Most of these are required to help tend patients, so hospitals don’t have to resort to things like mandatory overtime, cutbacks in bedside care, and reducing the number of patients they can serve at a time. Since it seems to be patient-tending registered nurses that are needed the most, how will this shortage affect nurse administrators? The answer is- a lot.

One of the biggest reasons why hospitals need more nurses is because their patient load is steadily increasing, while their staff is not. More people are alive now than at any point in history, and they’re living longer than every before. As hospitals require more nurses, they will also require more administrative staff to help manage those nurses. As a result, job prospects for nurse administrators are very strong, and likely to become even stronger in the future.

Other Reasons to Become a Nurse Administrator

If the nursing profession fascinates you, but you enjoy the administrative aspect of healthcare more, then a career in nursing administration may be the perfect balance for you.

Nurse administrators generally make very good salaries, depending on the state they work in, and what kind of health care facility they are employed by. On average, nurse administrators bring home between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, which makes nursing administration a pretty lucrative career path for nursing graduates.

The healthcare industry is hurting for nurses with advanced degrees of any kind. Since the emphasis has been on turning out hospital staff nurses for a long time, many schools lack the experienced nursing educators they need to teach graduate-level programs. As a result, nursing students with masters or doctorates are in high demand. It may make it tougher for students to get into a good masters in nursing administration program, but the end result will be well worth it.

Even though they don’t work directly with patients as much as registered or licensed practical nurses do, nurse administrators are a vital part of a hospital’s staff. If you enjoy nursing, but would like to advance your career in a more managerial direction, then obtaining a masters degree in nursing administration may be the first step towards a long, fulfilling career for you.

Masters in Mental Health Nursing

A master’s degree in mental health or as commonly known as psychiatry is the specialized field of nursing that enables registered nurses to become mental health specialist nurses. In this capacity, a nurse works as a nurse practitioner and has the roles of conducting therapy, administering psychotic medications and offering counseling to psychiatry patients.

Requirements for Admission into Masters of Mental Health Nursing degree Programs

Like all nurse specialist training programs, mental health nurses must be holders of a bachelor degree in Nursing. In addition, the nurse must have an active registered nurse license most of which must be unrevoked. For additional admission eligibility, some schools ask for GPA scores of 3.0 or higher.

It is also possible for non-nurse students to enroll into the masters in mental health nursing programs. For such students, the evidence of having completed a bachelor degree from an accredited university is a prerequisite for admission. The normal career shifters into mental health nursing are observed from social or community related degrees. For these students, they follow masters in mental health nursing known as direct entry MSN.

Students from other non-nursing degrees wishing to become Psychiatric/Mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advised to have competitive science scores in prerequisites courses. However, those who do not meet this requirement from their previous degrees can bridge this by taking post baccalaureate pre-nursing courses.

Directory for Masters in Psychiatric Nurse Programs

The curriculum for masters of psychiatric nurse programs is different for the two classes of students. While the non-nurses take three years to complete the degree program, the Registered nurses take the usual two years for masters programs. The following expansion can give the bigger picture for better clarity:

• The Direct entry MSN-Mental Health Nursing

This program, designed for non-nurse students enables them to earn a degree to practice as advanced practice nurses. Students being enrolled for this program have their common bachelors’ degree recognized and hence get some credits exempted from the curriculum. The study mode for these students takes an accelerated master in nursing study mode and save the student from taking a bachelors of Science in nursing degree.

Students utilize the first year of the masters program getting acquainted with core nursing units similar to those trained during ASN or BSN programs. In the second year, the non-nurse students are able to take advanced practice nurse credits, common to all masters of nursing programs.

To wrap-up the degree program, the third year is utilized on intense training on units specific to mental health nursing. These specialty courses cover all the aspects of psychiatric nursing and they range from patient counseling, psychology, psychiatric medications and other relevant therapies. Students spend the best part of this year learning psychotherapies, spiritual therapies, mental health pharmacology, population and lifespan based psychiatry among other courses. As usual, supervised clinical round to psychiatric patients is mandatory for program completion.

• BSN to Masters in Mental Health Nursing (MMHN)

This program is specially designed for Bachelor of Science in nursing degree holders. Students in this category are already RNs and only take a MMHN to become advanced practice RNs. They are able to choose the mental health specialty courses similar to those taken by the direct entry students at 3^rd year. As opposed to the former, the BSN to MSN students only take two years to complete their courses in addition to the mandatory clinical practical sessions.

• RN to Masters in Psychiatric  Nursing

To avoid ambiguity, the RN to MSN refers to the degree program designed for RNs who only have diplomas or associate degrees for licensure as RNs. It should not be confused with RNs who have BSNs and want to take the same masters degree. The RN to masters of health nursing enables ASN degree holders to become PMHNPs or mental nurse specialists without having to go through a BSN program.

It is also a form of an accelerated master’s n nursing degree as students are able to complete their curriculum in about three years. The best candidates for this program are fresh or recent ASN graduates. In some instances, taking a master in mental health nursing through this path enables ASN-RNs to be awarded a BSN in tandem with the MSN degree. However, this option is only offered by some and not all nursing schools.

Masters in Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is one of the newest nurse specialties recognized and accredited by the American Nurses Association. It is a nursing specialty that trains nurses on how to use biological evidence to come-up with perpetrators of crimes. They are important in helping on legal proceedings where anomaly of the real victims and perpetrators of violence have to be decided using biological tests.

Forensic nurses are trained on collection of evidence, its preservation and testing in the lab. They are involved in criminal investigations involving sexual assault and mysterious death incidences.

Prerequisites for Admission for Masters in Forensics Nursing

Just like any other nursing specialty, students wishing to take a masters degree in forensic nursing must have earned a Bachelors of Science degree in nursing. In addition to this, nursing schools may request students to have an unencumbered RN license before you are allowed to do the MSN in Forensic Nursing Degree.

For non-nurse students, a bachelor’s degree in any other field of study from a recognized university may be used to may be used to enroll for forensic nursing.

Expected Curriculum of the Masters in Forensic Nursing Degree

Students looking forward to take the masters in forensic nursing must be prepared with ample investigation skills. They must be well prepared to work in devastating case scenarios involving crime, assault, manslaughter among others. Students must also be well equipped with honesty and ability to tell the truth even in compromising situations. Usually, the courses take the normal requirements of any MSN degree but having a concentration in forensic nursing:

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Core Courses

This includes all the courses taken by all masters of nursing students; regardless of their areas of nursing specialty. Such are:

Theory in nursing

Introduction to advanced practice nursing

Research methods in nursing

Population based nursing

Nursing ethics in decision making in health care

Forensic Nursing Specialty Courses

These courses give the student the real skills to deal with the work needs of the forensic nurse. It trains nurses on carrying out relevant forensic procedures and laboratory testing. Courses in this nursing specialty category include:

• Introduction to forensic nursing
• Trial preparation and criminal law
• Forensic science in relation to civil law and the legal system
• Practicum in forensic nursing
• Forensic science technologies
• Theories of violence
• Forensic science: caring for victims and perpetrators
• Advanced practice forensic nursing

Scope of Training in Forensic Nursing

For all the specialty courses in the masters in forensics nursing degree, RNs are trained on various aspects of evidence collection. Such training includes the ability to pick biological samples from skin, walls, glass or clothing. Such samples, also known as DNA samples help in a process called DNA profiling.

The basis of forensic nursing and identity is based on the fact that DNA from one individual differs from any other individuals’ hence, only one suspect can be linked to any one DNA sample analysis result.

Nurses are trained to match DNA profiles from samples collected from crime scenes to suspects DNA profiles; an accurate method of ascertaining identity. Samples that nurses are trained to collect include urine samples, hair, skin cells, sexual fluids, blood among others.

What does a Masters Degree in forensic Nursing Prepare you for?

The main objective of study in the masters of forensic nursing degree is to prepare the advanced practice registered nurse in carrying out tasks like:

• Conducting forensic nursing assessment for cases of inflicted trauma
• Form part of the legal process as they can be called upon to testify in a court of law or act a medical witness.
• Become a sexual assault examiner, torture and death investigation screener
• Paternity assessment for conflicting paternity in children using DNA profiling methods
• Become an expert in criminal investigations which involves robbery, break-ins and theft.
• Working alongside attorneys as legal nurse consultants for cases with a medical base
• Forensic nurses also become counselors for both the perpetrators and (or) victims of crime

Alabama MSN Programs

Auburn University: RN to MSN Program Review
Auburn University, 226 Thach Concourse, Auburn, AL 36849
Auburn University (Auburn) was first established in 1856. It has been listed as one of the top 50 public universities for 17 years and is rated as 82^nd among public and private universities in the US by US News and World Report. Auburn’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) jointly with Auburn University Montgomery. The AU/AUM Joint MSN Program offers a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program.

Most courses are offered online with one or two campus visits required each semester. Completing the program requires three semesters of full-time study. Applications to both the Auburn University Graduate School and the Auburn School of Nursing must be submitted. Two courses are taught at Troy University as well. Registered nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and unencumbered license may apply. GPA requirements may be bypassed if room allows probationary students to be accepted. GRE scores, three reference letters, a current resume, and a goal statement essay are required. A recent statistics course, CPR certification, immunizations, and malpractice insurance are also needed.

Nursing students in the masters program have an opportunity to take the Study Abroad – SPAIN program. They can earn 6 credits while learning about healthcare and healthcare administration in Spain. Two other MSN programs are currently being developed at the Auburn School of Nursing. They are Nurse Educator and Primary Care Practitioner. Nurses who are interested in a MSN track of Clinical Nurse Specialist: Adult Health should contact Dr. Anita All at the Auburn School of Nursing campus.

Part-time program curriculums may be developed for nurses who are not able to attend the masters program full-time. This is done on an individual basis with Dr. Anita C. All.

Numerous nursing scholarships are available, as well as state and federal financial aid for nurses seeking advanced training in Auburn’s MSN program.

Jacksonville State University: RN to MSN Review

Jacksonville State University

700 Pelham Road North

Jacksonville, Alabama 36265-1602

In 1883, Jacksonville State University (JSU) was established as a normal school. Located Jacksonville in northeast Alabama, the University has over 200 international students. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and post-Masters certificate program are offered at JSU with a focus on Community Health Nursing. Students are prepared to serve the community through program development in response to current community needs. Health promotion and prevention are emphasized with a focus on underserved members of communities such as women and children.

Applicants must apply to the JSU College of Graduate Studies by submitting official transcripts and scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) to Jacksonville State University, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602. BSN prepared nurses must have current, unencumbered licenses in the US, three professional recommendations, a written statement of goals, expectations, and interests in graduate study.

A nurse may choose to complete the program of 38 credits on a full-time or part-time basis. Jacksonville State University is affiliated with Troy University (Troy), and students must complete four online courses from this college in online format. Each student’s community health clinical experience is customized and completed in unique healthcare settings that coordinate with and support career goals. Graduates are prepared to work in many aspects of community health. Full-time students complete the MSN program in four semesters. Graduates may pursue national certification as an Advanced Public Health Nurse.

Qualified students may apply for many different nursing scholarships, and federal financial aid is available to students. This MSN program is unique in the fact that students are able to define their community of interest and individualize their masters degree in nursing program.

Samford University: RN to MSN Program Review

Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive

Birmingham, AL 35229

Samford University, located in Birmingham is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention. It was established in 1841, and today it is rated 104 out of 191 by US News and World Reports top-tier doctoral universities. Samford’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing online graduate programs have also been highly rated. A variety of programs that lead to masters degrees in nursing are available at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) nurses to take the national certification exam after completing the masters program. Graduates are qualified to provide primary care to patients and family members of all ages. Only a few campus visits are necessary to complete this 42 credit online course that takes from 18 to 24 months to finish. Students also complete 720 clinical hours in many different healthcare settings.

Samford also offers a MSN Nurse Anesthesia program that requires 28 months of full-time study before taking the national certification program. Experienced Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists with a BSN and two years’ experience may complete their MSN by applying to the BSN to MSN option. It takes one year to complete the online program and little on-campus attendance. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on grade point average of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, recommendation letters, personal interview, and work experience.

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing also offers a Nurse Educator online MSN program that prepares graduates to take the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam. This program was established to meet the needs of the severe nurse educator crisis in the nation. As an incentive to enter this program, nurses entering the program can have 85 percent of the total borrowed for tuition forgiven by teaching for four years full-time in a school of nursing. Although on-campus visits are rarely required, students beginning the program must attend a three-day orientation on campus at 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham Alabama.

Another track in Samford’s masters degree in nursing program is in Nurse Management. Students are trained for entry and mid-level management programs in various healthcare facilities. This online program takes five semesters to complete, and practicum experiences are arranged close to students’ homes.

Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma may enter the RN to MSN program at Samford University and earn their masters degree while bypassing their bachelors degree. In seven semesters or two years, the program can be completed online. It is the only program in Alabama that offers an online RN to MSN program that does not include a bachelors degree. All tracks in the masters degree in nursing program are available except for nurse anesthesia. Students must complete five bridge courses over two semesters, and then they may begin the MSN core courses.

South University: RN to MSN Program Review

South University

5355 Vaughn Road

Montgomery, Alabama 36116-1120

South University was established in 1899 as a Practical Business College and today has locations in several states. South University Nursing College, located at 5355 Vaughn Road in Montgomery offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and a masters degree in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. Students complete six core courses and then those needed for their specialty of FNP. The 62 credit program prepares graduates to provide primary care to the entire family across the lifespan. Students complete practicums in Adult and Geriatrics, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and Primary Care, ending the program with a graduate project. Students may live on campus while enrolled in the program.

The Novi, Michigan campus of South University, located at 41555 Twelve Mile Road also offers a FNP program, as does the campus located at 709 Mall Boulevard in Savannah, Georgia. South University also offers the FNP program at 4401 North Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida and at the University Centre in West Palm Beach, Florida. All of the FNP program are the same and require 62 credits to complete. An online option for the FNP masters program is also available and is discussed below.

The Savannah, Georgia and Tampa, Florida campuses of South University also offer MSN programs in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. The Adult Health Nurse Practitioner program consists of 56 credits that are completed before taking the national certification exam. Students specialize in disease prevention, risk reduction, health promotion, and are able to provide primary care to adults of all ages. After completing the masters degree core courses, 32 credits are necessary for this specialty. Students complete practicums in a variety of adult healthcare categories, including Women’s Health and more and ending the program with a graduate project in nursing.

The Nurse Educator masters program that is offered in Savannah and in Tampa consists of 48 credits to prepare nurses to instruct and train future nurses. After the MSN core courses are completed, 24 credits are required for this specialty. Students prepare to teach undergraduate level nursing students and complete this program with a graduate project after all practicums are completed.

South University also has several MSN online options available, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Practitioner in either Family Health or Adult Health, Accelerated RN to MSN, and Master of Science in Nursing programs. Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Informatics are also available online at South University.

The online Nurse Practitioner (NP) program allows BSN trained nurses to pursue a masters degree specializing in Adult Health or Family Health. Those without a bachelors degree may qualify for the accelerated RN to MSN online program that is discussed later in this article. Students in the Adult Health NP program complete three practicum courses and are trained to provide primary care to adults of all ages. Family NPs learn to care for all members of families and complete four practicum courses. Admission requirements are a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, a statistics course, a current unencumbered RN license, three references, a goal statement, and resume. Provisional status is not available for NP specialty tracks.

BSN trained nurses may also opt to complete a non-NP program online, including the Nurse Educator specialization in about 18 months. This program prepares nurses to train undergraduate students for a career in nursing. The Nurse Informatics masters program prepares nurses to use operational data systems and to train healthcare professionals in their use. Another specialty, the Nurse Administrator specialization trains Registered Nurses in policy and financial decisions and other management skills. Applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a statistics course and undergraduate nursing research course, official transcripts, and a current unencumbered RN license. Three references, a goal statement, and resume are also required. Provisional admission is granted to those with a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99 or for completion of the statistics or nursing research requirement. A GPA of 3.0 must be earned on these two courses, or the student is dismissed from the program.

Registered Nurses without a BSN may apply for the Accelerated RN to MSN online program at South University. Both a BSN and MSN are awarded after the entire program is completed. Three specialties are available, including Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Nursing Informatics. To be admitted to the program, nurses must have an associate degree or diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A current unencumbered RN license is also required, along with three references, a goal statement essay, and a resume. Before continuing to the MSN courses, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or better on bachelor’s degree courses and complete a statistics course with at least a B.

South University is unique in the fact that it offers a variety of online and on-campus MSN programs. Nursing scholarships and federal financial aid are available for students.

Spring Hill College: RN to MSN Program Review

Spring Hill College

4000 Dauphin Street

Mobile, AL 36608

Spring Hill College is a liberal arts college that was established in 1830, and it is located in Mobile, Alabama. It is operated by the Jesuits and is the oldest Catholic college in the South. It was rated 14^th among the best colleges in the South that offer bachelors and masters degrees by US News and World Report. A Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a combination of online courses, visits to the Spring Hill campus, and completion of clinical experience in a student’s local community and work setting.

The CNL is the latest nurse role developed by the American Association of College of Nursing. CNLs are generalist clinicians with a masters degree who serve as a resource for the nursing team. The clinical nurse leader implements programs that bring the latest innovations in care delivery to patients. Admission to the program is open to BSN trained Registered Nurses, and it is a competitive program. Nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing with at least one year’s experience may also qualify. Applicants must be currently licensed Registered Nurses in the state that they practice nursing and must work in a clinical setting or have access to a healthcare facility for clinical integration and research. Also required are three references, employment verification, resume, and a statement of intent that should all be sent to the college at 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608.

Another entry option to the program is for the RN with Non-Nursing Baccalaureate who is admitted as a non-degree graduate student to complete the five RN to MSN nursing bridge courses. After that, graduate degree courses are pursued to complete the masters degree. In addition, the RN with Masters Degree in Nursing program offers unconditional admission to students with a GPA of 3.0 who meet the other requirements. Graduates receive a Post-Master’s Certificate after completing the program. The RN with Associate Degree/Diploma to MSN Program allows nurses to complete the general education requirements and five RN to MSN nursing bridge courses before beginning the MSN program.

Unconditional admission is grated to applicants who meet the general admission requirements and have a 3.0 GPA. Those who do not meet the requirements may be offered conditional admission if they have a GPA of at least 2.75. A GPA of 3.0 must be earned after six hours of coursework are completed.

Financial aid for tuition is available through scholarships and federal financial aid.

The University of Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Alabama

Box 870358

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0358

The University of Alabama (UA) is part of the University of Alabama System located in Tuscaloosa. Established in 1831, it has been rated in the top 50 public universities in the US by US News and World Report many times and UA has had the highest ranking of a university in the state by this source. The Capstone College of Nursing is known for its leading edge technology, such as its high-fidelity simulators and also for its flexible full-time and part-time options for nurses. Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MSN) programs include Case Management, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator Specialization. Students have the option of attending full-time or part-time, and all nursing courses are taught online.

The Rural Case Management masters degree in nursing program focuses on handling case management and healthcare administration. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared Registered Nurses with current licensure and grade point averages (GPA) of 3.0 or better qualify for the program. Conditional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with lower than expected GPA or GRE or MAT scores. A GPA of 3.0 in the MSN courses is required to qualify for graduation. Three semesters are required for full-time study plus the completion of 36 to 39 credits. Part-time studies take six semesters for completion.

Another MSN program at UA is Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). CNLs oversee care coordination of a group of patients and put evidence-based practice into action. Admission and graduation requirements are the same as those for the Rural Case Management MSN program. One year of full-time studies or two or more years of part-time study are required to complete the program. The Dual Degree MSN/MA in Management is also offered at the Capstone College of Nursing and the Manderson Graduate School of Business. Students take advanced nursing courses as well as health care management courses and must be admitted to both programs. Two years of full-time study are necessary to finish this program.

A nurse who has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wants to become a Nurse Educator may complete both a masters and doctorate degree in the MSN/EdD or EdD for Nurse Educators program. It takes three or three and one-half years of full-time study to complete the two degrees. Graduates are prepared to teach undergraduate level nursing students.

The University of Alabama offers many different types of financial aid for MSN students, including federal government assistance, state nursing scholarships, scholarships from the University, from the Capstone College of Nursing, and from many other public and private institutions.

University of Alabama at Birmingham: RN to BSN Program Review

University of Alabama at Birmingham

1720 2^nd Avenue South

Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0113

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of three universities in the University of Alabama System. Established in 1936, it is known for its medical research center that is one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States known as UAB Hospital. UABs School of Nursing was founded in the 1950s and is part of the academic health center that is known around the world. US News and World Report lists it among the top 5 percent of nursing schools in the US.

A Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers four focal areas, including nurse practitioner in acute care or primary care, nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing and health systems management. BSN prepared nurses with a 3.0 grade point average who have satisfactory GRE, GMAT or MAT exam scores and three reference letters may qualify for the program. Applicants may apply for a waiver for the graduate level entrance exams. Nurses with a MSN may earn a second masters degree or post-MSN certificate. Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks available are the following:

NP Neonatal Care

NP Pediatric Primary Care

Dual Option NP Pediatric Acute and Primary Care

NP Adult Primary Care

NP Adult/Women’s Health Primary Care

NP Adult with Secondary specialization in Occupational Health

NP Family Primary Care

NP Psychiatric-Mental Health Primary Care

NP Pediatric Acute and Continuing Care

NP Adult Acute and Continuing Care

NP Adult Acute and Continuing Care with Secondary specialization in RN First Assistant

Other MSN tracks include CRNA-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, MSN and Masters in Public Health (MPH) Coordinated Degree Program, Nursing and Health Systems Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Educator, Clinical Research Management, and Clinical Nurse Leader.

An Accelerated Masters in Nursing Pathway (AMNP) is another option for those with a bachelors degree in another field who want to enter nursing. After completing prerequisite courses, students complete their chosen MSN track that is completed in 12 months. Phase I of nursing courses that leads to licensure requires 40 hours of academic time each week. Phase II to complete the MSN takes four more semesters to finish. Admission requirements are the same as for BSN applicants.

The UAB School of Nursing also offers a Peace Corps Fellows Program to train those returning from service to become nurses. Students serve internships in underserved communities in the US. Up to two students are chosen as fellows each month and they receive scholarships. Applicants may apply for a second bachelor’s degree or to the Accelerated Masters in Nursing Pathway.

Programs are offered on a part-time or full-time basis with all core courses and selected specialty courses available via distance education. Clinical experiences are designed on an individual basis, and students must have a RN license in the state where they plan to complete clinical practice before enrolling in advanced practice courses. Priority admission is given to residents of Alabama and to those residing in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

UABs School of Nursing offers 59 scholarship programs of $5.2 million annually. Some of these are grade based. Additional scholarships for nurses are available from the Army ROTC, the State of Alabama, and other sources. Traineeship grants are also available to masters students in primary care specialties, and federal financial aid is available. Applicants should apply online or write to The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2^nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0113.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

301 Sparkman Drive

Huntsville, Alabama 35899

Known as UAHuntsville or UAH, The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of the three members of the University of Alabama System. UAH was established in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, and today nursing is the largest single major. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing with five tracks in advanced nursing. These are Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Leadership in Health Care Systems.

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) masters of science in nursing program prepares nurses to serve as care providers, consultants, educators, researchers, and case managers. Graduates may sit for national certification as ACNP and as Adult Nurse Practitioner. Four semesters of study include 42 credits and 588 clinical hours to complete the program. Another MSN track offered at the University is Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, a program that prepares Registered Nurses to serve as expert clinicians and client advocates. Four semesters are required to finish 42 credits and 504 clinical hours.

The Clinical Nurse Leader track prepares nurses to oversee groups of patients and to work as a leader on a nursing team. Four semesters are required for this MSN track, consisting of 42 credits and 504 clinical hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares students to provide primary care to family members of all ages. The 42 hours and 588 clinical hours can be completed in four semesters. Nurses who want to work in administration and management in various healthcare settings have the option of completing the four semesters of 39 credits and 336 clinical hours required for this masters track.

Admission to the MSN program is competitive. Applicants must apply to the School of Graduate Studies plus to the College of Nursing. Interested nurses must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their bachelor’s degree in nursing coursework and acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT. Nurses with a 3.2 or higher on undergraduate work do not need to take these tests. Three recommendations, a statistics course, and current licensure in the state where clinical experience will take place are required.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville also offers a RN to MSN program of seven semesters that takes two and one-half years to complete. Bachelors degree courses are taken the first year, and a grade point average of 3.0 is necessary to progress to MSN courses. Currently licensed nurses with an associates degree who do not earn this grade point average are placed in the University’s RN to BSN program. Three recommendations and MAT score of 410 or GRE scores of 150 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, and 3.0 Analytical Writing are required.

Students have various options to pay for tuition, including nursing scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid.

Troy University: RN to MSN Program Review

Troy University

Troy, Alabama 36082

Troy University is located in Troy, Alabama and also has three other campuses in Alabama and in other locations in the United States and internationally. The University has an online program as well as classes taught on campuses. It was first established in 1887 as a normal school. Troy has received many positive rankings, including Best Grad School national rankings by US News & World Report.

Troy’s School of Nursing offers a Masters of Nursing (MSN) in three tracks, which are Informatics, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The masters program for nurses is offered online at the Montgomery, Phenix City, and Troy campuses as online courses. Nurses who already have a masters degree can receive certificates in these three tracks. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) trained Registered Nurses must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in nursing courses and a score of 396 or better on the Millers Analogy Test (MAT) or 850 on Graduate Record Exam (GRE) verbal and quantitative sections.

A health assessment course and two professional references are required, and the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track also requires at least one year’s experience as a RN. Conditional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with a 2.5 GPA or for lower than expected GRE or MAT scores. Conditionally admitted students must have a 3.0 GPA after completing 9 credits at Troy or be dropped from the program.

Students who choose the Clinical Nurse Specialist Track must also choose their clinical major, which can be either Adult Health Nursing or Maternal Infant Health Nursing. They must also choose a functional minor or either educator or administrator. Thirty-nine credits are need for completion of the program. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) masters degree track requires 47 credits, and in the nursing informatics specialist track, 34 credits must be completed.

MSN nurse applicants who want to complete a certificate must have two professional references and at least one year’s experience as a RN.

University of Mobile: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Mobile

5735 College Parkway

Mobile, Alabama 36613

The University of Mobile (UM) is a Christian university located in the city of Mobile at 5735 College Parkway. It was established in 1961 and has grown steadily since that time. UM is one of only four schools in the state and the only private university in the state listed as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys.” Almost all students at the University receive some type of financial aid, and it is available for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the college. Nursing scholarships are also available.

The MSN program offered by The University of Mobile offers a major in Nursing Education/Administration. Convenient class times are arranged for students who need to continue working as they complete their masters degree. After finishing the program, graduates are qualified to work as either Nurse Administrators in leadership positions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, or they may work as Nurse Educators, teaching in hospitals or college settings.

Applicants must be admitted to the graduate school, but admission does not guarantee that the nurse is automatically admitted to the masters degree in nursing program. BSN trained nurses with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and GRE score of at least 1500 or MAT score of 50^th percentile or better are unconditionally admitted to the nursing program. Conditional admission may be granted to applicants with GPAs as low as 2.75 or MAT score of 35 or better or GRE score of 1300 or higher.

The masters program in nursing consists of 39 semester hours that end with a research project or thesis. A variety of scholarships are available for Registered Nurses who want to complete their MSN. There are also grants and federal financial aid available to students.

University of North Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL 35632

The University of North Alabama (UNA) in the city of Florence is the state’s oldest four-year university. Established in 1830, UNA has some of the lowest tuition in the state and in the US. Nursing students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing may qualify for nursing scholarships and federal financial aid, as well as grants and other tuition assistance.

The Master of Science in Nursing Online Program is entirely online. Qualified Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing may choose from two different tracks. These are Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments or Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments. The Leadership track prepares nurses to lead healthcare teams in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and students currently in management or executive positions are preferred. They learn about budgeting and economics, politics and legislation in healthcare, and leadership and management.

Students who choose the Teaching-Learning track are prepared to teach nursing students, healthcare colleagues, and patients in various settings. This program allows students to choose a clinical area of interest to focus on during the MSN coursework. These could be women’s health, adult health, pediatrics, or others. Each option includes two clinical courses, and clinical experiences can take place near the student’s home area. UNA works in partnership with Jacksonville State University, and some courses are taught through this university’s online nursing program. Both tracks consist of five semesters of full-time study, and both end with a capstone project.

Unconditional admission is granted to currently licensed Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. Scores of 1000 or better on the GRE or at least 410 on the MAT are required. One year’s work experience is required for the Teaching-Learning Environments track. Three references and a written goal statement are also required. Conditionally admitted students must have three years of full-time experience and may be required to take the GRE or MAT exam, and are admitted to the masters nursing program on an individual basis.

A RN to MSN program is also offered at the University of North Alabama. Both a bachelors in nursing degree and masters in nursing degree are awarded at the completion of this online program. Clinicals are arranged near the student’s home, and this program reduces the length of time needed for the masters degree by one semester or 9 credits. Students take the first 12 credits of undergraduate nursing courses at UNA and must have at least a 3.0 GPA in these.

University of South Alabama: RN to MSN Program Review

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002

The University of South Alabama (US), located in Mobile, is the only university on the upper Gulf Coast. It is one of the fastest growing universities in the state and has students from over 90 different countries. Graduate students at USA qualify to apply for university or national scholarships and federal student loans. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with 13 specialty tracks in advanced nursing. The masters program is unique because it is flexible and innovative, not requiring GRE or MAT test scores or reference letters for admission to the nursing program. Courses are completed online with clinical experience in the student’s home community.

USA offers 13 tracks within the MSN program, including 8 Nurse Practitioner (NP) options. These include the following:

Adult-Gerontological Acute NP

Adult-Gerontological NP (Primary Care)

Advanced Emergency Nursing (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Dual Role) Family NP

Family Psychiatric NP

Neonatal NP

Pediatric Primary Care NP

Women’s Health NP

Five other options that are not NP programs are the following:

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Executive Nursing Administration

Public Health Nursing Administration

Nurse Educator

Nursing Informatics

There are several entry points to the MSN program, each with unique admission requirements. Those with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 and two years’ experience for NP tracks. Post-MSN certificates are offered as well as an Accelerated BSN/MSN for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field with a 3.0. MSN programs for nurses with associate degrees or diplomas, with or without a bachelor’s degree in another field are offered. Both a BSN and MSN can result from the RN to BSN/MSN program that includes four graduate level bridge courses.

Alaska MSN Programs

University of Alaska-Anchorage: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Alaska-Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
The University of Alaska-Anchorage (UAA) is one of three University of Alaska System colleges. It was established in 1954 and became a four-year university in 1976. Today, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in affiliation with other universities are also offered. A Masters of Science in Nursing is offered at UAA and there are three specialty tracks including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Nursing Education. UAA is the only university in the state to offer a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MSN) program.

Nurses interested in training for an advanced nursing career should apply to the School of Nursing.  Admission requirements are that applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The GRE is required with an analytic writing score of at least 3.5 and a combined score of at least 800 on the verbal and quantitative. Applicants must have current licensure in Alaska, along with three professional recommendations and a minimum of one year’s clinical nursing experience. Admission to the program is competitive, and preference may be given to residents of Alaska. Students admitted to the RN to MSN program must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 while in the program.

UAAs Family Nurse Practitioner track requires completion of 32 credits of specialty courses plus 18 credits of core courses. A thesis or individual project is the culminating activity of the program. Graduates may sit for the national certification exam from the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Nurses that choose training for careers in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty must also complete the 18 core course credits plus 32 credits in their track. In the Nursing Education concentration, it is necessary to complete 24 credits in addition to the 18 core course credits.

The master’s in a nursing program can be completed either full-time or part-time. It takes six semesters or more part-time. Clinical training is completed in cohort groups.

Arizona MSN Programs

Arizona State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Arizona State University, 1120 South Cady Mall, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1003
Arizona State University (ASU) has more students enrolled than any public university in the United States. It is a research university that was founded in 1885 and began as a normal school. Today, it offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs at its four locations in Phoenix. A Master of Science with advanced nursing courses provides training for nursing careers that require a master’s degree.

One of the masters programs offered by the College of Nursing & Health Innovation at ASU is Master of Science, Clinical Research Manager. The program is completely online, and it prepares graduates to fill management roles in global clinical research. Thirty-three credits are required in this specialty field. The program has a trans-disciplinary approach that includes operational management of clinical drug, biological, and medical device trials. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a bachelor’s degree in a related field with healthcare experience. Those with non-healthcare bachelor’s degrees usually need additional prerequisite courses before entering the program.

The Master of Science-Community Health Advanced Practice Nursing is another program offered by the College of Nursing. Four semesters of full-time studies totaling 45 credits plus 540 hours of practicum and internship hours must be completed to qualify for graduation. Nurses receive training in evaluating the needs of the community and designing and implementing services to those of all ages. Registered nurses must apply to the program by submitting three professional recommendations and evidence of their RN licensure in the state where clinical practice will occur. They must have a 3.0 grade point average, be eligible for admission to the Graduate College, and complete an interview.

Nurses who want to prepare for a career as a nurse educator, patients, and their peers in healthcare settings can train for this position by completing the Nurse Educator Program at ASU. Interested Registered Nurses must apply to the Graduate College and submit three professional recommendations, have current licensure in the state where clinical experience will take place, and they must have a grade point average of 3.0. An interview with nursing faculty is also required. Most courses are offered online.

Brookline College: RN to MSN Program Review

Brookline College

2445 W. Dunlap Avenue, Suite 100

Phoenix, AZ 85021-5820

Brookline College has several campus locations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The college’s main location is at 2445 W. Dunlap Avenue, Suite 100 in Phoenix. Online courses are offered for the Nursing Education Master of Science Degree that offers training for Registered Nurses to become nurse educators. The advantage of this online program is that students may complete the courses at their convenience, depending on their personal and work schedule. Thirty-six credits are required for this RN to BSN program, including two practicums focused on academic leadership and at the instructor level.

Students complete courses such as Teaching with Technology, Curriculum Structure and Development, Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice, Health Care Systems and policy, and others. In this program, nurses receive training that will prepare them for advanced nursing careers as nurse educators in healthcare or in academic settings as they teach student nurses on the undergraduate level.

Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing as evidenced by their official transcripts. International students are required to have official transcript translation and evaluation from a member of the Association of International Credentials Evaluators or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Current licensure as a RN from any state, territory, or district in the United States is also required. Transfer students must complete a minimum of 27 credits through the Brookline College Master of Science in nursing program.

Midwestern University: RN to MSN Program Review

Midwestern University

19555 North 59^th Avenue

Glendale, Arizona 85308

Midwestern University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nurse Anesthesia at their Glendale campus at 19555 North 59^th Avenue. Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing can complete their masters degree in nursing while training to become a nurse anesthetist. These advanced care nursing specialists administer 65 percent of all anesthesia in the country. Entrance requirements are that the RN should have a grade point average of 2.75, but 3.0 is preferable to remain competitive. Two years of work experience in critical care are required plus successful completion of the prerequisite courses with a grade of at least C in each of them. The program requires 27 months of full-time study, and the graduate takes the national exam for certification in this nursing career.

Students complete clinical practicums in many different settings, including urban and rural hospitals, pain clinics, doctors’ offices, and same day surgery centers. The first four quarters of the program consist of coursework to prepare the student for the clinical practicums that take five quarters to finish. Clinical sites are in states other than Arizona, including Arkansas, California, Florida, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington. Students may be required to complete their practicum experiences in several or more of these states as they receive nurse anesthetist training in every type of anesthesia. This program is unique because it requires students to travel to work site around the country. Students are responsible for their own transportation and housing while working on each practicum.

Northern Arizona University: RN to MSN Program Review

Northern Arizona University

E. Pine Knoll Dr.

PO Box: 15035

Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public university with its main campus in Flagstaff, a mountain town that is 7,000 feet above sea level. There are also 34 extended campuses located throughout Arizona, plus online programs. Bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees are offered, including masters degrees that lead to Nurse Generalist, Nurse Educator, or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

A Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in nursing or a nurse who has an associates degree in nursing and a bachelors degree in another area with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) may apply to the graduate program in nursing. A nurse with a lower GPA than 3.0 may take two graduate nursing courses may reapply if the course grade is at least 3.0. Current licensure in Arizona or a multistate license is also required. Nurses interested in the nurse educator program must have two years of work experience, and those applying for the generalist Master of Science (MSN) program do not need to have any work experience. Three to five years of working in a clinical setting as an RN are needed for the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Interested candidates must also apply to the Graduate College of NAU, and submit a personal statement explaining their interests and goals. An interview with faculty is required in some cases. The MSN program originates from E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff and includes clinical experience hours for each of the three tracks as part of the training for the MSN. Students in all specialty areas must first complete core courses equaling 13 credits and a project or thesis. The School of Nursing’s Nurse Generalist track requires 30 credits plus 180 clinical hours. Family Nurse Practitioner students are required to complete 48 credits and 720 clinical hours. Nursing scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid are available at the university for Registered Nurses who are interested in completing their MSN.

Arkansas MSN Programs

Arkansas State University: RN to MSN Program Reviews
Arkansas State University, 104 North Caraway Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72467-0910
Arkansas State University (ASU) is a public university that was founded in 1910. It is the state’s second largest college system that began as an agricultural college. Bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs are offered at the university. A Masters Degree in Nursing (MSN) with tracks leading to five different advanced nursing careers is available in the following: Adult Health Nursing/Clinical Specialist, Adult Health Nursing/Educator option, Adult Health Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesia Option.

Nurses in training for advanced practice nursing careers as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or those who plan to work in rural areas of the state after completing the MSN program can apply for the Arkansas Graduate Nursing Education Student Loan (AGNSLS). Registered Nurses may have their loan through AGNSLS converted to a scholarship after working in a rural community in Arkansas or if they work for the state Board of Health. Graduate students are also eligible to receive other graduate scholarships and federal financial aid.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students may begin taking graduate courses in their senior year of study before their baccalaureate degree in nursing is completed if they have a 3.0 average. This does not guarantee admission to the MSN program. Entrance requirements for the RN to MSN program are a BSN degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0 on the last 60 hours of BSN work. Current licensure in Arkansas or in the state where clinical experience will take place is also required. Applicants must also take a graduate-level statistics course and earn a 3.0 grade point average.

The university offers three Adult Health Nursing options that lead to Clinical Specialist, Nurse Educator, or Administration. Core courses must first be completed before students enter specialty tracks, such as the Adult Health Nursing/Clinical Specialist option. This advanced nursing career track provides training for nurses to care for adults with acute and chronic health problems. Students may also choose an option of Nurse Educator with the university’s Adult Health Nursing/Educator option. At least 40 credits are required plus hours in clinical experience for these RN to MSN tracks.

The Family Nurse Practitioner option requires 45 credits plus clinical care hours to prepare an RN to care for patients of all ages. Another RN to MSN option is Nursing Administration, consisting of 38 credits. ASU’s Nurse Anesthesia program is another RN to MSN option. It has additional admission requirements, such as the GRE, and applicants must have two years of critical care experience. A minimum of 85 credits are required for this option, including clinical experience. All students interested in the RN to MSN program must apply to both the Graduate School at Arkansas State University and to the ASU School of Nursing.

The University of Arkansas: RN to MSN Program Reviews

The University of Arkansas

Room 324 Graduate Education Building

Fayetteville, AR 72701

The University of Arkansas (U of A or UA) is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a land-grant, space-grant research university. It was established in 1871 and today the university offers bachelors, masters, doctoral, and law degrees. The university has been recognized as a Top-Tier National University and has received numerous other recognitions. The University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers graduate programs to nurses with bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue a career in advanced care nursing.

The Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) program offers two concentrations that nurses may choose from. These are the clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) that provides training for graduates to serve as clinical nurse specialists who provide care for adults with medical or surgical health problems. An RN with this training may work as a case manager in acute and primary care settings, conduct clinical research, and may also teach. The other option is the Nurse Educator concentration that trains the graduate to teach student nurses. Both of these MSN options are online programs that can be completed in two years plus one summer semester. Core courses must be completed for the masters degree, and each concentration requires additional coursework plus 500 clinical practicum hours. A part-time option is also available that can be completed within six years.

Entrance requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing, current licensure as a RN, and candidates must send applications for admission to the University of Arkansas Graduate School. A statistics course and basic health assessment course are also required, as well as basic computer and library skills, including the use of electronic databases. Interested applicants are admitted according to the space available. Students are expected to complete either a thesis or independent study project.

This program is unique in the fact that a variety of graduate nursing student loans and scholarships are offered for full or partial scholarships. The university also offers scholarships for graduate nursing students, and federal financial aid is also available, as well as graduate assistantships and other positions to help pay for tuition. Students are seldom required to travel to the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing department in Fayetteville.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: RN to MSN Program Reviews

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 W. Markham Street, #529

Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is part of the University of Arkansas System with its main campus located in Little Rock at 4301 W. Markham Street, #529. The university consists of five colleges, seven institutes, community education centers, and the UAMS Medical Center. It was established in 1879, and the College of Nursing was established in 1953. Graduate programs include a Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) that prepares a Registered Nurse (RN) for a career in advanced nursing practice. Seven concentrations are offered in the program, including the following:

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Educator

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

When applying to the MNSc program, applicants must be accepted into the Graduate School and also into one of the specialty programs. It is necessary to have a bachelors degree in nursing or a bachelors degree in another field, as well as to have licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Arkansas or in a compact state. A statistics course with at least a grade of C is required as well and a grade point average of 2.85. Applicants with lower grade point averages may be considered for admission on conditional admission, but students with grade point averages under 2.50 will not be considered. The MAT is required with a minimum score of 400, or students may submit GRE results with at least 295 on verbal and quantitative portions of the test. Applicants with lower test scores may be considered if they have a grade point average of 2.85 or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have at least 2,000 work hours as an RN before applying for advanced health assessment, all clinical specialties, or nursing administration courses.

Nurses may choose to study as full-time or part-time students. Full-time students are usually able to complete the program in three to three and one-half years. Part-time students take up to six years to complete their studies. Eleven credits of general core courses are needed before beginning courses that focus on the chosen concentration. It is necessary to attend a one-day orientation plus several classes to do presentations over the interactive video system. Many times, students are able to do their clinical experience close to their homes.

Nurses who are willing to work in nursing administration, teach nursing, or work as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in rural areas may qualify for the Arkansas Graduate Nursing Student Loan/Scholarship program. After working in one of these positions for a period of time, the loan that was granted transfers to a scholarship that does not need to be repaid. There are also many hospitals in the state that offer scholarships and financial aid to nurses seeking their graduate degree.

University of Central Arkansas: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Central Arkansas

201 Donaghey Ave.

Conway, AR 72035

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway on 201 Donaghey Avenue, north of Little Rock. It was founded in 1907 as a normal school. UCA was ranked as 61^st in the South in academic excellence by U.S. News & World Report in 2009. The Department of Nursing was established in 1967, and today undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at this university. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in nursing. The courses are all offered online, and they provide training for advanced nursing careers in community settings, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. There are four concentrations offered in the MSN program. The unique feature of the University of Central Arkansas’ RN to MSN program is that a Nurse Educator Certificate can be earned with any MSN major or track.

The Adult Nurse Practitioner (NP) track is one of those offered in UCAs MSN program. Graduates of the program provide primary care to adults of all ages. Nurse Practitioners diagnose and manage illness in adults and promote health and disease prevention. The Family Nurse Practitioner track provides training for nurses to learn to provide primary care for all family members. The Nurse Educator with a Clinical specialty track trains the RN to teach student nurses, provide patient education or staff education. Options for Clinical specialty tracks are Community/Family, Geriatrics, Maternal/Newborn/Women’s Health, Adult, Pediatrics, and Psychiatric/Mental Health. The Clinical Nurse Leader is one of the newer advanced practice nursing specialties. Training for this career at UCA prepares the nurse to work within the healthcare system in any setting with any group of patients.

The Clinical Nurse Leader MSN specialty may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis or it requires completing 39 credits plus 400 clinical hours. The Adult Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner MSN programs are designed for working nurses who can finish the program part-time in three and one-half to four and one-half years. It is also possible to complete the Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner program and also earn a Nurse Educator Certificate by completing only a few additional credits. Nurses who want only the Nurse Educator MSN can also complete a part-time program in three years, completing 40 credits.

UCA’s admission policy for MSN applicants are a Bachelor of Nursing degree with a minimum 2.7 grade point average overall or a minimum 3.0 grade point average on the last 60 hours of credits earned. Admission to the university’s Graduate School is also required, as are GRE scores and current licensure as a RN. At least one year’s clinical experience is required before enrolling in clinical courses.

California MSN Programs

American University of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review
American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill Street, Building #1, Signal Hill, California 90755
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is a Christian university that specializes in providing undergraduate and graduate programs. The focus of AUHS is to reach out to potential students who are underrepresented in healthcare and research. AUHS is a private-for-profit minority owned university that was established in 1994. The American University of Health Sciences School of clinical Research offers a Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR).

Admission requirements include four passport size photos, a resume, and an essay explaining the applicant’s reason for seeking admission to the graduate program. Applicants must forward a copy of their Bachelors Degree in Nursing and official transcripts that demonstrate a grade point average of at least 2.5. Prerequisites are completion of anatomy, physiology, public speaking, and medical terminology with a grade of C or higher. Students must also take the GRE and submit scores, and international applicants must also submit results of the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer-based, or 80 on Internet-based tests. The university also requires that all students take the proctored online entrance exam. Students must score 21/50 in 12 minutes.

The MSCR degree from the American University of Health Sciences School of clinical Research takes 18 months to complete. It provides training to develop clinical researchers for a career in community-based research, biostatistics, clinical trials, and other aspects of clinical research. Federal financial aid is offered to students who must first complete the necessary application. This university is unique because it focuses on a diverse group of students, and it offers a masters degree in Clinical Research to Registered Nurses.

Azusa Pacific University: RN to MSN Program Review

Azusa Pacific University

901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000

Azusa, California 91702-7000

Azusa Pacific University is a Christian university located in Azusa about 25 miles north of Los Angeles at 901 E. Alcosta Avenue. Bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs are available online or on campus. There are also seven regional centers in Southern California. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university as one of the best colleges for the past seven years. The university focuses on a culturally diverse population and is unique in offering an American Language and Culture Institute as part of the university. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered, along with many different specialties. APC is truly unique with the wide selection of specialties offered with their MSN program.

The Entry-level Masters (ELM) program provides training for those with a bachelors or masters degree who want to pursue training for a career as an advanced practice Registered Nurse (RN). Students can complete pre-licensure and post-licensure courses in three years. The Azusa, Inland Empire, and San Diego campuses offer this program. Another masters degree in nursing program is the MSN with Adult CNS and ANP Certificate. In 3 to 4 years, nurses can complete graduate studies in nursing to earn a masters degree in Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with a specialization in Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) certification. This program is offered on the main campus.

Azusa Pacific University also offers a MSN with CNS Specialties program. With this training, the graduate is prepared for a career in one of the two options of Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist or Parent-Child Clinical nurse Specialist. An RN is prepared to work in acute, primary, or long-term care settings after completing this program. This option takes 2 to 3 years to complete and is offered at the main campus in Azusa or in San Diego.

Another program option for masters degree in nursing students is the MSN with NP specialties. This Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Practitioner (NP) program has options such as Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner. All three tracks provide advanced practice training for nurses to work with adults of all ages. The program is offered in Azusa, Inland Empire, and San Diego.

The MSN with PN Specialty is a Master of Science in Nursing with a Parish Nursing specialty that prepares nurses to work with those within church or religious groups in the spiritual aspects of patient care. It takes 2 to 3 years to complete and is offered at the main campus. The MSN with Parent-Child CNS and PNP Certificate leads to a masters degree plus a specialty of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. This program is offered at the main campus and takes three years to complete. Another track in the MSN program is the MSN with SNSC Specialty or Master of Science in Nursing with School Nurse Services Credential. This program provides training for nurses for a career as a school health practitioner.

The MSN with SNSC and FNP Certificate is a combined program that allows students to complete their masters degree with School Nurse Services Certificate, including a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate after graduation and completing the national certification exam. It is offered at the main campus and takes 4 to 5 years to complete. Another program that takes 4 to 5 years to complete and is offered at the main campus is the MSN with SNSC and PNP Certificate. It leads to a masters degree plus School Nurse Services Certificate and a specialization in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. At graduation, students take the national exam for certification in these specialty areas.

The Nursing, MS (MSN) program provides training in specialized clinical areas of nursing. It prepares students to be nationally board eligible. Students must also complete a specialized clinical area of nursing along with this program.

California State University-Dominguez Hills: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Dominguez Hills

1000 E. Victoria Street

Carson, California 90747

California State University-Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is located in Los Angeles County in the South Bay region. It was founded in 1960 and is part of the California State University system. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is offered with five different MSN Role Options, including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner Role Option, and Masters Entry-level Professional Nursing. The Masters Entry-level Professional Nursing program is a pre-licensure program for applicants with bachelors degrees in other fields. This is an intensive, accelerated program of full-time study that includes over 1,000 hours of clinical experience. It consists of six semesters that are completed in 24 months with a concentration in the Clinical Nurse Leader role.

This RN to MSN program is designed for the RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree who has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the last 60 credits attempted. Applicants must also have licensure in the U.S. and must pass the Graduate Writing Examination. From 33 to 53 credits are needed to graduate, depending on the role option chosen. Part-time students can take as long as 5 years to complete the program and full-time students need about 2 years of studies to complete the program.

To qualify for graduation, students must take a comprehensive exam. All courses are offered online, and some courses are offered at CSUDH campuses in Southern California. Federal financial aid is available as an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, and the university offers an Outstanding Graduate award to one graduate student. Scholarships are offered by the School of Nursing and other sponsors. Prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the core courses for the MSN program. Students then complete the specialty advanced practice nursing courses chosen for the role option chosen.

For nurses with a bachelors degree in another field, the university offers the MSN Pathway. Students complete BSN course prerequisites and then courses for the MSN role. A mandatory workshop explains how the program combines online and on campus courses.

California State University-Fresno: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Fresno

2345 E. San Ramon

MS MH25

Fresno, California 93740-8031

California State University-Fresno (Fresno State University, Fresno State, or FSU) is part of the California State University system’s 23 campuses. It is located in Fresno near the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2345 E. San Ramon. FSU was founded in 1911 as a normal school, and today both undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the University. Fresno State has received numerous awards, including the rank of Washington Monthly magazine’s rating as a top university in 2010 and a rating as one of the best public colleges in 2009 by Forbes magazine. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers an opportunity for students to design their own program as well as a culminating activity or a comprehensive exam.

The application process at the university requires that nurses first apply to the Department of Nursing. After being accepted into the RN to MSN program, nurses then apply to the University for admission. Fresno State’s Department of Nursing offers an Entry Level Masters program for non-nurses who want to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students complete nursing courses and clinical experience before taking the licensure exam. They then continue their studies in the MSN program. At the completion of the program, graduates have received training as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator. The program is full-time and is very intensive. Students must attend classes during the summer, in the evening, and on weekends. Clinical rotations are in many different settings, including rural areas.

The Primary Care/Family Nurse Practitioner Option is another MSN concentration offered at the university. Registered Nurses receive training to provide primary health care to all members of the family. Graduates may take the national certification exam for licensure as Pediatric, Geriatric, or Family Nurse Practitioners. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track is specifically designed so that the RN who wants a career working with children can receive training in this area.

An additional option offered at Fresno State is the Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator track, which can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in three years. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average in the 8 prerequisite courses needed for this program. Nurses who are interested in a career as a school nurse can apply to the University’s School Nurse Services Credential program. Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who have a grade point average of 3.0 in their last 60 credits of study may apply to this program. Associate degree nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field may also apply, but they must take public health nursing courses before beginning courses in this specialty. The courses for the school nurse program are offered online in the summertime. Twenty-seven credits are required to complete the program that is divided in two phases consisting of 27 credits.

Nurse Practitioners who have completed their masters degree in nursing may want to complete a Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners that is offered by the Department of Nursing. This program is web-based and involves web conferencing and online courses. Applicants must be certified Nurse Practitioners who want to earn this certificate in a one-year period.

Fresno State offers many different educational options for career advancement in nursing. This RN to MSN program has concentrations and role options for advanced practice nursing. Students may qualify for nursing scholarships, grants, or for unsubsidized federal graduate loans.

California State University-Fullerton: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Fullerton

800 N. State College Blvd.

P.O. Box 6868

Fullerton, California 92834-6868

California State University-Fullerton (CSUF, Cal State Fullerton, CSU Fullerton) is part of the California State University system. Located in Fullerton, it has the highest enrollment of all 23 colleges in the system. The University was founded in 1957 and is the only campus in the state to offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in school nursing. CSUF has received awards and rankings, such as the U.S. News rating of Number 33 of regional universities in the West. The University’s Nursing-Anesthesia Program was ranked as Number 22 by U.S. News & World Report. Both online and campus based programs are offered at the University at 800 N. State College Boulevard in Fullerton.

The MSN Leadership: Online & Campus is a program for nurses with bachelors degrees who want to receive training for leadership roles in various healthcare facilities. The advantage of this program is that the Registered Nurse (RN) may choose 6 units of graduate elective, a final project that takes one year, and practicums that are tailored to his professional interests. Students must meet all of the requirements for admission to the University and to the School of Nursing, including a California RN license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and grade point average of 3.0.

Nurses may also complete their MSN Women’s Health Care program at CalState Fullerton. Students may choose to specialize in nurse midwifery or women’s health nurse practitioner. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, and part-time students can complete the first year on a part-time basis but most move to full-time for the second and third years of study. The RN with a bachelors degree in nursing who is licensed in California and has a 3.0 grade point average or above may apply to the program. The Nurse-Midwifery program requires at least six months of recent clinical nursing experience in labor and delivery in the past five years, but one year experience is preferred. The Nurse Practitioner specialty requires at least one year of recent clinical experience, preferably in OB/Gyn nursing. Applicants must apply to both the School of Nursing and to the University.

Another MSN concentration offered at the University is the Nurse Educator concentration that is designed for working nurses with a bachelors degree. At the completion of the program, graduates are prepared for an advanced nursing career teaching student nurses, facilitating staff development, or as a community educator. The program is offered on campus and takes two years to complete full-time or three years part-time. Current licensure as a RN is required plus at least a 3.0 grade point average. A School Nursing MSN program is also offered, and it takes four years of part-time study to complete. A nurse with a BSN must have a 3.0 grade point average and current licensure in California. Graduates have received school nursing training to provide healthcare and wellness services to students of all ages.

California State University-Fullerton also offers a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (KPSAN) which is also located in Fullerton. This MSN program takes two years to complete, including summers. Study is full-time only, and those who have already finished graduate coursework are sometimes able to graduate after completing only 52 credits. Applicants must have a BSN or MSN and a minimum grade point average of 3.2. The GRE is not required, but an interview may be part of the application process for this program. Nurses must have at least one year of current full-time experience in adult critical care.

California State University-Long Beach: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Long Beach

1250 Bellflower Boulevard

Long Beach, California 90840

California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach) is located in Los Angeles County at 1250 Bellflower Boulevard. It is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1949. Cal State Long Beach has recognized by the Princeton Review as one of “America’s Best Value Colleges.” U.S. News & World Report has named the University among the top five public Masters Degree programs. The University’s tuition is one of the lowest in the country. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with many different clinical specialty areas is offered at the University.

A unique feature of CSULB nursing program is that all core courses are offered on Tuesday and Thursday. This allows the working Registered Nurse (RN) to adjust her schedule so that she can be in class on these days and to be able to work other days of the week. Full-time students generally need to be on campus on both of these days. Near the end of the program, students complete a directed project and thesis. Before beginning these tasks, students must Advance to Candidacy by seeking approval from the School of Nursing Graduate Director and Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. . At least six credits must be completed at the University, all prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade point average of 3.0, and students must have passed the Writing Proficiency Examination or GRE for dual degree programs.

One of the MSN options is the Entry Level MSN program that is designed for students with a bachelors degree in another field who does not have a RN license. This BSN/MSN Program considers only California residents to be admitted to the program. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 for all MSN specialty areas in training for advanced nursing careers. This program requires that students complete the nursing courses required for a BSN and then take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. They then complete the MSN specialty that they have chosen.

MSN degrees with concentrations in Nurse Practitioner specialties are offered in Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Applicants must be a RN with a BSN, although a bachelors degree in another field is considered. A grade point average of 3.0 or better in undergraduate studies is expected. Students complete the required core courses for the MSN plus the courses and clinical experience required for their chosen specialty.

Other MSN specialty areas offered are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Care Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Care Administration, Health Services (School Nurse) Credential Program, and a Functional Minor in Nursing Education. Both Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation Scholarships and American Association of Colleges of Nursing Financial Resources are available to graduate students. Federal financial aid is also available.

California State University-Los Angeles: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Los Angeles

5151 State University Drive

Los Angeles, California 90032

California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA, CSULA) is located in Los Angeles at 5151 State University Drive and is part of the California State University system. One of the colleges that has been nationally recognized is the nursing graduate program by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “America’s Best Graduate Schools” and it has also been named one of the top programs in the state. The University was established in 1947. Cal State LA offers a variety of masters degrees in nursing.

One of the masters programs in nursing is the Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing. It takes 3 to 4 years to complete and is designed for those with a bachelors degree in another field. The program leads to a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN). Students must complete basic nursing courses with a grade point average of at least 3.0 within 5 quarters of studies, and they must pass the California licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse. Admission requirements include taking the TEAS test and submitting copies of transcripts from undergraduate work, and all prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of at least C except for science courses that must have a grade of B or higher. There is a mandatory orientation day for students who are admitted to this very competitive program. Because students are admitted as conditionally classified as graduate students, they may apply for a Federal Direct Loan to pay for their tuition.

A traditional Master of Science degree in nursing is also available at the University with selected advanced areas of study, including a Nurse Administration Option, Nursing Education Option, and four Nurse Practitioner specialties that are Acute Care Adult Option, Adult Option, Family Option, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Option. The RN interested in these programs that provide training that will advance their nursing careers must first apply to the University online and then to the School of Nursing. Applicants must have a BSN and a 3.0 grade point average in upper division nursing courses. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 for the last 90 quarter hours of coursework is also required, plus a California RN license.

Students should check with the School of Nursing for more information on some programs that are on hold and not accepting applicants to see if these programs have been opened. They are MS Nurse Practitioner: Primary Pediatric Option, MS School Health Option: Track 1, School Nurse: Health Service Credential, and Accelerated Masters Programs Track 1 and Track 2.

California State University-Sacramento: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Sacramento

6000 J Street

Sacramento, California 95819

California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento State) is part of the California State University system and is located in Sacramento. The University was founded in 1947 and today houses over 30 research centers. A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered with a specialty area of Advanced Clinical/Educator Role that requires 33 credits to complete. Most students complete their training for advanced nursing positions in 6 semesters of part-time study. Students may set up alternative programs of study with a faculty advisor to fit into their schedules. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is no longer accepting applications, but the School Nurse MSN program is working with the Sacramento State School of Nursing.

An RN with a current California license and a BSN who have a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average must be eligible to be certified as a Public Health Nurse in the state. The University makes it very easy to apply to the MSN program because no GRE test or recommendation letters are required. Also, the School of Nursing does not require an individual application or documentation for this role track. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6112.

Students complete core courses and then 15 credits of role courses, including a Practicum in specialized Nursing Processes: Maternal/Child and community Nursing or Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing. A comprehensive exam is the culminating experience for the MSN degree, but students may petition to complete a project or thesis instead.

The School Nurse MSN program admission requirements are to have a BSN and undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and current licensure in the state. Courses are online and campus based and are arranged to fit the schedules of working school nurses. The program takes one year to complete. All prerequisite courses must be completed before enrolling in the program, including an audiology certificate course. Applicants must apply to Sacramento State by forwarding their application and official transcripts, a statement of interest, and two recommendation letters. A comprehensive exam is required at the end of the program.

California State University-San Marcos: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-San Marcos

CSU San Marcos

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.

San Marcos, California 92096-0001

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is located in San Marcos at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. It is part of the California State University system. It was founded in 1989 and offers 10 graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students may attend the program full-time or part-time. A Registered Nurse (RN) who is seeking training for an advanced practice nursing position or in a career as a nurse educator is prepared for leadership and management positions after graduation.

The RN to MSN program is designed to be completed in 4 years of part-time study, including summers. Applicants must have an associates degree and must first complete all Pre-nursing core courses with a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the core with no grade under 2.0. During the time that students complete the BSN portion of the program, they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. All prerequisite courses must first be completed, including a bioethics course.

A MSN program with three concentration choices is offered at the University, including Advanced Practice Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nursing Education. Nurses may complete the program on either a full-time or part-time basis. The Advanced Practice Nursing Concentration has two tracks that provide training for a career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. Both a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization and a Family Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization are offered.

Both Nurse Practitioner options can be completed full-time in 6 semesters or part-time in 8 or 9 semesters. The Clinical Nurse Specialist Track takes the same amount of time to complete. In this option, students may choose to specialize in Adult Health, Gerontology, Pediatrics, or Public Health. Students must complete 500 hours of clinical experience to qualify for the national certification examination at the completion of the program. There are some nursing scholarships and grants available for nursing graduate students, and Federal financial aid is also available.

California State University-Stanislaus: RN to MSN Program Review

California State University-Stanislaus

Demergasso-Bava Hall, Room 260

One University Circle

Turlock, California 95382

California State University-Stanislaus (Cal State Stanislaus) is part of the California State University system located in Turlock. Founded in 1957, it has been named in the top 10 public universities in the new West Coast Masters category by U.S. News & World Report. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered with concentrations in Nursing Education and Gerontological Nursing. The Cal State Stanislaus nursing program provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants to work in a career such an advanced nursing specialist.

Application requirements include admission to the University before final acceptance into the MSN program. Nurses must have a BSN and current California licensure and must send a resume with cover letter explaining professional goals to the University at Demergasso-Bava Hall, Room 260, One University Circle, Turlock, California 95382. The GRE or MAT tests are required, as well as two professional recommendation letters. Applicants must also have at least a 3.0 grade point average in undergraduate studies for the last 60 units of coursework. Conditional admission is available for nurses with grade point averages of 2.5 to 3.0. Nurses must have a full year’s work experience and must have completed a statistics course within the past 7 years.

The University also offers a BRIDGE MS in Nursing program for nurses with an associates degree or for non-nurses with a bachelors degree in another field. Admission requirements for these students includes the completion of 4 BRIDGE courses before progressing into graduate level courses, and applicants must also meet all of the requirements above for applicants to the MSN program.

In the MSN program, students complete the core courses before beginning Nurse Education or Gerontology. Students must earn at least 3.0 in graduate nursing courses. Students work in cohort groups to complete group projects. Part-time students can complete the Nursing Education track or Gerontological track in three years. This program is unique because students may choose their culminating experience from graduate project in nursing, a graduate thesis, continuing thesis or project, or comprehensive exam. Also, two fellowships are offered to MSN students who can have a portion of their tuition paid with these funds.

Dominican University of California: RN to MSN Program Review

Dominican University of California

50 Acacia Avenue

San Rafael, California 94901

Dominican University of California is a private Catholic university located in San Rafael, less than 15 miles north of San Francisco at 50 Acacia Avenue. It was established in 1890 and is one of the oldest universities in the state. Dominican University was rated as one of the best Regional Universities in the West at 37^th. It is a small college with only around 970 postgraduate students. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at the University with a concentration of Clinical Nurse Leader. There is also an Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN program offered for Registered Nurses who want to complete their MSN.

Dominican University of California’s MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program provides training for the nurse with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing who wants to pursue a career in any healthcare setting. Unique features of this program are that students meet one time each week on a weekday, and they have opportunities for international clinical experiences. A minimum of 400 clinical hours are required. Students work in a cohort and receive support from faculty since this is a very small university. Also, GRE scores are not required, but they are taken into consideration when evaluating applicants for admission.

Admission requirements are a BSN and a grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 credits of coursework. Applicants must submit an official transcript, a resume and Statement of Purpose or Intent, and two recommendation letters. A copy of the applicant’s California RN licensure is also required, as is an interview with the nursing faculty. The program is finished as soon as all required courses and a capstone project are completed.

Dominican University’s Accelerated ADN/RN to MSN program is an accelerated program designed for nurses who want an advanced nursing career. Training includes the first year of bridge work, and then masters level courses are taken. Admission to the program is on an individual basis by the nursing faculty.

Holy Names University: RN to MSN Program Review

Holy Names University

3500 Mountain Blvd.

Oakland, California 94619

Holy Names University (HNU) was begun by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868. It is located at 3500 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, California 94619. Today, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees are awarded by the University. With only 836 undergraduate students and 495 postgraduate students, the faculty to student ratio is low. A Masters of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) is offered at HNU with four options. These include the Clinical Faculty option, the Administration Option, and two options that lead to double degrees. These are the MSN Administration/MBA and the MSN/Forensic Psychology. A Family Nurse Practitioner program is also offered at the University.

The advantage of the MSN at Holy Names University is that courses are offered one weekend a month on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on campus and by interactive video. Students enrolled in dual degree programs must take additional courses one additional weekend each month. These two programs can be completed in two years. Program requirements for these advanced nursing programs are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a bachelors degree in another field, which qualifies the applicant for the Pathway program, RN licensure, two recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a written personal statement.

The MSN Clinical Faculty option provides training for nurses who want to join a clinical faculty with a masters degree. The curriculum includes MSN core courses plus 20 education credits. A MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner option requires 45 credits, including 12 credits of clinical practice as Registered Nurses to prepare for an advanced nursing career providing primary care to patients of all ages.

The Pathway Program to the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner option provides the undergraduate nursing courses to students with a bachelors degree in another field. After students complete these courses and gain their licensure as Registered Nurses, they finish the masters level program in the concentration that they choose.

HNUs Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Forensic Psychology dual degree provide training for a career as a forensic mental health nurse. Graduates may work in prisons and state hospitals or may work in correctional community health nursing. Students attend classes one time each month Thursday through Sunday, and they complete forensic psychology coursework online. Another MSN offering at Holy Names University is a dual degree of MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program also meets one time each month from Thursday through Sunday plus one additional Saturday morning for the MBA degree. This program can be completed in two years.

Nurses who want to become administrators or managers may want to enroll in the MSN with an option for preparation as an Administrator/Manager program at Holy Cross. Twenty-eight credits in theory and 8 credits in clinical experience are required.

Loma Linda University: RN to MSN Program Review

Loma Linda University

West Hall

11262Campus Street

Loma Linda, California 92350

Loma Linda University (LLU) is located in Loma Linda at 11262 Campus Drive and is a Seventh-day Adventist university. Founded in 1905, LLU was established to provide education for nurses and physicians who worked in evangelistic medical work. The Loma Linda University Medical Center is the site of some of the clinical experience that graduate students complete in their advanced nursing training. Masters Degree (MS) programs offer Nurse Practitioner specialties, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nursing Administration concentrations. A Nurse Anesthesia program and Nurse Educator program are also offered.

Nurse Practitioner MSN degrees in Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner are concentrations that prepare primary healthcare providers to work in community and ambulatory settings. Students interested in training for the lucrative career of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist can prepare by completing this MSN program that leads to national certification so that these specialty nurses can practice in all 50 states. The Nursing Administration MSN program prepares the RN to work in leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.

LLU also offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration for MSN students seeking advanced practice nurse training. Graduates are prepared to work with any type of patient in any healthcare setting. Students choose from the Clinical Nurse specialist-Adult & Aging Family specialty or the Clinical Nurse specialist-Growing Family specialty. The Nurse Educator MSN program prepares nurses for faculty positions in nursing education. This program has specialty areas of Nurse Educator-Adult & Aging Family or Nurse Educator-Growing Family.

Loma Linda University is unique in the fact that health, science, and the Christian faith are integrated into the programs.

Mount Saint Mary’s College: RN to MSN Program Review

Mount Saint Mary’s College

12001 Chalon Rd.

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Mount Saint Mary’s College is a private Catholic college located in Los Angeles at 12001 Chalon Road. It was established in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The college has two campuses. Mount Saint Mary’s is primarily a women’s college, but men are admitted to some of the programs. U.S. News & World Report listed the college as one of the highest rated masters granting universities in the western U.S. A Masters of Nursing program is offered at the college for nurses who want to further their professional development and personal growth.

MSN concentrations offered at the college are Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. Courses are offered year round, on weekends, weekdays, evenings, and online. The program takes a minimum of 2 years to complete. Students may have either a BSN or a bachelors degree in another field with current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state. Financial aid is offered at the college in the form of a few scholarships, and students may apply for Federal financial aid. There are also outside scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs offered by some hospitals.

The Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Track provides training for students pursuing a career that promotes the health and well-being of adults of all ages. Students complete 500 clinical hours in addition to coursework. A thesis project is required at the end of the program. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience working as an RN with adults. The MSN Educator Track provides training for students as a nursing educator as students design curriculum and gain practice in all of the other aspects of teaching student nurses, staff, and patients. The MSN Leadership and Administration Track is designed to train nurses for careers as leaders and administrators in a variety of healthcare settings.

Point Loma Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program Review

Point Loma Nazarene University

3900 Lomaland Drive

San Diego, California 92106

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is located In San Diego on Point Loma at 3900 Lomaland Drive. It is a Christian college that was founded in 1902 as a Bible college by the Church of the Nazarene. A Master of Science program with clinical Nurse Specialist options is offered at the University. Options include Adult Gerontology, Family/Individual Health, Pediatrics, or Psychiatric Mental Health advanced nursing specialties.

Application requirements are either an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN). Applicants must have passed the NCLEX-RN and have at least one year’s full-time nursing experience. PLNU offers students individual attention with proactive faculty support and deeper classroom discussions on issues of ethics and spirituality. The program is designed for working nurses and is convenient because courses are held one night each week plus every other Saturday.

Students who choose advanced training for nurses who want to work with young adults and adults of all ages up to the elderly may complete their MSN with a focus on Adult Gerontology. The Family/Individual Health MSN specialty focus is designed for nurses who want to work with all family members, including women’s health and community. The Pediatrics specialty focuses on working with children, and nurses who choose the Psychiatric Mental Health concentration are prepared to work in behavioral intensive care units and other mental health nursing settings.

The MSN program at Point Loma Nazarene University is designed for nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, as well as for BSN trained nurses. Students who have not completed their BSN take transition courses before moving into the MSN program. The University offers many scholarship and financial aid opportunities to graduate students in nursing.

Samuel Merritt University: RN to MSN Program Review

Samuel Merritt University

3100 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland, California 94609

Samuel Merritt University was established in 1909 as a school of nursing. It is located in Oakland at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland at 3100 Telegraph Avenue. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing are offered at the University, including Entry level Master of Science in Nursing with career paths of Case Management and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Entry Level Master of Nursing (MSN) program is designed for those with a bachelors degree in another field who want to enter the field of nursing.

Admission requirements to the MSN program are having a bachelors degree and completing all prerequisites before entering the program. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average on the last 60 credits earned and must maintain this average of on science prerequisite courses. Two reference letters are required, and taking the TEAS exam is also required. A writing sample must also be submitted with the candidate’s application. It takes 7 semesters to complete the Case Management option and 10 semesters for the completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner program. Samuel Merritt University offers financial aid options to students.

The Entry Level MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum consists of two years or four semesters of full-time study to complete undergraduate nursing courses. The NCLEX-RN is taken after this coursework and clinical experience is completed. The student then begins the MSN courses on a part-time basis and is able to work, gaining experience as a RN. Four semesters of pre-licensure coursework are also required for the Case Management specialty. When these are completed, the student takes the NCLEX-RN for licensure and may begin working because the second half of the program is part-time as the MSN is completed in three semesters.

San Diego State University: RN to MSN Program Review

San Diego State University

Hardy Tower Rm 58

5500 Campanile Drive

San Diego, California 92182-4158

The San Diego State University (SDSU) was founded in 1897 as a normal school. Located in San Diego at Hardy Tower, Room 58, 5500 Campanile Drive, it is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the San Diego area. It is part of the California State University System. The School of Nursing has been in existence for 60 years and now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants training that will lead to a career in advanced care nursing careers. Graduates are prepared to work as nurse practitioners, midwives, clinical specialists, nurse educators, and in other roles within the community.

The RN to MSN program has four concentrations and program options for additional specialization within these concentrations. They are Community Health Nursing, Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly, Nursing Education, and Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems. Financial Aid is available to students, including a variety of nursing scholarships and federal loans. Each concentration has specific deadlines for submitting applications to the program, and these must be followed closely. Admission requirements are holding a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate upper division courses. Those who have a bachelors degree but have not majored in nursing are accepted on an individual basis.

The GRE General Test is required, as well as a grade of at least C in a statistics course. California RN licensure is also required. Also, it is preferred that applicants have one year of nursing experience before starting the concentration or specialization courses. Nurse Midwife applicants must have experience in labor and delivery. Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and Elderly students are recommended to have three years of related experience. Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems concentrations do not require work experience. An additional requirement for the School Nursing specialization is that students must have completed Communicative Disorders, Hearing Conservation, and Audiometry for School Nurses. At times, students who have not met all of the admission requirements are admitted on a conditionally classified graduate standing.

The Master of Science degree requires that 12 credits of core courses are completed. The concentration or specialization area also requires from 18 to 45 credits plus zero to 6 credits in electives. A thesis or project is completed at the end of the program, or students may opt to take the comprehensive exam.

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The Community Health Nursing concentration has the following specializations: Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Nurses who choose the concentration Advanced practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly may choose from the specialization in Acute/Critical Care Nursing. This specialization has two choices of Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist Preparation or Clinical Nurse specialist and Nurse Educator. Nurses who want to teach students nurses will want to opt for the Nursing Education concentration. They must choose from specializations in Adult Health, Maternal-Newborn, or Pediatrics. There are no specialization choices in the concentration of Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems.

SDSU offers many concentrations and specializations that are similar to individualized education plans for students because of all of the choices offered. Registered Nurses who are looking for specific features in their MSN program would benefit from completing their Master of Science in nursing degree from San Diego State University.

San Francisco State University: RN to MSN Program Review

San Francisco State University

1600 Holloway Ave. GH 357

San Francisco, California 94132-1722

San Francisco State University (San Francisco State) is located in San Francisco at 1600 Holloway Avenue and is part of the California State University system. U.S. News & World Report consistently rates it as one of the top 50 masters granting universities in the West. San Francisco State was established in 1899 as a normal school. The School of Nursing offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with several options. These include a Generic Masters as well as a program for the Registered Nurse without a bachelors degree in nursing who want to work towards a masters degree.

The RN-MSN Stanford Cohort Program is designed for working nurses. The two-year, six semester program features evening classes and individualized programs that are practical. Each cohort group of nurses completes all classes on campus and off-site together in a group. After completing bachelors degree level nursing courses and any additional requirements, students may begin masters level nursing courses.

An RN with a BSN may enter the masters program after demonstrating that he has completed courses comparable to those offered in San Francisco State’s BSN program. Applicants with bachelors degrees in another field may want to apply to the generic nursing Master of Science program to receive training for advanced nursing careers. The first five semesters in this option consist of nursing theory and clinical work as pre-licensure students. They then take the NCLEX exam for licensure in California and may begin graduate level courses. Application requirements include a score of 4 or above on the Analytical Writing section on the GRE.

The Master of Science program at the University has three emphases, which are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Administration, and Community/Public Health Nursing.

San Jose State University: RN to MSN Program Review

San Jose State University

One Washington Square

San Jose, California 95192

San Jose State University (San Jose State) is located in San Jose at One
Washington Square. It is part of the California State University and is the oldest public institution on the West Coast of the U.S. San Jose State has the highest foreign student enrollment of any masters university in the U.S. U.S. News and World Report rates the University’s graduate program in nursing as 193^rd in the nation, making The Valley Foundation School of Nursing one of the best graduate programs available.

A masters program with a major in nursing is offered at the University. A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may apply to the program. Nurses with bachelors degrees in other fields are accepted conditionally as they take prerequisite courses before entering the program. An advantage of this program is that applicants do not need to have a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate studies. These applicants are admitted on a conditional basis to take one graduate course. If they earn at least a 3.0 grade in it, they may be reevaluated for admission to the masters program. Some specialties in the program are offered online and there are also some that are webcasted so that students can access them either live or on their computers.

The Master of Science degree in Nursing program first requires that the student is admitted to the University and then to the nursing program. Applicants must have California RN licensure, and must have a BSN with a grade point average of 3.0. Prerequisite courses include a statistics course, Principles of Economics or its equivalent, and students must also show competency in writing by taking the Writing Skills Test. A co-requisite is Introduction to Technology. There are three different options in the program, which are Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Informaticist. The majority of students in the program work full-time and complete the MSN on a part-time basis.

United States University: RN to MSN Program Review

United States University

830 Bay Blvd.

Chula Vista, California 91911

United States University (USU) is a for-profit university in San Diego that specializes in nursing. It was established in 1997 and began as a non-profit organization to help immigrants transfer their degrees. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is offered at the University with various options for students. The University is located at 830 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA 91911 and at campuses in San Diego County (National City) and Orange County (Cypress).

An Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program is offered at USU. Admission requirements are that the applicant must have a bachelors degree from an accredited university or the equivalent of a US bachelors degree. A grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester credits is required, as well as the TEAS test with a minimum score of 73 percent. The test may be taken only three time per year. Prerequisite courses must be completed with at least a C+, and science courses must have been taken in the last 7 years. Applicants must also submit a written state of purpose, one professional recommendation, and an interview with the Admissions Committee is required.

The MSN-FNP program at the University provides training for Registered Nurses with BA or BS degrees who want a career in advanced practice nursing. The degree can be completed in 24 months. The unique aspects of this program are that classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays. Students must complete 49 credits and complete 720 clinical hours that are arranged individually. A Family Health Project is the culminating activity of the program. Admission requirements are an active, unencumbered RN license, a grade point average of 2.5 in undergraduate courses, and a personal goal statement. Official transcripts must also be submitted. Minimum TOEFL scores are 550 for paper based, 213 for computer based, or 80 for Internet based tests.

The MSN-Administrator option is offered at the San Diego County (National City) campus of USU and at Orange County (Cypress) campus. It is also possible to complete this degree completely online. The program consists of 7 core courses, 5 specialization courses, and no clinical courses are required. Admission requirements are an active, RN license, undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5, official transcripts, and a personal goal statement.

USU also offers a MSN-Educator option for nurses interested in training so that they can teach student nurses in the future. This program is offered at the San Diego County (National City) and Orange County (Cypress) campuses. Only 7 core courses and 5 specialization courses are required with no clinical courses. Admission requirements are an active RN license, a grade point average of 2.5, official transcripts, and a goal statement.

University of California-Los Angeles: RN to MSN Program Review

University of California-Los Angeles

700 Tiverton Avenue, PO Box 951702

Los Angeles, California 90095

The University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles. Located at 700 Tiverton Avenue, it was established in 1919 as a normal school. UCLA has won many global rankings, including being rated as 13^th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and many others. U.S. rankings have been equally outstanding, with U.S. News and World Report rating it 2^nd among public universities, tied with The University of Virginia.

A Master of Science in Nursing Advance Practice and Master of Science in Nursing Masters Entry Clinical Nurse programs are offered at UCLA. U.S. News and World Report lists the UCLA nursing program as one of the top Nursing Graduate Schools in the nation. The School of Nursing has competitive admission.

One of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at the University is the MSN Masters Entry Clinical Nurse program. Admission requirements are a BSN degree, completion of prerequisite courses with at least a grade of C in each, and a scholarship record satisfactory to the Graduate Division and to the School of Nursing. Applicants must also have three recommendation letters submitted. Clinical rotations begin in the first spring quarter, and they may be on Saturdays and in the evening. At the completion of the program, all students completing masters degrees must take a comprehensive exam.

A second MSN program is also offered at UCLA, which is the Master of Science in Nursing-Advanced Practice. This is a two-year program that provides training for nursing advanced practice careers. Students may become nurse administrators, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists after completing this MSN program.

The following concentrations and specialties are offered at UCLA:

Nursing Administration with concentrations of Nursing Administration Specialty, Nursing Administration/Occupational and Environmental Health, or MBA/MSN in Nursing Administration Specialty

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Population with a specialization of Adult/Gerontology-Acute Care Specialty and Oncology Specialty

Family Population with specializations of Family Nurse Practitioner or Underserved Populations Subspecialty 2009

Pediatric Population with the specialization of Pediatric Specialty

Graduating from UCLAs School of Nursing MSN program often leads to many job offers in the specialty areas that students have completed in their graduate studies.

University of California-San Francisco: RN to MS Program Review

The University of California-San Francisco

2 Koret Way, #N-319X

UCSF Box 0602

San Francisco, California 94143-0602

The University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) is a highly regarded health center where education, patient care, and health sciences research take place. The nursing program is part of a graduate school that is rated of the top health science professional schools in the world. U.S. News and World Report ranks the UCSF Medical Center as one of the top 10 hospitals in the U.S. Established in 1873, the University has a large number of graduate students, including RN to MSN students. USFC is located at 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, California 94143-0602.

The University’s Master of Science (MS) program provides training for many different advanced practice roles as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse-midwife, administrator, educator, and consultant. Core courses are required for all specialty areas, and students also complete coursework related to their specialization. To qualify for graduation, students must have completed 30 to 36 credits plus 8 credits of graduate professional work. They must also take a written comprehensive exam, or in some cases, a thesis. MS students are usually taking courses on campus two or three days each week, and clinically intensive specialty areas require a third or fourth day each week for clinical rotations. Areas of Masters Specialization offered at UCSF include the following:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing

Advanced Practice Pediatric Nursing

Advanced Practice Public Health Nursing

Cardiovascular Nursing

Critical Care Trauma

Family Nurse Practitioner

Gerontological Advanced Practice Nursing

Health Policy Nursing

Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing and Health Systems Leadership

Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing

Oncology Nursing, Advanced Practice

Perinatal Nursing

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

Admission requirements include official transcripts of bachelors degree work in nursing and current RN licensure in California or in another state. Applicants must be proficient in English and must complete a statistics course. The applicant’s grade point average must be 3.0 or above, and one year of work experience is desirable. This program has many positive features, including the wide variety of specialty areas that train students for careers in nursing.

University of California-Davis Health System: RN to MSN Program Review

University of California-Davis Health System

Education Building

4610 X Street

Sacramento, California 95817

The University of California-David Health System (UC Davis) was established in 2009 with the goal of transforming health care through nursing education and research. The School of Nursing is part of the UC Davis Health System that also includes the UC Davis School of Medicine, the hospital and clinical services of UC Davis Medical Center, and the UC Davis Medical Group consisting of 800 physicians. UC Davis offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, located in the Education Building at 4610 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95817.

Application requirements include forwarding official transcripts and having recommendation letters submitted. It is necessary to have active current licensure as a RN and to submit a resume to the University. Other requirements are a grade point average of at least 3.0, and applicants must explain any publications they have had or awards that they have received, and they must also describe their research interest and submit a statement of purpose. Other requirements in the application process are to explain future goals and to submit a personal history statement.

Nurses accepted into the program must enroll full-time. The program is expected to be completed in five quarters with a sixth quarter option available if needed. The program culminates with a masters thesis. MSN program options are Family Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant or Master of Science in Nursing-Health Care Leadership.

University of California-Irvine: RN to MS Program Review

University of California-Irvine

252 Berk Hall

Irvine, California 92697-3959

The University of California-Irvine ( UC Irvine), founded in 1965, is located in Irvine California. It is part of the University of California system and is a public research university. The UC Irvine Medical Center is a large teaching hospital affiliated with the University. The Nursing Science department at the UC Irvine offers a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program with an emphasis on research and expanded view of health that includes health promotion, restoration, and rehabilitation.

The MS program requires nurses to choose an area of advanced nursing practice that they would like to focus on for their future career. Training consists of two choices of concentrations, which are Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track or the Family Nurse Practitioner track. Both of these tracks require that students complete core courses plus the specialty courses that are related to their chosen specialty area. A total of 72 credits are required plus 720 hours of clinical practice. The full-time program takes two years to complete.

Students graduating from the Family Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for the certification exam for their specialty. Nurses who complete the Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for both the adult and geriatric nurse practitioner certification exams. Students in the nurse practitioner program may apply for loans and may qualify for graduate nursing scholarships at UCI.

University of San Diego: RN to MSN Program Review

University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park

San Diego, California 92110

The University of San Diego (USD) is located in San Diego at 5998 Alcala Park and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees are offered at the University that was founded in 1949. The University has received numerous rankings, including a rating of 97^th among “National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report and 37^th in the West by Forbes. The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science Graduate Programs in Nursing were names among the top 10% of programs by U.S. News and World Report.

USD offers a Masters Entry Program in Nursing for those who have a bachelors degree but are not Registered Nurses. The program is demanding and provides training for individuals who want a career in nursing. The curriculum consists of five terms and takes 21 months of full-time study to complete as students take bachelors level nursing courses and masters level nursing courses and complete clinical experience. At the end of the program, graduates receive their masters degree in clinical nursing and are able to take the NCLEX for national certification. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the clinical Nurse Leader certificate exam.

Admission requirements are having a bachelors degree, completing the requisite courses, and having a grade point average of at least 3.0 on undergraduate and prerequisite work. Official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a resume, and at least 100 hours of experience as a volunteer in a health care setting observing a registered nurse are required. The GRE general test is recommended, but it is not required.

SDU also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. There are seen areas of emphasis, which are the following:

Executive Nurse Leader

Health Care Informatics

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner

Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner

Family/Lifespan Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Additional MSN options are the following:

Nursing Education Option

Latino Health Care Option

Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care Option

This program is unique in all of the specialty areas that it offers, including the three that are not usually available at most universities. Also, SDU is known for its international study opportunities for graduate students.

University of San Francisco: RN to MSN Program Review

University of San Francisco

2130 Fulton Street

San Francisco, California 94117-1080

The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Catholic university in San Francisco. It was founded in 1855 by the Jesuits and is one of the country’s top Jesuit universities. Graduate students have opportunities for international travel and for service opportunities for volunteer service. Flexible class schedules are offered for working nurses, and the program’s small size enables students to work closely with faculty. Several masters degrees in nursing are offered, including an Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health, and MSN Clinical Nurse Leader.

Financial aid is available through the federal government, and graduate nursing scholarships are also sometimes available. Most of USFs graduate programs are offered at the main campus at 2130 Fulton Street in San Francisco, but a few courses may be offered at the University’s other four campus branches. Each applicant to the program is considered individually, and there are not fixed GRE or other test scores required.

The MSN degree is offered by the Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions for four different types of individuals. These are the following:

MSN Program for the Non-Nurse (MSN Clinical Nurse Leader)

MSN Programs for the RN (RN Associate Degrees in Nursing or diplomas) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

RN (BSN) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

RN (BA/BS Non-nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

Online MSN

The MSN Program for the Non-Nurse is an entry-level nursing program consisting of 68 units. It is completed in two years and requires full-time training of coursework three days each week and clinical experience two days each week. Admission requirements are a grade point average of 3.0 or better, submission of official transcripts, personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Applicants must also submit a resume and students must complete 32 credits of prerequisite courses. A MSN project is required to complete the program that is offered only at the San Francisco campus.

The Registered Nurse (RN) (Associates in Nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (RN-MSN) is an accelerated program designed for students to receive training for a career as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Students complete undergraduate upper level nursing courses plus masters level nursing courses for a total of 46 credits. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, submit official transcripts and two letters of recommendation. A personal statement, resume and a copy of the applicant’s RN license must also be submitted. This program is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Regional Campus, and at the San Jose Regional Campus.

The applicant who has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) will want to apply to the Registered Nurse (RN) BSN to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program. Admission requirements include the submission of official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and must also submit a copy of their RN license. This program is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Regional Campus, San Jose Regional Campus, and at the Pleasanton Regional Campus.

USF also offers a RN (BA/BS Non-nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program. It is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Campus, San Jose Campus, and at the Pleasanton Regional Campus. Admission requirements are having at least a 3.0 grade point average, submitting official transcripts, a resume and personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a copy of their RN license. The program consists of 40 credits.

The Online MSN program is designed for the Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) or BSN nurse and can be completed in as little as two years. Students complete coursework online and their clinical experience in healthcare settings near their home.

University of Southern California: RN to MS in Nurse Anesthesia Program Review

University of Southern California

Keck School of Medicine

Department of Anesthesiology

1540 Alcazar Street CHP #223

Los Angeles, CAalifornia 90089-9012

The University of Southern California (USC) offers one Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MS) option which is the Nurse Anesthesia Program that is offered at the USC Keck School of Medicine at 1540 Alcazar Street. Courses are offered at the Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles and at the USC Medical Center. The program is rigorous and has prerequisites such as a minimum of one year of critical care experience, a grade point average of at least 3.0, and a minimum GRE score of 1,000 or a Quantitative score of at least 153 and Verbal score of at least 144. Applicants must also have a combination of inorganic, organic, and biochemistry coursework, an Introductory Physics course, Statistics or Nursing Research, Anatomy, Physiology, and Health Assessment. Three recommendation letters plus a copy of the applicant’s California RN license must also be submitted.

The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program provides training for nurses who will be able to provide anesthesia to patients after completing 45 credits. A research capstone project is required at the completion of the program. It takes two to two and one-half years to complete the program, including clinical residency courses. USC invites 50 students who have applied to the program to interview with them, and out of these, 16 are chosen for the program. To be more competitive, applicants need high GRE scores and two to three years of ICU experience in a high acuity setting. Shadowing nurse anesthetists in a hospital setting is also recommended.

West Coast University: RN to MS Program Review

West Coast University

12215 Victory Blvd.

North Hollywood, California 91606

West Coast University (WCU) has campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, Orange County, and Dallas. The Los Angeles offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing. West Coast University was established over 100 years ago and has expanded since that time. In 2006, the Los Angeles campus began classes.

The University’s MS in Nursing provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) to move into a career as a nurse educator or into a leadership career. The curriculum requires 36 credits and is designed for the working nurse. A concentrated, full-time program can be completed in only 15 months. Courses are offered in blended format, requiring students to be on campus for the first and last meetings of the 10-week term. In between this time, courses are delivered online. Admission requirements are having a 3.0 grade point average from all undergraduate coursework or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or bachelors degree in a related field. Also accepted are grade of 90% on HESI-A2 or 1000 on the GRE. Applicants must have a BSN or a bachelors degree in a related field and a current RN license.

The core courses WCU’s Masters in Nursing program prepare graduates for future advanced nursing roles in staff development, academic faculty positions, nursing quality improvement and case management, staff development, and project management. Students may decide how quickly they want to complete their masters degree at WCU.

Western University of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review

Western University of Health Sciences

309 E. Second St.

Pomona, California 91766-1854

Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is allocated in Pomona and has another medical school campus in Lebanon, Oregon. It is a non-profit graduate school for the health professions that was established in 1977. The University originally opened as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Several Master of Science (MSN) programs are offered, including a MSN-Entry program, Bachelor of Science (BSN) to Master of Science (MSN), Master of Science (MSN) to Family Nurse Practitioner, Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) to MSN, and MSN Completion program. Unique features of the MSN program are that students begin clinical experiences early in their studies and they work in many different clinical settings from rural to inner city practices.

Students in all MSN programs must choose a specialty area for a concentration while working on their masters degree. These are the following:

Health Systems Leadership-Clinical Nurse Leader

Health Systems Leadership-Administrative Nurse Leader

Ambulatory Care

Family Nurse Practitioner

Western U’s MSN-Entry program provides training for those who already have a bachelors degree in another field and want to become nurses and earn their Master of Science (MSN) Admission requirements include a BA or BS and a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must also meet minimum technical standards. All prerequisite courses must be completed as well. Students complete nursing coursework and clinical experience for 16 months to prepare for the NCLEX national exam required for licensure. This portion of the program takes place at the University campus so that students have access to simulation labs and assistance from faculty members.

A unique feature of the University is the Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD) that provides individual and group peer tutoring sessions as well as stress relief sessions. Workshops on topics like test taking skills, time management, and review courses to prepare for the NCLEX are offered. Students should plan on spending around 55 hours on coursework and clinical practice during the pre-licensure portion of this program. After that, students work as professional nurses as they continue their graduate studies on a full-time basis. This portion of the program is offered online.

BSN nurses may enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing-BSN to MSN program. It is offered full-time and can be completed in this way in only two years. A part-time program is also available. This program is web-based and is self-directed learning. Weekend seminars take place at the campus at 309 E. Second St, Pomona, California two times each semester, and students complete their clinical training near their home. Students work on group projects with classmates via email and phone, and they must spend two weekends each semester on campus.

Admission requirements are a BSN, but occasionally applicants with degrees in another area are admitted. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester credits taken, and a statistics course is also required. In addition, applicants must be currently licensed nurses in the area where clinical practice will occur. One year of experience working as an RN is also required in addition to meeting minimum technical standards.

WesternU also offers a Combined MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program that can be completed online according to the schedule of the nurse student. Intensive seminar weekends at the Pomona Campus plus clinical experiences make it possible for nurses with BSN degrees to obtain their MSN and Family Nurse Practitioner certificate in only two full years full-time or in three years of part-time studies.

Admission requirements are having a BSN, but bachelors degrees in related fields are considered. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their last 60 semester credits, a statistics course completed, and must be currently licensed as an RN in the area where clinical hours will be completed. One year of experience working as a RN is also required. Also, applicants must have minimum technical skills. Students accepted into the program should expect to spend time on coursework each week plus about 10 hours on clinical work.

Another RN to MSN program offered at WesternU is the Master of Science in Nursing Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) to MSN program. Designed for the RN who want to advance in their nursing career, this program provides training for advanced practice nursing careers. With this program, students have the opportunity of advancing through the program without earning a BSN. They take upper level bachelors degree nursing courses and then advance to the masters program. The program is designed so that students are able to continue working and complete coursework online. Two weekend visits to the Pomona campus per semester for intensive seminars are required, and clinical experience is completed in the student’s home area.

Admission requirements for the RN to MSN program are completing the prerequisite courses, and the applicant must have an Associate Degree in Nursing and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 semester credits. A current RN license is required, and students who do not have one year of experience are expected to work while completing the program. Access to a computer and meeting minimum technical standards is expected, as is proficiency in English.

Another MSN option offered at WesternU is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-Completion). Offered for BSN nurses who are Nurse Practitioners who want an MSN degree, the program can be completed in one year full-time or on a part-time basis. Students learn with a web-based curriculum and self-directed learning and spend two weekends each semester for intense seminars at the Pomona campus. Admission requirements include a BSN, but bachelors degrees in related fields are individually considered.

Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their last 60 semester credits and must have taken a statistics courses and earned at least a C in it. It is also necessary to have Advanced Practice licensure and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or in another area. Licensure as an RN is needed in the state where clinical practice will occur, and one year of experience as a RN is required. Applicants must have computer access and meet minimum technical standards.

Colorado MSN Programs

Aspen University: RN to MSN Program Review
Aspen University, 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 1150N, Denver, Colorado 80246
Aspen University offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. A RN to MSN Bridge Program is also offered at the University. Both programs are offered online. Aspen University offers these courses at affordable tuition rates lower than many other online programs charge per credit. Degrees of all levels are offered, including associate degrees, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Financial aid is offered in the form of Stafford loans. Many MSN students qualify for tuition reimbursement from their employers.

The masters program at Aspen University prepares nurses for advanced nursing careers that they will qualify for after completing this program. Students receive training needed to fill roles as nurse educators, clinical practice specialists, and as nurse managers. Two specialty areas are offered at Aspen. These are nursing administration and management and nursing education. By working through an online classroom, students connect with other nurses and with their professors. Academic advisors are available online as well.

Nurses may take up to three courses at once, but many students take only one or two courses at a time. Both programs are designed for students to progress at their own pace, and most masters in nursing students finish the program in 12 to 30 months. Proctored exams are required at the middle point and end of the MSN program, and MSN Bridge students require a comprehensive exam at the end of the program. Exams are open book and essay type tests that can take up to four hours to complete.

Admission requirements include a high diploma, a resume, and a goal statement. Registered Nurses who enter the MSN Bridge program must have an associates degree in nursing. Other admission requirements for the RN to MSN Bridge program are that the student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or better in their associates degree work. They must also complete 50 credits of liberal arts coursework and be currently licensed as a RN in the United States. One year of nursing experience is also required, as well as three reference letters. Nurses who want to enter the MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. They must be currently licensed as a RN in the United States and have at least a year of nursing experience after receiving their baccalaureate nursing degree.

Colorado State University-Pueblo: RN to MS Program Review

Colorado State University-Pueblo

CSU-Pueblo

2200 Bonforte Blvd.

Pueblo, Colorado 81001-4901

Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) is located at 2200 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo, Colorado 81001-4901. It is a member of the Colorado State University System. It is considered to be the fastest growing university in the state. The University offers small classes and a student to faculty ratio of 18:1. The Department of Nursing at CSU-Pueblo offers a Master of Science (MS) with a major in Nursing with the concentration of Nurse Educator. Other programs leading to Nurse Practitioner careers are offered through doctoral programs at the University.

The MS-Nurse Educator program prepares nurses for a career teaching in universities and health care facilities. Besides teaching student nurses, masters students learn to plan and facilitate staff development activities in health care facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the National league Certified Nurse Educator Examination. Two years of full-time study are required to complete the program, including two summer sessions totaling 44 credits.

Admission requirements are that the applicant must have a bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above. Current licensure as a RN in Colorado is also required. Applicants must pass criminal history background check and have all of the necessary immunizations and a Health Care Provider CPR certificate. Three recommendations are also required, and the applicant must submit a letter of intent and a Curriculum Vitae. Applicants who live in the Southern Colorado area are given preferential admission, as are nurses with more than two years of nursing experience. Nurse educators who have over a year of teaching in this capacity are also given preferential admission, as are graduates of CSU-Pueblo.

Regis University: RN to MS Program Review

Regis University

3333 Regis Boulevard

Denver, Colorado 80221-1099

Regis University is a Jesuit university of the Roman Catholic faith located in Denver, Colorado at 333 Regis Boulevard that was established in 1877. Regis University’s Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions Loretto Heights School of Nursing offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing. The MS program in nursing prepares students for careers in advanced nursing positions as managers or educators. Regis University offers nursing courses online and on campus as well.

The Master of Science: Leadership in Health Care Systems program is designed for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in nursing who wants a career in nursing management or education. This program is offered one night each week and online. Before completing the program and taking national certification exams, nurses must take the University’s Masters Comprehensive Evaluation. This exam is designed to assess the student’s understanding of the theories, principles, and protocols of the masters nursing program. Students are graded on a Pass or No-Pass basis.

The RN interested in a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner may apply to Regis University’s Master of Science: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program that is offered online. At the completion of the program, graduates take the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Examination. At the end of the program, students must take a Masters Comprehensive Evaluation, and are graded with a Pass or No-Pass grade. This exam must be passed before the RN qualifies for graduation. Applicants to the program must have a bachelors degree in nursing.

The Master of Science, Nursing (MS) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program offered at Regis University provides training for nurses who want to pursue a career working with newborn infants that have health problems. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 2.75 or above and a current RN license. Also, two years of Level 3 NICU experience is required. The program takes two years to complete, and students meet one day each week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Online courses are also part of the program. The MS concentrations at the University are a convenient combination of in-class and online studies.

A RN to MS (Registered Nurse to Master of Science) in nursing program is offered by Regis University for the Registered Nurse with an associates degree who wants to complete the upper level courses of the bachelors degree program as well as the MS program in education or in management. Nurse Practitioner options are not offered in the RN to MS option.

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: RN to MS Program Review

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) is located in Colorado Springs and is part of the University of Colorado system. U.S. News and World Report has ranked UCCS as Number 6 of public universities in the Masters Universities-West category. It has been rated among the top ten for the past ten years. The University was founded in 1965 and is located at 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. The Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program. Two options are available in the masters degree nursing program. These are Nurse Practitioner (Adult/Gero or Family) or Nursing Education.

Program requirements are the completion of 38 to 47 credits with at least a grade of B in all nursing courses and successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam or a Thesis. A bachelors degree in nursing is one of the admission requirements, and students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all undergraduate course work. Prerequisite courses of Introduction to Statistics, Nursing Research, and Health Assessment must also be completed. The applicant must have current licensure as a Registered Nurse and must submit a Curriculum Vitae with an application. Computer technology skills are also required, and if the applicant is not a native English speaker, a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language is also required.

Nurse Practitioner students with an Adult/Gero focus must complete 47 credits plus 630 contact hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires that 46 credits plus 630 contact hours are completed. Nursing Education students must complete 38 credits, including 225 hours of practicum.

University of Colorado-Denver: RN to MS Program Review

University of Colorado-Denver

13120 East 19^th Avenue

Aurora, Colorado 80045

The University of Colorado-Denver (UC Denver) is located in Denver, Colorado at 13120 East 19^th Avenue. It is one of three schools in the University of Colorado system. One of the University’s campuses is located in the downtown area at the Auraria Campus. The other is at the Anschultz Medical Campus in Aurora, which is also the location of the University of Colorado Hospital. This medical facility is affiliated with Children’s Hospital, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, and the Denver Health Medical Center. The University was founded in 1898 and awards more graduate degrees than any other college or university in the state.

UC Denver’s College of Nursing was the first in the country to offer a nurse practitioner and school nurse program in 1965. The College of Nursing was rated 15^th in the United States by U.S. News and World Report for its masters program and 5^th in the country for its Pediatric Nurse Practitioner option. A Master of Science program is offered with specialties as follows:

Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner

Health Care Informatics

Nurse Midwifery

Pediatric Nursing Leadership and Special Needs

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Special Studies

Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner

One of the features of this University is that many specialties are available for Registered Nurses who are interested in training for an advanced nursing position. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing and four reference letters. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of at least C or higher. Applicants must submit a copy of their current RN license, and those accepted into the program must obtain their nursing license in Colorado before beginning clinical experience. A grade point average on all college-level work is expected to be at least 3.0. If an applicant’s grade point average is lower, the GRE is highly recommended.

University of Northern Colorado: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Northern Colorado

Gunter Hall 3080, Box 125

Greeley, Colorado 80639

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is located at Gunter Hall 3080, Box 125, Greeley, Colorado 80639. The University has a satellite campus in Lowry in Denver, Colorado as well. The University was established in 1889 as a normal school. The National Institute for Nursing Education & Scholarships is an organization that sets standards for teaching and learning in the field of nursing. UNC offers a masters program in Family Nurse Practitioner, nurse educator, and a masters program with training to prepare Clinical Nurse Leaders in advanced generalist practice.

The Master of Science: Nursing (MS Nursing) with a Family Nurse Practitioner Emphasis provides training for nurses to enter this advanced nursing career after graduation. The program is designed for the working RN who must attend classes only one day each week. Some courses are taught online, and the program is offered only on a part-time basis. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on baccalaureate level, two reference letters, and a goal statement. One year of clinical experience is preferred.

The Education Emphasis MS program prepares the RN with a bachelors degree in nursing to work in an academic or in-service setting with clinical emphasis in case management of the chronically ill child or adult. Either full-time or part-time programs are available. Admission requirements are CPR certification, background check, and health policies. The third concentration of Clinical Nurse Specialist in Chronic Illness Emphasis prepares the post-baccalaureate RN to care for the chronically ill adult or child. This program is also available on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Connecticut MSN Programs

Fairfield University: RN to MSN Program Review
Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university that was founded in 1942. It is one of the 28 colleges and universities that are members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Fairfield University has received many positive ratings, including U.S. News America’s Best Colleges rating at Number 2 in the Northeast Regional Universities. One option for nursing students at Fairfield is the V.A. Nursing Academy, a program affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Fairfield University is one of ten universities in the country with this program that provides scholarships and financial assistance in exchange for working at a VA facility in the U.S.

There are three different tracks in the Master of Science in Nursing at the University. One of these is MS in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader Track. This advanced nursing practice track prepares the RN to work at health promotion and disease prevention and to meet the needs of an aging population. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing, or if they have a bachelors degree in another area, a bridge course is required. It takes about three years to complete the program that is taken on a part-time basis. Students generally attend classes one night each week, and additional coursework is online. Students are admitted on the basis of their transcripts, an interview, essay, and references.

Fairfield’s MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Track provides training for the RN who wants to provide primary care to all members of the family. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants who are not an RN, but have a bachelors degree in another field are sometimes admitted after having their credentials examined. Applicants must submit a professional resume, an admission essay, their official transcripts, two recommendation forms and letters, and a copy of their current Connecticut RN license.

The third track offered at Fairfield University is the MS in Nursing, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Track. Students complete training for advanced practice nursing careers working in inpatient, community-based, and private settings. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Those with bachelors degrees in another field are considered on an individual basis. A professional resume, admission essay, official transcripts, two recommendation forms and letters, and a copy of the applicant’s Connecticut RN license must be submitted. Many students in all three MS concentrations receive financial aid.

Hospital of St. Raphael: RN to MS Program Review

Hospital of St. Raphael

School of Nurse Anesthesia

1423 Chapel Street

New Haven, Connecticut 06511-4458

The Hospital of St. Raphael School of Anesthesia is located at 1423 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511-4458. The program consists of 29 months of coursework at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain and at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven. The first 12 months of the program are full-time, and the student attends courses at Central Connecticut State University before beginning the clinical phase. The clinical phase takes 17 months to complete at the Hospital of Saint Raphael and other clinical sites. Graduates of the program receive the Master of Science in Biology/Anesthesia from CCSU. They also receive a certificate from the Hospital of Saint Raphael School of Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates may then take the exam for certification as a registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing or the RN may have a bachelors degree in biology, chemistry, or another related field. A grade point average of at least 3.0 is required, as well as a current license in one of the 50 states as a RN. Applicants must also have at least one year’s acute care experience. Prerequisite courses are two four-credit chemistry that includes inorganic/general and organic chemistry or biochemistry, two four-credit courses in anatomy and physiology, and one microbiology course. A course in pharmacology is encouraged. Applicants with a grade point average under 3.5 must take the GRE.

CCSU offers guaranteed student loans for the didactic portion of the program. Also, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists also offers loans and grants to students with financial problems or those who meet unexpected educational costs.

New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia: RN to MS Program Review

New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia

100 Grand Street

New Britain, Connecticut 06050

New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia offers a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences: Anesthesia. Graduates of the program are qualified to take the national certification exam for licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The New Britain School of Nurse Anesthesia is located at 100 Grand Street, New Britain, Connecticut 06050. The program is a 29 month full-time program that begins with 12 months of classes at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). After that, the clinical phase of 17 months must be completed. Clinical sites are at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, Hartford Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, or Connecticut Children’s Hospital.

Students complete over 700 cases and over 2,000 hours during the program. This MS program requires either a Thesis or Oral Comprehensive Exam/Clinical Seminar towards the end of the program. Admission requirements are a RN license in one of the 50 states, at least two years of nursing experience in critical care, certification in basic and advanced life support, and a bachelors degree in nursing or a baccalaureate degree in another science accepted by the Admissions committee. Prerequisite courses are two semesters of chemistry with one semester of inorganic/general and one semester of organic/biochemistry, two semesters of human anatomy and physiology, and one semester of microbiology. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and three professional reference letters. A personal interview with the Admissions Committee is required, but the GRE or MAT exams are not needed.

Southern Connecticut State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Southern Connecticut State University

501 Crescent Street

New Haven, Connecticut 06515

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is located in new Haven, Connecticut at 502 Crescent Street. It is one of four state universities in the state and was founded in 1893 as a normal school. SCSU offers a Masters Degree in Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Family Nurse Practitioner programs. Admission requirements for the MS program are a bachelors degree in nursing with at least a 3.0 average. Prerequisite courses are statistics, nursing research methods, and health assessment. Applicants must submit a copy of their RN license, two reference letters, and an essay. A personal interview with the Department of Nursing is also required.

The Family Nurse Practitioner Program is designed for the Registered Nurse with a bachelors degree in nursing. This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program requires 45 to 48 credits to complete plus 660 clinical hours as the student receives training in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health. A Nurse Educator MSN Program is also offered at SCSU. Students accepted into the program complete 24 credits of core courses and 18 specialization credits to prepare nurses to teach nurses in training. A thesis or special project must be completed to be eligible for graduation.

The Clinical Nurse Leader MSN program provides training for the RN in this newest advanced practice role. Forth-two credits are required plus a thesis or special project. Also, 500 clinical hours are required. The Clinical Nurse Leader is qualified to work with any patient in most healthcare settings. Both full-time and part-time studies are available. and classes are one day each week on Tuesday. Southern Connecticut State University also offers a bridge program for the RN with a bachelors degree in another field who wants to complete the MSN program. Applicants may take the NLN Challenge Exam for Baccalaureate Students to opt out of courses if they pass the exam in that area. Nurses also have the option of completing their bachelors degree in nursing before entering the masters program in nursing.

University of Connecticut: RN to MS Program Review

University of Connecticut

231 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2026

Storrs, Connecticut 06269

The University of Connecticut, located at 231 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2026, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, is a public research university that was founded in 1881. Known as UConn, the University has six campuses. It is rated as a Tier 1 University by U.S. News and World Report. The UConn School of Nursing offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing with specialty tracks in the following areas:

Adult/Gero Acute Care

Neonatal Acute Care

Adult/Gero Primary Care

Clinical Nurse Leader

Family Nurse Practitioner

RN to Masters

The Registered Nurse (RN) can find training for advanced nursing practice at UConn by completing the MS program. The application process is that an official transcript must be submitted, along with the Graduate School Application and a copy of the applicant’s nursing license. A copy of the curriculum vitae, a personal letter of application, and residency affidavit must also be submitted. Full-time or part-time programs are available, but the full-time program is encouraged because of the educational advantage plus access to financial aid. Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Federal Nurse Traineeship tuition assistance, and university scholarships and financial aid opportunities are all available for graduate nursing students. Classes are held one time each week for three to four hours, mostly at the Storrs Campus. The RN completes clinical practice throughout the state.

The RN to MS program is for the nurse with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who is licensed as a RN in Connecticut. Up to 30 credits are awarded for previously completed college courses. Students complete bachelors degree level nursing courses and must finish all prerequisite courses before beginning masters level courses.

UConn also offers a Masters Entry Into Nursing (MEIN) Accelerated Pre-Licensure Program is designed for those with a bachelors degree in an area other than nursing. It takes about three years to complete the program, and after the one-year MEIN program, the student is awarded a bachelors degree in nursing. The student is then eligible to take the NCLEX for a RN license before beginning the masters program in nursing.

A unique feature of UConn’s nursing program is the Study Abroad option. Two options are Cape Town, South Africa for a full semester studying Maternity/Pediatric Nursing or in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a semester of Adult Acute Care/Psychiatric Nursing. Other travel abroad choices are also available. The University also offers an Urban Service Track. Students chosen to participate in this program are awarded tuition assistance in return for service in the community.

University of Hartford: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Hartford

200 Bloomfield Avenue

West Hartford, Connecticut 06117-1599

The University of Hartford (U of H) was founded in 1957 as a university for the community. Located at 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117-1599, it has grown into a large residential campus with over 30 graduate degree programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing with three focuses. These are public health nursing, nursing education, and nursing management. The Public Health Nursing (Masters) program provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants to work in the community in schools, home care, or community and global health agencies.

This program has the advantage of allowing students to personalize their program of study to meet their individual career goals. Students choose from international travel opportunities, partnerships with faculty, practical experiences, and scholarly projects to design their MS program. Admission requirements are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0, or the completion of 6 graduate level credits with a 3.0 grade point average. Applicants must have a RN license in Connecticut, two recommendation letters, and at least one year’s clinical experience.

The Nursing Education (Masters) program at U of H provides training to prepare nurses for a career teaching student nurses in academic settings or teaching peers in service settings. It usually takes from two to four years to complete the program. Admission requirements are a BSN and grade point average of at least 3.0, or 6 graduate level credits with this grade point average. A current Connecticut RN license is required plus two recommendation letters. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time nursing experience. The Nursing Management (Masters) program provides training for the RN who wants an advanced nursing position as a manager or leader in community settings, acute care, or long-term care. This degree may be completed in two, three, or four years. The Nurse Educator and Nursing Management programs also allow students to choose the elements of their program to fit their personal career goals.

University of Saint Joseph: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Saint Joseph

1678 Asylum Avenue

West Hartford, Connecticut 06117

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) is a Roman Catholic women’s college that was established in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy. It is located at 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117. The University offers a masters program with clinical focuses on Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator. Admission requirements are that the applicant must have a bachelors degree in nursing. One advantage to entering this program is that the Registered Nurse (RN) is able to design their plan of study according to their career goals after completing several prerequisite core courses.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program at the college is designed to be completed on a part-time basis with courses offered in the late afternoon and evening. Training for providing primary health care to families across the life span is the goal of the program. A thesis is a requirement of the program. Applicants must have one year of clinical practice before applying to the program. The Nurse Educator masters program prepares the RN for a career in teaching student nurses in a variety of academic settings and for facilitating in-service workshops and other educational opportunities at large medical centers and other facilities. Specialty courses for this program are taught online.

The other masters program offered at USJ is the Psychiatric/Mental health Nurse Practitioner. It is also possible to design a Child/Adolescent Psychiatric/mental Health masters program since students at the University have the option of choosing much of their curriculum once the core courses are completed. This program is part-time with classes offered in the late afternoon and in the evening.

Western Connecticut State University: RN to MS Program Review

Western Connecticut State University

181 White Street

Danbury, Connecticut 06810

Western Connecticut State University (Western) is a public university that was founded in 1903. Located at 181 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810, the University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MS) program. Two specialist role programs are offered, which are the adult nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Both programs require that students complete the core and specialist courses plus a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practicum experiences. A thesis or research-based thesis project is also required. The masters program is a part-time program with evening courses. It takes about four years to complete the degree. The University’s Adult Nurse Practitioners masters program requires 540 hours of clinical practicum.

Admission to the program is made through the Division of Graduate Studies and is selective. A bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of at least 3.0 are required. The RN without this grade point average must take the Miller Analogies Test and earn a satisfactory score. The applicant must have a current nursing license and must submit a resume and letter of recommendation from employer. It is also required that the candidate meets with the masters program coordinator to develop a plan of study. After completing the program, the graduate qualifies to take the national certification exam for licensure in the chosen advanced nursing practice.

Yale University: RN to MSN Program Review

Yale University

100 Church Street South

New Haven, Connecticut 06519

Yale University is a private research university located at 100 Church Street South, New Haven, Connecticut 06519. Founded in 1701, it is the third oldest college or university in the United States. Yale has been rated as Number 3 among national universities by U.S. News and World Report, and the University has received other global and national ratings as well. Yale offers a masters in nursing program that leads to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Masters program specialties include the following:

Adult Advanced Practice Nursing

Adult-Gerontological, Family, and Women’s Health

Nurse-Midwifery

Nursing Management, Policy and Leadership

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-Mental Health

The Adult Advanced Practice Nursing Specialty program has three tracks from which the RN must choose from to select an advanced nursing area. Training for all three areas of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track, Acute/Critical Care Nurse Specialist Track, and Oncology Nurse Practitioner Track provide training that prepares the nurse to take national certification exams at the completion of the program. The Nurse Practitioner provides primary care to the patient, and the Acute/Critical Care Nurse Specialist provides unique care for those who suffer from chronic illnesses.

Another masters program, the Adult-Gerontological, Family, and Women’s Health Specialty program includes training for the specialties of Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Track, Family Nurse Practitioner Track, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Track. The Nurse-Midwifery Specialty is another MS program offered at Yale.

The masters program, Nursing Management, Policy and Leadership offered at the Yale School of Nursing requires 40 credits of coursework. It is unique in the fact that students attend monthly campus sessions and work with innovative web-based methods throughout the month. The curriculum deals with cutting-edge health policy and management issues. An additional masters degree in nursing program is the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty. The RN receives training to learn how to provide primary care for children of all ages. The program includes coursework and clinical experience in a variety of settings.

Nursing students who opt to specialize in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Specialty masters program prepare for careers as psychiatric nurse practitioners. The variety of programs offered at the School of Nursing is one attraction to many nurses who want to complete their masters degree at an Ivy League school like Yale.

Delaware MSN Programs

Delaware State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Delaware State University, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901
Delaware State University (DSU) is a historically black public university. It has has two satellite campuses in Wilmington and Georgetown, both located in Delaware. DSU is the second largest university in the state and was founded in 1891. The University has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as Number 46 in the Top Public Regional Universities of the North category.

The University’s Master of Science degree in nursing program is currently under review and revision by the College of Education, Health, and Public Policy. New applicants are not currently being accepted at this time, and there is currently no masters degree in nursing program at DSU. Nurses who are interested in attending Delaware State University may want to check back with the nursing department to see if the masters program will be reinstated in the future.

University of Delaware: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Delaware

25 North College

Newark, Delaware 19716

The University of Delaware (UD) is located at 25 North College, Newark, Delaware 19716. It is the largest university in the state with the main campus located in Newark. Satellite campuses are also located in Dover, Wilmington, Lewes, and Georgetown. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Delaware as 75^th in the Best National Universities category. The magazine also rates it as 31^st in public colleges. It has had a substantial number of other positive ratings over the years. The Department of Nursing was established in 1962 in the College of Arts and Sciences. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at UD.

The masters program requires from 34 to 46 credits, and all masters nursing students must select a research option of a thesis, a scholarly project, or a course in research utilization. Clinical practical courses are completed as part of the training for advanced specialty nursing roles. Students may choose from an online MSN program or a campus MSN program. Completely online programs include the following specialty areas of the masters degree in nursing program:

Adult Health-Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nursing of Children-Clinical Nurse Specialist

Health Services Administration Degree

The online programs are available on a full-time or part-time basis. Online applicants must meet the admission requirements of having satisfactory performance in their undergraduate academic work and in upper division nursing courses and they must have a bachelors degree in nursing. Three references, a short essay, and professional resume are also required. Applicants must have a Delaware license as a RN, or have a license in one of the compact states, or state where clinical experience will take place. A year of clinical experience is also required for the Clinical Nursing Specialist and Nurse Practitioner concentrations. Nurses who want to enter the Health Services Administration degree must have one year of management experience in a health-related field.

Hybrid Campus Programs include the following concentrations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

To be considered for admission to these Nurse Practitioner masters programs in nursing, the student must have a bachelors degree in nursing and one year’s experience working full time as a RN. With the On-Campus Hybrid Format, students may take the six Core Graduate courses in an online format. Students must travel to campus for the nine clinical courses that meet on campus for three hours one day each week. Students are able to complete the program in 2.5 years on a full-time basis. Part-time students require 3.5 years to complete the program. There are 756 hours of clinical experience required for the Family Nurse Practitioner program and 672 clinical hours required for the Adult Nurse Practitioner program. Admission to the Nurse Practitioner program is competitive, and only one cohort of students is admitted each year. A graduate applicant interview is required before a student is admitted to the program.

Some advantages of the masters degree program at UD are that clinical placements are tailored to the student’s professional goals. Also, on-campus classes are scheduled after 3 pm for the convenience of working nurses. UD also offers an RN to MSN program for the Registered Nurse who wants to complete their masters degree in nursing. This program is offered completely online. Students complete 134 to 138 credits, including baccalaureate and masters level nursing courses. Thirty credits are awarded for the current RN license. There are also 60 transferable non-nursing credits required to complete the program.

Wesley College: RN to MSN Program Review

Wesley College

120 North State Street

Dover, Delaware 19901-3875

Wesley College is Delaware’s oldest private college and is located at 120 North State Street, Dover, Delaware 19901-3875. The college was established in 1873 and has been named as one of the Top 50 Grad Schools for Nursing by U.S. News and World Report. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered at the college. The program is open to the Registered Nurse (RN) who has a bachelors degree in nursing, as well as to Registered Nurses without a baccalaureate degree. The program is flexible, and a program designed for the RN with an associates degree, hospital diploma in nursing, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed for each student entering the program.

Admission requirements include a license as a Registered Nurse, a grade point average of 3.0, and the completion of the 1 credit modified college core for the non-BSN student. Features of the program are evening classes that meet once each week on the same day for the entire program, and the program emphasizes roles in practice, research, and education. Students may choose the thesis or non-thesis option. Students do not need to repeat courses that they have taken while earning their previous degree, and they are able to progress towards their academic goals.

Widener University: RN to MSN Program Review

Widener University

4601 Concord Pike

Wilmington, Delaware

Widener University has its main campus in Chester, Pennsylvania and two other Pennsylvania locations in Harrisburg and Exton. There is also a location of the University in Wilmington, Delaware. Widener was rated as Number 181 in the National Universities category by U.S. News and World Report. Widener was founded in 1821. The Wilmington, Delaware campus is located at 4601 Concord Pike. The School of Nursing offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees.

A masters degree in nursing with an emphasis on Adult Health-Gerontology CNS, Adult Health-Gerontology CNS with Emergency/Critical Care Specialty, and Family Nurse Practitioner specialty focuses are offered at the University. Admission requirements to the School of Nursing are to complete a goal statement and to submit it with the complete application and two letters of recommendation. Transcripts must also be sent to the University. The GRE is not required, but an interview with the School of Nursing faculty is required.

The majority of graduate students at Widener receive some type of financial aid. Graduate nursing students may be eligible for federal student loans and for private scholarships, grants, and loans through a variety of hospitals, nursing organizations, and others.

Wilmington University: RN to MSN Program Review

Wilmington University

320 Dupont Highway

New Castle, Delaware 19720

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Wilmington University, located at 320 Dupont Highway, New Castle, Delaware 19720. It is a private institution that was founded in 1968. The College of Health Professions Programs is unique in the fact that they offer degree completion programs only for Registered Nurses and Allied Health professionals. Wilmington does not offer initial preparation to become a Registered Nurse (RN). A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with the specialty area of Nursing Leadership. A dual degree with Business and Nursing Leadership is also offered.

The masters program, Nursing Leadership: Executive, Educator, or Legal Nurse Consultant is available online or in traditional classroom format for the RN who wants to complete training for an advanced nursing career in one of the Nursing Leadership roles. Nurses in the program must complete 36 credits and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students may request to have an individualized course of study designed to fit their particular professional goals. The program is usually completed in two to three years.

The College of Health Professions Programs also offers a MSN program for the RN interested in training for a career as a Nurse Practitioner: Family, Adult/Gerontology. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration takes 32 months to complete. There are 48 credits required, and students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. At least 600 clinical hours must be completed as well. The Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Concentration also takes 32 months to complete and consists of 48 credits and 600 clinical hours.

Admission requirements to the Nurse Practitioner masters program include having a bachelors degree in nursing, a statistics and health assessment course with grades of at least a C, and it is recommended that applicants have two years of experience working as a RN. Additional requirements include a professional resume, a written career goal statement, and an interview with faculty. The Nurse Practitioner masters program is held at the Wilmington campus at the Wilson Graduate Center.

Wilmington also offers a Dual degree MSN and a Master of Science in Management with the Health Care Administration concentration. The Master of Business Administration with the Health Care Administration is also offered. The program requires 51 credits, and more information is available from the graduate Nursing Leadership Program Chair.

Washington DC MSN Programs

Georgetown University: RN to MSN Program Review
Georgetown University, 37^th and O Street NW, Washington, DC 20057
Georgetown University is a Jesuit Catholic university. This private research university was established in 1789. The Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies is part of Georgetown University Medical Center. The University houses a multimillion dollar research program and is known for its nationally ranked graduate programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.

Most programs are available on campus as well as on line. Program concentrations include the following:

Adult Gerontology ACNP/Adult Gerontology CNS

Family Nurse practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Educator

Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Students who enter the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs receive training to care for acutely ill adults and their families or for the elderly adult. Students learn from many different specialists during their clinical placements in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The program requires five semesters of full-time or eight semesters of part-time studies totaling 48 credits. Admission requirements are a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN), one year of critical care or ICU experience working full-time as a Registered Nurse (RN). The average work experience of those admitted to the program is three years, and the average grade point average is 3.5.

The RN who would like to pursue a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner will find training for this advanced nursing option at Georgetown University. From 44 to 46 credits are required to complete the program before taking the national certification exam to become a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner. The average amount of work experience that students admitted to the program have ranges from one to 15 years, and the average grade point average is 3.6.

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Georgetown’s Nurse Anesthesia Program as 6^th in the nation’s Best Graduate Schools. Students in the program practice in the anatomy cadaver lab, a very rare resource in nurse anesthesia programs. Students attend full-time to complete 45 credits, with 40 of these didactic credits completed in one year. The program can be completed in seven semesters. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses are statistics and a chemistry course. In addition, a license as a Registered Nurse (RN) is required. At least one year of working in acute care nursing is required, but those accepted into the program usually have three to four years. The average grade point average of students accepted into the program is 3.7.

The RN interested in teaching as a Nurse Educator may apply to Georgetown’s Nurse Educator program. This masters degree program requires 35 credits to complete. This program is offered online. Georgetown University also offers a Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) program. Training for the RN who wants to care for women’s obstetrical and gynecological needs may want to consider this program. This nationally ranked program requires the completion of 49 credits and is a full-time program. The University’s combined Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program leads to a Master of Science (MS), and these specialties are only offered in this combined format.

The masters nursing programs at Georgetown University are very selective and are intense programs, but graduates have many job opportunities in advanced care nursing positions after graduation and passing national certification exams.

Catholic University of America: RN to MSN Program

The Catholic University of America

620 Michigan Avenue, NE

Washington, DC 20064

The Catholic University of America (CUA) is the pontifical university of the Catholic Church. It was founded in 1887 as a graduate and research center. The University campus is located in an area of Washington, District of Columbia called Little Rome because of the 59 other Catholic institutions located in the area. The School of Nursing was established in 1935 and today offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Programs provide training for Registered Nurses to fill roles in advanced nursing, such as nurse practitioners, public health nurse specialists, nurse educators, or clinical nurse specialists.

The University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has a Nurse Specialist Specialty Option in Advanced Public/Community Health Nurse education. Training for students to function as Advanced Public Health nurses is provided in this program. If the Registered Nurse (RN) wants to complete additional course work, it is also possible to earn certification as a Public health Clinical Nurse Specialist. There are two areas of clinical concentration in the Advanced Public Health Nursing program, which are global and refugee health and population-based program design and management. The program consists of 41 credits and at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the exam to acquire certification as advanced public health nurse specialists.

Nurse Practitioner programs offered by The Catholic University of America are Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse practitioner: Primary Care or combined Acute and Primary Care. In the Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, training prepares advanced practice nurses to serve as primary care providers of adults from adolescents through old age. Thirty-eight credits and at least 540 hours of clinical practice are required for this program. The University offers both a full-time program and a part-time program. Full-time students can complete the program in two years and part-time students may finish it in three and one-half years.

The Family Nurse Practitioner is also available on a full-time or part-time basis. Forty-four credits of coursework and 700 hours of clinical practice in various clinical settings are required. The full-time program takes two years to complete, and nurses can complete the part-time program in three and one-half years. The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners program provides students training to prepare them to care for wellness and illness in children from birth to young adulthood. A total of 39 credits and 540 credits are required to complete the program.

The Combined Acute and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to provide training for nurses who want to provide care to children and adolescents from wellness to acute care. This 44 credit program prepares the RN to take the national exams for primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners. All applicants must have one year’s experience working in a pediatric acute care setting. The full-time program requires two years and one summer to complete, and part-time options are also available.

The MSN program options are Catholic University of America are unique because of the variety of sub-specialties offered that are not available at most universities. Students must maintain a B average in all courses taken. School-based financial support is offered to graduate nursing students via traineeships, school-based scholarships, and special federal programs. Admission requirements include submission of an application that includes a purpose statement, which program the RN is interested in, examples of leadership skills and abilities, and a description of current and past professional roles. The applicant must have a BSN and a grade point average of at least 3.0. Registered Nurses must have professional licenses in all states or in Maryland and Virginia, where most clinical experience takes place. In addition, three recommendation letters, Graduate Record Examination scores, and a meeting health and behavioral standards for clinical programs at the university.

The George Washington University: RN to MSN Program Review

The George Washington University

2030 M Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

The George Washington University (GW) is located in the District of Columbia at 2030 M Street, NW, and was begun by an Act of Congress in 1821. It is a private university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs. U.S. News and World Report rated the University as 50^th in the nation in national university rankings. It is rated in the Top 10 by The Princeton Review as the Best in the Northeast. The School of Nursing offers an online graduate program that is rated as one of the programs in the top third by U.S. News and World Report. The University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well as other programs.

The School of Nursing offers a MSN with the following specialty areas:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Research Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Health Care Quality

Nursing Leadership and Management

Nurse-Midwifery

The RN who wants to pursue training in one of these specialties while completing a MSN must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a grade point of 3.0 or higher. Those with bachelor’s degrees in nursing-related fields must take a bridge course. The GRE is not required. The advantage to this online program is that students also have access to the nursing faculty at the University and have opportunities to work on campus with other students. Both full-time and part time options are available for the RN who is working while completing a MSN. All nurse practitioner students must complete a final skills assessment two days before graduation.

Admission requirements include completion of the NursingCAS online application and the GW Supplemental online application. A curriculum vitae or resume, statement of purpose, and copy of current nursing license must be submitted. Financial aid and scholarships are available, including federal financial aid.

The University offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nursing Advancement program as well. Courses are taught online and students complete both their bachelors degree and masters degree in nursing. Two concentrations are available, which are Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife.

Howard University: RN to MSN Program Review

Howard University

6^th & W Streets, NW, Annex II

Washington, DC 20059

Howard University (HU) is a traditionally Black University located at 6^th & W Streets, NW, Annex II, Washington DC 20059. It was founded in 1866 as a theological seminary for African-American clergymen. The University has grown to become one of the 48 private universities with 12 schools and colleges offering over 120 areas of study to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at the University with concentrations in Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. The 46 credit Family Nurse Practitioner track is available on a full-time or part-time basis, and applicants are expected to have a bachelors degree in nursing. This program provides training for nurses to work as primary care nurses who work with all members of the family. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Admission requirements for both tracks of the MSN are having a 3.0 grade point average or above on undergraduate work with a statistics course completed. The applicant must be eligible to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia. A curriculum vitae or resume is required, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a professional goal statement, and results of the Graduate Record Exam.

The Nurse Educator track is an online program for nurses looking for training to teach in academic and clinical settings. This MSN program requires 39 credits and is available either full-time or part-time. After completing the program and teaching full-time for the required number of years, graduates are eligible to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Exam.

Florida MSN Programs

Barry University: RN to MSN Program Review
Barry University, 11300 NE 2^nd Avenue, Miami Shores, Florida 33161-6695
Barry University (founded in 1940) is a private university that is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. The student to faculty ratio is only 14:1 at this University that is culturally diverse and has an international focus. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with three specializations. These are Nursing Executive Leadership Specialization, Nurse Educator Specialization, and Nurse Practitioner Specialization. A MSN Bridge option is also available for applicants who have bachelors degrees in another field. After completing prerequisite courses, these students enter the MSN program without earning a bachelors degree in nursing.

The Division of Nursing’s MSN program with a specialization in Nursing Executive Leadership requires applicants to have a bachelors degree. It provides training in fiscal operations, risk management, human resource development, and other aspects of the business required in healthcare organizations. Admission requirements are a grade point average of at least 3.0 and a current Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license. Prerequisite courses are a nursing research course and statistics. Applicants are also required to submit two recommendation letters and to have a satisfactory score on the English Assessment Test. The GRE or MAT is sometimes required as well, with a minimum GRE score of 900 and a score of at least 400 on the MAT. This program is part-time and takes 2.5 years to complete.

The Nurse Educator Specialization provides training in educational practices as the RN learns curriculum development and other skills necessary to teach student nurses and to develop and facilitate workshops at hospitals and healthcare centers. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing plus a grade point average of 3.0. A current nursing license in the State of Florida is also required, plus two recommendation letters. GRE or MAT entrance exams are required for some students. Nurses complete the program in 2.5 years on a part-time basis.

Barry University’s Division of Nursing also offers a Nurse Practitioner Specialization in either Acute Care or Family Nurse. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students receive training to work in positions in this advanced practice nursing role as they earn a masters degree in nursing. The program takes three years to complete, including two summers. The Nurse Practitioner, Family Specialization also takes three years and two summers of study to complete. Registered Nurses learn to provide primary care for all family members in this specialty. Admission requirements are the same for Nurse Practitioner students as for the other two specializations at Barry University.

Another program offered at the University is the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology. This program is offered on a full-time basis consisting of 28 months of continuous study. Students are not able to have outside work during the duration of their studies at Barry. Clinical practice sites are located throughout Florida. Students in the program receive over 3,500 hours of clinical instruction in anesthesiology, and nurses must plan to spend about 60 hours in studies, classes, and in clinical training each week. At the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam required for employment in this advanced nursing position.

Registered Nurses may also complete a dual degree at Barry University, which consists of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Specialization in Nursing Administration/Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program is designed to provide training in both advanced nursing care and in business and leadership skills. Applicants must apply to both the MBA program and the nursing program. Grade point averages on undergraduate work must be adequate, as well as the applicant’s GRE score. A total of 61 credits must be completed.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: RN to MSN Program Review

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

334 W. Palmer Avenue

103 Ware Rhaney Building

Tallahassee, Florida 32307

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A & M) is a historically Black University located in Tallahassee, Florida at 334 W. Palmer Avenue, 103 Ware Rhaney Building. It is a member of the State University System of Florida. Established in 1887, it is a land grand university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The University offers bachelors, masters, doctoral degrees and two professional degrees. The School of Nursing offers a masters program that leads to a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Two concentrations for Advance Practice Nursing are offered, which are Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Registered Nurses in the MSN program receive training for providing care to adults and the elderly in the Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner program. Through a combination of coursework and clinical experience, nurses are prepared to take the national certification exam at the completion of the program. Nurses who enter the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner learn to care for the gynecological and obstetrical needs of women of all ages. They also take the national certification exam for their specialty after completing the program.

Admission into the MSN program is high competitive, and admission is not guaranteed even if students meet all admission criteria. Nurses with grade point averages of 2.7 are considered for admission to the program. Three letters of recommendation are required, as well as a passport photo.

Florida Atlantic University: RN to MSN Program Review

Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Road

Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Florida Atlantic University (FAU), located at 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, has six satellite campuses located in Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, and Fort Pierce at the Harbor Branch Oceanogaphic Institution. FAU is a public research university that opened in 1964. The University was ranked as a second-tier university by U.S. News and World Report and as one of the 146 Best Southeastern Colleges in the country by the Princeton Review. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with many concentrations, including the following:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Administrative and Financial Leadership

Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurse Educator

Advanced Holistic Nursing

Individualized Track

Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Track

There is also a Bridge Program offered at the University for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in another field. Students earn their MSN, but they do not earn a bachelors degree in nursing. After completing the prerequisite courses for the baccalaureate nursing program, the bridge phase consists of bachelors degree level nursing courses. The masters degree courses are taken after this. Applicants who want to be admitted into the Nurse Practitioner tracks are encouraged to complete the Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) dual degree option. The Nurse Practitioner track is very competitive and does not consider students from the Bridge program.

The BS-MS (Dual) Program is designed for the RN to complete both the BSN and MSN in a shorter time than it would usually take to earn these degrees. Both degrees are awarded after the MSN is completed. Applicants must state which of the program tracks they want to pursue. At least 70 credits are required to complete the program. Nurses accepted into the program are not guaranteed admission to Nurse Practitioner Tracks.

The application process for all of the MSN programs requires that a Florida Atlantic University Graduate Application is submitted. The applicant must then submit the College of Nursing Graduate Application. Nurses who want to improve their chance of being admitted to the MSN program may do so by completing community service activities, participating in professional organizations, and by having experience in nursing related to the program they want to enter. Demonstrated leadership in nursing experiences is also desirable. If the nurse’s grade point average is below 3.0, the GRE is required.

Florida Gulf Coast University: RN to MSN Program Review

Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Boulevard, South

Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is located at 10501 FGCU Boulevard, South, Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565. It is a public research university that was founded in 1991, and it is part of the State University System of Florida. Associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs are offered at FGCU. The School of Nursing at the University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with concentrations in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner.

Admission requirements for all three concentrations are a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of at least 3.0. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) must have been taken within the last five years, and the applicant must have a combined score of 1,000 on verbal and quantitative sections. Prerequisite courses of statistics and health assessment must be completed with at least a grade C. Nurse Anesthesia candidates must also take two chemistry courses. In addition, applicants must have a current nursing license as a Registered Nurse in Florida and at least one year of nursing experience. A current resume including career goals and three reference letters are also required. Applicants must also submit a graduate application and meet the University’s admission requirements.

Nurses who want training as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners with a MSN learn to care for acutely, critically, or chronically ill patients in a variety of healthcare settings. At the completion of the program, they are eligible to take the national certification exam for certification as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. A total of 58 credits are required for this program. FGCU’s School of Nursing also offers a Nurse Anesthesia MSN program that requires 28 months of full-time study to complete with a total of 81 credits. This is the only university-based nurse anesthesia program leading to a MSN in Southwest Florida. At the completion of the program, graduates take the national certification exam to practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

The third MSN major offered at the University is the Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner. There are two concentrations available in this program, which are the Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Concentration. Graduates of the program may seek national certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner or as a Family Nurse Practitioner. A total of 58 credits are required to complete this concentration.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences: RN to MS in Nurse Anesthesia Program Review

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

671 Winyah Drive

Orlando, Florida 32803-1226

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, located at 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803-1226 offers a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. The college is affiliated with Florida Hospital, a major medical center that is the largest healthcare location operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Registered Nurse (RN) received training to prepare for an advanced nursing career providing anesthesia during surgery at hospitals and outpatient facilities, in pain management doctors’ offices, or dentists’ offices. There is a great demand for these advanced care nurses in the State of Florida and around the country. Graduates of the program are able to take the national certification test to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Applicants to the program are expected to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or a bachelors degree in a related field. Two years of acute care experience is preferred. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is expected, and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). A goal statement is also required along with three letters of recommendation. Personal interviews are by invitation only and must be successfully completed. Admission to this program is very competitive, so only those applicants with the highest qualifications are admitted to the program.

Florida International University: RN to MSN Program

Florida International University

11200 Southwest 8^th Street

Miami, Florida 33174

Florida International University (FIU) is located in Miami, Florida at 11200 Southwest 8^th Street. This public research university is a top-tier research university that was founded in 1965. It was ranked among the top 16 universities with the toughest grading system. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine also rated FIU among the best values in public colleges. Over 80 masters programs are offered at the University, including a masters degree in nursing.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at the University provides training to the Registered Nurse (RN) that leads to advanced nursing roles in many different specialties. Clinical concentrations in Adult Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Family Health Nursing, and Anesthesiology Nursing are available. The tracks Nursing Administration and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing in the MSN program are currently suspended, but nurses interested in them may call the University to see if they are currently available. The specialty tracks of Adult Health Nursing, Child health Nursing, and Family Health Nursing can be completed in two years of study consisting of six semesters. The Anesthesiology Nursing track takes over seven semesters of full-time study to complete. Graduates of any of the tracks offered at FIU may take the national certification exams to enable them to seek employment as advanced practice nurses.

Admission requirements for the masters degree program include a bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Anesthesiology applicants may be accepted with a bachelors degree in a related field, but they must be a RN and have an Associate of Science in Nursing.

Florida Southern College: RN to MSN Program Review

Florida Southern College

111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Lakeland, Florida 33801-5698

Florida Southern College (Florida Southern), located at 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801-5698, was named by The Princeton Review as the most beautiful in the country. This University was established in 1883 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at Florida Southern. Specialty areas offered are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator. Classes are conveniently organized to meet the needs of working nurses. Students find that they receive personalized attention due to the 13:1 student-faculty radio.

Admission requirements for the MSN program are having a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0, and the applicant must be licensed as an RN in Florida. An application to the Graduate School of Florida Southern must be submitted, along with a resume and personal statement of goals. Three professional recommendations are also required.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration of the MSN program provides training to take the certification exam for clinical Specialist in medical-Surgical Nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Thirty-nine credits are required to complete this program. The RN who wants to pursue an advanced nursing career as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner requires that 39 credits are completed before taking the national certification exam as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner. These professionals provide primary or acute care to adults of all ages. The Nurse Educator program is the third curriculum track available at the University. It requires the completion of 37 credits, and at graduation, the RN may take the Certified Nurse Educator examination.

Florida State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Florida State University

98 Varsity Way, MC 4310

Tallahassee, Florida 32306

Florida State University (FSU) was founded in 1851 and is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. It is one of the state’s main graduate research universities. Located at 98 Varsity Way, MC 4310, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, it is highly ranked by many sources. USA Today rated FSU as the second least-expensive flagship university in the country, and Webometrics Ranking of World Universities rated it as 43^rd in the U.S. and Canada and as number 53 in the world. The University offers a masters program in nursing for the Registered Nurse who wants to pursue an advanced nursing career. Many different graduate nursing scholarships are awarded to students at FSU.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a concentration in Nurse Educator and in Nurse Leader. The MSN-Nurse Educator concentration consists of 38 credits that are all offered online. Clinical practice is completed close to the home of the RN when possible. Students receive training in designing and assessing curriculum in academic environments and in clinical sites where they may facilitate and lead staff development. After graduation, students qualify to take the national exam for certification as a Nurse Educator.

The MSN-Nurse Leader program provides training for the Registered Nurse to assume leadership roles in various healthcare facilities. Students focus on clinical leadership, interprofessional care coordination, and other aspects of nurse leadership. The program takes two years of part-time study to complete, including two summer sessions. Graduates qualify to take the national exam for licensure as a Nurse Leader.

Admission requirements include residing in the State of Florida, having a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and having competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test. Applicants must also be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Florida. Two recommendation letters are also required.

Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia: RN to MS in Nurse Anesthesia

Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia

615 North Bonita Avenue

Panama City, Florida 32401

The Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia is located at 615 North Bonita Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401. It is part of the Bay Medical Center Sacred Heart Health System. The Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia was established in 1969 and is the oldest nurse anesthesia program in Florida. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and qualify to take the national certification exam for licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The program takes 28 months of full-time study that include 95 credits. Classes at the Gooding Institute are small with one instructor per student in the clinical practicum.

In this program, all anesthesia techniques are taught to students. One advantage of the program is that the clinical practicum begins during the first week of the program so that students can use the didactic information that they are learning in class. Also, the program emphasizes decision-making rather than memorizing how to respond in situations. Students also learn through classroom links to anesthesia Internet.

Admission requirements include a current Registered Nurse (RN) license in one of the states in the U.S., and those admitted to the program must have their Florida RN license before full acceptance into the program. A current driver’s license in one of the 50 states is required, and the applicant must have a bachelors degree in nursing or in a related science, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. A grade point average of at least 3.0 on undergraduate work is required. In addition, the Graduate Record Examination that has been taken within the last five years is required. Preferred scores are 1,000 or better, plus a score of 3.5 or higher on the Analytical Writing. Also, at least one year of clinical experience is required, along with three recommendation letters. Personal interviews are scheduled by the Gooding Institute by invitation only.

Nova Southeastern University: RN to MSN Program Review

Nova Southeastern University

3301 College Avenue

Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33314-7796

Nova Southeastern University (NSU), located at 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 3314-7796, is a private research university located in Fort Lauderdale-Davie. It is the seventh largest non-profit private university in the United States. The University has three campuses in Southern Florida. The University was established in 1964. Over 250 majors and 175 programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with three unique tracks.

The tracks are education, health systems leadership, and family nurse practitioner. The program is offered online and provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in any field who has a RN license. The MSN Education track prepares nurses to teach student nurses at the college level, and it provides the basis for the doctoral program for the RN who wants to teach at the bachelors level or higher.

Twenty-four credits are required in addition to the 15 core courses. Three hours of online nursing education practicum that are mentored provide an educational experience for the student. The MSN Health Systems Leadership track is designed for working nurses with bachelors degrees in any field. Thirty-nine credits are required to complete the program. Students receive training for leadership roles after graduation, including a three-hour online program that is mentored by nursing faculty.

The third specialty area in the MSN program at NSU is the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Program. This program prepares the RN for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner who will provide primary care for families throughout the lifecycle. The program is a blend of online courses and some that are a mixture of online and campus-based classes.

Admission requirements include having a bachelors degree in nursing or a bachelors degree in another field, and either degree requires a grade point average of at least 3.0. Those admitted to the program that have a bachelors degree in another field must complete a course entitled Transition to Advance Nursing Practice. All applicants must have a current RN license. A writing sample and two reference forms are required, as well as the prerequisite statistics course.

The University of Tampa: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Tampa

401 W. Kennedy Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33606-1490

The University of Tampa (UT) is located at 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33606-1490. This private University was founded in 1931 and offers masters degree programs in a variety of areas, including nursing. Concentrations of Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner are offered at the University. Both programs prepare the Registered Nurse (RN) for a career as an advanced practice nurse and primary care provider. At the completion of the MSN program, the student must take the national exam for certification as an Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner.

Admission to the MSN program is competitive, and students are required to have a bachelors degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of coursework. It is preferred that applicants have one year’s recent experience as a RN, and prerequisite courses of statistics, Principles of Community Health, and health assessment must be completed before admission. Students in the program must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to continue in the program. At the completion of the program, students must take an Oral comprehensive Examination. Also, a Florida RN license is required and satisfactory scores on the GRE are required as well. In addition, the University requires three reference letters, a resume, and a personal interview may be required.

University of Central Florida: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Central Florida

4000 Central Florida Boulevard

Orlando, Florida 32816

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a research university located at 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32816. It is the second largest university in the country according to enrollment with almost 57,000 students enrolled at the University’s 12 satellite campuses. U.S. News and World Report named UCF as the fourth best up-and-coming national university. Over 210 degree options are offered at the University, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This graduate degree in nursing program is offered online.

The MSN program has two concentrations for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants a career in advanced nursing in the areas of Nurse Educator or Leadership & Management. The GRE is not required for admission to the MSN program, but applicants must be Registered Nurses. Applicants are encouraged to contact the College of nursing Graduate Office to speak with a MSN adviser to discuss their personal career goals before applying to the University. This makes writing the goal essay easier to do, and it also saves time for the RN who may have a different professional goal that is not met by the programs at UCF. Admission is competitive and it is based on recommendations, past academic and professional performance, and on the applicant’s career goals.

The Nurse Educator track prepares the RN to teach in nursing programs, or in health care agencies. Some Nurse Educators with this MSN degree also teach wellness and how to handle illness in the community. Students complete an internship in the community where they live under a faculty mentor. The Nurse Leadership and management track provides training for leadership or administration roles in healthcare agencies. The advantage to this program at UCF is that students can tailor their electives and practica to their career goals.

University of Florida: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida 32611

The University of Florida (UF) was founded in 1853. It is located in Gainesville. UF is consistently rated in the top 100 universities worldwide, and U.S. News and World Report was rated as 19^th of all public national universities in the U.S. Many undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at the University, including 123 masters degree programs and 67 doctoral degree programs in 87 schools and departments. The University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Clinical Nurse Leader. The other advanced practice tracks that were once available as part of the masters program are now available in the doctoral nursing program.

The College of Nursing at UF offers the clinical Nurse Leader track as an online option with limited travel to the University campus required. It is important to note that the only out-of-state applicants considered for the program are those who work at Veterans’ Administration (VA) hospitals. Clinical residency must be completed in a VA hospital. Nurses who live in Florida must complete their clinical residency at either a VA hospital or in one of the University of Florida’s practice partner healthcare facilities. The program is offered on a part-time basis and may be completed in two years.

To be considered for admission, Registered Nurses must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 in upper division courses. The applicant must be eligible for licensure as a RN and must take the GRE. A score of 500 or better on each of the verbal and quantitative sections is required. Nurses who do not meet all of the requirements may request special review by the college of Nursing Admissions Committee.

University of Miami: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Miami

P.O. Box 248153

Coral Gables, Florida 33124

The University of Miami (UM) is located in Coral Gables. It was established in 1925 and has 12 separate colleges with 115 undergraduate, 114 masters, 51 doctoral, and two professional programs offered. The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in the following areas:

Nurse Anesthesia

Acute Care/Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Nurse Education

UM graduate nursing students may have opportunities for global studies in Chile, Haiti, Mexico, Spain, and other areas of the world. Graduate scholarships and financial aid are also available for MSN students in some cases. The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers tuition scholarships which are awarded on a competitive basis. They are designed for the full-time graduate nursing student who is not employed full-time. Cash awards are paid monthly and require the service of research assistance, teaching, other activities.

Admission requirements to the MSN Nurse Anesthesia program are a bachelors degree, GRE scores, and at least one year of critical care experience. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better is required, and if accepted into the program, students must maintain at least a 3.0 average. Any student earning a C in a class is dismissed from the program. All of the MSN concentrations also require three reference letters plus a statement of professional goals and a current resume. Applicants must have a license as a Registered Nurse, and they must be licensed in Florida when beginning the program.

University of North Florida: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Florida

1 UNF Drive

Jacksonville, Florida 32224

The University of North Florida (UNF), located at 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 is a public university that was founded in 1969. The University is a member of the State University System of Florida. The University of Florida’s Brooks College of Health offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with four tracks that lead to advanced nursing roles. These are Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, and RN-MSN Bridge programs.

The Master of Science in Nursing, Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program provides training for nurses to learn methods of providing primary care for all family members. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations, and they will be eligible for licensure as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners. This program is offered on a full-time basis that takes five semesters to complete. A thesis, project, or elective may be chosen to complete the program. The part-time program takes eight semesters to complete. The Clinical Nurse Specialist program is for the Registered Nurse (RN) looking for the training needed for teaching in nursing and health profession programs. It is also offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Application requirements include the application and official college transcripts and GRE or GMAT test scores. Applicants must be licensed Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. A two-page resume explaining the past two years of experience that the applicant has had as a RN is required, plus a personal statement that includes academic and professional goals. A copy of the nurse’s license is also required.

UNF also offers a Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Nurses who complete this program and pass the national certification exam may work as advanced care nurses. They provide anesthesia for more than half of that given in the U.S. The curriculum for this program consists of seven semesters of continuous full-time graduate study and requires about 60 hours of work each week.

Registered Nurses interested in completing their Master of Science in Nursing degree and specializing in one of the advanced nursing tracks offered at UNF may want to apply to the MSN Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Bridge program at the University. Applicants to this program must meet the University’s requirements for admission to graduate studies, as well as the admission requirements for the RN-BSN track. These include active RN licensing in Florida and either 60 credits of coursework or an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public institution. A grade point average of 2.90 in coursework is required. In addition, applicants must complete the prerequisite courses for the bachelors degree in nursing with no grade lower than C.

To continue on to the MSN program, the nurse must have a grade point average of at least 3.20 in coursework taken for the bachelors-level nursing courses, and the student must complete the university foreign language requirement. The GRE test is also required with a combined verbal and quantitative score of 1,000 or higher. Two years of work experience as an RN are also required, as well as a written statement of academic and professional goals and academic and clinical references.

University of South Florida: RN to MSN Program Review

University of South Florida

12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard

MDC Box 22

Tampa, Florida 33612

The University of South Florida (USF) is a flagship university and member of the State University System of Florida. It was established in 1956 and is the eighth largest university in the country and the third largest in the state. U.S. News and World Report named 20 of the graduate programs offered at USF in the top 100 of graduate schools in the country. The University is located at 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC Box 22, Tampa, Florida 33612.

The Registered Nurse (RN) with a bachelors degree in nursing may apply to the Master’s for Registered Nurses with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing program. There are many concentrations offered at the University, including the following:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Leader

Dual Oncology/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse practitioner

Nursing Education and Dual Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Admission to the MSN program at USF is competitive, and the applicant must have a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing, a grade point average of at least 3.0 on all upper-level coursework while working on this degree, a current RN license in Florida. Applicants must submit a USF graduate admission application and also a College of Nursing application. A resume, three recommendation forms, official transcripts, and a personal statement must be included. Some of the masters nursing programs require additional requirements, such as additional prerequisite courses for the Nurse Anesthesia program.

Wolford College: RN to MS Program

Wolford College

1336 Creekside Boulevard, Suite 2

Naples, Florida 34108

Wolford College, located at 1336 Creekside Boulevard, Suite 2, Naples, Florida 34108 was established in 2004. It is a private college that offers a program leading to a Masters Degree in Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification test that is required to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Students who prefer to study at a small college rather than a very large university will find that Wolford College offers this environment.

The Masters of Science Nurse Anesthesia requires 28 months of intensive full-time study. The first stage is didactic and takes 12 months to complete. The second stage is the clinical stage lasts for 16 months. Clinical practice takes place in Naples, Tampa, and Davenport, Florida. Admission requirements include completing the prerequisite courses of undergraduate health assessment, statistics, two anatomy and physiology courses, and two chemistry courses. Applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam and have required scores. They must also be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Florida. Three recommendations are required as well as a current resume and Statement of Purpose essay. Applicants must also forward a copy of their driver’s license from one of the 50 states with their application.

A variety of financial aid options are available for the nurse interested in attending Wolford College, including federal financial aid and scholarships from hospitals, anesthesia groups, and external agencies.

Georgia MSN Programs

Albany State University: RN to BSN Program Review
Albany State University, 504College Drive, Albany, Georgia 31705
Albany State University (ASU) is a public, historically Black University that is part of the University System of Georgia and is also a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It was established in 1903. The College of Sciences and Health Professions, Department of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. A Registered Nurse (RN) can receive training for an advanced nursing role as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Educator after completing the graduate program in nursing.

The University offers two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs that are available online. The Clinical Nurse Educator Graduate Curriculum Pattern requires 36 credits to complete that are finished over four semesters or two years. There is also an accelerated curriculum available for students who want to complete the program in one year plus two summers. A thesis or scholarly project is required, as well as two education prerequisite courses. The Family Nurse Practitioner Pattern requires 44 credits of coursework and clinical experience.

Admission requirements include a completed online application and official transcripts to be sent to the Graduate Admissions at Albany State University. Applicants must have scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) sent to the University. In addition, two recommendation letters are required. Nurses must also submit copies of their malpractice insurance and RN license that allows them to practice in Georgia. Also required are a pre-Entrance Medical Record and Certificate of Immunization.

Armstrong Atlantic State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Armstrong Atlantic State University

11935 Abercorn Street

Savannah, Georgia 31419

Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) is a public university that was founded in 1935 as a junior college. It is located at 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419. The College of Health Professions Department of Nursing offers graduate nursing programs that lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are career options offered that include the following concentrations:

Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Advanced Practice Nursing

Registered Nurse Options

Baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurses may complete their masters degree in nursing on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission requirements for graduate students are a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on undergraduate coursework and minimum admission test scores on the Miller Analogies test or on the Graduate Record Exam of 450 on the verbal and 450 on the quantitative portions of the test. A score of 3.5 is also required for the analytical section. A variety of financial aid offerings are available at the University, including the Federal Nurse Traineeship Award and other grants and scholarships.

The Advanced Practice Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for Nurse Practitioners program is designed to enable the nationally certified nurse practitioner to complete a masters degree in this area. Thirty-five credits are required to complete this program. The Registered Nurse Options is a program for the RN who wants to complete a bachelors and masters degree in nursing. Nurses complete upper division nursing courses before beginning the masters program in nursing and choosing a concentration to complete.

Brenau University: RN to MSN Program Review

Brenau University

500 Washington Street Southeast

Gainesville, Georgia 30501

Brenau University, located at 500 Washington Street Southeast, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, is a private university that was established in 1878. The University has many offerings that range from associate degree to doctoral programs. U.S. News and World Report rated Brenau as one of the 15 best higher education values in the Southeast. The Princeton Review has also rated it as one of the best universities in the Southeast. The Graduate Program prepares professional nurses for a career in an advanced nursing role with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). There are three major tracks offered that provide training that lead to roles as Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Leader/Manager.

The MSN program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner provides courses and clinical experience that qualify the graduate to provide primary care to all members of the family. Graduates may take the national certification exam that allows them to practice in a clinic or hospital, or in their own private practice. Nurse Educator graduate nursing students learn the basics of educating future nurses in undergraduate academic settings. Once students graduate with their MSN, they can fill a teaching slot in nursing education, where a critical shortage of faculty exists. Graduates are also qualified to teach in healthcare settings. The MSN Nurse Leadership and Management program at Brenau combines advanced nursing courses with management curriculum to prepare nurses to serve as leaders in healthcare environments.

Admission requirements for the MSN program are a bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses are physical assessment and research methods. The Registered Nurse must have at least a year of full-time work experience within the past five years to be admitted to the program. In addition, three professional references are required, as well as a resume and essay. The applicant must also submit GRE scores if the nurse intends to enroll in the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. A copy of the applicant’s nursing license must also be forwarded to the university. Applicants who do not meet all of the admission requirements, but who are considered to be good candidates for the MSN program are sometimes admitted.

Clayton State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Clayton State University

2000 Clayton State Boulevard

Morrow, Georgia 30260

Clayton State University is part of the University System of Georgia. It was established in 1969 and is located in suburban Atlanta at 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, Georgia 30260. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that is designed to prepare professional Registered Nurses in advanced nursing roles as leaders and educators. Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership are concentrations offered in the MSN program. There are seven core courses or 20 credits that both programs share, and each concentration also requires an additional 16 to 18 credits. A thesis or project is included in the program.

Professional nurses may be admitted to the program if they meet the admission requirements. These include a completed application to the School of Graduate Studies as well as to the Master of Science in Nursing program. A bachelors degree in nursing is required with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants are also required to take the Graduate Record Examination and to submit three recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. Some applicants are required to complete a campus interview with the Master of Science in Nursing Graduate Program Coordinator. If space is available, provisional admission is sometimes granted to students who do not meet all of the admission requirements.

Graduate nursing students who are enrolled in the MSN program full-time may apply for a Traineeship Grant. There is also a Nursing Faculty Loan Program that is available to nurses who choose the Nurse Educator track who agree to teach for two years following graduation to have 85 percent of their loan forgiven. Students may complete the MSN program on a full-time basis in two years, and part-time students have up to five years to complete the program. All courses are offered online.

Columbus State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Columbus State University

4225 University Avenue

Columbus, Georgia 31907

Columbus State University (CSU) is located at 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31907. The University was founded in 1958 and is administered by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A Masters of Science in Nursing Program is an online program offered by the University in collaboration with Clayton State University, which allows students to use resources from both colleges. Two concentrations are available in the Master of Science in Nursing program, which are Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader.

Students in both programs are required to complete from 36 to 38 credits of training in core courses and in those required for their concentration. The Nurse Educator program prepares professional Registered Nurses to design curriculum, evaluate learning, and to take responsibility for the instruction of undergraduate student nurses. In the Nurse Leader concentration, nurses learn to design, manage, transform, and lead nursing teams in hospitals and in other healthcare settings. Both programs require two years or four semesters of full-time study. Part-time programs are also available.

To be admitted to the program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for regular admission. Provisional admission is sometimes granted to applicants with a 2.75 grade point average. The Graduate Record Exam is also required with satisfactory scores. Applicants must have a Registered Nurse license in the state where their clinical course requirements will be met. Three professional reference letters must be submitted, and the applicant must be accepted into the Graduate School at Columbus State University.

Emory University: RN to MSN Program Review

Emory University

1520 Clifton Road NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30322

Emory University is a private research university that was established in 1836 by the Methodist Church. U.S. News and World Report rated Emory as 20^th among national universities. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is located at 1520 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322. The Master of Science in Nursing program provides training for nurses who wish to fulfill advanced nursing roles after graduation. The following specialty areas are offered at Emory:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse-Midwife

Health Systems Leadership

Nurse-Midwifery

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Care (Title X) for graduates of the Title X certified Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs

Specialty areas of the masters program in nursing can be completed in three to five semesters of full-time study. Part-time programs are also available. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. The completed graduate application form should be returned to Emory University along with a statement of purpose that explains the reasons why the nurse has chosen nursing as a career. Applicants should have at least one year of experience in the selected specialty area, or at least one year’s experience working as a Registered Nurse. Three recommendation letters are required, and the applicant must complete an interview with a faculty member from their graduate specialty. Either the Graduate Record Examination or Millers Analogies Test is required as well.

Many different forms of financial aid are available from the University, and around 96 percent of graduate students receive financial assistance to attend the School of Nursing. One unique type of financial aid offered is the Yellow Ribbon Program. Scholarships for the Master of Science in Nursing program in the amount of $7,500 are offered, and the Veterans Administration matches this amount. This scholarship program is for veterans who want to complete their masters degree in nursing.

Georgia College & State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Georgia College & State University

Macon Graduate Center

433 Cherry Street

Macon, Georgia 31201

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) was established as North Georgia Agricultural College in 1873. It is the second oldest college in Georgia. After the merger of the school with Gainesville State College in 2013, the combined school will be known as the University of North Georgia. Georgia College & State University’s Graduate Center is located at 433 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201. Georgia College’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in the Family Nurse Practitioner Role. Students receive training to prepare them to provide primary care for all members of the family after taking the national certification exam to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. This program may be completed part-time in nine semesters over a period of three years, including three summer sessions. The full-time program takes six semesters, or two years to complete, including two summer semesters. All courses will be offered online by 2013.

Admission requirements are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a grade point average of at least 2.75 in upper level courses and completion of an undergraduate statistics course and a physical assessment course. The Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test is required as well. The applicant must have a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Georgia, must participate in a personal interview if requested, and must have computer access and basic Internet skills. Financial aid is available for the graduate nursing program, including Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship that provides funds to graduate students who are in their final two semesters of study in any graduate nursing major at the college.

Georgia Health Sciences University: RN to MSN Program Review

Georgia Health Sciences University

1120 15^th Street

Augusta, Georgia 30912

Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU), located at 1120 15^th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912, is a research university in the University System of Georgia. This public academic health center was founded in 1828 and includes the Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at the University with concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Anesthesia.

The Clinical Nurse Leader masters program is a pre-licensure program for graduates of a bachelors degree program other than nursing. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average and a GRE or MAT minimum score, and the test must have been taken within the last five years. A personal interview and three recommendation letters are also required for admission to the program. Students complete this program in four consecutive semesters that take 16 months to complete. Graduates take the NCLEX exam for certification as a Registered Nurse and are awarded their masters degree in nursing.

Two options are available in the Nurse Practitioner masters program at GHSU, which are Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Both programs are offered at three locations, which are Augusta, Athens, and Columbus with online instruction. Limited on-campus visits are required. There are full-time and part-time options available to students. The Family Nurse Practitioner Program provides training to prepare the Registered Nurse (RN) for a career in advanced practice nursing. These specialized nurses provide primary health care to families and communities, helping people of all ages.

Admission requirements for the Nurse Practitioner masters programs include a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate work, and applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Applicants must submit online references and must take either the GRE or MAT and achieve a minimum score. Personal interviews may be required, and applicants must have a Registered Nursing license from Georgia and may need to obtain a license from neighboring states for clinical placement. In addition, one year of experience working as a RN is required. It is highly recommended that applicants have a grade point average of at least 3.3 to be considered for admission to the program.

The University’s Nursing Anesthesia program provides training for nurses who want to pursue a role as a nurse anesthetist. Students administer over 800 anesthetics and work at least 2,000 clinical hours in this program. The program takes two years of full-time study, including summer semesters plus an additional third year fall semester to complete. Admission requirements are the same as for the other MSN concentrations, except that students must have one year of full-time critical care experience within the past three years. A current resume or curriculum vitae is also required, as well as a personal interview by the admissions committee. The Registered Nurse must also submit a personal statement of professional goals to be considered for the program.

Georgia Southern University: RN to MSN Program Review

Georgia Southern University

1332 Southern Drive

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Georgia Southern University (Georgia Southern), located at 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30458 is a public university that was established in 1906. It is the largest college in the southern section of Georgia and is part of the University System of Georgia. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies the University as a Doctoral and Research University. U.S. News and World Report rated Georgia Southern University as one of “America’s Best Colleges” and “Best Graduate Schools.” Kiplinger named the University as one of the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges and Universities. Also, U.S. News and World Report named the School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner as Number 19 in the nation.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at GSU offer both the Internet and hybrid course delivery with Internet and limited on-campus requirements. Two masters degree majors are available, which are the Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing plus one year of full-time clinical nursing experience before entering the Nurse Practitioner Clinical Specialty Core. A pre-admission interview with the nursing faculty is required, and a prerequisite undergraduate course include statistics. Applicants must apply to the College of Graduate Studies of Georgia Southern University, as well as to the School of Nursing. Three recommendation letters are required and a copy of the applicant’s Registered Nurse license. The minimum grade point average that is expected is 3.0, and the Miller Analogy Test or GRE must be taken and the applicant must have satisfactory scores in one of these tests. The University also admits students who do not meet these requirements on a provisional basis if there is room in the programs.

Georgia State University: RN to BSN Program Review

Georgia State University

P.O. Box 3995

Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3995

Georgia State University (GSU) is a research university that was established in 1913. It is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia and is one of the University System of Georgia’s four research universities. It is the second largest of the 35 college and universities in the University System of Georgia. The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing offers masters degrees online with some on-campus classes about one time each month. Specialty areas that lead to the Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner include the following:

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner Program

Child Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Innovations

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Administration

Nurses who want training for advanced nursing roles must meet the admission requirements. Both Registered Nurses with bachelors degrees in nursing and Registered Nurses who have not completed their bachelors degree in nursing may be admitted to the masters in nursing program. Those without the bachelors degree must take additional courses before beginning the graduate level coursework. Registered Nurse (RN) to Masters in Science (MS) students are required to have either an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted by all applicants to the masters program, as well as a resume and statement of purpose. All applicants must also take the GRE or MAT, and the MAT is preferred. Applicants must also have one to two years of clinical practice in an area related to the special track that they choose for the masters program.

Kennesaw State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Kennesaw State University

1000 Chastain Road

Kennesaw, Georgia 30144

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is the third largest facility in the University System of Georgia. It was founded in 1963 as a junior college, and today undergraduate and graduate programs are offered. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with several specialty tracks for students who want to specialize in advanced care nursing roles. The University is located at 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144.

The Advanced Care Management and Leadership Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program requires 40 credits and prepares students for leadership positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses must meet the admission requirements that include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, one year of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse, and a current Registered Nurse license in Georgia. The Graduate Record Examination is required with a minimum combined score of 800 in the verbal and quantitative categories and 3.5 on the analytical writing section. Applicants must also submit a goals statement and two professional recommendation letters.

The WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to prepare experienced Registered Nurses to fulfill roles as primary care providers of healthcare to the family or to adults. Both a Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner program are offered at Kennesaw State University. Students must complete a total of 40 credits that includes a residency of 15 credits. Those admitted to the program must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, three or more years of full-time nursing experience as a Registered Nurse, and a professional resume. Applicants must be currently licensed in Georgia, and must take the Graduate record Exam and score at least 800 in the verbal and quantitative categories and 3.5 in the analytical writing category. A personal goals statement and two professional reference letters are also required. Prerequisite courses include undergraduate physical assessment, research, and statistics classes. Students must maintain a B average to progress in the program.

Physicians who have been trained in other countries may apply to the WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Accelerated Track for International Physicians, Master of Science Program. Students may take History and Political Science prerequisite courses in the summer before beginning nursing courses. This is a way that International Physicians can complete a masters degree after completing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The program consists of 6 Lower Division credits, 54 Nursing Undergraduate credits, and 40 Nursing Graduate credits, including two research courses. This accelerated program combines the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs. It can be completed in 8 semesters or 26 months. Admission requirements include a professional degree in medicine that is determined to be equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree in medicine.

Applicants must meet the minimum TOEFL scores and must meet all international student admission requirements. A statement of personal goals must be submitted, and applicants must complete a successful interview. Also, a grade of C or higher must have been scored in all bachelors degree prerequisite courses. To be admitted to the masters program, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in the bachelors degree courses taken in the U.S. The student must then take the NCLEX and become a licensed Registered Nurse in Georgia. The GRE is then required with minimum scores.

Mercer University: RN to MSN Program Review

Mercer University

1400 Coleman Avenue

Macon, Georgia 31207-0001

Mercer University is a private institution that was founded in 1833. With its main campus located at 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31207-0001, the University has other major campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia. The University was affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention for 173 years, and it still retains its Baptist heritage as an independent Baptist university. Scholarships are provided for students through the Baptist Scholars Fund, and the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology is part of the University. Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with three specialty areas of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

The MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist program prepares Registered Nurses to care for patients in acute or critical care situations. Nurses with this training are qualified to take the national certification examination for certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. A total of 37 credits are required, as well as at least 500 clinical hours. The MSN for Nurse Educator program prepares nurses in the educational basics of curriculum development, student assessment, and in other skills needed to teach student teachers at the undergraduate level. This program may be completed in three semesters or one continuous year of study to complete 38 credits. The Family Nurse Practitioner track is also offered at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Training is provided to baccalaureate degree prepared nurses who want to pursue an advanced nursing role. The full-time program can be completed in four semesters, including one summer. A total of 49 credits and at least 660 clinical practice hours are required to complete the program.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants with a grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99 may be conditionally accepted. If so, conditionally accepted students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must have a Registered Nursing license in Georgia and must have satisfactory scores on either the Millers Analogy Test or Graduate Record Examination. A goal statement must also be submitted, and at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse is required. Nurses with less experience may be admitted on a part-time basis. Three professional reference letters must also be submitted, and applicants must complete an on-site wiring component for admission evaluation. An interview with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs or a faculty designee is also required.

North Georgia College & State University: RN to MS Program Review

North Georgia College & State University

82 College Circle

Dahlonega, Georgia 30597

North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) was established in 1873 and is the second oldest coeducational facility in Georgia. It was begun as the North Georgia Agricultural College, and today NGCSU offers over 50 degree programs, including a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program. The location of NGCSU is at 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, Georgia 30597. Two concentrations are offered by the Department of Nursing that lead to a masters degree in nursing. These are the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and the Nursing Education program. The college is one of six senior military colleges in the country, so many cadets pursue a nursing education at NGCSU.

The Master of Science (MS) Nursing Program Rural Primary Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 46 credits to qualify to take the national certification exam to practice as a family nurse practitioner. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, or part-time study is available on an individualized basis. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least one year of clinical work experience. A Registered Nursing license in Georgia is required as well. Applicants should have a grade point average of at least 2.75, and must complete the GRE or MAT with satisfactory scores. Three recommendation letters should also be submitted.

The Master of Science Nursing Education program provides training to prepare Registered Nurses for a career as an educator of student nurses. Classes are only one day each week, so nurses are able to work full-time and complete their masters degree in nursing. Admission requirements are having a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of at least 2.75. Applicants must also have a year of clinical work experience and current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Georgia. Three recommendation letters are also required, as well as satisfactory scores on the GRE or MAT. Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in a related field may be admitted to the RN transitions sequence to complete the Nurse Educator program.

South University: RN to MSN Program Review

South University

709 Mall Boulevard

Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805

South University is a for-profit institution that was founded in 1899 as a business college. It is located at 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia 31406-4805, and there are 11 other campuses as well. The University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that provides training for nurses who want to file an advanced nursing position after graduation. The Savannah campus offers an MSN program with specializations in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator. Online specializations are also available in Nurse Administrator and Nursing Informatics.

The masters degree in nursing program with an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization requires 56 credits to complete. Students receive training in the management of adolescent and adult health care, including elder care in this program, and they qualify to take the national examination for certification as a Nurse Practitioner after graduating from the program. There is also a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization that requires 62 credits to complete. Students are prepared as advanced practice nurses in this program, and they learn to provide primary care to all family members. After completing the program, they take the national certification examination to be able to practice as Nurse Practitioners.

South University’s masters program with a Nurse Educator Specialization requires 48 credits to complete. Professional nurses are prepared to teach student nurses at the undergraduate level. Registered Nurses who want to live on campus may apply for housing at the Savannah campus. Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with at least a 2.7 grade point average for the last 60 semester credits. Provisional admission is granted for those with a grade point average of 2.0 to 2.69 for their last 60 hours of credits. These students must complete two graduate courses with a 3.0 grade point average. Applicants to be licensed as a Registered Nurse and submit three recommendation letters and an admissions essay and resume.

University of West Georgia: RN to MSN Program Review

University of West Georgia

1601 Maple Street

Carrollton, Georgia 30118

The University of West Georgia is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30118. It is located about 45 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia and is a doctoral granting university. The Princeton Review has named the University as one of the Best Southeastern Colleges. After its establishment in 1906, the University continued to grow and to add programs. Today, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered by the University of West Georgia’s School of Nursing. Two tracks are available, including Health Systems Leadership (Leader/Manager or Clinical Nurse Leader concentration) and in Nursing Education. The MSN program is offered online for all concentrations.

The Nursing Education track provides training in developing curriculum, using educational technology, and in educational assessment and evaluation. In the Health Systems Leadership Track, Registered Nurses prepare to work in roles of nurse manager or leader or as clinical nurse leaders. Both full-time and part-time programs are available. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants must also have a Registered Nurse license, and they must submit a professional resume and two recommendation letters.

The University also offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Two tracks are offered in this program, including Nurse Educator and Health Systems Leadership (Leader/Manager and Clinical Nurse Leader). Applicants must first be admitted to the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science program before they apply to the masters program in nursing. A bachelors degree level advisor can provide more information to nurses who are interested in completing both their bachelors degree in nursing and their masters degree in nursing.

Valdosta State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Valdosta State University

S. Walter Martin Hall

1300 North Patterson Street

Valdosta, Georgia 31698

Valdosta State University (VSU) is one of the two regional universities in the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1906 as a normal school, the University now offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Valdosta State University is located at 1300 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31698. The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with specialties of the Clinical Nurse Leader track and the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track. Both of these programs prepare Registered Nurses to fill the role of an advanced practice nurse.

The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to care for adults and families from age 13 to the elderly. Health promotion, illness prevention, and management of acute and chronic illnesses are the focus of the program. After completing the program, graduates qualify to take the national examination that leads to certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. Weekend College is main way that courses are provided to students. Nurses meet on Friday evening and all day Saturday.

The Clinical Nurse Leader program also leads to a masters degree in nursing. This program provides training for nurses to fill roles as advanced nurse generalists in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Thirty-six credits are required plus 540 clinical hours in various hospitals, clinics, and outpatient facilities. Applicants must take either the GRE or MAT and have satisfactory scores to be admitted to the MSN program.

Hawaii MSN Programs

Hawaii Pacific University: RN to MSN Program Review
Hawaii Pacific University, 1164 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is a private university with another campus location in Kaneohe. It is the largest private university in the central Pacific and has a large nursing program. The University was established in 1965. Today, there is a Master of Science in Nursing program offered with concentrations in Community Clinical Nurse Specialist or Family Nurse Practitioner. A joint Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is also offered at HPU.

Neither the GRE or GMAT is required for admission, but applicants must have a baccalaureate nursing degree. Non-U.S. graduates will have their credentials analyzed by HPU. A grade point average of 3.0 is expected, but those with a lesser grade point average may be considered for conditional admission. Two recommendation letters are required, as well as a personal statement of career goals. The applicant must also be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in Hawaii. One year of full-time experience is required, as well as an interview with a graduate faculty member.

The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration and Community Clinical Nurse Specialist-Educator Option require 30 credits each to complete. The Community Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration requires 24 credits of studies. Nurses who want training in both advanced nursing practice and in the business aspect of nursing administration will want to complete the MSN/MBA Option, which requires 66 or 72 credits of graduate study. HPU also offers Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN Pathway Bridge Courses for nurses without a bachelors degree who want to enter the MSN program. The Bridge Courses consist of 14 credits that are required before the nurse completes upper level bachelors degree nursing courses and then the MSN courses in the chosen specialty.

University of Hawaii at Manoa: RN to MS Program Review

University of Hawaii at Manoa

2528 McCarthy Mall

Webster Hall

Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

This public university was founded in 1907 as a land grant college. The Department of Nursing at the University offers a Master of Science (MS) with specialties in the following advanced nursing concentrations:

Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Dual Nurse Practitioner with Advanced Public Health Nursing

Advanced Public Health Nursing

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Advanced Public Health Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Executive Leadership

Nursing Executive Leadership/Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree

Admission requirements are that the applicant must apply to both the Graduate Division and to the Department of Nursing and meet both departments’ requirements. Candidates must forward a copy of their Hawaii Registered Nursing license, or their nursing license from another state. They also need to submit a writing sample, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and two completed reference forms. A bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is also required.

The Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is another masters degree in nursing program offered at the University. This program is for those with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing who want training for a career in advanced nursing. Students who enter this program are not Registered Nurses. Studies consist of three continuous semesters that lead to a license in nursing before beginning the MSN program. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and admission to both the Graduate Division and the Department of Nursing MEPN program. A goal statement and three recommendation letters are also required. In addition, applicants must make a YouTube video. Details of this requirement will be online shortly.

Another option offered at the University is the Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MS) program (with non-nursing baccalaureate). This program is for the RN with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who also has a bachelors degree in another field. A Registered Nursing license in Hawaii or in another state is required, as well as a 3.0 grade point average or above on undergraduate coursework. The applicant must submit a writing sample and must complete prerequisite courses before entering the MSN program.

Idaho MSN Programs

Idaho State University: RN to MS Program Review
Idaho State University, 921 South 8^th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
Idaho State University (ISU) is a public university that is classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research high and teaching institution. The University was established in 1901 and is now the second largest major university for full-time in the state. A Master of Science (MS) in nursing program is offered with several entry points. Areas of concentration are the following:Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership.

Graduates of the MS program are prepared to take the national certification exams related to their advanced nursing specialty. One difference in this program from most others is that a thesis is not required. Full-time programs take two years to complete, and part-time programs can be completed in three years. All masters programs in nursing are offered in an online format. The Family Nurse Practitioner option provides training for Registered Nurses to care for patients throughout the human lifespan. Rural health issues are emphasized in this program that requires 53 credits and at least 816 hours of clinical practice.

The University’s Clinical Nurse Specialist program requires 45 credits of coursework and at least 500 hours in clinical settings. Nurses are prepared to serve as advanced practice nurses in adult medical and surgical areas. The Nursing Education specialty trains nurses in educational procedures so that they can fill nursing faculty positions. This program requires 40 credits. The Nursing Leadership provides training for nurses who want to enter leadership roles in nursing. Thirty-nine credits plus practicum hours are required for this concentration.

Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 semester credits of undergraduate work. Applicants whose grade point average is 3.0 to 3.499 must score at the 40^th percentile or above on at least one of the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is not required for students with grade point averages above 3.499. Candidates must have a current nursing license as a Registered Nurse in Idaho and must submit three professional references.

Northwest Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program Review

Northwest Nazarene University

623 South University Boulevard

Nampa, Idaho 83686

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is located at 623 South University Boulevard, Nampa, Idaho 83686. The University was established in 1913 and offers programs online to other cities in Idaho and in 10 countries around the world. On-campus programs are also offered at this Christian University. U.S. News and World Report has rated Northwest Nazarene University as one of the top masters-level universities in the west. NNU offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program to prepare the Registered Nurse with an associate or baccalaureate degree to become a Nurse Educator.

The program follows the cohort model, and students are grouped in small classes. Most students take from 6 to 9 credits each semester and are considered full-time students. Associate degree nurses must complete the nursing bridge courses before beginning the masters of science in nursing program. Flexible schedules and a completely online program are the benefits of this program at NNU. After graduation, students are eligible to take the certification exam to be classified as a Nurse Educator.

Admission requirements include having a bachelors or associates degree in nursing. Candidates with a bachelors degree in nursing must also have a current Registered Nursing license in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory. The applicant’s undergraduate grade point average must be at least 3.0. Nurses with an associates degree in nursing must have a grade point average of 3.0 and a current Registered Nurse license. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Applicants with a grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99 may be admitted to the nursing program on a provisional basis. They must then earn a grade point average of 3.0 on their first three graduate courses to remain in the program.

Stevens-Henager College: RN to MS Program Review

Stevens-Henager College

1444 South Entertainment Avenue

Boise, Idaho 83709

Stevens-Henager College is located at 1444 South Entertainment Avenue,
Boise, Idaho 83709. This private, for-profit college has its headquarters in Ogden, Utah. There are five campuses in Idaho and Utah. The college was established in 1891 as a business college, and today, the college offers both online and campus-based programs. Associates, bachelors, and masters degree program are offered at the college. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in Nursing Administration or Nursing Administration is offered at Stevens-Henager College. Students who are interested in this program should contact the college to meet with a financial planner who will help them arrange financial aid to pay for their tuition. Candidates must also meet with an admissions consultant for one-on-one career planning to develop a curriculum for the masters program in nursing that they choose. Applicants must also meet with the Director of Admissions before their acceptance into the program is finalized.

The college’s Nursing Administration Master of Science (MS) program requires only 15 months to complete. It is offered fully online and provides training for the Registered Nurse in management, legal issues, and other aspects of nurse leadership. Graduates are prepared to fill advanced nursing positions managing nursing personnel in a variety of healthcare settings. A bachelors degree in nursing is required to enter this program. A MS program with a concentration in Nursing Education is also available at the college in a completely online format. It takes only 15 months to complete the program. Students receive training in planning and evaluating nursing curriculum as preparation for teaching nursing students at the undergraduate level. Admission requirements for this concentration are the same as for the Nursing Administration concentration.

Illinois MSN Programs

Aurora University: RN to MSN Program Review
Aurora University, 347 South Gladstone Avenue, Aurora, Illinois 60506-4892
Aurora University (AU) is a non-profit university that offers residential, full-time and part-time programs that lead to bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Two other campuses are located in Woodstock, Illinois and in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. The main campus is located at 347 South Gladstone Avenue, Aurora, Illinois 60506-4892. The School of Nursing at Aurora University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Two tracks are available, which are the Master of Science in Nursing – Administration and the Master of Science in Nursing – Education.

The MSN program at AU requires 38 credits, including a thesis or research project. Students receive training in nurse leadership and management or in designing curriculum and evaluating the work of student nurses, depending on the concentration chosen. Students in either track complete 32 credits of core courses before the coursework required for their chosen concentration. Admission requirements include being a graduate of an undergraduate nursing program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Nurses with lower grade point averages are considered for admission on an individual basis. The applicant must have a Registered Nurse license to practice in Illinois or Wisconsin. An applicant should include three recommendation letters and an essay describing why the nurse wants to pursue a career in an advanced nursing role. An interview with the School of Nursing Review committee is also required.

The School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing Bridge Option is also offered at Aurora University. This program is designed for those with bachelors degrees in a field other than nursing. Students may choose from the concentrations of Administration and Nursing Education. Application requirements include a bachelors degree or an associates degree in nursing with at least a 3.0 grade point average. Applicants must have a current Registered Nurse license in Illinois and must have at least one year of experience working in a clinical setting. Three recommendation letters must also be submitted in addition to a current curriculum vita or detailed resume. Also, an essay explaining why the applicant wants to complete a graduate nursing degree is required. The final step is to complete an interview with the nursing faculty.

Benedictine University: RN to MSN Program Reviews

Benedictine University

5700 College Road

Lisle, Illinois 60532

Benedictine University is located at 5700 College Road, Lisle, Illinois 60532. The University is a private Catholic institution that was established in 1887 by the Benedictine monks. The University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program: Graduate Nursing Studies at Benedictine University. The online MSN program has two concentrations that provide training for students to fill advanced nursing roles that are in great demand after they graduate. These are the Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive leader tracks. This program is an affordable way for nurses to complete their MSN at their own pace as they work online.

The MSN Nurse Educator concentration provides training for nurses to educate patients, students, and colleagues in their role as a Nurse Educator. Graduates are prepared to teach at the undergraduate level at universities and colleges, nursing schools, or in clinical settings. They also learn to teach patients in a variety of settings or to function as a community educator. Twenty-one credits are required in addition to the 18 core courses to complete this program. The Nurse Executive Leader concentration prepares nurses for a leadership role in healthcare settings. It requires 18 credits plus 18 credits of core courses. Most students complete their concentration in two years.

Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 2.75. The applicant must be a licensed Registered Nurse in the U.S. and must provide a Statement of Goals and one letter of professional recommendation. Applicants must also complete the Student Success Strategies Orientation Exercises to finalize acceptance into the MSN program.

Bradley University: RN to MSN Program Review

Bradley University

1501 West Bradley Avenue

Peoria, Illinois 61625

Bradley University was established in 1897 and is a private university located at 1501 West Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61625. Bradley University’s Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The Graduate Program is organized to allow students to explore advanced nursing practice roles. Once a graduate nursing student decides on the role that is to be pursued, choices of concentrations are Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or MSN-General.

The MSN Nursing Administration program takes two years to complete a total of 36 credits that can be completed in two years plus one summer session. A directed research option requires 7 credits and the thesis option requires 5 credits. Students choose one of these to complete. The Nursing Education program can be completed in two years plus one summer session, and it also requires a research project or thesis to complete. In addition, a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is also offered at Bradley University. Students choose from one of the two concentrations after completing the prerequisites for the masters program. A fourth entry point for nurses into the MSN program is for those who have a certificate or diploma of advance practice, but do not have a masters degree. This concentration requires 30 hours of credits to complete.

The masters program in nursing at Bradley University can be completed full-time in one and one-half years, although most students finish in about two years. After meeting the admission requirements for the Graduate School, applicants should submit three recommendation letters, a resume, and proof of their nursing license.

DePaul University: RN to MSN Program Review

DePaul University

1 East Jackson

Chicago, Illinois 60604

DePaul University is the largest private Roman Catholic university in the United States. It is also one of the 10 largest private universities in the country and the largest private university in the state. It was founded in 1898 to serve the children of immigrants. The University is located at 1 East Jackson, Chicago, Illinois 60604. The two main campuses are in Lincoln Park and in the downtown Loop area. Suburban campuses are also located in Rolling Meadows, O’Hare, Oak Forest, and Naperville. U.S. news and World Report has rated DePaul in the Top Tier of national colleges and universities. The magazine has also rated DePaul as one of the top institutions in the country for service learning in which volunteer work is used to instruct students. The Princeton Review rated the University as Number One in the country in “Diverse Student Population.”

The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Concentrations include the following programs:

Masters Entry to Nursing Practice

Nurse Practitioner Program – Advanced Practice Adult Nursing

Nurse Practitioner Program – Advanced Practice Family Nursing

Advanced Practice Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia

Those with bachelors degrees in a field other than nursing may apply to the Masters Entry to Nursing Practice program. Pre-licensure training in nursing courses and clinical practice prepare students to take the NCLEX for their Registered Nurse license before beginning the masters nursing program. Applicants must have a bachelors degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. They must also take the GRE and earn minimum scores. Applicants who are not native English speakers must also have acceptable TOEFL scores. A personal statement, curriculum vitae or resume, and two professional reference letters must also be submitted. There are also prerequisite courses that are required before beginning the program that requires a total of 107 credits. This program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years plus one summer session once prerequisites have been completed.

The Adult Nurse Practitioner program requires that 70 credits are completed. The full-time program takes one year plus a summer session to complete. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires that 76 credits are completed, and both Nurse Practitioner concentrations require at least 600 hours of clinical experience. The University’s Nurse Anesthesia requires that students spend an average of 56 hours on study and clinical experience each week on a full-time basis. Admission requirements for all of the MSN programs have the same requirements, except that Nurse Anesthesia applicants must have one year of full-time experience working in a critical unit as a RN.

Elmhurst College: RN to MSN Program Review

Elmhurst College

190 Prospect Avenue

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3285

Elmhurst College is a private college in Elmhurst, Illinois. It is located at 190 Prospect Avenue. The college is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and focuses on service-oriented learning. It was founded in 1871 as a theological seminary to train teachers. Today, Elmhurst College offers a Masters of Science in Nursing degree program with areas of concentration in Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator. All three programs require that 33 credits are completed, and they all share the same core course requirements.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. They must also have a Registered Nursing license in Illinois and three recommendations. A goal statement, current resume, and a successful interview are also required. Students must have college-level oral and written communication skills and computer literacy. A variety of financial aid options are available to graduate nursing students, including federal government loans and scholarships from a variety of sources.

Elmhurst College also offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Option. This program is designed for the RN who has a bachelors degree in another area. A bridge program provides the necessary background for completing the masters degree nursing courses. Admission requirements for this program are having an associates degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, three recommendation letters, and one year of full-time work experience as a RN.

Governors State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Governors State University

1 University Parkway

University Park, Illinois 60484-0975

Governors State University (GSU), located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois 60484-0975 where undergraduate and graduate level programs are offered. GSU was founded in 1969 and offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The Department of Nursing requires that applicants use the automated admissions system called Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS) to apply to the graduate masters program in nursing. The MSN program offers a web-enhanced program with concentrations in Nursing Administration, Clinical Nurse specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The program offers convenient scheduling with full-time or part-time options. The small student to faculty ratio and accessible faculty ensure that students receive the training that is necessary for today’s advanced practice nursing roles.

The MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration prepares nurses for careers in leadership with the general nursing skills that they develop in this program. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing and a valid license as a Registered Nurse in Illinois. A grade point average of 3.0 is required, but nurses with lower grade point averages are admitted conditionally. A biographical sketch of personal goals must also be submitted. The University’s MSN Nursing Administration concentration provides training in management and issues in healthcare that the nurse needs to know to fill a position as a manager or leader in a hospital or other facility. Admission requirements for this program are the same as for the Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN concentration.

GSU also offers a MSN Family Nurse Practitioner concentration for nurses who want training for future careers in advanced practice nursing. The Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary care to all members of the family. At the completion of the program, graduates take the national certification exam to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Illinois State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Illinois State University

Campus Box 5810

Normal, Illinois 61790-5810

Illinois State University (ISU) was established in 1857 and is the oldest public university in Illinois. The University places a strong emphasis on research and offers both undergraduate and graduate level programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Three different specialization sequences are offered in the MSN program, which are Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Systems Administration, and Clinical Nurse Leader. All three concentrations are offered in online and on-site formats. Admission requirements to the MSN program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the last 60 hours of credits completed. Nurses must also have a Registered Nursing license.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program that leads to a masters degree in nursing is taught on-site except for four core courses that consist of a hybrid format, combining online and on-site classes. Students complete courses that teach them the necessary knowledge and skills to provide primary care to all family members. Graduates then take the national certification exam to be able to practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Students complete 660 hours of clinical experience and 44 credits, and they may choose from a full-time program that takes two years plus one summer semester to complete.

The University’s Nursing Systems Administration MSN program has mostly an online sequence. Four core courses are a combination of online and on-campus classes. Graduates of this program take the exam for Certification in Nursing Administration. The Clinical Nurse Leader MSN program emphasizes nursing leadership and care environment management. This track requires a 360 hour residency in the last semester of the program. Nurses who graduate from this program may take the exam for certification as a clinical nurse leader, but are not eligible for advanced practice licensure. They are prepared to teach student nurses in the State of Illinois. All of the MSN tracks are available on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Lewis University: RN to MSN Program Review

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic university that is located in Romeoville, Illinois. The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as accelerated programs for adults. It was founded in 1932 as a technical school by the Lasallian Brothers who are affiliated with the Catholic Church. Lewis University is the ninth largest non-profit university in the state. U.S. News and World Report ranked Lewis University in the top tier of universities in the Midwest, placing it at Number 58 out of 144 universities. The Princeton Review rated the University as one of the “Best Midwestern Colleges,” rated 23 out of 158 colleges and universities.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Lewis is designed for working adults. It offers flexibility in scheduling and part-time as well as full-time programs that lead to advanced nursing practice roles. Concentrations in the masters of science in nursing program are offered in the following:

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree

To be admitted to the program, applicants must be a Registered Nurse (RN) and must be licensed in their state. They must also have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on their undergraduate coursework. A current resume or curriculum vitae, and two recommendation forms must also be submitted. In addition, an admission essay and all official transcripts are required. Nurses must be graduates of a bachelors degree in nursing program or of an associate degree in nursing plus a bachelors degree in another field. Financial aid is available for the graduate program, including the REACH Your Goals Scholarship Program for adults in the Chicago area. Adults over the age of 25 who enroll in graduate studies may apply for this program. Other scholarships are also available.

Loyola University: RN to MSN Program Review

Loyola University

1032 West Sheridan Road

Chicago, Illinois 60660

Loyola University is located at 1032 West Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois 60660. Loyola is a private Jesuit university that is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church; The main campus is located at 1032 West Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois 60660. The university has six campuses located in the Chicago area plus a permanent campus in Rome, Italy and host programs in Beijing, China, and Vietnam. Founded in 1870, the University offers many graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). U.S. News and World Report rated Loyola number 119 among national universities. It is also often named as a “best value” school by the magazine.

The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers the following concentrations in their Master of Science in Nursing programs:

Nurse Practitioner Tracks:

Family

Women’s Health

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Clinical Nurse Specialist Tracks:

Adult-Gerontology

Adult-Gerontology with Cardiovascular Subspecialty

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Oncology

Other tracks offered:

Health Systems Management

Population-Based Infection Control and Environmental Safety

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Registered Nurse (RN)-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Loyola University offers both online programs and in-class courses in the evening at the Loyola University Health Systems campus. Admission requirements include a completed online application and three recommendation letters. Nurses should also provide a personal statement and GRE test scores. The GRE is mandatory for all applicants with undergraduate nursing degree grade point averages under 2.69. Those with a grade point average of 2.77 to 2.99 who meet all of the other requirements do not need to take the test and may be admitted on strict probation. Applicants must also have a current license as a registered nurse in the U.S. and must be eligible for endorsement in Illinois. Nurses applying to the Nurse Practitioner program who have experience in the particular concentration they want to enter are considered for admission before those without experience.

The University’s RN to MSN program is an accelerated program for nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing who want to move right into the MSN program. Students must complete 22 credits in the University Core Courses, undergraduate nursing courses that include a Bridge to Professional Health, and the masters degree nursing courses. Loyola University has many different graduate nursing scholarships and also offers a variety of financial aid options to students.

McKendree University: RN to MSN Program Review

McKendree University

701 College Road

Lebanon, Illinois 62254

McKendree University is located at 701 College Road, Lebanon, Illinois 62254. It was established in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary and is the oldest college in the state. The University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. U.S. News and World Report rated McKendree as number 20 in Regional Midwest Colleges, and it is classified as a Tier I university. Nurses who want a low student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1 may want to consider this school in which half of the classes have fewer than 15 students. Besides the main campus in Lebanon, Illinois, McKendree University also has locations in Louisville and Radcliff in Kentucky, and at the Center at Scott Air Force Base. Accelerated Instruction at McKendree is available at a variety of sites in Illinois, and the University also has an online program.

The University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is available online. There are two available tracks in the MSN program, which are Nurse Educator and Nurse Manager/Administrator. Students may choose to take all courses online, but the 500 level courses are available at the Louisville location in an on-campus format one night each week. When these classes have been completed, students take 600 level courses online. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Each application is examined on an individual basis, and all of the applicant’s experience is considered when accepting students into the program.

Millikin University: RN to MSN Program Review

Millikin University

1184 West Main Street

Decatur, Illinois 62522

Millikin University is a four-year university that also offers a graduate program in nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It is a small university with a student to faculty ratio of 11.6 to 1 and small class sizes. Millikin was founded in 1901 by the businessman, James Millikin. The University is located at 1184 West Main Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers four tracks that lead to advanced practice roles for nurses. These are the Clinical Nurse Leader Track, MSN Nurse Educator Track, MSN Masters Entry into Nursing Practice Track, and the MSN Nurse Anesthesia Program Track.

The Registered Nurse (RN) who is accepted into the MSN program must have a grade point average of at least of 3.0 on undergraduate studies for all programs with the exception of the MSN Masters Entry into Nursing Practice Track that requires at least a 3.25 grade point average. All tracks except for the Entry into Nursing Track require that applicants hold a current RN license in Illinois. Applicants with grade point averages under those that are required must take the Graduate Record Exam. All applicants are required to submit three recommendation forms, submit a written statement of goals related to the graduate nursing program, and a current resume or curriculum vitae.

The RN who enters the MSN Clinical Nurse Leader Track needs to complete 36 credit hours with 400 practice hours for training in general advanced nursing. Graduates are then eligible to take the certification exam for licensure as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Nurses who want to teach in an academic setting or in healthcare settings facilitating staff development are able to complete their MSN Nurse Educator program at Millikin University. A total of 36 credits with 400 practice hours are required. Graduates may then take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

The University designed the MSN Masters Entry into Nursing Practice Track for those who already have a non-nursing bachelors degree who want to enter the field of nursing. Students must attend the program five days a week for 30 months, and they take the NCLEX-RN after the pre-licensure curriculum is completed. The Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam is taken at the completion of the program. Prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the pre-licensure curriculum.

Millikin’s Nurse Anesthesia Program Track prepares the RN by providing training in the advanced practice nursing specialty of nurse anesthesia. Students complete around 2,500 hours of clinical experience, and they do not follow the university calendar. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing and must have completed all prerequisite courses. They must also have certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. At least one year of experience in adult intensive care is required as well. After the program is completed, students take the national certification exam to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

North Park University: RN to MS Program Review

North Park University

3225 West Foster Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60625-4895

North Park University, located at 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625-4895, The University is a Christian institution that is affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church. It was founded in 1891 for Swedish immigrants who settled in the Chicago area around this time. The benefits of completing a graduate nursing degree at the University are that courses may be completed part-time, and classes are very small. Classes for the Master of Science (MS) in nursing program are held on weeknights in Chicago and at the Arlington Heights campuses. Also, the Registered Nurse (RN) with a high grade point average of over 3.3 on coursework from the bachelors degree in nursing has a good chance of receiving a scholarship.

North Park University School of Nursing offers their MS with a major in nursing in the following concentrations:

Leadership and Management

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Dual masters degrees are also offered in connection with the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. Only students in the Leadership and Management concentration may take these courses that require an additional 24 credits of study. The second degree may be the following:

Master of Business Administration

Master of Management

Master of Nonprofit Administration

The University Financial Aid Office is devoted to helping students receive the financial aid needed to complete their graduate degree in nursing. There is federal financial aid offered at the University.

Northern Illinois University: RN to MS Program Review

Northern Illinois University

1240 Normal Road

DeKalb, Illinois 60115

Northern Illinois University (NIU) has its main location in DeKalb, Illinois at 1240 Normal Road. It was founded in 1895 and began as a normal school to provide college educations for teachers. This large state university and research institution offers nationally accredited programs in many areas, including nursing. U.S. News and World Report ranks NIU as Number 194 and Forbes ranks it as Number 595.

NIU has a graduate program in nursing that leads to a Master of Science (MS) in nursing. Students may choose one of the advanced practice specialties that include family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, nursing education, or adult clinical nurse specialist. At the completion of the program, students may sit for national certification exams. The University offers the choice of completing the program on either a part-time or full-time basis. Students may also select a thesis option that requires at least three additional hours to complete. A maximum of six credits may be transferred from another university’s graduate nursing program. Most classes are held in the evening to accommodate the working RN, and several courses are offered online. Classes meet only one time each week.

Admission requirements include a Registered Nursing license in the U.S., a bachelors degree in nursing, and a grade point average of at least 3.0 for the last 60 hours of work on the bachelors degree. The nurse must also submit three professional reference letters, a written goal statement, and the nurse must have worked at least 2,000 hours in a clinical setting. Graduate Record Exam scores are not considered for admission to the program.

Olivet Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program Review

Olivet Nazarene University

One University Avenue

Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914-2345

Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is located at One University Avenue, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914-2345. Founded in 1907, ONU was established as a grammar school. The University is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene Christian denomination. Olivet Nazarene University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that takes approximately 18 months to complete 34 credits. The cohort model is used with accelerated classes that are mostly offered online. Students are required to be at the campus for several sessions as well as for one weekend. The program is offered at many different locations in the Chicago area.

The MSN program at the University offers two specialization tracks, the Education track and the Leader/Manager track. Another masters nursing program offered at the University is the Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner program. Nurses complete most courses online in an accelerated format and must meet at the University campus only a few times. There are 41 credits required to complete the program that takes 25 months of coursework and clinical practice.

All masters degree in nursing students complete the core courses before moving into those needed for their specialty. Practicum experiences are also required. Applicants to the program must be currently licensed in Illinois as a Registered Nurse and must have a bachelors degree in nursing. Candidates must have the goal of moving into an advanced level of nursing or to become a nurse educator who teaches students nurses in an academic setting. MSN students qualify to take the appropriate certification exams at the completion of their program.

Resurrection University: RN to MSN Program Review

Resurrection University

3 Erie Court

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Resurrection University, located at 3 Erie Court, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The University first began in 1914 as the West Suburban Hospital School for Nurses. This Roman Catholic institution focuses on the values of justice, compassion, service, and excellence. The University is part of Presence Health, which is the largest Catholic health system in the state. The MSN program offers majors in the following tracks:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nursing Administrator

Nurse Educator

Nurse Practitioner – Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner – Adult Nurse Practitioner

Resurrection University offers many ways for students to receive financial aid, including federal student loans and scholarships. They also have small classes that make learning easier for many students who receive the individual attention. Admission to the graduate program in nursing requires that students have a bachelors degree in nursing. A grade point average of at least 3.0 is required and a current Registered Nurse license in Illinois. Applicants must also submit an essay on one of the four college principles. A resume or curriculum vitae is also required. The MSN specialties require the completion of 40 credits, except for the Nurse Practitioner track that requires 41 to 44 credits.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science: MS in Nurse Anesthesia Program Review

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

3333 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, Illinois 60064-3095

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a private graduate school located at 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064-3095. The University was begun in 1912 as the Chicago Hospital-College of Medicine. The University is named after Dr. Rosalind Franklin who provided the data and scientific basis for description of the structure of DNA, considered to be the most important discovery in modern biology. The University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nurse Anesthesia program.

The curriculum for the nurse anesthesia program includes 27 months of study consisting of 9 terms. Interested Registered Nurses must send their personal statement, three recommendation letters, and curriculum vitae with their application to the University. An overall grade point average of 3.0 is required on undergraduate general and nursing courses. Applicants must have a Baccalaureate of Science degree in nursing or in a related field and must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Although one year of experience in a critical care setting is required, three years of experience is preferred. The Graduate Record Examination must also be taken, and adequate scores must be forwarded to the University. An interview with the Nurse Anesthesia Department Admissions Committee is also required.

Once admitted into the MS program, students must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average. The program consists of 27 months of continuous full-time study. Students first learn to work with simulated human patients during the first portion of the program before beginning to provide anesthesia to real patients. Students complete clinical rotations at many healthcare sites in Illinois, Wisconsin, and in Indiana. At the completion of the program, students qualify to take the national certification exam that leads to certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Rush University: RN to MSN Program Review

Rush University

600 South Paulina Street, Suite 440

Chicago, Illinois 60612

Rush University, located at 600 South Paulina Street, Suite 440, Chicago, Illinois 60612, is a private institution on the West Side of Chicago. It was established in 1972 and is part of the Rush University Medical Center. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with two specialties, including one for non-nurses and one for Registered Nurses.

The Generalist Entry Masters with a Focus in Clinical Leadership program is designed for students who have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. It prepares students to become nurse clinicians with a focus on nursing leadership. This fast-paced program is a full-time curriculum that requires working five days each week until completion. Students complete coursework as well as clinical practice at Rush University Medical Center and other healthcare settings in the Chicago metropolitan area. There are eight prerequisite courses that must be completed before beginning the program.

Admission requirements include a bachelors degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, a personal essay statement and three professional recommendation letters. If an applicant’s grade point average is under 3.25, the GRE must be taken and satisfactory scores must be submitted. The College of Nursing is beginning to use the NursingCAS online system for applicants to use when applying to their nursing programs.

The Registered Nurse (RN) may complete the MSN program, Clinical Nurse Leader. It takes two years to complete this program that has a part-time curriculum. Courses are all offered online, and there is a clinical residency requirement that students may complete at their place of employment. Students may choose to take two additional electives that lead to an additional role component in education or management in addition to the clinical nurse leader focus. Application requirements are the same as for the Generalist Entry Masters with a Focus in Clinical Leadership program.

Nurse Practitioner programs at the University currently require that students complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The Nurse Anesthesia program has also been changed to a DNP course of study.

Saint Anthony College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

5658 East State Street

Rockford, Illinois 61108-2468

Saint Anthony College of Nursing has been in existence for over 90 years. It is a Roman Catholic college that is affiliated with the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. The main campus of the college is located at 5658 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois 61108-2468. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with concentrations in Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Admission requirement include a Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice, a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 2.8, and a statement of professional, educational, and career goals. Applicants must also submit three letters of professional recommendation and a completed admission application and fee.

The Clinical Nurse Leader program offered at the college provides training for the RN to oversee the care coordination of a group of patients. Nurses provide direct patient care, especially in complex cases. Family Nurse Practitioner students learn to care for all family members and to provide primary healthcare to the family. Students in the Nurse Educator track learn to teach and assess student nurses or to facilitate staff development in healthcare settings. All graduates are prepared to take the national certification exams for licensure in their particular areas of advanced practice nursing.

The college offers a variety of financial aid to help the RN complete a graduate degree in nursing. Aid options include Federal Direct Loans that are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans are need-based, whereas unsubsidized loans are non-need based. Saint Anthony College of Nursing also provides Veterans Education Benefits for veterans. Many healthcare employers reimburse the RN for tuition paid to complete the MSN program at Saint Anthonys.

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing

511 NE Greenleaf Street

Peoria, Illinois 61603

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, located at 511 NE Greenleaf Street, Peoria, Illinois 61603, offers many different graduate programs. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with a variety of concentrations that are offered either online or as hybrid classes that combine online coursework and face-to-face classes. These include the following:

Accelerated Pathway to MSN for RN’s with a Non-Nursing Baccalaureate Degree

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Medical-Surgical or Child & Family

Family Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Medical-Surgical – Clinician or Educator

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Management Leadership

Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Accelerated Pathway to the Masters of Science in Nursing (for Non-Nursing Baccalaureate Degree students) is a 45 credit program that offers an accelerated option for the Registered Nurse with either an associate degree or nursing diploma with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The accelerated option requires the student to have 62 credits of pre-nursing credits. Once accepted into the program, 31 credits are awarded for nursing. The student must take courses in health assessment, nursing research, a community health nursing course, a clinical practice experience in nursing, and a transitions course before beginning the MSN coursework.

The Master of Science in Nursing Child and Family Nursing with a Clinician Option requires 45 credits and 512 practicum hours and the Educator Option has the same curriculum requirements. Students in the Clinical Nurse Leader MSN program must complete 35 credits and 512 practicum hours. The newest program that has recently been added is the Family Nurse Practitioner program that leads to a masters degree in nursing. This program requires 44 credits and 576 practicum hours.

Nurses in the Medical Surgical Nursing with either a Clinical or Educator Option must complete 45 credits of coursework and 512 practicum hours. In the Neonatal Nursing Practitioner option, the curriculum consists of 43 credits and 704 hours of practicum. Another newly added program at Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is the Nursing Management Leadership program. It consists of 33 credits and 384 practicum hours. The Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is also newly added to the programs offered at the college. It requires 46 credits and 640 practicum hours.

Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing, except for the Accelerated MSN option that requires a degree in a discipline other than nursing. A grade point average of at least 2.8 is required on previous college coursework. The applicant must have a Registered Nursing license and at least one year of experience is preferred. Additionally, three recommendation forms are required, along with a two to three page essay on professional and educational goals. An interview with applicants may be required. Applicants to the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner option are expected to have two years of full-time experience as an RN caring for the critically ill newborn infant. At least one year in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit is required. Students in this program must also have Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: RN to MS in Nursing Program Review

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois 62026

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is located in Edwardsville, Illinois, about 20 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The University was founded in 1957 as an extension of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges named the University in its “Top 50 Midwest Universities” and “Top 5 Up-and-Coming Schools in the Midwest.” The magazine also named SIUE as one of the top 20 public universities in “Best Regional Universities-Midwest (Masters Granting) category. The University offers a Masters of Science (MS) in nursing program with specialties in Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Healthcare and Nursing Administration.

The Nurse Educator MS specialization prepares nurses with a bachelors degree to fill roles as faculty members in nursing schools or to provide staff education in healthcare facilities and community health departments. It takes two and one-half years to complete this program on a part-time basis. Admission requirements include three positive references, a Registered Nurse (RN) license, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students must also submit a Goals and Objectives written statement. One year of professional nursing experience is required, as well as the successful completion of an interview, if invited. Before graduation, masters students must complete all coursework and practica, plus develop and maintain an electronic portfolio. They must also provide a final oral podium presentation before graduation.

The Nurse Anesthesia program leads to a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. The program is full-time and takes three years to complete, including two summer sessions. Applicants must be licensed as an RN in both Illinois and Missouri, and they must also meet the other admission requirements that are the same as for the Nurse Educator and all masters in nursing programs. After completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam that leads to licensure as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Family Nurse Practitioner students must complete the curriculum that takes three and one-half years to complete on a part-time basis. Applicants to the program must meet all of the MS in nursing requirements, and they must also have one year of professional nursing experience. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the national certification exam and will then be qualified to provide primary care to family members of all ages. Nurses who are interested in the Health Care and Nursing Admission MS program can complete the program in two and one-half years. They must have one year of experience working as a RN before enrolling in the first specialization clinical course.

University of Illinois at Chicago: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Illinois at Chicago

845 South Damen Avenue MC 802

Chicago, Illinois 60612

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UC), located at 845 South Damen Avenue MC 802, Chicago, Illinois 60612, is a private research university. It was established in 1890 by the American Baptist Education Society, but today it is a nondenominational institution. There have been 87 Nobel Laureates affiliated with the University, 49 Rhodes Scholars, and many alumni have won Fulbright awards. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University as number 5, while Forbes provided a ranking of 4^th to the University. Global rankings have also been assigned by different organizations that place the University of Illinois at Chicago in the top 10 of international universities.

The University’s traditional MS program is offered at all campuses, including Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Urbana, and Quad Cities. The programs may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and most can be finished within two to four years. Many courses are offered online or in a blended format of online and in class coursework. None of the courses are completely online at this time. The University offers a MS Transition program for students with a Registered Nurse (RN) license and a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Transition courses are completely online in eight-week modules. Since the transition courses are very concentrated, it is recommended that students do not take other graduate coursework during the same time.

The following specialty areas are offered in the Master of Science in nursing program at UC:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Occupational Health/Advanced Community Health Nurse

Occupational Health/Family Nurse Practitioner

School/Advanced Community Health Nurse

School/Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse-Midwifery

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Administrative Studies in Nursing (can be combined with Master of Business Administration or MS in Health Informatics for a joint degree)

Advanced Community Health Nurse (can be combined with a Master of Public health for a joint degree)

Nurses who are interested in this program must have a bachelors degree in nursing or a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing plus a RN license. A grade point average of at least 3.0 on the last 60 credits of the first baccalaureate degree is required. Applicants must complete a statistics course and must have satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination within the past five years. This test is waived for applicants with a 3.25 or above grade point average. The exception to this requirement is that applicants to the Master of Science/Master of Public Health and Master of Science/Health Informatics joint-degree programs must take the GRE regardless of their grade point average. Nurses applying to the Master of Science/Master of Business Administration program must take the GMAT. Applicants must also complete a successful interview with the faculty of the specialty area to which they have applied, but not all applicants will be invited for an interview. Applicants to joint-degree programs must apply to the nursing program as well as to the other program of the joint-degree that they wish to pursue.

University of St. Francis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of St. Francis

500 Wilcox Street

Joliet, Illinois 60435

The University of St. Francis is a Roman Catholic, Franciscan University that is located at 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois 60435. The campus is about 35 miles southwest of Chicago and has a small study body. It was founded in 1920 by the Congregation of the Third Order of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate to educate members of the order. Both the U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review rated the University of St. Francis as a College of Distinction. The University is also in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report in their “America’s Best Colleges” edition. The Princeton Review includes the University in its “Best Colleges: Region by Region” section.

The Leach College of Nursing at the University of St. Francis offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in the following tracks:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

RN-BS-MSN Option (MSN program for registered nurses with non-nursing baccalaureate degree) – Family Nurse Practitioner

All MSN options are online programs. Admission requirements are a bachelors degree with a major in nursing and a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants must have two years of full-time clinical nursing practice within the last four years. A resume and work history, current licensure as a registered nurse, and a successful interview with the College of Nursing faculty members are also required.

The curriculum for the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration consists of 47 to 56 credits, including a clinical residency. The MSN Nursing Administration track requires that 36 to 45 credits are completed, and the Nursing Education program requires 37 credits. Nursing Administration and Family Nurse Practitioner students may take an additional nine credits in education courses for additional certification. State Board of Nursing requirements require that students who want to enroll in Nurse Educator programs must reside in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, or Wisconsin.

Indiana MSN Programs

Anderson University: RN to MSN Program Review
Anderson University, 1100 East Fifth Street, Anderson, Indiana 46012
Anderson University is a private Christian institution that is affiliated with the Church of God. The University was named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest. The Princeton Review also recognized Anderson University as one of the best schools in the Midwest. It was founded in 1917 as the Anderson Bible Training School. Today, undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

There are four different specialty tracks available that lead to a masters degree in nursing. These are the MSN-Education Track, MSN—Administration Track, MSN-MBA Track, and Informatics Track. An additional option offered at Anderson University is the Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing program.

The School of Nursing’s MSN Education Track provides training in educating future student nurses. Students also learn to facilitate staff development in healthcare facilities by developing program curriculum and evaluating learning outcomes. This 41 credit program takes about 26 months to complete. The MSN Administration track focuses on management and leadership in nursing. It requires 37 credits and can also be completed in 26 months.

The Registered Nurse (RN) may want to earn two full degrees with the Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (MSN-MBA) dual degree program. Students learn advanced nursing practice as well as advanced business basics as they prepare to enter leadership role in nursing management. The Nursing Informatics Track integrates nursing with computer science and information science. This program consists of 35 credits and may be completed in 24 months. Admission requirements for the MSN program include submission of an application and three recommendation letters. Also, an admission essay is required.

The RN-BSN program is designed for the nurse who does not have a bachelors degree in nursing, but who has a bachelors degree in another field. The applicant to this program must show evidence of having Bachelor of Science in Nursing essential knowledge. Applicants must also be a Registered Nurse (RN) in Indiana or be eligible for licensure. At least one year of work experience is required, except that the MSN-MBA program requires two years of work experience. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.75 on their undergraduate coursework. An admission essay is required, along with the completion of the University’s bridge courses.

Ball State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Ball State University

2000 West University Avenue

Muncie, Indiana 47306

Ball State University (Ball State), located at 2000 West University Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47306, is a state-run research university. It was founded in 1899 as a private normal school to education teachers. Ball State’s School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing program. The entire masters in nursing program is offered online and can be completed on a part-time basis. Registered Nurses may pursue one of the advanced nursing roles that the program prepares them to fill in the future, such as Adult Nurse Practitioner Track, Family Nurse Practitioner Track, or Leadership Track.

The Adult Nurse Practitioner Track requires 43 credits to complete. Students receive training in best practices as they learn to provide primary care to the adult from adolescence to old age. Fifty credits are required to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Nurses who complete the program are advanced care nurses who provide primary care to all members of the family. The Leadership Track Plan of Study (Educator or Administrator) prepares nurses to fill roles of educator, teach student nurses or facilitating staff development. Those who choose the Administrator track focus on management and leadership in healthcare facilities.

Admission requirements to the masters program include having a bachelors degree in nursing, but Registered Nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field may be accepted into the program. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 2.80 or a grade point average of 3.0 on upper division courses. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of practice is also required. At least one year of clinical experience is required before enrolling in clinical courses, and three to five years of experience is preferred. A professional reference must also be submitted.

Bethel College: RN to MSN Program Review

Bethel College

1001 Bethel Circle

Mishawaka, Indiana 46545

Bethel College is located near South Bend, Indiana at 1001 Bethel Circle, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545. A Mennonite group founded Bethel College in 1947, and today it is still affiliated with the Missionary Church. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at Bethel. At Bethel College, classes are small and students work closely with faculty as they prepare for an advanced nursing role. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers two concentrations. These are Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator. The MSN program consists of five semesters of coursework and one summer of specialty practicum. Students attend classes at Bethel one night each week with two classes each evening for the first three semesters.

Bethel College School of Nursing offers their Masters of Science in Nursing for nurse educators for experienced nurses to develop the skills needed for teaching positions. Training in curriculum development, learner assessment, technology in nursing, and other topics are the focus as the nurse prepares to teach student nurses or to provide staff development or patient education. A thesis is required for this program. The Nurse Administrator track provides preparation for nurses to fulfill roles in management in many different kinds of healthcare facilities. At the completion of the program, students are prepared to enter positions as educators or administrators in the community.

Goshen College: RN to MSN Program Review

Goshen College

1700 South Main Street

Goshen, Indiana 46526

Goshen College (Goshen) is a private Mennonite college that was founded in 1894. Today, it is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA. Located at 1700 South Main Street, Goshen, Indiana 46526, Goshen is a small liberal arts college that was the first liberal arts college in the state to offer a bachelors degree in nursing program in 1950. Today, the college offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a family nurse practitioner track. The program is designed to be convenient for working Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. Classes are held one time each week in the afternoon and evening.

The nurse who enters this program completes 48 credits that include 642 hours of clinical practice. The emphasis of the program is on providing nursing care in a culturally diverse society. Students receive training on providing primary care to all family members from the youngest to the oldest members. At the completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination to be licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Admission requirements include a grade point average of 3.0 and a bachelors degree in nursing. Applicants must also have active Registered Nurse licensure and must submit a curriculum vitae and three reference letters. They must also have one year’s clinical experience and submit an essay to the college.

Indiana State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana State University

Landsbaum Center, Room 222

Terre Haute, Indiana 47809

Indiana State University (ISU) is located in Terre Haute Indiana. The University was established in 1865 as a normal school. It has been rated by the Princeton Review as one of the “Best in the Midwest” for many years in a row. Also, U.S. News and World Report rated Indiana State University’s graduate nursing program as among the “Top 75” in the United States. A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at ISU with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.

Nurses who want to pursue an advanced nursing role as a Family Nurse Practitioner may want to apply to the University’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Students may choose from a culminating experience from an evidence based practice, culminating project, or masters thesis. A total of 48 to 51 credits are required to complete the program plus clinical experience practicum hours. Students are prepared to take the national certification exam that leads to licensure as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

A Nursing Administration concentration is also offered at the University. This program prepares the Registered Nurse (RN) to fill leadership roles in healthcare facilities, including community agencies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. A total of 35 to 38 credits are required to complete the program, including clinical hours and a culminating experience of the student’s choice. The Nursing Education concentration provides training for nurses who want to teach student nurses, healthcare staff, or patients. This curriculum consists of 35 to 38 credits that include a culminating experience of the student’s choice.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. A RN license in the area where the student will complete the clinical practicum is also required, along with three reference letters. The applicant must have one year’s experience working full-time as a Registered Nurse. A passport photo is also required.

Indiana University-East: RN to MS in Nursing Program Review

Indiana University-East

520 South 9^th Street

Richmond, Indiana 47374

Indiana University-East (IU East) is located at 520 south 9^th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374. It is part of the Indiana University system and was founded in 1971 as a public institution. The University partners with Indiana University-Kokomo to offer a Master of Science in Nursing progam with two tracks. These are Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. There is a great need for nurses with masters degrees in nursing in the State of Indiana, and this need is expected to continue.

The MS in nursing Nurse Administration tracks provides training for nurses who want to pursue management positions that require an advanced nursing degree. They work in surgery centers, clinics, hospitals, and in many other community agencies. The Registered Nurse who enters the Nurse Educator track will learn the basics of teaching student nurses on the undergraduate level. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The applicant must have a Registered Nurse license in the state where the practicum will be completed. In addition, applicants must have at least one year of nursing experience. Applicants must submit a statement of essential abilities, a person statement, two reference letters, and either a curriculum vitae or resume.

Indiana University-Kokomo: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana University-Kokomo

2300 South Washington Street

Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9003

Indiana University-Kokomo (IUK) is located at 2300 South Washington Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46904-9003. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at this public university that was established in 1945. Indiana University-Kokomo’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with to concentrations. These are Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator. Students who enter the MSN Nurse Educator program are qualified to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator.

Students work in cohort groups to complete their masters degree in nursing at IUK. Courses are presented in a hybrid format, both in-class and online. After completing the mandatory core courses, nurses then take classes that are focused on their chosen concentration. Core classes meet on Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with some classes offered online. MSN students must complete a culminating project or nursing study and practicum of 225 contact hours.

An advantage of this program is that study abroad opportunities are available for interested graduate nursing students. Service programs in Guatemala and Korea are available through the School of Nursing. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0. A current Registered Nursing license in the state where the practicum will take place is also required. One year of experience working as Registered Nurse is also required, and applicants must submit a personal statement, two references, and a curriculum vitae or resume.

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

420 University Boulevard

Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a large urban school that is a combination of two universities. Indiana University is the managing partner. The address of the college is 420 University Boulevard, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered at this large public university. Indiana University and Purdue University formed a partnership merging the two institutions in 1969. The School of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master of Nursing program. Eight tracks of study are offered, including the following:

Other programs offered at the University are the following:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (online)

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (online)

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Leadership in Health Systems

Nursing Education (online)

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

IUPUI is the only university in Indiana to offer a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a PhD and DNP. The graduate program in nursing was rated as Number 15 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Rankings were Number 3 for adult health, Number 6 for mental health/psychiatric nursing, and Number 11 for family nurse practitioner.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a copy of the applicant’s Indiana Registered Nursing license. A goal statement essay must also be submitted, as well as three professional references and a current resume. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Two years of clinical work experience are required for Nurse Practitioner majors, and RN to MSN applicants must have the equivalent of two years of full-time experience in the past five years. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems, and Nursing Education majors with a bachelors degree in nursing do not need to have two years of work experience. The GED exam is not required for the MSN programs at the University.

Indiana Wesleyan University: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana Wesleyan University

4201 South Washington Street

Marion, Indiana 46953

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), located at 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana 46953, is the largest private university in Indiana. This evangelical Christian school is affiliated with the Wesleyan Church denomination. The University was started as a normal school in 1890 and was known as the Marion Normal College. IWU has been named as “One of the Top Masters Universities in the Midwest” by U.S. News and World Report. It has also been named as one of the “Top Ten Conservative Colleges” in the U.S. by the Young America’s Foundation.

The nursing school at IWU provides undergraduate and graduate programs for students at the Marion campus as well as for students completing weekend programs and online programs. The Division of Graduate Studies in Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with Nursing Administration and Nursing Education concentrations offered online. Primary Care Nursing is offered at satellite campuses in Indiana and Kentucky. Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education programs provide training for advanced practice roles in leadership and education. Primary Care Nursing prepares registered nurses as Family Nurse Practitioners.

Admission requirements are a bachelors degree in nursing, and Registered Nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field other than nursing may also apply to the program. They must have 10 years of nursing experience and submit a portfolio with a curriculum vitae/resume. Applicants should have a grade point average of 3.0 or better on previous coursework and must have a valid Registered Nurse license. Three recommendations are required, as well as a writing sample. Nurses applying to the Nursing Administration or Nursing Education programs must have at least 1,000 hours of nursing practice, and those applying to the Primary Care major are expected to have 500 hours of caring for patients.

Purdue University: RN to MS Program Review

Purdue University

502 North University Street

West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2069

Purdue University is located at 502 North University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2069. This location is the flagship university of the Purdue University system that consists of six campuses. The University began in 1869 as a land-grant university. Purdue has the second largest student body of any university in the state. It also has the second largest international student population of any public university in the country. U.S. News and World Report ranked Purdue as Number 62, and Washington Monthly rated the university as Number 79. It was also ranked Number 40 by Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The School of Nursing at Purdue University offers a Master of Science (MS) with concentrations in Adult Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed to develop leadership skills and to provide advanced nursing practice training to students. Nurses prepare to fill roles in which they will provide primary care to patients of all ages. The MS program has a multidisciplinary study in a 630-hour preceptorship. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification exam by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the exam offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The Registered Nurse who wants to enter the MS program at Purdue University must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The GRE is also required, as is evidence of current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Indiana. Applicants must also complete a successful interview with a graduate program faculty advisor.

Purdue University-Calumet: RN to MS Program Review

Purdue University-Calumet

2200 169^th Street

Hammond, Indiana 46323-2094

Purdue University-Calumet, located at 2200 169^th Street, Hammond, Indiana 46323-2094, is located in the Chicago metropolitan area. It is a public university that was founded in 1946. The School of Nursing at the University offers a Master of Science (MS) program with three areas of concentration. These are the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health or Critical Care and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Executive program is no longer available at Purdue University-Calumet, and is available only online through the Department of Nursing at Indiana University/Purdue University-Ft. Wayne. The University also offers an Online Cohort Program, and students can contact the Graduate Program Academic Advisor for more information on this option.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Master of Science program requires 45 credits to complete. The full-time program can be finished in two years, including two summer semesters. Clinical practice and a health promotion course practicum equal 500 hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner program also requires 45 credits, and 550 hours of clinical practica and the health promotion course practicum equal 555 hours. This program can also be completed in two years of full-time study, including two summers.

The Registered Nurse who wants to enter the program must have a bachelors degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for conditional admission status. It is also necessary that the applicant has a current Registered Nurse license. Three recommendations are also required, a statement of purpose for attending the graduate school, and a copy of the applicant’s Registered Nursing license. A resume is also required.

University of Indianapolis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Indianapolis

1400 East Hanna Avenue

Indianapolis, Indiana 46227

The University of Indianapolis (UIndy) is located at 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. It was founded in 1902 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The University offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. UIndy also has branches in Athens, Greece, Belize, The People’s Republic of China, Cyprus, and Israel. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in the following:

Accelerated Masters Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse-Midwifery

Nursing Education

Nursing and Health Systems Leadership

The Accelerated Masters Program is designed for students with a bachelors degree in another field than nursing. The program leads to a Masters of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing and Health Systems Leadership. Applicants must have completed all prerequisite courses and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. After prerequisites are completed, the program requires 15 months of undergraduate clinical work to prepare students to take the nursing licensure national exam, NCLEX-RN. Students then complete 12 months of graduate coursework to finish the masters degree program. Most graduate courses are offered primarily online.

All of the masters degree in nursing track options require from 38 to 55 credits to complete. The Nurse-Midwifery concentration requires 55 credits and 1,035 clinical hours, and the other concentrations require from 240 to 630 clinical hours. In addition, the University of Indianapolis is the only university-affiliated forensic nursing certificate program, and graduate students may complete the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Certificate for five additional credits. MSN programs are offered on a part-time or full-time basis to meet the needs of working nurses.

To be admitted to the masters program in nursing, three reference letters must be submitted, along with a current resume or curriculum vitae. A career goal statement is also required, plus a valid Registered Nurse license. Applicants must also complete an interview with an academic advisor.

University of Saint Francis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Saint Francis

2701 Spring Street

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808

The University of Saint Francis is located at 2701 Spring Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808. The University is a private Roman Catholic college that was founded in 1890 by the Franciscan order. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner. The Family Nurse Practitioner track provides training to prepare Registered Nurses to fill advanced practice nursing roles providing primary care to patients of all ages in the family unit and in the community. This track requires that 39 to 48 credits are completed, as well as 645 clinical hours. There are both full-time and part-time options to choose from. The full-time program takes two years to complete with one summer session. The Registered Nurse can complete the part-time curriculum in three years, including two summer sessions.

Admission requirements include having a bachelors degree in nursing and a current license as a Registered Nurse. A grade point average of 3.20 is required, and if the applicant’s grade point average is less than 3.0, the GRE must be taken. Minimum scores of 400 on the verbal and 400 on the quantitative must be achieved. Documents that must be submitted are a resume or curriculum vitae, three reference letters. And a MSN Essay of written goals. A personal Graduate Nursing Admission Interview is also required. Students not meeting all of the admission criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis. They must earn a grade point average of 3.20 in the first six hours of graduate nursing courses.

The Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is for students who have an associates degree or diploma in nursing who do not have a bachelors degree in another field must take 16 credits of prerequisite courses before entering the graduate nursing program. They are not awarded a bachelors degree, but receive a masters degree in nursing after completing the masters program.

University of Southern Indiana: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Southern Indiana

8600 University Boulevard

Evansville, Indiana 47712

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) is located at 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, Indiana 47712. USI was established in 1965 as a branch of Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered, including a Master of Science in Nursing that is offered online. The Graduate Nursing Program offers the following concentrations:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nursing Management and Leadership

All MSN programs have the same core course requirements before students move into specialty classes related to their advanced nursing role. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner masters program provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) to provide primary care to adults across the lifespan. These specialists work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and many other healthcare settings. The program requires 45 credits and 705 clinical hours.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist masters program prepares the RN as an expert clinician, leader, and educator. This concentration requires 45 credits and 545 clinical hours. The RN who wants to pursue a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner can receive training to provide primary care to all members of the family. Forty-five credits and 664 clinical hours must be finished before graduating and taking the national certification exam. Nurses who want a career as a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in mental health can apply to the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. It provides training for the RN to work in hospitals, community centers, and other settings and to provide health promotion and management of mental health symptoms. A total of 47 credits and 645 clinical hours are required for this program.

Nursing Education is a masters program in nursing that prepares the RN to serve on a nursing school faculty or to perform staff development and patient education. Forty-five credits must be completed to graduate with a MSN in Nursing Education. Nurses who want to pursue a career in management can complete the Nursing Management and Leadership program that takes 42 credits of coursework to qualify for graduation.

Admission requirements are a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. One year of full-time work in clinical experience is strongly recommended. Two applicants must be completed, including one to the Graduate Studies Department and one to the College of Nursing and Health Professions. A resume and RN license are required in addition to two professional references. Applicants must also submit an essay on their professional goals.

Valparaiso University: RN to MSN Program Review

Valparaiso University

1700 Chapel Drive

Valparaiso, Indiana 46383

Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a private university that is owned and operated by the Lutheran University Association. This Christian college is located at 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. The University is 54 miles southeast of downtown Chicago and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The university was established in 1859, and today, undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University as Number 3 in the Universities-Masters category for the Midwest in “America’s Best Colleges.”

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offered at the University prepared the Registered Nurse (RN) to be an educator in an academic setting or health care organization. Thirty credits must be completed, and this may be done on either a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program can be finished in three semesters. Part-time students may complete the program in six semesters.

Admission criteria include a bachelors degree in nursing and a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and an Indiana Registered Nurse license. Applicants must also submit an essay explaining their professional goals.

Valparaiso University also offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program can be completed in less than three years. The special requirements for entry into the program are a grade point average of 3.0 or better on previous coursework and evidence of an Indiana RN license. Students must complete all general education courses that are required for the bachelors degree except for Theology and nine elective courses. A MSN degree is awarded at the completion of the program.

Iowa MSN Programs

Allen College: RN to MS Program Review
Allen College, 1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Allen College is a healthcare education facility that has been training nurses for over 78 years. The campus is located at 1825 Logan Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa 50703. This location is in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. The college was founded in 1925, and the first nursing class of 10 students graduated in 1928. Today, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered to prepare nurses for an advanced nursing career. The following MSN tracks are offered at Allen College:

Leadership in Health Care Delivery (Administration)

Nursing Education

Community/Public Health Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Masters Completion Program for Nurse Practitioner

Community/Public Health Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner

Community/Public Health Nursing and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Students may be admitted to begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester. A bachelors degree in nursing is not required because applicants may have a bachelors degree in another field. In this case, they must take undergraduate courses in statistics, nursing research, and community health prior to enrolling in some of the masters level courses. Working nurses do not need to spend time preparing to take the GRE because it is not required for this program. Applicants must have at least one year of clinical experience before enrolling in masters level courses. Registered Nurses who are able to attend the masters program full-time can complete the program in two years. Most students continue to work and complete the program part-time in three to four years. Instead of completing a thesis, students complete a graduate project. Most of the program is taught online, but some face-to-face time is required when students must be on the Allen College campus.

Briar Cliff University: RN to MSN Program Review

Briar Cliff University

3303 Rebecca Street

Sioux City, Iowa 51104

Briar Cliff University is located at 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51104. This location is a three-state area with South Dakota and Nebraska across the river. Briar Cliff University is a Franciscan Roman Catholic liberal arts university. It was founded in 1930 as a women’s college and has since become coeducational. The university offers masters degrees online that lead to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Concentrations in Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner are offered at Briar Cliff University.

The Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator program provides training for the nurse who wants a career teaching and guiding student nurses as they prepare for a nursing role. This online program is a 45 credit curriculum for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Students may opt to complete a thesis or non-thesis option, and admission is granted without the need for the GRE. The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program is a two-year hybrid program involving online classes and those that meet on the campus. Two years of study are required to complete 42 credits.

Applying to the program requires a formal application for admission. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average on their bachelors degree work in nursing. Applicants must also submit a copy of their Registered Nursing license in Iowa. Two-thousand hours of clinical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse within the two years before enrolling in the first nursing specialty course are required as well. Those interested in the program must demonstrate their logical thinking and writing skills by writing a two to three page personal and professional development statement that outlines their goals and why a masters degree is necessary to meet these goals.

Clarke University: RN to MSN Program Review

Clarke University

1550 Clarke Drive

Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Clarke University, located at 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, is a Catholic University that was started as a boarding school for girls in 1843. The University offers a Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator program for nurses who want training for careers as instructors of student nurses at the undergraduate level. The program has an online format that can be completed in 18 months full-time. There are 37 credits required to qualify for graduation. This program offers flexibility in allowing working nurses to continue working while earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Students work together in a 25 person cohort group, and they complete their residency experiences on campus.

Requirements for admission to the program include a bachelors degree from an accredited nursing program with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Three professional recommendation forms must be submitted as well as a curriculum vitae. Applicants must submit a health record form that includes proof of personal health insurance and an annual Tuberculin Skin Test Reporting form as well as a copy of their license as a registered nurse and a copy of CPR or BLS certification. Those interested in admission must also write a statement of goals that explains their career goals. Clarke University also requires applicants to complete a successful interview before being accepted into the program.

Grand View University: RN to MSN Program Review

Grand View University

1200 Grandview Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50316

Grand View University is located at 1200 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50316. This private liberal arts college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It was established in 1896. The university offers a Clinical Nurse Leader program that leads to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This program provides training in leadership, management, and patient care. Nurses learn about health policy application and finance, clinical outcomes management, and cost effective management as they prepare for advanced nursing roles in the clinical setting. After graduating with a masters degree in nursing, nurses are able to better coordinate patient care, have improved team communication and improved outcomes for patients.

The university’s Clinical Nurse Leader program requires two years plus two summers of study to complete. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or better. GRE scores must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Department of the University, and applicants are expected to have two years of work experience as a registered nurse. In addition, three recommendation letters are required plus a professional resume. A current Iowa nursing license is required, and proof of this and of professional liability insurance must be submitted to the university. Grand View University does require a criminal background screening in addition to health requirements that include TB testing, hepatitis B, and varicella.

Mount Mercy College: RN to MSN Program Review

Mount Mercy College

1330 Elmhurst Drive NE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797

Mount Mercy College, located at 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797, is a Catholic liberal arts university. The Sisters of Mercy founded the college in 1928. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered with three different tracks. These are the following:

Track 1 – Health Advocate – Students receive training necessary to lead innovative health care programs.

Track 2 – Nurse Educator – Prepares students for the advanced nursing career of nurse educator.

Track 3 – Nurse Administrator – Provides training for nurses to manage healthcare organizations

The masters curriculum at Mount Mercy College is an in-class program that emphasizes interactive learning and provides an opportunity for professional networking. Classes are held in the evening to accommodate working nurses and are offered in 5-week blocks so that students may focus on one subject at a time. Full-time students can complete this program in 18 months. Rather than completing a thesis, students choose a clinical project or practicum experience aligned with their professional needs.

Admission requirements include at least part-time employment as a Registered Nurse during the program. Those interested must submit a resume and personal statement with their online application. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Conditional admission may be offered to applicants with a grade point average less than 3.0. A copy of the applicants nursing license and two recommendation letters are required as well.

St. Ambrose University: RN to MSN Program Review

St. Ambrose University

518 West Locust Street

Davenport, Iowa 52803

St. Ambrose University is a University that is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport. Located at 518 West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa 52803, it is a liberal arts university that was established in 1882. Today, the university offers a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing Education. The Master of Science in Nursing Administration provides training in management and leadership for nurses who want a career in administration. An administrative practicum and capstone project are parts of the program that allow students to use their knowledge in the real work environment. The Master of Science in Nursing Education prepares nurses to teach student nurses or in clinical agencies.

Admission to the University requires a bachelors degree in nursing with a 3.0 or better grade point average. Applicants should have taken a Health & Physical Assessment course on the undergraduate level. Those interested in the program must submit a copy of their licensure as a Registered Nurse, a personal statement of education and career goals, three reference letters, and curriculum vita. An interview must also be completed if requested. Once a student is admitted to the program, a criminal background check is also required. A prerequisite course is statistics that must have been completed within five years of entering the masters nursing program. Students must also have completed an undergraduate research course.

University of Iowa: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Iowa

50 Newton Road

Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1121

The University of Iowa (UI or Iowa) is located at 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52241-1121. This research university is the oldest public university in the state, having been established in 1847. UI has received many rankings, including 28^th best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings, 71^st best university in the nation, tied with Michigan State University and Virginia Tech, and 21 graduate programs have been named in the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has been rated as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for 20 years in a row, or since rankings began by U.S. News & World Report. Many other rankings have been given to UI. The University of Iowa College of Nursing has been ranked as one of the best nursing programs in the country.

The College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Clinical Nurse Leader program. The program provides training for nurses seeking advanced nursing roles as clinical experts. The program requires 39 credits and is made of six semesters plus one winter session. Most of the program is online, but the course Health Promotion and Assessment for Advance Clinical Practice requires students to be on campus. Students must also be on campus for an orientation before beginning the program and after completing their studies to present their capstone project to the capstone committee.

To be considered for the program, applicants must complete the Graduate College application and supplemental application. A baccalaureate or advanced degree in nursing is required to be considered for the program and applicants must have two years’ of work experience as a registered nurse. Also, a 3.0 grade point average on undergraduate coursework and a current nursing license are required. Each applicant must be computer literate. Additionally, a current resume or portfolio and three recommendation forms are required.

Before beginning the program, candidates must complete all prerequisite courses. Those interested in the program must complete an upper level statistics course within five years of the application deadline. Those accepted into the program must meet the health requirements and have all required immunizations, CPR certification, and must have a criminal background check and Abuse Registry check. Liability/malpractice insurance coverage is required as well.

Kansas MSN Programs

Fort Hays State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It is the fourth-largest state university that was founded in 1902 as a normal school. The university is located at 600 Park Street, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099. Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses who want to pursue advanced nursing roles that require a graduate nursing degree. There are three masters degree nursing tracks, which are the Nursing Administration Track, Nursing Education Track, and the Family Nurse Practitioner Track.

Registered Nurses who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree at the university need to complete both the University Graduate School application and the Graduate Nursing Program application. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree with an upper division major in nursing and a grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses include statistics and an undergraduate course in health assessment. Those interested in the program should have a current nursing license to practice in the United States. Professional liability insurance coverage and personal health insurance coverage are also required. Applicants must have BLS certification from American Heart Healthcare provider and must meet the health requirements of the program. Candidates for the Family Nurse Practitioner Track are also required to have at least one year’s experience as a registered nurse and an undergraduate pathophysiology course.

All students in the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education Tracks are required to complete a thesis. Family Nurse Practitioner students complete a project before graduation. All courses are delivered online through the Virtual College, and Family Nurse Practitioner students complete a hybrid program that combines online learning with in-class learning.

MidAmerica Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program Review

MidAmerica Nazarene University

2030 East College Way

Olathe, Kansas 66062-1899

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU), located at 2030 East College Way, Olathe, Kansas 66062-1899, is a Christian institution that was founded in 1966. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered online as well as at the Olathe, Liberty, and North Kansas City locations of the university. The program is designed with some unique features designed to make pursuing the graduate degree in nursing easily attainable for the working nurse. Courses are in 7-week modules and students may begin the program at the start of any module. It is possible to complete the program in only one year. Classes are one day each week and are taught either online or in blended formats.

The MSN program degree tracks include the following:

Healthcare Administration Track

Nursing Education Track

Public Health Track

Healthcare Quality Management

To be considered for the program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Statistics at the undergraduate level is a prerequisite course that must be completed before beginning the program. Applicants must have licensure as a Registered Nurse that is active and unencumbered. In addition, two recommendation letters are required. Once admitted into the graduate nursing program, students must all complete the graduate nursing core curriculum.

The Public Health Track offered at MNU must take the Public Health Functional Area content courses. Students must also pick an area of emphasis. Emphasis in School Nursing, Occupational Health, or Infectious Disease Control is areas that students may choose from.

Newman University: RN to MSNA Program Review

Newman University

3100 McCormick

Wichita, Kansas 67219

Newman University is a Catholic liberal arts university located at 3100 McCormick, Wichita, Kansas 67219. The university began in 1902 as a girls’ school and became a women’s junior college in 1933. In 1998, it became Newman University. One graduate nursing program is offered, which is the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA). The program consists of a 24-month full-time curriculum consisting of six back-to-back semesters totaling 60 credits.

Requirements for program candidates are Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Applicants who do not have a bachelors degree in science are considered individually. Licensure as a Registered Nurse is required, and prerequisite courses of statistics and an undergraduate nursing research course must have been completed. Applicants must have Advanced Cardiac Life Support & Pediatric Life Support certifications and at least one year of full-time employment as a professional nurse in an intensive care unit, burn unit, or other critical care setting.

To apply to the program, candidates must take the GRE and must earn a score of at least 290 combined verbal and quantitative sections. Three professional recommendations are required plus a copy of the applicant’s official transcript. Once accepted into the program, a total of 60 credits must be completed along with 2,400 clinical clock hours.

Pittsburg State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Pittsburg State University

1701 South Broadway

Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

Pittsburg State University (Pitt State or PSU) is located at 1701 South Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762. It was founded in 1903 as a normal school and became Pittsburg State University in 1977. U.S. News & World Report named Pitt State Number 87 among Best Midwestern Universities in the Masters category. They also ranked students at the university 4^th in Midwest Universities Masters category for the least amount of debt after graduation. The Department of Nursing at Pitt State offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

The Master of Science in Nursing program has two specialty areas that students may choose from. These are the Advanced Practice and Nurse Practitioner programs that share core courses before branching off into coursework unique to each specialty. Both special areas provide training for nurses who want to pursue careers in advanced nursing. The program consists of 45 to 47 credits for the Advanced Practice and Nurse Practitioner programs. In addition, if a student wants to complete eight additional credits, courses leading to Administrative Nurse Leader or Nursing Education may be completed as well.

To be considered for the masters degree program in nursing, applicants must have a grade point average on undergraduate degree work of at least 3.0. Applicants with grade point averages of 2.7 to 2.999 are admitted on a space available basis. Reference forms from an immediate supervisor, bachelors degree nursing program, and a professional reference must be submitted to the Department of Nursing. A baccalaureate degree in nursing is required, and a resume and documentation of work experience as a professional nurse are also necessary. Applicants must also complete a proctored writing sample, and a personal interview may be required. In addition, candidates must have a current Kansas Registered Nursing license, Basic Life Support certification, and must pass a background check.

University of Kansas Medical Center: RN to MS Program Review

University of Kansas Medical Center

3901 Rainbow Boulevard

Kansas City, Kansas 66160

The University of Kansas Medical Center is located at the University of Kansas (KU) at 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas 66160. The KU Department of Nursing was established in 1906, and today a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program is offered to nurses who want to files roles in advanced nursing that require masters degrees. Specialty Core Areas are the following:

Clinical Research Management

Nursing Informatics

Organizational Leadership

Public Health Nursing

To be considered for admission to the MS program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse is required, and applicants must have completed an undergraduate level physical/health assessment course. A graduate statistics course is also required. Admission to the program is competitive. Applicants must submit their graduate application and fee, plus official transcripts to the School of Nursing. A letter outlining career goals and three reference letters are also required, as is a resume/curriculum vitae. A phone or on-campus interview may also be required.

Those admitted into the program must attend the mandatory New Graduate Student Orientation and must have a criminal background check. Proof of licensure as a registered nurse is required in both Kansas and Missouri. New students must also meet all of the health and other requirements of new graduate nursing students.

Washburn University: RN to MSN Program Review

Washburn University

1700 SW College Avenue

Topeka, Kansas 66621

Washburn University is located at 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66621. Founded in 1865 as Lincoln College, it was later named after Ichabod Washburn and later became Washburn University. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university as 7^th in the Midwest in public Masters level universities. The university also ranks near the top among Masters degree institutions in endowment per student. The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with three specialty tracks. These are Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and clinical Nurse Leader.

The Master of Science in Nursing Adult Nurse Practitioner program provides training for nurses who want to provide primary care for adults from teenage years through the elderly years. The curriculum consists of 45 credits that are completed plus a Graduate Project or Thesis. Professional nurses who are seeking training that prepares them to care for the entire family and who are enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program must complete 50 to 56 credits. A Graduate Project or Thesis is also required for this track. Both nurse practitioner programs can be completed in two years on a full-time basis, and both a three-year and four year part-time programs are offered. The masters program in Clinical Nurse Leader requires three years of study.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and current licensure as a registered nurse in Kansas. Applicants must also complete the prerequisite course of graduate inferential statistics to be considered for the masters program.

Wichita State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Wichita State University

1845 Fairmount Street

Wichita, Kansas 67260

Wichita State University (WSU) is one of the six state universities in the state, and it is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It was founded in 1895 and is one of three research universities in the state. U.S. News & World Report named WSU as a Tier 2 National Universities in the United States, and it was rated Number 70 and Number 88 in the USA in previous years. The university offers a masters degree in nursing with two concentrations. These are Nursing Education – Direct Care and Nursing Leadership and Administration. The previously offered Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as the CNS-Clinical Nurse Specialist are now offered on the doctoral level at the university.

The university is currently revising the curriculum for the MSN program. Interested nurses should contact the School of Nursing for the latest information. The phone number is (800) 516-0290.

Kentucky MSN Programs

Bellarmine University: RN to MSN Program Review
Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205
Bellarmine University is located at 2001 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. It is a private, Catholic university that was established in 1950. Bellarmine University’s Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Education, Administration, or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)/Master of Business Administration (MBA). The Family Nurse Practitioner Track is designed for full-time or part-time study, while the Administration or Education Tracks are offered only on a part-time basis.

Students in Nursing Administration receive training in organizational leadership, the financial and economic aspects of health care, human and resource management, and organizational leadership. Practica are required in this concentration. Nursing Education prepares the registered nurse for a role as an educator in a college setting at the undergraduate level. This concentration also requires that students complete practica. Those who enter the Family Nurse Practitioner Track prepare to provide primary care to all members of the family. Clinical practica are part of this curriculum. Professional nurses interested in the dual degree MSN/MBA program complete the requirements of the Nursing Administration Track plus the MBA program. Eight hours from the MBA are applied to the MSN requirements as electives.

To be considered for admission to Bellarmine, applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required, plus the GRE must be taken if an applicant’s undergraduate grade point average is under 3.28. Three professional references plus a goal statement and resume must be submitted to the university. Applicants must have an active, unrestricted license as a registered nurse in Kentucky. Those applying to the Family Nurse Practitioner Track may need to complete an interview with graduate faculty members.

The Family Nurse Practitioner Track is available in both a one year, full-time option and a two year part-time option. The Education and Administration Tracks may be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Full-time and part-time options are also available for the MSN/MBA Track.

Eastern Kentucky University: RN to MSN Program Review

Eastern Kentucky University

521 Lancaster Avenue

Richmond, Kentucky 40475

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is located at 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475. It is a research university that has regional campuses in Corbin, Danville, and Manchester. University centers are located in Fort Knox, Lancaster, and Somerset. EKU was established in 1906, and today both undergraduate and graduate programs are offered. Masters degrees in nursing are offered at the university with options in Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner, Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Advanced Practice in Public Health (with a concentration in Administration or Education),

Admission criteria for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program include having a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a national accredited program. Applicants must have an unrestricted Registered Nursing license in Kentucky or in a recognized compact state. The last 60 hours of the bachelors degree must have a grade point average of at least 2.75, and a prerequisite graduate or undergraduate course in statistics is required. Admission to the program is competitive, so consideration is also given to the applicant’s scores on the GRE general test or on the Miller Analogies Test and the applicant’s statement of Personal and Professional Objectives that must be submitted.

Consideration is also given to the three references submitted on behalf of the applicant and on the rural nature that is cited for future practice as an advanced practice nurse after graduation. In order to progress in the program, students accepted into the program must have a grade of at least B in every subject. Eastern Kentucky University is one of only a few colleges that offer the Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner or Rural Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner options.

Frontier Nursing University: RN to MSN Program Review

Frontier Nursing University

195 School Street

Hyden, Kentucky 41749

Frontier Nursing University is located at 195 School Street, Hyden, Kentucky 41749. It is unique because it is a private non-profit graduate school, and it was formerly the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing. Frontier Nursing University received its new name when the first family nurse practitioner education program in the United States was opened at the college. Frontier also became the first graduate school of nurse-midwifery to have a distance education program. The university was founded in 1939.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at Frontier Nursing University. Concentrations include Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner. An Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN)-MSN Bridge is also offered that allows registered nurses with an associates degree to earn their masters degree in nursing without completing a bachelors degree. The Bridge is made of seven courses or 20 credits that are taken in one year before beginning the masters degree program. An interesting offering at the university is that students may opt to complete multiple specialties, such as nurse-midwifery and family nurse practitioner so that they have more complete training for their future advanced nursing role in the community. Courses are offered online, and students spend limited time on campus.

Professional nurses seeking admission to Frontier must have a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing, but registered nurses without a bachelors degree who have completed a diploma or associates degree in nursing and have a bachelors degree in another field will also be considered. These candidates will need a portfolio of relevant work experience and academic experience. A grade point average of 3.0 is required on the most recent academic work of the applicant. Those with a grade point average of 2.7 to 2.99 may take the GRE or MAT and obtain a satisfactory score.

Anyone with a grade point average less than 2.7 will not be considered for admission unless they complete graduate level nursing courses equaling 9 or more credits and earn a grade of B or better in these. Applicants must have licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which they work. Also, one year of work experience as a registered nurse is required. Candidates must submit three professional references to the university. Prerequisite courses are a physical assessment course and a statistics course.

Admissions criteria for the ADN-MSN Bridge program are licensure as a registered nurse and an associates degree in nursing. A grade point average of 3.0 is desirable, but applicants with a grade point average between 2.7 and 2.99 will be considered after taking the GRE or MAT and obtaining a satisfactory score. One year of work experience as a registered nurse is require plus three professional references.

McKendree University: RN to MSN Program Review

McKendree University

10168 Linn Station Road

Louisville, Kentucky 40223

McKendree University is located at 10168 Linn Station Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40223. McKendree is a not-for-profit university that offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that has flexible scheduling for working professionals. The university has a unique curriculum in that an accelerated, one-month format is followed. A blend of in-class and online coursework allows the program to cover the same amount of course content in one month that is usually covered in a four month semester. This schedule allows students to earn three or more credit hours in one-fourth of the time that it would take to do in a conventional college classroom. It is also possible to begin classes any month of the year rather than waiting for a semester to begin.

McKendree offers a Master of Science in Nursing – Management Concentration and Master of Science in Nursing – Education Concentration at the Louisville campus. The program is taught in a blended 8 to 16 week format. Thirty-three credits are required for the Nursing Management Program, and the Nursing Educator Program consists of 38 credits. Either program can be completed in about 20 months that include classroom time, seminars, and practicum. Electronic resources supplement classroom interaction.

Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants must complete the MSN application and submit an essay that describes their personal and professional goals and how these will be met by completing the masters program at the university. A grade point average of 3.0 is required, but those with a grade point average below this are sometimes conditionally admitted. These students must earn a grade of 3.0 in their first 12 credit hours. All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of their Kentucky nursing license, and required health certificates from their doctor.

Murray State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Murray State University

102 Curris Center

Murray, Kentucky 42071

Murray State University is located at 102 Curris Center, Murray, Kentucky 42071. It is the only public university that has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as a Tier 1 school during the last 20 years. Murray State University was founded in 1922 as a normal school established for teacher training. Today, many programs are offered including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that provides training for advanced care nurses to work in a rural setting. The university offers two tracks leading to a graduate degree in nursing that include the Academic Nurse Educator and the Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The Academic Nurse Educator program is available on both a full-time and part-time basis. It prepares Registered Nurses for roles as advanced nursing practice specialists who design curriculum, teach student nurses, and perform other functions as a facilitator of learning. The Clinical Nurse Specialist program prepares nurses to serve in many different roles, and in most states a nurse with this specialty may write prescriptions and provide advanced clinical care.

Nurses who are interested in completing their masters degree in nursing must meet certain prerequisites, including a GRE score of at least 1,000. Also, applicants must have a minimum of 2,000 clock hours or one full year of experience working as a Registered Nurse. All prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the MSN program at Murray State University.

Northern Kentucky University: RN to MSN Program Review

Northern Kentucky University

Nunn Drive

Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is located at Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099, in the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area. It is the newest Kentucky university that was established in 1968. NKU has been cited by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and CIO Magazine for academic quality and value. Tuition at Northern Kentucky University costs less than many other universities in Kentucky. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with seven tracks for masters in nursing students to choose from. These are the following:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nurse Executive Leadership

Nursing Informatics

To be considered for the Master of Science in Nursing program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Proof of at least 1,000 work hours as a Registered Nurse are also required, plus a copy of the applicant’s nursing license from the state in which the nurse is licensed. A current resume and letter of purpose are required as well. Two reference forms must be submitted, and all prerequisite courses must be completed. Students accepted into the Nurse Practitioner tracks will be required to complete 600 residency hours as part of their training to prepare to provide primary care to a variety of patients.

Spalding University: RN to MSN Program Review

Spalding University

845 South Third Street

Louisville, Kentucky 40203

Spalding University is located at 845 South Third Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203. Spalding is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Founded in 1814, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States west of the Allegheny Mountains. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered at the university with the goal of preparing nurses for advanced nursing roles that require a masters degree in nursing. The School of Nursing offers graduate tracks in Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Spalding University’s Nurse Practitioner program does not require the GRE if an applicant’s grade point average is 3.0 or better. It also possible to complete dual certification in Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in a program that is offered in a cohort style. Flexible scheduling is available with classes in the afternoon or evening on Wednesday or all day Thursday. Students may enroll in graduate nursing programs on a full-time or part-time basis. Another opportunity offered at Spalding is that students enrolled in the Nurse Educator program may complete only 17 extra credits to get a post-Master’s certificate as a Nurse practitioner.

Admission requirements are a baccalaureate degree, or non-Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants may complete extra course work and portfolio requirements before being admitted to the program. A grade point average of at least 3.0 is required, as well as a completed online application and official transcripts. A copy of the applicant’s Registered Nurse license in Kentucky or Indiana is also required. If required, GRE scores must be submitted, along with recommendation forms. Applicants must also submit a paper explaining their professional goals. They must meet health requirements, including proof of health insurance. A personal interview may be required as well.

University of Kentucky: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky 40506

The University of Kentucky (UK) is located in Lexington, Kentucky. It was founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky. Today, it is the largest university in the state and has been ranked as the highest research university in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Kentucky is no longer offering a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

University of Louisville: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky 40292

The University of Louisville (U of L) is located in Louisville, Kentucky. It was established in 1798 as one of the first universities west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university’s Health Sciences Center has been a leader in many medical advancements, such as completing one of the first artificial heart transplant surgeries. The University of Louisville has also been in the forefront of other medical surgeries and treatments. Today, the University of Louisville offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a variety of concentrations, including the following:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing with a Certificate in Health Professions Education

Registered Nurses who are interested in applying to the university must complete a Graduate School application and have their official transcripts forwarded to the university. Successful scores on the GRE are also required, as well as two reference letters. An application to the School of Nursing is also required, complete with a professional goal statement and registered nurse licensure number. Applicants must complete a certified background check. Students are sometimes admitted to the masters degree in nursing program conditionally if they have lower than required GRE scores or for other reasons. After maintaining the required grade point average, students in the program may be taken off conditional status.

Western Kentucky University: RN to MSN Program Review

Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Boulevard

Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101

Western Kentucky University (WKU), located at 1906 College Heights Boulevard, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 was established in 1906 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The school’s roots go back even farther to 1875 when the Glasgow Normal School in Glasgow, Kentucky was founded. WKU offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with special concentrations to meet the growing need for advanced practice nurses. Specialty areas are the following:

Family Nurse Practitioner (students admitted only until Spring, 2014)

Nurse Educator

Nurse Administrator

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

RN to MSN (for associate degree in nursing students with a bachelors degree in a related field)

Criteria for admission to the program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a grade point average of 3.0. Registered Nurses interested in the Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program must have an associate degree in nursing plus a baccalaureate degree in a related field. These candidates are only eligible for the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator concentrations. It is also necessary to have satisfactory scores on the GRE, but applicants with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on their undergraduate work are exempt from taking this test. Applicants must have Registered Nurse licensure in Kentucky or in a compact state and must also have a year’s experience working full-time as a Registered Nurse. Applicants must submit a written goal statement and three professional reference forms.

Louisiana MSN Programs

Grambling State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Grambling State University, 403 Main Street, Grambling, Louisiana 71245
Grambling State University (GSU) is located at 403 Main Street, Grambling Louisiana 71245. The university is a historically black college that was established in 1901. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. Applicants must apply to the Grambling State University School of Graduate Studies as well as to the Graduate Program in Nursing. A grade point average on undergraduate studies of at least 3.0 is required. In addition, GRE scores of at least 1,000 combined Verbal and Quantitative sections and at least 450 on individual sections is required.

Registered Nurses interested in pursuing their masters degree in nursing at Grambling must have completed the prerequisite courses of health assessment and statistics. Two years of work experience as a Registered Nurse are required plus three recommendation letters, a graduate level writing course, and an interview with the MSN faculty. Other requirements are that the applicant must hold a current Registered Nurse license and must have current CPR certification. Current malpractice insurance is an additional requirement, along with the required immunizations and health examination reports.

The Family Nurse Practitioner option is a five semester, 21-month curriculum that requires 49 credits. Students must be on campus for classes and labs one day each week. Students complete clinical experiences in their geographic area. The Nurse Educator Program is a 21-month, full-time curriculum as well. Students also meet one day each week and complete their clinical experiences in their home area. A capstone experience is the Practicum in Nursing Education. Also, students must choose a clinical focus of either Maternal/Child or Adult/Geriatric.

Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing

Southeastern Louisiana University

SLU Box 10448

Hammond, Louisiana 70402 and

McNeese State University

MSU Box 90415

Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609 and

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

P.O. Box 43810

Lafayette, Louisiana 70504

The Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing program is a combined effort of Southeastern Louisiana University, McNeese State University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The three universities work together to provide a program that prepares professional nurses for careers in advanced practice nursing. The goal is to meet the demands for the Registered Nurse (RN) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, especially in South Louisiana where there is a demand for qualified nurses with advanced degrees. Areas of concentration that are available are the following:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Educator

Nursing Executive

Admission requirements must be met through one of the three universities in the consortium since each one has slightly different requirements. McNeese State University requires that applicants submit all college transcripts and copies of the GRE. A grade point average of at least 2.5 on all undergraduate work is required, or a grade point average of 2.75 on upper division coursework. Applicants must have written recommendations from former academic faculty and professional supervisor to be considered for admission. Most students in this program continue to work and complete classes part-time. Theory classes are online, and taking three to six credits at the same time is the way that most nurses complete their masters degree in nursing. In addition, students work with preceptors at clinical sites to complete practicum work. Nurse practitioner students work with doctors and nurse practitioners during their practicum. Students may choose to complete either a thesis or a Focused Scholarly Project.

Louisiana State University-Health Sciences Center-New Orleans: RN to MSN Program Review

Louisiana State University

Health Sciences Center-New Orleans

1900 Gravier Street, 3^rd Floor

New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center New Orleans is the location of six schools, including one of the LSU medical schools. It is located at 1900 Gravier Street, 3^rd Floor, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112. It was founded in 1931and has continued to grow until Hurricane Katrina forced both hospitals affiliated with the university to close down. Some healthcare programs are still affected by this natural disaster, but the School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for those seeking advanced care nursing training. The university offers a Master of Nursing/Master of Science in Nursing with the following concentrations:

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Anesthesia Program

Nurse Practitioner Program

Nursing Administration

Nurse Educator

Public Health/Community Health Nursing

Admission criteria include a completed application and official transcripts from any colleges or university attended. A grade point average of 3.0 in this work is required, along with scores for the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Three reference letters are also required. Interested nurses must have Registered Nurse licensure in Louisiana and a minimum of at least a year’s experience in the area of interest that the student would like to enter. An essay/goal statement is also required. Nurses who are interested in the Nurse Anesthesia program must also complete the prerequisite course of statistics with a grade of B or better, and they must have one year of critical care experience. They must meet the minimum scores on the MAT or GRE and must have a successful interview as well.

Loyola University New Orleans: RN to MSN Program Review

Loyola University New Orleans

6363 St. Charles Avenue

New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

Loyola University New Orleans is located at 6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118. It is a Roman Catholic Jesuit university that was founded in 1904. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 5^th among Southern regional universities offering masters and undergraduate degrees, and it has been in the Top 10 for the last 20 years. It has also been named in The Best 371 Colleges by The Princeton Review. Loyola University new Orleans offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Health Care Systems Management (HCSM). The program is offered completely online.

The HCSM masters program in nursing focuses on nursing administration and the concepts of leadership in health management. Graduates of the program have received training that prepares them for advanced practice nursing careers as case manager, care coordinator, or nurse manager and other roles. A total of 36 credits are required, and 12 of these are core courses. The remainder of the required courses prepares nurses for leadership roles in many different healthcare facilities.

Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a bachelors degree in a related field. Applicants with bachelors degrees in other fields must complete the Loyola MSN Bridge program. Applicants must be currently licensed as Registered Nurses and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies. Three recommendations are required in addition to a goal statement and completion of a prerequisite statistics course. A formal interview is also required.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana: RN to MSN Program Review

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

1800 Line Avenue

Shreveport, Louisiana 71101

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) is part of the University of Louisiana System with campuses in Natchitoches, Leesville/Fort Polk, and Alexandria. The nursing campus is located at 1800 Line Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. The university was founded in 1884 as a normal school for teacher training. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with areas of concentration in the following areas:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Maternal Child Nursing

Adult Nursing

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Critical Care Nursing of an Adult

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Registered Nurses interested in training for one of these advanced practice nursing careers must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. They must also have Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of at least 290 and current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana. Prerequisite courses include statistics and physical assessment courses and at least six months of clinical experience before enrolling in a clinical nursing course. Malpractice insurance is required, as well as two recommendation letters.

Our Lady of the Lake College: RN to MS Program Review

Our Lady of the Lake College

7500 Hennessy Boulevard

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

Our Lady of the Lake College is located in in 7500 Hennessy Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808. It is a Catholic college sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, North American Province. The college was established in 1923 as Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing. Today, a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Nurse Anesthesia is offered, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. The masters program in nursing has two tracks, which are the Administrator Track or Educator Track.

The masters degree program in nurse anesthesia is a 28 month continuous curriculum that is a full-time program. Those accepted into this program must have licensure as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana. They must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and at least one year of full-time recent adult critical care setting. Two years of critical care experience in an adult intensive care unit is preferred. Applicants must have taken the GRE within the last five years and must submit scores to the college. A graduate or undergraduate chemistry course is a prerequisite to the program.

The MS in nursing program that provides training for the advanced practice nursing positions of the Administrator or Educator Tracks can be completed in in four semesters of full-time study. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing, current licensure as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana, and must complete prerequisite courses of statistics and a research courses with a grade of at least a C in each course.

Southern University and A&M College: RN to MSN Program Review

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813

Southern University and A&M College is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and is a historically black college that was founded in 1880. The Southern University School of Nursing (SUSON) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a web-enhanced curriculum. A Nurse Practitioner program is offered with both a full-time and part-time curriculum, and it offers students the choice of training for advanced nursing careers in either Family Nurse Practitioner or Gerontological Nurse Practitioner roles. The university also offers a Family Health Education or Administration masters in nursing program that is also available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Nurses interested in the program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Official GRE scores must be submitted, and a prerequisite graduate course in introductory statistics must be completed. Applicants must have their Registered Nurse license in one of the 50 states and must be eligible for licensure in Louisiana. In addition, three recommendations are required. Conditional admission may be granted to applicants who have at least a 3.0 grade point average on the last 60 hours of their undergraduate work.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette

P.O. Box 43810

Lafayette, Louisiana 70504-3810

The University of Louisiana (UL) at Lafayette is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is a research university that has nine campuses in the University of Louisiana System. Founded in 1898 as an industrial school, today a full range of degree programs are offered. The university has been named as one of the “Best 377 Colleges” by The Princeton Review and as one of the “Best Colleges 2013” out of 281 national universities in Tier 2 by U.S. News & World Report. The University of Louisiana received other rankings as well. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in affiliation with the Intercollegiate consortium for an Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN) degree.

A Nurse Practitioner program is offered with the concentrations of Family Nurse practitioner or Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Executive. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in nursing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75. Applicants must also have a satisfactory GRE score and must meet the health requirements of the program. A prerequisite course of statistics is required, and applicants must have licensure as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana. Once accepted into the program, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0. Before graduation, they must complete a Focused Scholarly Project or a thesis.

Maine MSN Programs

Husson University: RN to MSN Program Review
Husson University, 1 College Circle, Bangor, Maine 04401
Husson University was established in 1898 as Shaw School of Business and became a university in 2008. Husson University has been offered a nursing program for over 100 years. Today, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with concentrations in Family and Community Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education. Potential students who are unsure of which track they would like to enter may register as a Graduate Special Student. This option allows them to review skills without making a commitment to a specific track. Up to nine credits may be completed while in this status.

The Family and Community Nurse Practitioner program offers convenient classes that are held online and on weeknights or every other Saturday. In the summer, courses are held on Saturdays and Wednesday evenings. Students must complete 44 credits and 714 clinical hours to qualify for graduation. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses are health assessment and statistics, and the applicant is expected to have at least one year of clinical nursing practice. In addition, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required plus three recommendation letters and an interview with the faculty from the School of Health at the university.

Husson University’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program consists of 40 credits that provide training to prepare Registered Nurses to teach in academic settings or to teach patients or in community settings. Special grant money may be available to applicants to the Nursing Education track, and all applicants may apply for government student loans. Either the MAT or GRE is required for admission to the program, as well as a goal statement reference letters, and work experience as a professional nurse. A bachelors degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 is also required.

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine: RN to MSN Program Review

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

278 Whites Bridge Road

Standish, Maine 04084

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a Catholic college that was founded in 1912. It was established by the Sisters of Mercy as a woman’s college. The college has been offering distance education for Registered Nurses since 1986. Today, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered online. The online graduate nursing program provides training for advanced nursing roles in education or administration. The tracks offered are the following:

MSN-Administration Track

MSN-Education Track

MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner Track

MSN-Master of Health Administration (MHA) Dual Degree

MSN-Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Each of the programs requires from 42 to 48 credits to complete, and students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students may be admitted to the program any time of the year. Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, and they must have an active Registered Nurse license. The college may admit applicants who have a baccalaureate degree in another field if the applicant has an associates degree or diploma in nursing. Applicants must have licensure as a Registered Nurse, and non-bachelors degree in nursing applicants must submit a resume.

The University of Maine: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Maine

5724 Dunn Hall

Orono, Maine 04469-5724

The university has had a nursing program since 1939 and became the first baccalaureate program for nurses. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered with two tracks. These are Family Nurse Practitioner and Individualized Master of Science in Nursing with options of Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or other advanced nursing role. Students may opt to complete the program on a full-time basis, which takes two years, or part-time for three to four years. The masters degree programs require anywhere from 35 to 50 credits to be eligible for graduation.

To qualify for the MSN program, nurses must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Prerequisite courses of Health Assessment, statistics, and a research course are required, and students must attain a grade of B in these courses. Two years of experience as a professional nurse are desired, and Registered Nurse experience can be completed while taking core graduate courses. Applicants must have Registered Nurse licensure in Maine and must submit either GRE or MAT scores from one of the tests that were taken within the past five years. An interview with nursing faculty is also required.

The university’s I-MSN is designed to meet the specific interests of students as they complete their masters degree in nursing. Students choose from nurse educator, nurse administrator, or other tailor-made programs that they design with a faculty advisor. This unique offering is not found in most other masters degree in nursing programs.

University of New England: RN to CRNA Program Review

University of New England

11 Hills Beach Road

Biddeford, Maine 04005

The University of New England (UNE) was founded in 1939 as a boys’ high school by a Franciscan friar of the Roman Catholic Church. It merged with the New England Foundation for Osteopathic medicine in 1978 and the two colleges became the University of New England. The main campus is located at 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, Maine 04005. There is another campus located in Portland, Maine. The university offers a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, which is the only one in the State of Maine.

The CRNA program is a 27-month full-time program that consists of two phases. The first phase takes place in Portland. It is the didactic portion of the program and involves eight months of classroom instruction. Students then complete the second phase of the progam, which is a 19-months hospital-based clinical phase of the curriculum. A unique feature of this program is that students learn and practice CRNA-only anesthesia plus anesthesia care team practice.

Admission requirements are to complete the prerequisite courses, including biochemistry. Applicants must be graduates of a baccalaureate or higher degree program, or they may have an associates degree or diploma in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in another field. They must also have a grade point average of 3.0 and licensure as a registered nurse. One year of critical care experience is required, and applicants must score above the 30^th percentile on the general GRE test. Three recommendations are required, and applicants must have current Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification and Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification. Applicants must apply online and must then successfully complete an interview with the Admissions Committee.

University of Southern Maine: RN to MS Program Review

University of Southern Maine

PO Box 9300

Portand, Maine 04104

The University of Southern Maine (USM) is part of the University of Maine System, and there are campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston. The university was founded in 1878 as Gorham Normal School. The university was names among the Best Northeastern Colleges by The Princeton Review and was also included in its edition of America’s Best Value Colleges. A Master of Science in nursing (MS) program is offered with tracks in the following specialties:

MS in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader

MS in Nursing – Dual Degree Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MS in Nursing – Education

MS in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

MS in Nursing – Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MS in Nursing – for Non-Nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree – The Options Program

MS in Nursing – Management

MS in Nursing – Master of Science in Nursing for Certified FNP, ANP, and WHNP

MS in Nursing – RN to Master of Science in Nursing Program

Applicants who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may apply to the masters program at the university, and acceptance into the program is on a competitive basis. Besides having a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of at least 3.0, applicants must have completed the prerequisite courses of statistics and health assessment. A score in the 45^th percentile or above on the Miller Analogy Test or a combined score of 1,000 or better on the Graduate Record exam is required. In addition, two reference letters, a current resume, and a copy of the applicant’s Registered Nurse license are required. A personal interview may also be required. Applicants without a nursing degree and nurses who do not have a bachelors degree in nursing are required to meet other admission requirements as well.

Maryland MSN Programs

Bowie State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715
Bowie State University was established in 1965 as Bowie Normal School. Bowie State University is a HBCU (Historically Black College/University) that is based in Prince George’s County in the state of Maryland. Bowie State University is the oldest HBCU in Maryland and is part of Maryland’s public university system. The university serves over 5,000 students.

The Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in nursing degree program with a focus on the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator role. Both MSN concentrations prepare nurses to take the certification exam in their area of practice. Students will complete a 600 hour clinical practicum in addition to the nursing masters degree courses. The MSN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have an undergraduate nursing degree from an accredited program. An undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or above is required for admission consideration. Before commencing concentration-specific coursework, nurses should have at least one year of clinical experience in nursing. Students must apply to the Bowie State University graduate school in addition to the nursing masters degree program. Entrance requirements to the masters in nursing program also include possession of a Maryland RN license and CPR certificate.

Notre Dame of Maryland University: RN to MSN Program Review

Notre Dame of Maryland University

4701 N Charles St

Baltimore, MD 21212

Notre Dame of Maryland University was formally known as the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and was originally a women’s college. The university is an independent liberal arts institution that is affiliated with the Catholic faith. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled at Notre Dame of Maryland University. The university is located in a 50+ acre campus in residential Baltimore.

The nursing masters degree program is an accelerated MSN that meets weekly. Students go through the program with a cohort of other nursing masters students. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers two concentrations, Leadership in Nursing Education and Leadership in Nursing Administration.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In addition to the application, nurses should submit a resume, letters of reference and personal essay. Prerequisite courses in Health Assessment, Statistics and Research should be completed with a grade of “B” or above.

The Leadership in Nursing Education content is based on the framework of the National League for Nursing Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators. The Leadership in Nursing Administration course is based on the framework of the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators.

Coppin State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Coppin State University

2500 W North Ave

Baltimore, MD 21216

Coppin State University was founded in 1900. The university is an HBCU (Historically Black College University) and is affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Coppin State University is part of Maryland’s public university system. The university was originally called Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School, named for a local woman who spearheaded teacher education. Approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at Coppin State University.

The Helen Fuld School of Nursing offers a nursing masters degree program with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Students must complete 48 to 51 credits to earn the nursing masters degree. The nursing masters degree program requires approximately two years of study and does include a summer semester. Nurses with interest in an educator role are able to take elective courses in nursing education.

Applicants to the masters in nursing program are admitted in fall and spring semesters. For admission to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Three letters of recommendation and an admission interview are also required for the RN to MSN program. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for admission. Additionally, applicants must provide scores for all sections of the Graduate Record Exam.

Johns Hopkins University: RN to MSN Program Review

Johns Hopkins University

3400 N Charles St

Baltimore, MD 21218

Johns Hopkins is a private research university that was established in 1876. The university is named for Johns Hopkins, its benefactor.

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers traditional and second-degree nursing masters programs. Students seeking to earn a BS degree, may opt for the BS to MSN program that also offers a paid residency. Students with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field may enroll in the BS-MSN program. In addition to unique MSN program entry options, the following MSN concentrations are offered in the School of Nursing:

Public Health Nursing

Public Health Nursing, Nurse Midwifery track

Health Systems Management/Clinical Nurse Specialist

Health Systems Management

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner with Public Health Nursing Focus

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Joint degree programs are offered in MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) and MSN/MPH (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health). Two of the nursing degree programs, Health Systems Management and Clinical Nurse Specialist, are offered online.

General admission requirements include a BSN completed with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants to the dual degree programs are required to take the Graduate Record Exam. A personal statement, community service and letters of recommendation are also required. In some cases, an admission interview may be requested.

Morgan State University: RN to MS Program Review

Morgan State University

1700 E Cold Spring Ln

Baltimore, MD 21251

Morgan State University was established in 1867. The university was originally called Centenary Biblical Institute and was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore. Approximately 6,000 students are enrolled at Morgan State University.

A Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management and Nursing Education are offered at Morgan State University. The RN to MS program is design to prepare nurses for advanced evidence-based practice nursing and requires 45 credits of study. In addition to the coursework component of the program, students complete a 135 hour clinical experience in a community health setting. The nursing masters degree program is designed to meet the standards in the Essentials of Masters Nursing Education as designed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Entrance requirements for the Master of Science nursing program include a Bachelor of Science degree from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants should be licensed in Maryland or a state that is part of the nursing license compact agreement. Two years of experience as an RN and a statistics prerequisite course taken no more than 5 years prior are also required for admission.

Salisbury University: RN to MS Program Review

Salisbury University

1101 Camden Ave

Salisbury, MD 21801

Salisbury University is a public post-secondary institution based on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The university was originally founded in 1925 as a two-year college.

Both an RN to MS and traditional masters degree program are offered at Salisbury University. The nursing MS program offers two concentrations, Clinical Nurse Educator and Health Care Leader. The nursing masters degree program is available in a convenient blended format, with online classes in addition to classes that meet in the evenings. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Both tracks require students to complete core courses in research, statistics and epidemiology. Upon completion of the masters in nursing degree program, applicants can take the certification exam in their area of study.

Prior to applying to the nursing program, applicants should submit an application for graduate study at Salisbury University. Nurses should complete a bachelors degree in nursing program accredited by the CCNE or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Admission may be granted to students with a strong application besides a GPA below 3.0. An essay, resume and two letters of recommendation should also be submitted for admission consideration to the nursing masters degree program.

Stevenson University: RN to MS Program Review

Stevenson University

1525 Greenspring Valley Rd

Stevenson, MD 21153

Stevenson University was established in 1947 and enrolls approximately 4,000 students. In addition to the Stevenson campus, the university also has a campus in Baltimore. Stevenson University was previously known as Villa Julie College.

An accelerated online nursing masters degree program, with an RN to MS track is offered at Stevenson University. Students in the nursing MS program have the option of beginning their degree program at any point in the year, during the summer, fall or spring semester. Students will progress through the graduate nursing program one course at a time. Though accelerated, the course is flexible and allows working nurses to study on the schedule that is best for them. A Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership/Management concentration are offered in the nursing masters program.

The RN to MS option is designed for both nurses without a bachelors degree and nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above in their previous undergraduate coursework. The Graduate Record Exam is optional, as is providing letters of recommendation and admission essay. Entrance requirements to the nursing masters degree program include a bachelors degree in nursing, copy of nursing license and a resume detailing the nurse’s professional experience.

Towson University: RN to MS Program

Towson University
8000 York Rd

Towson, MD 21252

Towson University is part of the University of Maryland system and is located near Baltimore in Towson. The university was established in 1866 as State Normal School. Nearly 22,000 students are enrolled at Towson University.

Towson University offers a nursing masters degree program with a focus in Nursing Education or a Clinician-Administrator Transition. Students in the nursing masters degree program can choose from a part or full time plan of study. Furthermore, courses in held in the evenings to accommodate nurses who are currently employed. Nurses in the masters program are prepared to work in a community-based healthcare setting. The clinical practicum experiences are designed to meet the student’s specific goals, and nurses can choose from a thesis or capstone project depending on their needs.

The master in nursing program accepts applicants for the spring, fall and summer semesters. A bachelors degree in nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters program. In addition to the program application, nurses are required to submit a resume and personal statement. Prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and physical assessment are also required for admission. Prospective nursing MS applicants that do not meet the entrance requirements, but feel their experience warrants special consideration may contact the nursing department.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Rd

Bethesda, MD 20814

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences was established in 1972.

The Graduate School of Nursing offers an MSN program with the following specializations:

Nursing Anesthesia

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Perioperative Focus)

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

All applicants to the nursing programs at Uniformed Services University should be enrolled in military service or a sponsored civilian. Entrance requirements to the Master of Science in Nursing program include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned with a 3.0 GPA and a 3.0 or above science GPA. Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam and should have a writing score of 4.0 or above. A 525 and 500 quantitative and verbal score respectively are required. For applicants who’ve taken the GRE after August 2011, a 145 quantitative score and 153 verbal score are required. Three letters of recommendation and a resume should be submitted along with the nursing masters application.

In addition to a nursing license, a Basic Life Support Certification is also required. Additional requirements are necessary depending on the student’s nursing masters concentration. Generally, applicants to the nursing CNS or NP concentrations should have at least two years of experience in a related area of practice.

University of Maryland: RN to MS Program Review

University of Maryland
7965 Baltimore Ave

College Park, MD 20742

The University of Maryland was founded as Maryland Agricultural College in 1856. Though the official name of the university is the University of Maryland College Park it is more commonly known as the University of Maryland.

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Community/Public Health Nursing

Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM)

Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM) Education focus

Nursing Informatics

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult and Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary and Acute Care)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family focus)

Joint degree options are also offered in the following areas:

Master of Science /Master of Public Health

Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM) dual degree with Master of Business Administration

Admission requirements to the RN to MS Program include a bachelors degree with a nursing major earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Two letters of reference, a resume and personal statement are also required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. To apply, nurses should have a valid US nursing license, but must obtain a Maryland state nursing license prior to enrolling in clinical practicum experiences.

The MS Clinical Leader option is designed for a college graduates with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Applicants to the program must have a baccalaureate degree and a GPA of 3.0 or above in addition to a science GPA of 3.0 or above.

Massachusetts MSN Programs

Boston College: RN to MS Program Review
Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Boston College is a private post-secondary institution that serves more than 13,000 students. The college was founded in the Jesuit tradition of the Catholic faith and was established in 1863.

The nursing masters degree program at Boston College accepts nursing students from a variety backgrounds. In addition to a masters degree program for bachelors prepared nurses, there is also a nursing program for nurses without a bachelors degree and non-nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Students in the nursing masters degree program can choose from the following specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Dual degree programs are also available for nursing master study:

MS/PhD- nurses can earn their Master of Science degree while also working towards a doctoral degree in nursing.

MS/MBA Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration degree

MS/MA in pastoral ministry is designed for nurses working in a religious setting

Students applying to dual degree programs should make note of the admission requirements of both the school of nursing and the corresponding department. General application requirements to the nursing masters degree program include a bachelors, associate degree or diploma in nursing earned with a “B” or above grade point average. Specific concentrations may have additional degree requirements.

Curry College: RN to MSN Program Review

Curry College

Curry College is a liberal arts college based in Milton, Massachusetts with an additional campus in Plymouth. The college was established by Anna and Samuel Curry in 1879 as the School of Elocution and Expression. More than 4,000 students are enrolled in Curry College’s undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs.

Curry College’s nursing masters degree program offers a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) concentration. Students in the masters in nursing program are prepared to take the CNL certification exam. The program meets once weekly and lasts five semesters. The RN to MS program employs the cohort model so that students will take courses with the same students throughout the duration of their masters study. As one of the final requirements of the nursing masters degree program, students will complete an extensive 300 hour clinical practicum experience.

Entrance requirements for the RN to MS program include a bachelors degree, preferably earned with a 3.0 or above GPA, admission interview and completion of a graduate course in statistics. Applicants will need to submit one letter of recommendation, a personal statement and admission essay along with their application. The nursing masters degree program can be completed in 37 credits of study or 14 academic courses. Clinical practicum experience is spread over the last three semesters of study.

Elms College: RN to MSN Program Review

Elms College
291 Springfield St

Chicopee, MA 01013

Elms College is a Catholic liberal arts institution near Springfield, Massachusetts. Though its official name is The College of Our Lady of the Elms, the college is most often referred to as Elms College. The Sisters of St. Joseph founded Elms College in 1928.

In addition to the traditional nursing masters degree program, applicants can enroll in a RN to BS to MSN program or the RN to MSN program. A Nursing and Health Services Management concentration and a Nursing Education concentration are offered. Students interested in nursing administration can enroll in the joint degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration degree program. The Nursing masters concentrations required 39 credits of study and approximately three years to complete.

In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants who don’t meet this requirements should take a minimum 6 credits of undergraduate coursework while earning a “B” average in coursework. RNs seeking a bachelors and masters degree may enroll in the RN to BS to MSN program. Applicants with a nursing license and a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field should enroll in the RN to MSN program.

Emmanuel College: RN to MSN Program Review

Emmanuel College: RN to MSN Program Review

Emmanuel College

400 Fenway

Boston, MA 02115

Emmanuel College was established by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1919. The college was previously a post-secondary institution for women, but since the year 2000 has been coeducational.

A Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator/Manager track are offered in the nursing masters degree program at Emmanuel College. The MSN program is composed of 11 courses totaling 36 academic credits. Students will complete seven core courses which make up 21 credits, followed by four courses totaling 15 credits in their specialization. Students may transfer up to two courses, not used for a previous degree program, to their masters degree.

Upon graduation from the program, Nurse Educators are prepared to take the certification exam offered by the National League for Nursing. Nurse Administrator students are prepared to take the certification exam offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Students applying to the nursing masters program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body at a regionally accredited institution. In addition to the application form, applicants are required to submit a personal essay, resume, two letters of recommendation and transcripts. Applicants should have a Massachusetts nursing license or eligibility to practice in Massachusetts based on their current license. Applicants are required to meet with a designated member of the Department of Nursing.

Endicott College: RN to MSN Program Review

Endicott College

376 Hale St

Beverly, MA 01915

Endicott College is a private nursing college located near Boston, Massachusetts. The college was founded in 1939.

Endicott College offers a Master of Science in nursing with a Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator focus. The RN to MSN program requires five semesters of study and can begin in the fall or spring semester. The nursing masters degree program includes 33 credits, including 10 core courses. In order to graduate from the masters in nursing program, applicants should maintain a 3.0 GPA. The program can be completed in approximately 18 months of study and is delivered in a hybrid format with both online and campus-based courses.

The nursing masters program admits nurses with a bachelors degree through the traditional pathway. Applicants with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may complete the Pre-Master’s Pathway, a four-course bridge which is required before completing the nursing masters degree program.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. In addition to two letters of recommendation, applicants should submit a copy of their Massachusetts Nursing license, two letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores. Applicants who hold a masters degree are exempt from the GRE/MAT scores requirement. A prerequisite course in statistics is an entrance requirements for all MSN applicants.

Fitchburg State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl St.

Fitchburg MA, 01420

Fitchburg State University was established in 1894. The public university serves over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university has a student faculty ratio of 21:1 and offers over 60 study abroad programs.

Fitchburg State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with a rare concentration in Forensic Nursing. The program is available online. In order to earn the MSN degree, students must complete a 36 credit hour program and a 420 hour clinical practicum. Graduates of the program may pursue a career in forensic nursing as a medical or legal investigator, consultant or forensic specialist among other things. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The MSN program is divided into three key areas, core courses (including scholarly inquiry) required cognate courses and required nursing course. Nurses can complete the RN to MSN program in three to six years of study.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters degree program include a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution. In addition to the program application, nurses should submit three letters of reference, Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores, transcripts and an essay. All applicants should hold a Registered Nurse License or its foreign equivalent.

Framingham State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Framingham State University

100 State St

Framingham, MA 01702

Framingham State University is located less than 30 miles from Boston. The public university was established in 1839. Approximately 6,500 students are enrolled at Framingham State University. The university is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Framingham State University offers nursing masters degree programs with concentrations in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership. The RN to MSN program is delivered in a blended format, as students will attend on-campus sessions in addition to completing coursework online. The master in nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The MSN course has 40 credits and 10 courses, 6 core courses and 4 concentration-specific courses.

Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a current Massachusetts RN license and a bachelor’s degree in nursing with national and regional accreditation. Students are evaluated using a Quality Point Average (QPA), and should have a QPA of 3.0 or above and QPA of 3.25 or above in their nursing coursework.

The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be required for nurses who do not meet the QPA requirement. Proof of a statistics prerequisite course completed with a 2.0 should be submitted. Two letters of recommendation, a personal essay and admission interview are also required for admission consideration.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

179 Longwood Ave

Boston, MA 02115

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences enrolls over 6,000 students. The university has two campuses in Massachusetts, Boston and Worcester as well as a campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, also referred to as MCPHS, was established in 1823.

Students can choose between a Family Nurse Practitioner and generalist nursing masters degree program. The RN to MSN program is delivered online, and the Family Nurse Practitioner program is also available in a campus-based format in Worcester and Manchester. Students in the online MSN program in a distance learning format are required to attend three campus residencies ranging from one to three days each session. The generalist Nursing MS concentration is 37 credits, while the FNP concentration is 42 credits of study.

Entrance requirements to the nursing masters degree program include at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse. Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited university or college. Nurses should hold a valid nursing license in the state in which their clinical practicum experience will take place.

Though applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted to the nursing program, applicants with a 3.0 or above nursing GPA are given primary admission consideration. It is preferred that applicants to the MSN FNP program have at least one year of experience in acute care.

MGH Institute of Health Professions: RN to MSN Program Review

MGH Institute of Health Professions

179 Longwood Ave

Boston, MA 02115

MGH Institute of Health Professions stands for Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. The hospital founded MGH Institute of Health Professions in 1977.

MGH Institute of Health Profession offers a Master of Science in Nursing Direct Entry program for college graduates without prior nursing experience as well as a traditional nursing masters degree program that includes entry options for nurses with an associate’s degree, diploma or bachelor’s degree in any field. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP

Family NP

Pediatrics NP

Women’s Health NP

Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan NP

Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health Dual Program

For acceptance to the RN to MS program, nurses should have an associate degree, diploma or bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. Applicants to the nursing masters program should complete a prerequisite course in statistics with a “C” or better grade. RNs with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma are required to complete 54 credits of prerequisites. Requirements for general education may be met through testing. Personalized application advice is available to students.

At least three letters of recommendation and a personal recommendation letter are required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. Most applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam, though the requirement may be waived for applicants who meet the following criteria: hold a masters degree in nursing, applicants who have demonstrated competency through prerequisite courses and applicants who have taken an equivalent graduate standardized test.

Northeastern University: RN to MS Program Review

Northeastern University

360 Huntington Ave

Boston, MA 02115

Northeastern University is a private research university that was established in 1898.

The School of Nursing at Northeastern University was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in a previous publication for the best Graduate Nurse Anesthesia program. The School of Nursing offers several entry options, including a Direct Entry option for college graduates without prior nursing experience and traditional option for bachelors prepared nurses. The Direct Entry Nursing masters degree program is offered online.

An RN to MS option is available allowing nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma to earn both a bachelors and masters degree. A masters degree completion program is also available for nurses who hold an advanced certification but do not have a masters degree. The following specialties are offered in the nursing masters degree program at Northeastern University:

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary Care Option)

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary Care Option)

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration/Leadership Policy

Nurse Anesthesia

MS/MBA (Master of Science/Master of Business Administration) dual degree program

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should submit a copy of their nursing license, three letters of recommendation and proof of completion of a statistics prerequisite course. The Nurse Anesthesia program requires applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam. Additional Nursing MS program requirements vary by track.

Regis College: RN to MS Program Review

Regis College
235 Wellesley St

Weston, MA 02493

Regis College is a private post-secondary institution that was established in 1927. The college is named for Sister Mary Regis Casserly of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Jospeh. Regis College offers various pathways for nurses and non-nursing college graduates aspiring to earn a nursing masters degree. The following pathways are offered in the nursing masters program:

RN to BS to MS Bachelors and masters degree nursing program for nurses with an associate degree in nursing or diploma

RN to MS for nurses with a non-nursing bachelors aspiring to earn the MS qualification

Accelerated BS/MS for aspiring nurses with a bachelors degree, but no prior nursing education or experience

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Adult Acute Critical Care Clinical Specialist

Nursing Leadership/Regulatory and Clinical Research Management

Nursing Leadership/Health Administration

Nursing Leadership/Health Informatics

Nursing Leadership/Health Policy

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Along with the nursing masters degree application, nurses should submit a resume and personal statement with their program application. A GPA of 3.0 or above is required for all previous coursework. Two letters of recommendation and an admission interview is required. Students must contact the admission department to setup their interview. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required, though nurses who take two graduate courses and earn a B or better and nurses with an ADN or diploma are exempt from this requirement.

Salem State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Salem State University
352 Lafayette St

Salem, MA 01970

Salem State University was founded in 1854. The college was originally called Salem Normal School and later Salem State College. Salem State University is located less than 20 miles from Boston.

In addition to a traditional nursing masters degree program, Salem State University offers an accelerated nursing masters degree program. Nursing masters degree specializations include Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The nursing masters degree program requires 39 credits of study. The Direct Entry MSN program can be completed on a full or part-time schedule, however, nurses must earn a minimum of 6 months experience as a Registered Nurse prior to proceeding to the clinical portion of the Direct Entry MSN.

Students can apply to begin the nursing masters degree program in the spring or fall semester. There is no application deadline to apply to the RN to MSN program, and students can apply on a rolling basis. Applicants to the masters in nursing should provide a transcript showing a bachelors degree and completed prerequisite courses in statistics. With the exception of applicants who hold a masters degree, nurses should submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test.

Students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may be admitted to the nursing masters program, though they must complete the Nursing Baccalaureate Achievement Exam administered by the National League for Nursing. At least one year of nursing experience is required prior to applying to the MSN program.

Simmons College: RN to MS Program Review

Simmons College
300 Fenway

Boston, MA 02115

Simmons College was established in 1899. The post-secondary institution includes a an undergraduate college for women and co-education graduate college.

Simmons College offers a variety of nursing masters degree options and entry pathways for Registered Nurses. A Direct Entry Nursing MS program is offered for college graduates with a baccalaureate degree, but no prior nursing experience. An accelerated BS/MSN program is offered for students without prior nursing experience that seek to earn both bachelors and masters degrees in nursing.

Nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma can enroll in the RN to MS program to earn a master of science in nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Applicants to the RN to MS track do not have to take the GRE, but should have work experience in a health care environment. Applicants to all nursing programs should have a 3.0 or above GPA.

The BSN to MS program is designed both for nurses with a BSN and nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment do not have to be completed for admission purposes, but are necessary to progress through graduate nursing coursework.

A dual degree Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Society, Human Development and Health is offered in conjunction with Harvard University. Students applying to this program option must submit applications to Harvard University’s School of Public Health and Simmons College.

University of Massachusetts Amherst: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Massachusetts Amherst
181 Presidents Dr

Amherst, MA 01003

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, more commonly known as UMass Amherst was established in 1863. The university is home to over $27,500 students. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the University of Massachusetts system’s leading campus. Other campuses are in Lowell, Boston and Dartmouth.

The Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader concentration is offered in the School of Nursing. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Upon completion of the nursing masters course, graduates are prepared to take the CNL certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The RN to MSN program requires 37 credits to complete and requires a clinical practicum experience. The masters in nursing program can be completed in as little as two years of full time study or four years part-time.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program are evaluated based on their academic achievements. The GRE is not required for admission, but may be submitted. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants who do not have a GPA above 3.0 may still apply for admission consideration to the program, as nurses are evaluated on their complete application. Nurses with a BSN and nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree are accepted to the program. Two letters of recommendation and an academic writing sample are also required for admission consideration.

University of Massachusetts Boston: RN to MSN Programs

University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, MA 0212

The University of Massachusetts Boston is the second largest campus in the University of Massachusetts system. The university was established in 1964.

The 48 credit MSN program at the University of Massachusetts Boston offers the following specializations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

The nursing masters degree program is designed for nurses with a bachelors degree. The RN to MSN program prepares nurses to pursue Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) certification in their area of practice upon completion of the program. The course is designed in a blended format, with classes available both online and on-campus. The masters in nursing can be completed in two to four years of study depending on the applicant’s plan.

In addition to the nursing masters application, nursing masters applicants should submit three letters of reference, transcripts from all previous colleges and universities, copy of the RN license, and a personal statement. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required. It is suggested though not required that applicants to the nursing masters program also submit a professional resume. If an applicant has a masters degree or higher qualification in any subject, the GRE requirement is waived.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

100 Morrissey Boulevard

Boston, MA 0212

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is part of the University of Massachusetts public university system. The university was established in 1895 and can trace its roots to the New Bedford Textile School and Bradford Durfee Textile School. The two institutions joined in the 1960s to form what is now the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has an RN to MSN program with an Adult Health or Community Health concentration. In each concentration, students will further specialize as a nurse manager or nurse educator. The nursing masters degree program is available for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as well as nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field through the GAP program.

Applicants to the Nursing MS program should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above grade point average. The BSN nursing degree program should be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are not required for admission.

In addition to the MSN application, nursing students should submit three letters of reference. Ideally at least one reference should come from a supervisor with a nursing MS degree and one from a nurse educator. A Massachusetts RN license and at least one year of experience in acute care nursing are also required.

University of Massachusetts Lowell: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Massachusetts Lowell
1 University Ave

Lowell, MA 01854

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) serves approximately 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University of Massachusetts Lowell was first established in 1894 as Lowell Normal School.

The School of Health & Environment offers the following specializations in the MSN program:

Family Health Nursing

Adult/Gerontological Nursing

Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

The master in nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students in the MSN program have several entry options. Registered Nurses in the Lowell undergraduate nursing program can participate in the Fast Track MS program to earn a BS and MS in nursing in just five years. There is also a Fast Track MS program for nurses who do not yet have a nursing license.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters degree program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell include a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program earned with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Applicants should also take an introduction to statistics course and provide scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Applicants with a graduate nursing certificate or undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell may have this requirement waived if they meet GPA requirements of a 3.5 for certificate holders and 3.3 for undergraduates.

University of Massachusetts Medical School: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Massachusetts Medical School

55 N Lake Ave

Worcester, MA 01655

The University of Massachusetts Medical School was established in 1962 and is part of the University of Massachusetts public university system. The university maintains a partnership with University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care. Though originally founded as a school of medicine, the university also offers degree programs in nursing and biomedical sciences.

Applications to the Graduate School of Nursing are accepted on a rolling basis, and interviews are scheduled with applicants deemed qualified by the admissions committee. The following pathways are offered for nurses interested in the graduate nursing master’s degree program:

Graduate Entry Pathway: college graduates without prior nursing education or experience

Pre-master’s Pathway: nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing area

Traditional Master’s Pathway: nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing

Applicants to the traditional master’s pathway should submit a nursing application along with transcripts from previous schools attended and a score for the Graduate Record Exam taken no more than five years prior. Three professional letters of recommendation are required, with at least one from a nursing professor and another from a nurse who has supervised the applicant’s clinical practice. In addition to a RN license, applicants should hold CPR certification and have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment.

Worcester State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Worcester State University

486 Chandler St

Worcester, MA 01602

Worcester State University was established in1874 as Worcester Normal School. The university was formally known as Worcester State College. Worcester State University is a public post-secondary institution that currently serves more than 6,000 students.

Two tracks are offered in the nursing masters degree program at Worcester State University, Community and Public Health Nursing and Nurse Educator. The RN to MSN program is delivered in a hybrid format with both campus-based and online courses. The following entry options are available for individuals pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing:

Traditional Entry for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a baccalaureate degree in nursing

Bridge Program for RNs with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field

RN to MS Fast Track for RNs with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma seeking to earn an MS degree

The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In addition to meeting one of the degree requirements above, applicants the masters in nursing program should complete a prerequisite course in statistics and research. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores should be submitted along with the application. The GRE or MAT test date should be within five years of the date that the nursing application is submitted. The nursing masters degree program requires 42 credits.

Michigan MSN Programs

Andrews University: RN to MSN Program Review
Andrews University, 8975 Old U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49104
Andrews University was established in 1874. The university is a private post-secondary institution and is the first university founded by the Seventh Day Adventists Church. Andrews University was originally called Battle Creek College.

The Department of Nursing offers an online nursing masters degree in Nurse Education. The RN to MSN program can be completed in two to three years of study, approximately 5 semesters if completed full time. The core component of the degree program includes 15 units, and the Nurse Education concentration requires 23 credits of study. The nursing masters degree program at Andrews University is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by NLNAC or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Though a specific time requirement for employment is not listed, applicants should have positive references from current or previous employers. A prerequisite course in statistics and valid nursing license are also required for admission. Applicants that live abroad should have the equivalent of an RN license and BSN in their home country.

In order to successfully complete the nursing masters degree program, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn a B or better in all graduate course.

Eastern Michigan University: RN to MSN Program Review

Eastern Michigan University
900 Oakwood St

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Eastern Michigan University is a public university located less than 40 miles from Detroit and less than 10 miles from Ann Arbor. The university was established in 1849 and serves more than 23,000 students.

The following nursing masters degree program concentrations are offered:

Adult Health with Concentration

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist with concentration

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

The MSN program can be completed in 40 to 49 credits depending on the concentration chosen. In addition to the Adult Health nursing masters program, students have the options of selecting one of four concentrations:

Teaching in health care systems

Quality improvement in health care systems

Gerontology

Individualized study (a customized program)

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a bachelors degree in nursing. Registered Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree may be offered provisional admission to the nursing masters degree program. For full admission to the masters in nursing, applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants with a minimum 2.75 GPA may be offered provisional admission.

All applicants must have a valid Michigan RN license or the ability to attain one. Two letters of recommendation, a personal essay and academic writing sample should be submitted in addition to the nursing masters degree application. Prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment are also required.

Ferris State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Ferris State University

1201 S State St

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Ferris State University is based in Big Rapids, Michigan and also has satellite campuses throughout the state. The university was established in 1884 and was originally called Big Rapids Industrial School.

The nursing masters degree program has concentrations in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Nursing Informatics. Students can also choose to complete more than one concentration. The RN to MSN program is flexible and designed to meet the needs of nurses in various stages of nursing study. Students can take as little as one or as many as four courses in a given semester of study. Nearly the entire nursing masters degree program is offered online. Nursing students are required to attend campus-based weekend meetings for some nursing informatics courses.

Because the MSN program primarily serves working nurses, most students take one to two courses each semester. In order to qualify for financial aid, nurses must be enrolled in at least two courses. In addition to coursework, the Nursing MS program also requires a scholarly project and comprehensive exam. All three MSN concentrations are 36 credits. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have at least two years of experience as a Registered Nurse in addition to having a BSN with a 3.0 or above GPA.

Grand Valley State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Grand Valley State University

1 N Campus Dr

Allendale Charter Township, MI 49401

Grand Valley State University is a public post-secondary institution that was established in 1960. The university focuses on liberal arts education.

The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with several specializations. The nursing masters degree program is designed for working nurses and is delivered in a flexible format. Courses in the nursing masters degree program are held in the downtown area of Grand Rapids. The 41-credit nursing masters degree program can be completed in just seven semesters of study. The RN to MSN program offers an advanced generalist, administrative practice or advanced clinical specialization.

Applicants to the MSN program should have a Bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA from a program accredited by a nursing body. Nurses applying to the masters degree program with a GPA of 3.3 or above are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For other applicants, a score of 500 or above on each section of the GRE and a writing score of 4.0 or above are required for admission consideration. In addition to a personal essay, an academic writing sample is part of the application process. An interview with nursing program faculty is also part of the MSN program.

Madonna University: RN to MSN Program Review

Madonna University

36600 Schoolcraft Rd

Livonia, MI 48150

Madonna University is a Catholic liberal arts institution based near Detroit. The Felician Sisters founded the university in 1937.

An MSN and dual degree MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) program are offered at Madonna University. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Both the Acute and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentrations can be further specialized to include a Palliative Care and Hospice focus. The nursing masters degree program includes 15 hours of core studies for nurses in all concentrations. The nursing masters degree program also offers a Second Degree MSN program for nurses who already hold an MSN. This program allows nurses to develop a personalized program of study to earn an additional degree in nursing.

Applications to the nursing masters degree programs are accepted year round. Applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body with a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average. Only applicants with a GPA below 3.25 are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Two letters of recommendation, an essay and admission interview with a member of the nursing program are required. During the admission interview, applicants will be given information about which prerequisite courses are required.

Though a specific amount of years isn’t given, applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have career experience in clinical nursing and should continue to gain experience while enrolled in the MSN program.

Michigan State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Michigan State University
101 Marshall Adams Hall

East Lansing, MI 48824

Michigan State University, more commonly known as MSU was established in 1855 and is based in Michigan’s capital city, Lansing. Clinical Nurse Specialist Education, Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner concentrations are offered in the nursing masters degree program. The nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Upon completion of the Nurse Practitioner specializations, applicants are prepares to take the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Education program is delivered online, though students are required to attend an orientation on campus. The Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner programs are delivered in a hybrid format, in which students complete coursework online and on campus.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a bachelors degree in nursing and at least one year of clinical nursing experience before commencing the clinical portion of the nursing program. A prerequisite course in statistics is required at the undergraduate level. Applicants to the Clinical Nurse Specialist Education Concentration are not required to have nursing experience. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program should have clinical experience in an intensive care unit and are required to submit scores for the GRE.

Northern Michigan University: RN to MSN Program Review

Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave

Marquette, MI 49855

Founded in 1899, Marquette University is located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The university was originally established as Northern State Normal School and served just over 30 students when it opened.

The RN to MSN program is designed for bachelors prepared nurses and has a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The MSN FNP program requires three years to complete and is offered on a part-time schedule. In addition to 45 credits of coursework, students will complete more than 700 clinical practicum experience hours.

Students in the MSN program will benefit from a hybrid model, in which courses can be completed online and on-campus. It is also possible for students to complete clinical practicum requirements in their hometown upon approval. In addition to practicum experience, students are required to pass an exam to earn the MSN degree.

Nurses applying to the MSN FNP program should have at least one year of recent experience (no more than three years prior to the application period) as a nurse. The academic requirements for admission to the masters in nursing program include a BSN earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Three references, a personal essay and nursing license are also required. A prerequisite course in statistics is recommend, though not required.

Oakland University: RN to MSN Program Review

Oakland University
2200 N Squirrel Rd

Rochester, MI 48309

Oakland University offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university was established in 1957 by Matilda Wilson and John Hannah. Oakland University has a campus in Auburn and Rochester Hills.

Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner courses are offered in the nursing masters degree program. All three masters concentrations prepare the nursing student for certification in their area of study. The Nurse Practitioner MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Nurse Anesthesia program is full time and can be completed in 28 months of study.

Nurses seeking admission to the RN to MSN program are required to submit applications to Oakland University as well as the nursing masters degree program. Applicants with a Grade Point Average below 3.2 are required to submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam. In order to be considered for admission, applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above in a BSN program accredited by the CCNE or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

A personal statement, prerequisite course in physical assessment and admission interview are additional requirements for admission consideration.

Saginaw Valley State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Saginaw Valley State University

7400 Bay Rd

University Center, MI 48710

Saginaw Valley State University was originally established as Saginaw Valley College in 1963. More than 10,500 students are enrolled at Saginaw Valley State University. The average graduate class at the university has no more than sixteen students.

The nursing masters degree program prepares nurses for careers in nursing education, nursing administration and clinical nurse leadership. Students can also choose a double concentration as a nurse educator and nurse administrator. The RN to MSN program is delivered part-time and in a blended format, with both online and campus-based courses. Students in the Master of Science in Nursing program will take two classes in each semester of the program. An RN to MSN entry option is offered for nurses without a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

The MSN Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a Michigan nursing license or eligibility to obtain it. Two letters of recommendation, a personal essay, transcripts, resume and an interview are required for admission consideration. Depending on the applicant’s admission portfolio, scores for the Graduate Record Exam may be requested. A Bachelors degree in nursing and GPA of 3.0 or above are the basic academic requirements for admission.

International students applying to the masters in nursing program are required to take the TOEFL.

University of Detroit Mercy: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Detroit Mercy

2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Detroit, MI 48208

The University of Detroit Mercy maintains affiliations with the Catholic Church, specifically the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus. The university was established in 1990 as a merger between the University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit founded in 1877 and 1941 respectively.

A Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and Master of Science in Nursing degree program are offered at the University of Detroit Mercy. Specializations in the nursing masters degree program include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Health Systems Management, Nursing Education and Clinical Nurse Leader. The Nursing Education program includes an Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist focus. The MSN FNP program is 44 credits and requires 720 clinical practicum hours. The 38 credit Health Systems Management MSN is offered at Macomb Community College in addition to the University of Detroit Mercy campus. Some nursing programs are delivered in a blended format, with both campus-based and online courses.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters degree program include 2000 hours of work experience as a registered nurse (approximately one year of full-time work experience), a bachelors degree in nursing and a GPA of 3.0 or above. Three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a resume, personal essay and interview are also used to evaluate admission to the RN to MSN program.

There are additional requirements for applicants to the CRNA program including experience in a critical care setting. In lieu of a BSN, applicants to the CRNA program may be accepted with a bachelors degree in chemistry, physics, biology or a related science degree.

University of Michigan Ann Arbor: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

The University of Michigan is the oldest and one of the largest public universities in the state of Michigan. Founded in 1817, the university has three campuses in Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn. The University of Michigan is often referred to as Michigan.

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor has nursing masters degree programs in three areas – Acute, Critical and Long Term Care, Health Promotion and Risk Reduction and Nursing Business and Health Systems. The following concentrations are offered:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care (Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner)

Acute Care Pediatric (Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner)

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner

Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwife (can be combined with Family Nurse Practitioner or Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)

Nursing Business and Health Systems

Joint degree programs are offered in Nursing and Business Administration (MSN/MBA), Nursing and Health Services Administration (MSN/MHSA) and Nursing and Information (MSN/MSI). The Nursing Business and Health Systems degree may be further specialized one of five areas, Nursing Education, Nursing Healthcare Policy, Quality and Patient Safety, Nursing Management/Executive Leadership and Nursing Informatics.

Applicants to the nursing program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission nursing prior to commencing courses in the nursing masters program. Though a 3.0 is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program, applicants with a GPA below 3.25 are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

University of Michigan Flint: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Michigan Flint

303 E Kearsley St

Flint, MI 48502

The University of Michigan Flint is one of three campuses in the University of Michigan system which also includes campuses in Ann Arbor and Dearborn. Founded in 1956, the Flint campus is also referred to as UM Flint.

An Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at UM Flint. The RN to MSN program is delivered primarily through distance education, though up to eight campus visits may be required. The nursing masters degree program can be completed in less than 1.5 years of study. The MSN program prepares nurses for a career as an Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Students in the nursing masters program can complete clinical practicum requirements in their area, though they are required to work less than 25 hours each week.

Bachelors-prepared nurses applying to the MSN program should have a GPA of 3.2 or above. Nurses with a graduate degree, should have a minimum GPA of 3.5.Prerequiste courses in chemistry and statistics should be completed prior to starting the nursing MSN program. The MSN program is fulltime and begins in the winter. The 43 credit program accepts no more than 16 students each enrollment period. Grants are available for nursing students in the MSN program that maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Wayne State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a public research university based in the metropolitan city of Detroit. The university was established in 1868. The student body at Wayne State University represents all 50 states and nearly 65 foreign countries.

Adult Acute Care Nursing, Adult Primary Care Nursing, Advanced Practice Nursing (Women, Neonates & Children), Community Health Nursing and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations are offered in the College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing program. The MSN program is designed for bachelors prepared nurses. The length of the program ranges from 37 to 47 credits depending on the MSN specialization. Students have up to six years to complete the degree requirements for the Master of Science in nursing degree program.

Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing program include a minimum 2.8 GPA for provisional admission consideration. Generally, applicants should have a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a GPA of 3.0 or above. A Michigan nursing license is required prior to beginning the nursing masters degree program. Three letters of reference and a personal essay are also required for admission consideration. Applicants to the MSN program do not need to take the Graduate Record Exam.

Monthly informational meetings and the opportunity to meet with admission officers are available each month at the College of Nursing for prospective students.

Western Michigan University: RN to MSN Program

Western Michigan University

1903 W Michigan Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Dwight Waldo founded Western Michigan University in 1903. Western Michigan University serves over 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The Carnegie Foundation recognizes Western Michigan University as a research institution and the university was named among the top 100 universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The Bronson School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader specialization. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The RN to MSN program can be completed in approximately seven semesters, or two years of study. As a final requirement for the masters in nursing program, applicants will complete a research project. The MSN program is offered on a full-time, two-course per semester plan of study.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a bachelor of science degree in nursing or bachelors degree with a nursing major. Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field are admitted at the discretion of the admission committee. If admitted, RNs without a BSN are required to take a nursing transitions course. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. Additional application requirements include three letters of recommendation, a personal essay and admission interview.

Minnesota MSN Programs

Bethel University: RN to MSN Program Review
Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive, St Paul, MN 55112
Bethel University is an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Baptist denomination. Students from over 35 countries are enrolled in programs at Bethel University. The university was established in 1871.

The Department of Nursing prepares students for a Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader role in the Master of Science in nursing program. The RN to MSN program caters to working nurses with multiple commitments. Students participate in the MSN program with a cohort, which offers a supportive environment and the opportunity to network with colleagues. The MSN degree program incorporates both campus-based and online classes. In the final year of the program, students complete two internships. The masters in nursing programs require approximately two years of study.

A three to four year MSN option is offered for nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree. Nurses that pursue this option will earn both bachelors and masters degrees in nursing. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing masters program. A bachelors degree in nursing and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above are required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. Applicants with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing should apply to the program early and are considered for admission on a case by case basis.

A Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score and career experience as a nurse are also required.

College of St. Scholastica: RN to MSN Program Review

College of St. Scholastica

1200 Kenwood Ave

Duluth, MN 55811

The College of St. Scholastica serves approximately 4,000 students each year. Duluth is the site of the college’s main campus, though additional campuses are located in St. Paul, St. Cloud, Rochester and Brainerd. The College of St. Scholastica was established in 1912.

Students in the College of St. Scholastica MSN program can choose from one of the following MSN specializations:

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

A gerontological focus can be added to any MSN specialization. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the RN to MSN program. The nursing masters degree program can be completed in two years, though students have up to seven years to complete the program.

In addition to online courses, students will take classes in the afternoons, weekends or in intensive one-day sessions. It is recommended that nurses work limited hours during the course of the MSN program. Classes are held in Duluth or St. Cloud. Entrance requirements to the masters in nursing program include a GPA of 3.0 or above, a bachelors degree in nursing and approximately one to three years of career experience in nursing. A statistics course is the only course prerequisite to the MSN program, though it doesn’t have to be completed prior to starting the MSN program.

Mayo School of Health Sciences: RN to CRNA Program Review

Mayo School of Health Sciences

200 1st St SW

Rochester, MN

Dr. William Mayo, known for establishing the Mayo Clinic, is also founder of the Mayo School of Health Sciences. The Nurse Anesthesia program was started in 1899. In addition to the Minnesota campus, the institution also has locations in Arizona and Florida.

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia program requires approximately 2.5 years or 30 months of study. In order to be admitted to the program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or in a natural science. Applicants to the CRNA masters program should have more than one year of experience in nursing, preferably two in an intensive care unit. Experience in the Emergency Room is not considered sufficient for the Nurse Anesthesia masters program. Upon completion of the nursing masters degree program, students will earn a Master of Nurse Anesthesia degree.

Approximately 30 students enroll in the CRNA program each year. The program is designed to offer students a high-level of interaction with their patients. The CRNA program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Students are expected to dedicate up to 60 hours per week to the CRNA program, and weekend commitments may be necessary. Nurses in the CRNA program will gain anesthesiology experience in a wide variety of disciplines from Pediatrics to Plastic surgery.

Metropolitan State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Metropolitan State University

700 E 7th St

St Paul, MN 55106

Metropolitan State University is located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota-St. Paul and belongs to the Minnesota public university system. Metropolitan State University was established in 1971.

In addition to the traditional masters pathway, an entry level MSN is offered for bachelors-prepared students without prior nursing education or experience. The full time program can be completed in seven semesters of study. Because classes are held in the day on a full time schedule it may be difficult to work during the course of the program. In addition to the application, an essay and two letters of recommendation are required for admission to the Entry Level MSN.

Prerequisites for the Entry Level MSN include statistics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, lifespan growth and development, medical ethics and nutrition. All prerequisites must be completed with a 2.0 or above GPA.

Leadership and Management and Nurse Educator tracks are offered in the MSN program. The Nurse Educator program is delivered online, while the Leadership and Management specialization is offered in a hybrid format.

Nurses can apply to the MSN program when they have no more than 16 credits to complete towards the bachelors degree in nursing. An admission essay, letters of recommendation and current nursing license are required for admission. All applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA.

Minneapolis School of Anesthesia: RN to CRNA Program Review

Minneapolis School of Anesthesia

6715 Minnetonka Blvd

Minneapolis, MN 55426

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia is a collaborative of seven medical centers in the area to offer a Nurse Anesthesia program. The university can trace its roots to 1928 as a partnership between the University of Minnesota and area hospitals. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota collaborates with the School of Anesthesia to offer this program.

The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia CRNA program is 27 months. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The program only operates on a full-time plan of study and is 48 credits.

Applicants to the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) program should have a bachelors degree in nursing or an associates degree or diploma in nursing and a bachelors degree in a related field. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and a US nursing license are required to apply to the program. Before commencing clinical practicum experience, nurses must obtain a Minnesota nursing license. In addition to a nursing license, applicants should also have the appropriate Life Support Certifications (basic, advanced and pediatric).

A prerequisite course in chemistry and at least one year of clinical nursing experience in a critical care setting are required. An interview and physical are also required for admission consideration.

Minnesota State University Mankato: RN to MSN Program Review

Minnesota State University Mankato

111 Wiecking Ctr

Mankato, MN 56001

Minnesota State University Mankato is part of the Minnesota State University system. In 1968, the university was founded as Mankato Normal School. Mankato is located just over 80 miles from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Approximately 15,000 students from more than 70 counties are enrolled at Minnesota State University Mankato.

The nursing masters degree programs at Minnesota State University Mankato are delivered online. An MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and MS Nurse Education concentration are offered in the School of Nursing. The MSN FNP program is 53 credits and requires 750 clinical practicum hours. The RN to MSN program can be completed in 9 semesters, which is about 3 years. The MS Nurse Educator program is 37 credits and can be completed in two years plus one additional semester.

Students in the FNP program are required to attend a campus-based admission information session. To apply to the masters in nursing programs, applicants must submit applications both to the School of Nursing and the College of Graduate Studies. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a Bachelors degree in nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Two years of work experience after earning the BSN is required for admission consideration.

Minnesota State University Moorhead: RN to MS Program Review

Minnesota State University Moorhead

1104 7th Ave S

Moorhead, MN 56563

Minnesota State University Moorhead was established in 1887 as Moorhead Normal School. Over 7,500 students are enrolled at the university. Moorhead is located approximately 3.5 hours from Minneapolis.

A masters in nursing program with a Nursing Education focus is offered at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Applicants to the RN to MS should have a bachelors degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN). A copy of a valid US nursing license should be submitted along with the nursing masters program application. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required of all applicants to the MSN program. A personal essay is required and applications must be submitted to the School of Nursing and the Graduate Studies division of Minnesota State University Moorhead.

The masters program can be completed in as little as 2 years for students enrolled full time. Nursing masters students have up to 7 years to complete the program. Students can transfer up to 12 credits from another program. All transfer credits must be completed with a “B” or better and must be taken with seven years of enrollment into the nursing masters degree program. In order to earn the Nursing MS degree, students should maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the course of the program.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota: RN to CRNA Program Review

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

2500 Park Ave

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private university founded in 1912 by Patrick Heffron. The university has campuses in Minneapolis and Winona. The university maintains an affiliation with the De La Salle Brothers of the Catholic church. About 5, 900 students are enrolled at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program prepares students to take the CRNA certification exam and also for a leadership role in the nursing setting. The nursing masters degree program is based on the Twin Cities campus and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Students in the CRNA program will complete clinical practicum requirements in hospitals and healthcare centers throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The masters in nurse anesthesia degree program is 64 credits and can be completed in 28 months.

Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Applicants must have a bachelors degree in nursing, biological, biophysical or behavioral sciences. The minimum GPA required for admission consideration is 2.75. Admission to the CRNA program is competitive, and ideally applicants have a GPA of 3.0-3.2. Students with limited coursework in the sciences are encouraged to take additional courses such as chemistry, physics and pharmacology.

Prospective applicants can arrange taking additional science courses in the BSN program prior to applying to the CRNA program.

St. Catherine University: RN to MA Program Review

St. Catherine University

2004 Randolph Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55105

Founded in 1905, St. Catherine University is a private Catholic university with campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul. St. Catherine University is nicknamed St. Kate’s and enrolls just over 5,000 students. Nursing is the most popular academic major at the university. The St. Paul campus is based in a wooded area just 5 miles from downtown St. Paul.

St. Catherine University offers of Master of Arts nursing degree program with a Nurse Educator or Nurse Practitioner focus. Within the Nurse Practitioner concentration, students can choose from a Neonatal, Adult Gerontological or Pediatric role. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

The Nurse Educator concentration is a two years nursing masters degree program with 38 credits including a 480 hour clinical practicum. The Nursing Master of Arts program is delivered in a blended format with classes offered online, late afternoons and weekends. The Adult Gerontological and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) nursing masters programs are 39 credits and the Neonatal NP program is 40 credits.

An Entry Level MSN is offered for individuals with a bachelors degree and no prior nursing experience. Applicants to the masters in nursing program should have a bachelors degree earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required. Applicants to the NP roles must meet additional experience requirements.

Walden University: RN to MSN Program Review

Walden University

100 Washington Ave S #900

Minneapolis, MN 55401

Walden University is a private, for-profit higher education institution. The university was founded in 1970. Walden University was created to provide opportunities for working adults to earn advanced degrees. More than 45,000 students from every state and over 140 countries enroll in degree programs at Walden University. Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission’s North Central Association.

Two pathways are offered for the online nursing masters degree program. An RN to MSN track is offered for nurses with only an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma as well as nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree. The BSN to MSN track is for nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. Five MSN specializations are offered.

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Leadership and Management

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

All concentrations are offered in both the BSN to MSN and RN to MSN pathways.

The nursing masters degree programs are delivered online and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Regardless of which track the nursing student enrolls in, all nursing masters students will complete the same core courses and specialization courses. However, students in the RN to MSN program are required to take additional prerequisites, including a microbiology course which must be transferred from another institution.

Winona State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Winona State University

175 W Mark St

Winona, MN 55987

Winona State University was established in 1958. The university’s main campus is in Winona, with an additional campus, Winona West Campus in Rochester. The nursing masters degree programs at Winona State University can be completed in two to three years. The nursing masters specializations include the following:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator

Nursing and Organizational Leadership

The nursing masters degree programs range from 48 to 56 credits. Courses in the nursing masters degree program are usually on Wednesdays. Students in the RN to MSN program will complete some of their coursework online. A bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is required for admission. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a 3.0 or above GPA.

A prerequisite course in physical assessment is required and courses in statistics and nursing research are recommended. It is also recommended that nurses have at least one year of work experience. Applicants to the Acute Care MSN track are required to have a minimum of one year of experience in an acute care setting. Only foreign applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam.

Mississippi MSN Programs

Alcorn State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Alcorn State University, 1000 ASU Drive, Alcorn State, MS 39096-7500
Alcorn State University is a land-grant institution that was founded in 1871. The university is based in Claiborne County and is located near Lorman. Alcorn State University has campuses in Vicksburg and Natchez. Just over 3,000 students are enrolled in Alcorn State University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Alcorn State University has a nursing masters degree program with a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator focus. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 43 credits and the Nurse Educator program is 37 credits. Students can also enroll in a Geriatric or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner nursing degree program through the Mississippi Education Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing (MECSAPN). The core courses for the MECSAPN nursing masters degree programs are taken at Alcorn State University.

For full admission, applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program with an overall GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 3.0 or above in nursing masters degree courses may be offered conditional admission. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), which should include analytical writing are also required. Two letters of recommendation and at least one year of experience as a clinical nurse are required.

Delta State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Delta State University
1003 W Sunflower Rd

Cleveland, MS 38733

Delta State University was established in 1924. Delta State University, also known as DSU, is one of Mississippi’s eight public universities. More than 4,000 students from over 20 countries are enrolled at Delta State University. The university was originally founded as a teacher’s college.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is available in Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations. The Master of Science in nursing program concentrations range from 42 to 47 credits.

The nursing masters degree program accepts students with a bachelors degree in nursing or a related healthcare area. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) are required for admission consideration. A combined verbal and quantitative score of 800 or above and a writing score of 3.5 or above is required on the GRE. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or above in the undergraduate program.

A prerequisite course in statistics is required for all nursing masters degree tracks. For the Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator tracks, a pathophysiology course is also required. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Two years of experience as an RN is required for nurses applying to the RN to MSN program. Applicants to the Nurse Practitioner track should have at least two years as an RN with patient contact.

Mississippi University for Women: RN to MSN Program Review

Mississippi University for Women

1100 S 2nd Ave

Columbus, MS 39701

The Mississippi University for Women is also known as MUW or the “W.” The university was established in 1884. Originally, the Mississippi University for Women was a women’s college, but the university is now coeducational.

The Mississippi University for Women has offered masters in nursing programs since 1974. Currently three specialization options are offered in the RN to MSN program all leading to a Master of Science degree in nursing:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The nursing masters degree programs can be completed in 12 months and require completion of 39 credits. Up to six credits can be transferred into the MSN program. MSN classes meet Mondays and occasional Tuesdays.

A BSN earned with a 3.0 or above GPA is the primary entrance requirement for the masters in nursing program. All MSN applicants should have at least two years of nursing experience. Statistics and Advanced Pathophysiology are prerequisite courses for the nursing masters degree program. A combined score of 800 or above and a writing score of 3.0 or above are required on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a nursing professor are required for admission consideration in addition to an interview with nursing admission staff.

University of Mississippi Medical Center: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Mississippi Medical Center

2500 N State St

Jackson, MS 39216

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is also known as UMMC. The university serves over 2,500 students and is Mississippi’s only university health science center. The University of Mississippi Medical Centers offers degree programs in nursing, dentistry and medicine among other healthcare fields. Though the University of Mississippi Medical Center opened in 1950, the institution can trace its roots to a medical school founded in 1903 in the city of Oxford, Mississippi.

In addition to a traditional nursing masters degree program, the University of Mississippi Medical Center also has several early entry programs, including an RN to MSN program for first year ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) students enrolled at select Mississippi Community Colleges. This program allows nurses to apply to the MSN program in their first year of study. Nurses can also apply to the RN to MSN program after completing their ADN and earn an MSN in a seven or nine semester program. Tracks in the nursing masters degree program include:

Nursing and Health Care Administrator

Nurse Educator

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Educator and Nursing and Health Care Administrator tracks are offered primarily online. Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. BSN students in the last semester of their program may apply to the MSN program.

University of Southern Mississippi: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Southern Mississippi

118 College Dr

Hattiesburg, MS 39406

The University of Southern Mississippi is more commonly known to some as Southern Miss. The university was established in 1910 and has the Southern Miss Gulf Coast campus in addition to the main campus in Hattiesburg.

The College of Nursing at the University of Mississippi has three departments, The Department of Collaborative Nursing Care, The Department of Advanced Practice and The Department of Systems Leadership and Health Outcomes. The Master of Science in Nursing program is offered in the Department of Advanced Practice and offers the following specializations:

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Executive

With the exception of the Nurse Executive MSN program which has classes online and weekends, all nursing masters degree programs are offered online. Students can complete the RN to MSN program in 15 months to 2 years depending on their program of study.

Students interested in the masters in nursing program, must apply to both the MSN program and the graduate school of nursing. A bachelors degree in nursing from a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing accredited program is required for admission. Three recommendation letters and a statistics prerequisite course are also required. All applicants should submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

William Carey University: RN to MSN Program Review

William Carey University

498 Tuscan Avenue

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

William Carey University is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Baptist tradition of the Christian faith. The university has campuses in Hattiesburg and Biloxi in Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. William Carey University can trace its roots to 1906 as Mississippi Women’s College.

The Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing offers a nursing masters degree program with a Nurse Educator specialization. The RN to MSN program prepares nurses to take the Nurse Educator certification exam. Students can apply for fall admission to the MSN program at the Hattiesburg Campus or spring admission at the Tradition campus. The master in nursing program is designed to be highly flexible and accommodate nurses that wish to enroll in the program full or part time. Students have up to six years to complete the requirements for the MSN degree.

Nurses seeking admission to the Master of Science in nursing program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program and a valid nursing license without restrictions. Applicants should have a 2.5 or above GPA in the last 30 credits of their undergraduate program or a 3.0 overall GPA. Two letters of reference, a resume and transcripts must be submitted along with the application. Students are permitted to earn two grades below a “B” in their undergraduate coursework prior to the MSN program.

Missouri MSN Programs

Central Methodist University: RN to MSN Program Review
Central Methodist University, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248
Central Methodist University, based in Fayette, Missouri, is a private university founded in the Methodist tradition. The university was established in 1855 as Central College. Today, Central Methodist University awards associates through masters degrees. The university offers a CCNE-accredited Masters in Nursing degree program with a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.

The Masters of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leadership (MSN CNL) is offered at several campuses including Columbia, St. Anthony, Rolla and via online study. The MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares nurses to design a care plan for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. The MSN CNL oversees a team of nurses implementing patient care plans and serves as a specialist and clinical resource for their team. Students have up to five years to complete the MSN program and must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA to maintain enrollment in the masters in nursing program.

In addition to the online application, admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include current RN licensure and a personal statement of nursing philosophy, which will also serve as a sample of scholarly writing. Financial aid, including loans, is available. Students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as a first step in the financial aid process.

Cox College: RN to MSN Program Review

Cox College

1423 N Jefferson Ave

Springfield, MO 65802

Based in Springfield, Missouri, Cox College offers healthcare-focused degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Master of Science in Nursing program at Cox College offers three specializations:

Nurse Educator

Family Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Leader

In addition to offering a masters in nursing program for nurses with a bachelors degree, Cox College offers an RN to MSN program for nurses with an associates degree or diploma.

The RN to MSN program prepares nurses to earn a bachelor of science in nursing while also completing their bachelors degree. Less than 10 MSN elective credits can be used towards both BSN and MSN degrees. Classes in the MSN nursing programs are delivered in an online or hybrid format, permitting working nurses to continue to pursue their careers while they work.

Students may apply for the MSN FNP program in the fall. The MSN CNL and MSN NE tracks accept applications in fall, spring and summer. In addition to submitting an application to Cox College, students must submit a FAFSA application for student aid consideration in addition to supporting documentation. Letters of recommendation, a personal essay, video interview and Health Science exam are required as part of the MSN application process. In order to meet application requirements for the masters in nursing program, students must have an RN license and a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.

Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes–Jewish College: RN to MSN Program Review

Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

4483 Duncan Ave

St Louis, MO 63110

Goldfarb School of Nursing is a private college based in St. Louis, Missouri. The college offers an intimate learning atmosphere with the total undergraduate and graduate student enrollment at about 800. The school offers bachelors through doctoral level nursing programs. Students in the RN to MSN program at Goldfarb School of Nursing must choose among five nursing tracks. General admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Some concentrations have additional requirements.

• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The Acute Care MSN course is designed for RNs with a bachelors degree. The program prepares nurses to care for patients in critical health situations. Upon completion of the program, nurses are eligible to take the credential exam for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. In addition to base requirements for MSN program, applicants should have an Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification and at least two years of work experience in ICU.

• Adult Nurse Practitioner. The MSN ANP prepares nurses for the ANP credentialing exam. The ANP program is offered part-time and students are admitted on a rolling basis.

• Nurse Anesthesia. The Nurse Anesthesia MSN is a full-time program, just over two years long. Applicants to the CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) program should have at least one year of experience in critical care and undergraduate coursework in physics, chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Health Assessment and Statistics

• Nurse Educator. The MSN Nurse Educator program is a two-three year program offered part-time that prepares nurses to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

• Nurse Executive. The Nurse Executive MSN prepares nurses to take credentialing exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Organization of Nurse Executives. The program is offered part-time and accepts applications year-round.

Graceland University: RN to MSN Program Review

Graceland University

1401 W Truman Rd

Independence, MO 64050

Graceland University is a liberal arts institution founded in 1895. The liberal arts university has campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri. Graceland University offers extensive options for students seeking online degree programs at the bachelors through doctoral levels. Among the graduate online programs offered, the RN to MSN and Master of Science in Nursing programs offer the opportunity for RNs at various stages in their career and education to pursue an advanced degree.

The Master of Science in Nursing programs offers two specializations. Students can choose a Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) track or Nurse Educator track. Admission prerequisites for the program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and current RN license. Though the program is offered online and most clinical practicum opportunities can be completed in the student’s hometown, nursing students are required to complete at least one residency at Graceland University’s Missouri campus.

Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma can save up to 11 semesters of study by enrolling in the accelerated RN to MSN program. Unlike other RN to MSN programs, students will earn both a BSN and MSN degree. The school offers an opportunity to end training at the BSN level if desired, otherwise students continue in the MSN program along with traditional Master of Science in Nursing students.

Grantham University: RN to MSN Program Review

Grantham University
7200 NW 86th St

Kansas City, MO 64153

Grantham University was founded in 1951 by Don Grantham. Grantham, a veteran of World War II, was committed to providing opportunities for other veterans seeking to pursue higher education with the GI Bill. The university was originally called Grantham Radio License School.

The online MSN program provides training in four specialized areas:

Nursing Informatics

Case Management

Nursing Education

Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership

In addition, students with an Associate Degree in Nursing or Associate of Science in Nursing can apply to the 21 credit RN to MSN bridge program, an accelerated program. The RN to MSN programs prepares students to earn a BSN and MSN degree. Students with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, a degree usually earned for technical or vocational schools, are not eligible to apply for the bridge training program.

As a prerequisite to moving from the BSN to MSN portion of the RN to MSN bridge, nursing students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.9 may submit an application the MSN program.

Each of the four MSN tracks is 36 credits and delivered online. Entrance requirements for the MSN program include a BSN and current RN license. Aspiring nurses who have earned their qualification outside of the United States may take the NCLEX-RN exam to earn a US-based RN license.

Maryville University of St. Louis: RN to MSN Program Review

Maryville University of St. Louis

650 Maryville University Dr

St Louis, MO 6314

Maryville University of St. Louis is a private liberal arts university based approximately 20 miles outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1872, the university is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the St. Louis area.

Maryville University offers several CCNE-accredited nursing masters program. The nursing masters programs range from 36-45 credits. An RN to MSN program is also available for nurses without a BSN.

Students seeking online education can pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner courses which take 28 and 24 months to complete respectively. In addition to the online MSN programs, campus-based MSN programs with an emphasis in Nursing education or Adult Primary Healthcare are also available.

Admission requirements for the program including a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. To apply to the nurse practitioner programs, applicants should have at least one year of experience as a nurse. Other entrance requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation and a 500 word essay. The RN to MSN bridge program accepts nurses who have completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma program with a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Missouri State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Missouri State University

901 S National Ave

Springfield, MO 65897

Springfield-based Missouri State University was founded in 1905 as a normal school, a college focused on teacher training. Today the university boasts a diverse student body representative of all 50 states and over 80 countries.

The university sets minimum entrance requirements for graduate admission to any academic program. In general a student should have a bachelor’s degree, GPA of 2.75 or higher and a GRE score of 290 (875 if the previous version) if the degree is from a university not accredited by an approved accreditation agency.

The university offers both a traditional and accelerated masters program. As a prerequisite to being accepted into the nursing program, students must be accepted by Missouri State University’s graduate college. Additional admission requirements include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and a personal essay. Students who do not meet all requirements may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Students in the MSN program have the opportunity to customize their degree in ways not common to other masters in nursing programs. Students have the option of but are not required to choose an MSN specialization in Nurse Education. They may also choose a thesis or non-thesis track.

The accelerated RN to MSN program allows students to work towards their master’s degree while completing their BSN. Students interested in this option should first enroll in the BSN-C program.

Missouri Southern State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Missouri Southern State University

3950 Newman Rd

Joplin, MO 64801

Originally a community college, Missouri Southern State University was founded in 1937 and is based in Joplin, Missouri. The college was established as Joplin Junior College and was part of the local school system. More recently, the university was known as Missouri Southern State College, and has various nicknames including MoSo, MSSU and Missouri Southern.

Missouri Southern State University is one institution among several in a partnership of Missouri-based universities that offer online graduate degree programs. The Master of Science in nursing program is offered as a partnership between the University of Missouri Kansas City and Missouri Southern State University.

The nursing masters program can be completed on a full or part time basis. Students enrolled in the program will take classes at Missouri Southern State University as well as the partner institution. The RN to MSN program is 42 credit hours. Classes are delivered online and students can complete clinical requirements in their area. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner qualification.

For consideration for admission to the MSN program, students should have a Missouri nursing license, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their last 60 credits of their BSN program. Other admission requirements include a Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification (BCLS) and prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment.

Research College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Research College of Nursing

2525 E Meyer Blvd

Kansas City, MO 64132

Research College of nursing is a small private college dedicated to nursing education in Kansas City, Missouri. The college can trace its founding to the 1905 establishment of the German Hospital Training School for Nurses, which is affiliated with the German Hospital.

The college offers six specializations in the MSN program, all of which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Family Nurse Practitioner- Students will learn to serve families in a variety of settings including schools, clinics and rural communities. The hybrid online nursing masters program is 45 credits.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner-The 43 credit MSN program is available on a full or part time basis. Students are prepared to take the ANP exam for certification upon completing the track.

Clinical Nurse Leader- Nursing students in the MSN CNL track are prepared for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification exam and through a 40 credit training program.

Nurse Educator-The Nurse Educator track is 36 credits and delivered primarily online. The course prepares students to work as a staff trainer or in a university setting.

Executive Practice and Healthcare Leadership-This track for aspiring leaders in the healthcare setting is offered completely online. The MSN EPHL program is 35 credits.

RN to MSN-Students complete most of their coursework online and choose from the MSN CNL, Nurse Educator or EPHL tracks. The program is for RNs with an associate degree or diploma seeking an MSN. Unlike most RN to MSN programs, students are admitted at the graduate level.

In addition to the MSN program application, students should submit all previous transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a resume to be considered for the nursing masters program.

Southeast Missouri State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Southeast Missouri State University

1 University Plaza

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Southeast Missouri State University is a public university based in Cape Girardeau, Massachusetts. The university was founded in 1873, and its nursing programs were established in 1958. Southeast Missouri State University is one of few institutions to offer a campus-based nursing masters program in the area. The CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing program ay Southeast Missouri State University offers two tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator.

To apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should hold a Missouri RN license and life support certification. A BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing is required. Applicants should have earned a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their previous program to apply. Other application requirements include prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment earned with a grade B or higher. For students who don’t meet all requirements, provisional admission is granted in certain cases.

Though the nursing masters program is not offered completely online, students will benefit from taking many of their MSN courses in a hybrid or online format. To apply to the nursing masters program, students must also apply and being accepted to the graduate college at Southeast Missouri State University.

St. Louis University: RN to MSN Program Review

St. Louis University
221 N Grand Blvd

St Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis University lays claim to being one of the oldest universities established west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1818, the university is a private Catholic institution in the Jesuit tradition. St. Louis University offers several CCNE-accredited masters in nursing programs.

The MSN program is offered in two formats, an Accelerated Generalist Masters of Science in Nursing and a traditional MSN program. The former program is designed for people with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing seeking to become a registered nurse. The program is 21 months and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam in addition to an MSN Clinical Nurse Leader specialization.

Admission requirements to the accelerated MSN program include a minimum 3.2 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses in microbiology, inferential statistics and human anatomy and physiology.

The traditional Master of Science in Nursing program offers five Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialization options.

Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP (also offered in Acute Care)

Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Pediatric Primary Care NP

Family NP

The MSN program is offered online. Applicants interested in the RN to MSN program should have a nursing license in the state in which clinical practicum hours will be completed, a BSN and a minimum 3.2 GPA. In addition to the application requirements, students should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment.

Truman Medical Centers: RN to MA Program Review

Truman Medical Centers

2301 Holmes St

Kansas City, MO 64108

Truman Medical Centers began offering nursing education programs in 1950 and has offered masters in nursing programs since 1978. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is affiliated with Truman Medical Centers which offers a MA in biology program for aspiring Nurse Anesthetists.

The MA in Biology program is based on CRNA curriculum structure as well as biology coursework that is essential for practicing anesthetists. In the beginning stages of the program, students will have the opportunity to take courses with medical, dentistry and other students in healthcare-related programs. The CRNA program requires 36 months of study and includes clinical practicum opportunities, which allow students to get varied experiences.

Admission requirements for the program require students to be a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or related degree from a recognized school. As a prerequisite, students should have completed an Organic Chemistry course. It is also recommended that students have a Biochemistry course. Ideally, applicants to the nurse anesthesia masters program will have at least one year of experience in a critical care setting, preferably ICU. The CRNA program at Truman Medical Centers is a rigorous program that requires all students to earn a “B-” average in each class to earn the MSN qualification. The CRNA masters program at Truman Medical Centers is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia programs.

University of Central Missouri: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Central Missouri

614 S College St

Warrensburg, MO 64093

The University of Central Missouri is based in Warrensburg, Missouri and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The former Central Missouri State University was founded in 1871. The public university serves over 11,000 students on a 1,500 acre campus.

The nursing masters programs at the University of Central Missouri focus on treating individuals and families in the rural setting. Students in the nursing masters program choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator track. Though the program is delivered in an online format, students in the Family Nurse Practitioner track must complete clinical practicum experiences in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area. Students in the Nurse Educator track do not have to meet this requirement. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students may complete the RN to MSN program through full or part time study.

Admission requirements to the program include a bachelors degree with an emphasis in nursing from a program accredited by either the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Applicants to the masters in nursing program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a current nursing license. In addition, students interested in the MSN FNP track should have at least one year of career experience as a nurse. This requirement may be satisfied by working while completing core courses.

University of Missouri: RN to MS Program Review

University of Missouri

319 Jesse Hall

Columbia, MO 65211

The University of Missouri is a large public university based in Columbia, Missouri. Mizzou is a popular nickname for the institution. The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Along with the St. Louis University, the University of Missouri claims to be the first university west of the Mississippi.

The University of Missouri offers a Master of Science degree program with a nursing major. The MS (Master of Science) degree programs at The University of Missouri have been in operation since 1968. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The two tracks of the masters of science program, Leadership in nursing and health-care systems and Nurse Educator, are offered online. Applicants should note that students enrolled in the online nursing masters program are required to attend campus orientation as well as clinical practicum experiences.

Students are assessed in the master’s course via a final paper referred to as the Master’s Exam, designed to test their knowledge of their given area of study. Admission requirements to the program include licensure as a Registered Nurse and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher can waive the GRE requirement. Prerequisite courses include a graduate statistics course completed with a “C” or higher.

University of Missouri-Kansas City: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Missouri Kansas City

5100 Rockhill Rd

Kansas City, MO 64110

The University of Missouri Kansas City is part of the University of Missouri system. This branch was established in 1933 as the University of Kansas City. The diverse student body at the University of Missouri Kansas City comes from all 50 states and over 70 countries.

The University of Missouri Kansas City offers an accredited online RN to MSN programs in three concentration areas – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Nurse Educator (NE) and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The MSN programs range from 41-45 credits. Though the nursing masters program is offered online, students in the MSN NNP and NE are required to make campus visits for health assessment and orientation. Students in the PMHNP program need to complete to two residencies at the University of Missouri Kansas City campus.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a BSN from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students should have a 3.2 or higher GPA in the last 60 credits of their program. Though it’s recommended to complete the required prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment before applying to the program, they can be taken after being accepted.

Students in the RN to MSN program should have an active nursing license, and may be required to complete an interview as part of the admission process.

University of Missouri-St Louis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Missouri St. Louis

1 University Blvd

St Louis, MO 63121

The University of Missouri St. Louis is the newest addition to the University of Missouri system. The campus serves over 16,000 students and was established in 1963. Located in the most populous city in Missouri, The University of Missouri St. Louis is also the largest university in the area.

The masters in nursing programs at the University of Missouri St. Louis are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The university offers two nursing tracks, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. Nurse Practitioner students further specialize their program by choosing to study Adult, Pediatric, Family or Women’s Health Management. The MSN NP (Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner) course is a minimum of 43 credits. The MSN NE (Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator) course is a minimum of 41 credits.

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment, and current RN license. It is recommended that students have accumulated at least two years of career experience prior to starting the clinical component of the program.

Students who complete the MSN program are eligible to apply for certification in their given specialization.

Webster University: RN to MSN Program Review

Webster University

815 Olive St #20

St Louis, MO 63101

Webster University is a private university based just a few miles outside of St. Louis in Webster Groves. The college was founded in 1919. The university was founded as a women’s college by the Sisters of Loretto, a Catholic organization. The university has several campuses throughout the world, the first opening in Kansas City, Missouri and one of the most recent international locations in Ghana.

In addition to a general Masters of Science in Nursing program, the university offers a Nurse Anesthesia program. Since Nurse Anesthesia requires experience working with intensive care patients during surgery, the course is usually grouped separately from other MSN programs. The CRNA program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Admission requirements to the CRNA program include at least one year of experience in acute care setting, though at least two years is preferred. The CRNA program is offered at the St. Louis campus.

The Master of Science in Nursing is a part-time program for nurses with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. The RN to MSN program is offered at the St. Louis and Kansas City Webster University campuses. The nursing masters course was designed with working professionals in mind. Admission requirements include a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Montana MSN Programs

Montana State University: RN to MN Program Review
Montana State University, 101 Montana Hhall, Bozeman, MT 59717
Montana State University is a public university located in Bozeman, Montana. Other Montana State University campuses are located in Billings, Havre and Great Falls. The college was founded in 1893 through a land grant. Agricultural College of the State of Montana was the university’s original name. The Carnegie Foundation has recognized the university as among the top research institutions in the United States.

The Master of Nursing program at Montana State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The course is delivered primarily online, though students are required to come to the Montana State University campus in the fall semester. Nursing students have the opportunity of choosing a four or six semester program of study depending on their needs. The nursing masters program offers the option to pursue a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization. Students who choose to pursue a specialization will be prepared to sit the qualifying exam for certification.

Admission requirements for the program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students are not required to have clinical experience prior to pursuing the Master of Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader (MN CNL) degree. All prospective applicants to the nursing masters program should have a nursing license, and specifically a Montana nursing license if clinical experience will be completed in Montana.

Nebraska MSN Programs

Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review
Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences, 5035 Everett Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences, also referred to as Bryan College of Health Sciences, provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the healthcare field. The university focuses on providing comprehensive programs available online to its students. Bryan College of Health Sciences is affiliated with Bryan Health Center in Nebraska. Bryan School of Nursing opened in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1926 along with the Bryan Health Center.

A 33 month nursing masters degree program in nurse anesthesia is offered at Bryan College of Health Sciences. The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia programs. Students in the CRNA program will complete intensive clinical rotations throughout Nebraska. It is preferred that applicants to the CRNA masters program have at least two years of clinical experience.

The college also offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with a Nurse Educator specialization. Nurses in the MSN Nurse Educator program are prepared for both staff and patient educator roles. In the past, the college has offered a 2-year program with a $2,000 scholarship for select students accepted into the program. Admission requirements for the RN to MSN Nurse Educator program include current licensure as an RN and a bachelor’s degree with a focus in nursing from an accredited program.

Clarkson College: RN to MSN Program Review

Clarkson College

101 S 42nd St

Omaha, NE 68131

Clarkson College is a small private college based in Omaha, Nebraska. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the healthcare field. The school was founded in 1888 by Bishop Richard Clarkson who dreamed of establishing a nursing school in Nebraska.

The RN to MSN program is designed for nurses with an associate degree in nursing or a diploma. The course minimizes the number of courses that would be repeated if an undergraduate and graduate nursing degree were pursued separately. Students in the RN to MSN program have the option of ending their training at the BSN level or pursuing an MSN degree with one of four specializations:

Nursing Health Care Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Education

Students in the Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks are prepared to take the certification exam upon completing the nursing masters program.

A traditional MSN program is offered for bachelors prepared nurses. In addition to the four specializations that students can choose from in the RN to MSN program, students can also choose to enroll in the CRNA program. Admission requirements to the MSN program at Clarkson College include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or higher average GPA, current nursing license, and two letters of recommendation.

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program at Bryan College of Health Sciences offers a 30 or 42 month program. The CRNA nursing masters program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Creighton University: RN to MSN Program Review

Creighton University

2500 California Plaza

Omaha, NE 68102

Creighton University is a private Catholic University based in the Nebraska city of Omaha. The university was founded by Jesuits in 1878 as Creighton College. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The nursing masters program at Creighton University offer extensive customization options to students seeking to pursue an advanced practice nursing specialization. Students can choose from the following Nurse Practitioner tracks:

Adult Acute Care NP

Pediatric Acute Careen

Adult NP

Neonatal NP

Family Nurse NP

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Track includes the following specializations:

Neonatal CNS

Pediatric CNS

Adult CNS

Other tracks in the RN to MSN program include Clinical Systems Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader and Advanced Public Health-Global Health Nursing. For students seeking Nurse Educator qualifications, all students will have the option to take specialized education courses regardless of their track.

If MSN CNS and NP students have a particular interest in Cardiology, Oncology or Gerontology, they can check the Creighton University website to determine which year the courses will be offered, as specializations rotate each year.

Application requirements for the RN to MSN program include a BSN and prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment. In addition, all nursing students should have at least 2,000 hours of nursing experience. Pediatric and Neonatal MSN students must have 2,000 hours of experience in specific health settings outlined by the university.

Nebraska Methodist College: RN to MSN Program Review

Nebraska Methodist College

720 N 87th St

Omaha, NE 68114

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health, more commonly known as Methodist College was founded in 1891. The private college is based in Nebraska and focuses on Nursing and related healthcare programs.

Nebraska Methodist College designed their MSN programs to be suitable for working nurses who need a flexible nursing masters program that they can attend around their schedule. The college offers online nursing masters program with a variety of specialization options.

The RN to MSN program offers both a Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator track. Admission requirements include graduation from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing program with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students should have a valid nursing license. Out of state applicants may need to meet additional requirements. Both RN to MSN masters programs can be completed in 3 years and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

A traditional MSN course is also offered with an Executive or Educator focus. Both masters in nursing programs are accredited by CCNE and can be completed in approximately 2 years. To apply to the program, applicants should be a licensed RN with a BSN from a National League for Nursing or CCNE accredited program. The undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or higher.

Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for admission to the RN to MSN and traditional nursing masters program on a case-by-case basis.

Nebraska Wesleyan University: RN to MSN Program Review

Nebraska Wesleyan University

5000 St Paul Ave

Lincoln, NE 68504

Nebraska Wesleyan University was founded in 1887. The church has an affiliation with the United Methodist Church as it was founded in the Christian tradition. The Master of Science in nursing program at Nebraska Wesleyan University is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

The MSN program at Nebraska Wesleyan University is open both to nurses with an associates degree as well as nurses with a BSN. Admission to the BSN to MSN program includes graduation from a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN) accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA. A prerequisite course in evidence-based practice or research at the undergraduate level is also required.

The RN to MSN program accepts applications from nurses with an associates degree or diploma that graduated from an NLN accredited program. Prerequisite courses in English, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology and Sociology should be completed with a “B” or better. Prior to applying to the nursing masters program, applicants should have at least one year of career experience within the past three years as a nurse. Though, primarily an online program, students may be required to attend a weekly course in Omaha or Lincoln.

University of Nebraska Medical Center: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Nebraska Medical Center

42nd and Emile

Omaha, NE 68198

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is a large public university based in Omaha, Nebraska. The university was founded in 1880. The University of Nebraska Medical Center also has the distinction for being ranked among the Best Grad Schools by U.S. News and World Report, which publishes annual rankings about the nation’s best higher education institutions.

The College of Nursing at The University of Nebraska Medical Center held its first class in 1917. The nursing masters program at the University of Nebraska is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students can choose among several advanced practice nursing roles including the following:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Nurse Leader Executive

Specialties:

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist / Primary Care Nurse Practitioner/ Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

For students seeking training as a nurse educator, they can opt for a dual MSN in their chosen specialty in addition to Nurse Educator training. The majority of MSN students choose to study part-time, though full and part-time study options are available. The MSN at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is delivered online.

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program at University of Nebraska Medical Center include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC with a GPA of 3.0 or above.

New Hampshire MSN Programs

Franklin Pierce University: RN to MSN Program Review
Franklin Pierce University, 40 University Drive, Rindge, NH 03461
Franklin Pierce University is a small private college based in Rindge, New Hampshire. In 1963, what was then Franklin Pierce College hosted its first class. Franklin Pierce University was named after Franklin Pierce, the 14^th President of the United States and a New Hampshire native.

In addition to a traditional Master of Science in Nursing program, Franklin Pierce University also offers a RN to MSN program. The traditional MSN program offers Nursing Education and Nursing specializations. Students are separated in three distinct tracks according to their prior preparation. Track one is for BSN-prepared nurses, Track two for aspiring nurses with a masters degree in a field other than nursing, and Track three, the RN To MSN program for nurses with an associate degree. Furthermore Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include

A BSN-prepared nurse enrolled in the nursing masters program can be completed in approximately two years of full-time study, though many students opt to attend the course part-time. Courses in the MSN program are delivered in a flexible format, with hybrid classes, which students attend both in-person and online.

To apply to the nursing masters program, students should have a GPA of 2.8 or higher in their previous nursing program. A prerequisite course in statistics and a current RN license is also required.

Rivier University: RN to MS Nursing Program Review

Rivier University

420 South Main Street

Nashua, NH 03060

Rivier University was founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary in Hudson, New Hampshire. The institution is named for Anne Marie Rivier, the organization’s founder. Rivier University became a university in 2012 and was founded in 1933 as Rivier College.

Rivier University offers several masters specialization options. MSN specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and the Advanced Practice RN Degree completion program. The latter program is designed for nurses who are already certified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to complete remaining requirements to earn a master’s degree. The nursing masters degree completion program is 23 credits. In addition to the RN to MSN program for nurses who do not hold a BSN degree, the university also offers an option for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.

Nursing masters programs at Rivier University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Psychiatric Mental Health MSN is offered in a hybrid model, and is a flexible program that is offered on a full or part time schedule. All MSN specializations allow the nurse to sit for their respective certification exam upon completion of their MSN program. In addition to the nursing masters program application, one letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose is required for admission to the program.

University of New Hampshire: RN to MSN Program Review

University of New Hampshire
83 Main St

Durham, NH 03824

The University of New Hampshire is a public university located in Durham, New Hampshire. The university was founded in1866, the university’s first name was New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. The University of New Hampshire also has a campus in Machester.

In addition to a traditional masters in nursing program, the University of New Hampshire offers a Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The Direct Entry MN program prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN in addition to a Master in Nursing. As well as holding a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or better average GPA, Direct Entry MN applicants should have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or higher:

Anatomy and Physiology

Statistics

Microbiology

The nursing MS degree program at the University of New Hampshire offers an Evidence-based Nursing (32 credits), Clinical Nurse Leader (34 credits) or Family Nurse Practitioner (48 credits) specialization. To demonstrate competency, upon completion of the nursing masters program, students will complete a thesis or capstone project. Students in the masters program will be introduced to scholarly research. Current faculty topics include cultural diversity, teen pregnancy and elder care.

Nevada MSN Programs

University of Nevada Las Vegas: RN to MSN Program Review
University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119
The University of Nevada Las Vegas is part of the public University of Nevada system. An additional campus is located in Reno. The university is less than two miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The university was founded in 1957.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers two tracks in the MSN program, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education. Admission requirements to the RN to BSN program including a Bachelor of Science in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last two years of nursing coursework.

Prerequisite courses include statistics, research and physical assessment at the undergraduate level. Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a valid RN license are also necessary for admission to the MSN program. It is recommended that students have their most recent year of career experience in an area related to their nursing masters study.

The Master in Nursing program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is offered online, though students may attend an on-campus orientation when the course commences. In addition some MSN courses may require campus attendance for one to three days.

University of Nevada Reno: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Nevada Reno
1664 N Virginia St

Reno, NV 89557

The University of Nevada Reno is the primary campus in the University of Nevada system. The other campus is based in Las Vegas. Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada Reno was originally located in Elko, Nevada.

The university offers two masters programs, a dual masters program in Public Health and nursing as well as a traditional Master of Science in Nursing program. The traditional Master of Science in Nursing program offers three specializations, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. The MSN is designed to prepare nurses for a career in leadership roles or to pursue doctoral level studies. Upon completing the program, nurses are able to take a certification exam in their area of specialization. Prerequisites for admission to the nursing program include a graduate course in statistics, BSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a current nursing license in Nevada, as the MSN is a campus-based course.

Nursing students in the RN to MSN program at the University of Nevada Reno are able to take the certification exam in their respective area upon completion of their program. Students in the dual MSN/MPH program select either a Social and Behavioral Health or Epidemiology focus for their program.

National University: RN to MSN Program Review

National University

10870 W Charleston Blvd, Suite 180

Las Vegas, NV 89135

National University is a non-profit university based in San Diego, California. The university has campuses throughout the United States. National University was founded in 1971. In addition to the California and Nevada campuses, National University also offers educational programs in Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia. The university offers both online and campus-based courses.

National University offers a Master of Science in Nursing in addition to a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program. The Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program accredits the Nurse Anesthesia master’s program. The RN to MSN program is designed to maintain the standards set out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing program include graduation from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Prior to entering the nursing masters program, students should have completed courses in statistics, research and community health nursing. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program should have at least one year of experience in a critical care environment.

In addition to common specializations such as Nursing Informatics and Nursing Administration, National University also offers courses in Forensic Nursing.

New Jersey MSN Programs

College of Saint Elizabeth: RN to MSN Program Review
College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
The College of Saint Elizabeth is a liberal arts college founded in the Roman Catholic tradition. The college was established in the year 1899. The organization that founded the institution is the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth. Leadership, service, social responsibility and acceptance of woman as an integral part of society are key philosophies of the university.

The nursing program at the College of Saint Elizabeth is offered in a flexible, part-time format to accommodate. Courses usually meet for seven weeks at a time, and require once weekly attendance. Due to this flexible format, the courses are accelerated and require students to complete independent work.

The MSN program offers a Nursing Education specialization. In addition to the traditional direct-entry nursing masters program, an RN To MSN program, known as the “Bridge to the MSN for an RN with a non-nursing Bachelors degree” is available to nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The bridge program prepares nurses to advance to graduate study without needing to pursue a full BSN program.

Admission requirements to the MSN program require nurses to have at least two years of career experience as a nurse in a clinical setting. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Statistics, physical assessment and nursing research are required prerequisite courses for the MSN Nursing Education course.

Fairleigh Dickinson University: RN to MSN Program Review

Fairleigh Dickinson University

1000 River Road

Teaneck, NJ 07666

A private university based in Teaneck, University, Fairleigh Dickinson university was founded in 1942. The university began as a community college and has grown to serve over 12,000 students. Fairleigh Dickinson University is one of the largest universities in New Jersey. The university has campuses in Teaneck and Morris County, and two campuses abroad in England and Canada.

The School of Nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson University has unique specialization options for their MSN programs, which include the following:

Forensic Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner with an Administrator or Educator Focus

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator

Nursing Information Systems

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include at least one year of clinical nurse experience. Applicants should have a nursing license valid in the state of New Jersey and a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants to the MSN program may be required to attend an interview session. Students in the Nurse Practitioner tracks are required to have a prerequisite course and health assessment. Though not required, it’s recommend that students in other tracks complete the course too.

Upon graduating from a clinical nursing track, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their related field of study. The MSN programs range from 30-43 credits.

Felician College: RN to MSN Program Review

Felician College

262 S Main St

Lodi, NJ 07644

A private college founded by the Felcian Sisters, Felician College was founded in 1942 and is affiliated with the Catholic tradition. The college has campuses in Lodi and Rutherford New Jersey. Felician College is the only Franciscan college in New Jersey and one of very few in the nation. The university demonstrates a commitment to humanity and service.

The CCNE-accredited Felician College MSN programs are delivered in a flexible format which includes online and evening courses. Felician College offers the following four MSN specialization tracks:

MSN Education (42 credits, 60 clinical and 60 practicum hours)

MSN Executive Leadership (36 credits, 500 additional hours to complete project)

MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (43 credits, 600 clinical hours)

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (46 credits, 780 clinical hours)

Students in the Nurse Practitioner tracks are required to complete additional on-campus practicum experiences.

A personal statement, two letters of recommendation and valid nursing license are required to apply for the RN to MSN programs at Felician College. In addition, nurses should submit all previous transcripts. Graduate Record Exam or other tests scores are not required for the nursing masters program application. An applicant to the MSN program should be a graduate of a nursing board-approved BSN program and have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their undergraduate program.

Nurses interested in the MSN Executive Leadership program that have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field may be eligible for the program. Pending completion of three prerequisite courses completed with a minimum “B” grade, nurses without a BSN can enter the MSN Executive Leadership track.

Kean University: RN to MSN Program Review

Kean University
1000 Morris Ave

Union, NJ 07083

Kean University is a public university with campuses in Union and Hillside New Jersey. The university was founded in 1855 as Newark Normal School. Originally a teacher training institution, the university was originally based in the city of Newark. Today, Kean University serves almost 16,000 students.

In addition to an MSN program with three specialty tracks, Kean University offers a MSN Bridge program for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The MSN bridge program requires nurses to complete three courses, totaling nine credits, prior to commencing courses in the MSN program. The prerequisite courses are Health Assessment, Health Promotion in the Community and a nursing practicum. An additional course may be required depending on the nurse’s experience.

The RN to MSN program at Kean University is offered in the following three specializations:

Community Health Nursing

School Nursing

Clinical Administration

The nursing masters program at Kean University emphasizes nursing in a multicultural context. Students can pursue the RN to MSN program on a full or part time program of study. To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a BSN from an accredited college or university. Though a 3.0 undergraduate is generally required for admission to the nursing masters program, applicants with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement must also be submitted for admissions consideration. Prerequisite courses for the Community Health and Clinical Administration MSN programs include statistics, nursing research and nursing theory, and should be completed with a grade of “B” or better. The School Nursing program includes prerequisite courses in Counseling, Basic Health Assessment, and Human Growth and Development across the lifespan.

Monmouth University: RN to MSN Program Review

Monmouth University

400 Cedar Ave

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Founded in 1933, Monmouth University began as Monmouth Junior College. The private university is based in the city of West Long Branch. Monmouth University was founded to provide education to local high school graduates who could not afford to travel out of state for college. Monmouth University has been named among the best colleges by both The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the Unterberg School of Nursing at Monmouth University. In addition to a 36-45 credit MSN program with several specialization options, RNs with an ADN (associate degree in nursing) or diploma can enroll in the 150 credit RN to MSN direct entry program, which awards an MSN in lieu of a BSN. Specialization options for the MSN program include the following:

Forensic Nursing

School Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission requirements for the RN to MSN program include an ADN or diploma earned with a 2.75 or higher GPA, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The Graduate Record Exam is not required if students earn a “B” or better in the first four graduate courses of the nursing program. One year of clinical experience as a nurse is necessary to commence the clinical portion of the MSN program. Students in the RN to MSN program should have at least two years of clinical experience.

In addition to the program options outlined above, a bridge program is available for RNs with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center: RN to MSN Program Review

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
1600 Haddon Ave

Camden, NJ 08103

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center is a regional health center. Lourdes Medical Center in Willingboro and Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood are also affiliated with the health center. The Franciscan Centers of Allegany, New York sponsor Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center. The healthcare center opened in 1950.

Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Centers offers a MSN Nurse Anesthesia program that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program is offered in collaboration with Drexel University, which is accredited by the CCNE and NLNAC, the two major nursing accreditation bodies. The nursing masters anesthesia program is 27 months, with courses held on campus at Drexel University and Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.

Clinical practicum experiences are completed at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center and outside healthcare centers.

Admission applications to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program are accepted year round. As part of the entrance requirements, applicants should have at least two years of critical care experience as an RN. Other prerequisites for admission include a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and three letters of recommendation. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, which are held several times throughout the year. Though the GRE is not required for admission to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program, applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above.

Ramapo College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

Ramapo College of New Jersey

505 Ramapo Valley Rd

Mahwah, NJ 07430

Ramapo College of New Jersey received its name from its close proximity to the Ramapo Mountains. The college is located in the city of Mahwah. Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public institution focused on professional studies and liberal arts education. The college was established in 1969 to meet the needs of the growing population in Bergen County, New Jersey. The college is also known as simply Ramapo College.

The MSN program at Ramapo College is specifically for Nurse Educators. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the MSN program at Ramapo College. Students in the RN to MSN program are prepared for faculty positions at healthcare centers and universities. The traditional masters program is 32 credits. A transition program is available for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Nurses enrolled in the transition program are required to complete six prerequisite credits prior to commencing courses in the MSN program.

Applications to the MSN program are accepted on a rolling basis. All applicants to graduate programs at Ramapo College should have two letters of recommendation. A nurse recommendation form is available for applicants to the MSN program. Applicants to the MSN program should have an undergraduate degree or diploma form a program accredited by a nursing body. One year of career experience as an RN in a clinical setting is required for the clinical portion of the program. A prerequisite course in statistics is also an entry requirement for the MSN program.

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark: RN to MSN Program Review

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
111 Washington St

Newark, NJ 07102

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is more commonly known by its official name Rutgers or Rutgers University. Additional campuses are based in New Brunswick and Camden. The university can trace its founding to 1766. The Newark campus was established in 1946 when the University of Newark became a part of the Rutgers system.

An MSN in Nursing Leadership is offered at Rutger’s University. The nursing masters program can be completed in two to three years, and students have the option of pursuing a full or part time program. The MSN courses may be suitable for working nurses, as many courses are offered online. Rutgers offers a unique option for students who may anticipate a full schedule and need to take time off from studying for other demands. Students may request a semester off from study, and have up to seven years to complete the MSN program.

Admission requirements for the program include a prerequisite course in statistics. A BSN from an accredited program earned with a GPA of 3.2 or above and scores on the Graduate Record Exam are required for academic consideration. Students with at least 5 years of recent nursing experience or that have earned their BSN within the past year and meet the GPA requirement can waive the GRE requirement. Three letters of recommendation, a New Jersey RN license and a personal statement are also required for admission consideration.

Saint Peter’s University: RN to MSN Program Review

Saint Peter’s University

2641 John F Kennedy Blvd

Jersey City, NJ 07306

Saint Peter’s University is a private university founded in the Catholic tradition. The Society of Jesus established the university in 1872. Today, the university serves just over 3,000 students. The university was originally founded as a liberal arts college for men. Saint Peter’s University is affiliated with the Jesuit tradition.

In addition to the RN to MSN Bridge programs, two MSN specialization tracks are offered at Saint Peter’s University. Nurses can choose from the MSN Primary Care- Adult Practitioner or MSN Case Management programs. The nursing masters programs are campus-based. In order to successfully earn the MSN, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the duration of the program. The program can be completed in just less than three years on a full-time schedule, though students have up to five and one-half years to complete the MSN.

For admission to the traditional MSN programs, students should have a BSN degree from a program accredited by a nursing body. The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.0. At least one year of career experience as a nurse and a New Jersey nursing license are entrance requirements for the MSN program. Though applications are accepted throughout the year, applicants should apply no later than two months before their intended start date.

For RN to MSN bridge students, admission to the MSN is based on successful completion of four prerequisite courses. The RN to MSN program is designed for Registered Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Seton Hall University: RN to MSN Program Review

Seton Hall University

400 S Orange Ave

South Orange, NJ 07079

Seton Hall University is a private university established in 1856 in the Roman Catholic tradition. The university is located in South Orange, New Jersey and is less than 15 miles from New York. Archbishop James Bayley founded Seton Hall University, which is one of the oldest universities in the United States that is affiliated with the diocesan tradition.

The following specializations are available online for nursing masters study:

MSN Nursing Case Management/ Administration

NSN Health Systems Administration

MSN Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN School Nursing

Applicants should note that the Nursing Education program is a Master of Arts program designed for nurses with a masters degree.

An MSN Bridge program is also available for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The MSN Bridge program is completed online and is 12 weeks in duration. Upon completing the program, students can pursue an MSN in one of the specialties outlined above.

Admission to the MSN program requires a BSN from an accredited program with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants to Seton Hall University’s MSN programs should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and nursing research. Documentation to show proof of nursing license, a personal statement and two letters of reference should also be submitted with the nursing masters program application.

The College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

The College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Rd

Ewing Township, NJ 08618

The College of New Jersey is also commonly known and abbreviated as TCNJ. The university is based in Ewing Township and was founded in 1855. The college was originally called New Jersey State Normal School. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Barron’s named The College of New Jersey among their “best buy” institutions.

The nursing programs at the College of New Jersey are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. An MSN Bridge program for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing is available in addition to the following specializations:

MSN Clinical Nurse Leader

MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family, Adult or Neonatal)

MSN School Nursing

Though Graduate Record Exam scores are normally required for applicants to the MSN Bridge program, applicants with an undergraduate GPA above 3.2 that earn a 3.0 or higher in each of their first three bridge nursing courses can waive the GRE.

Admission requirements to the MSN programs at the College of New Jersey include a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The GRE requirement is waived for students with a GPA above 3.2 that take two courses with a 3.0 or higher grade as a non-degree student. Prerequisite courses required for admission to the nursing masters program include statistics and health assessment. The statistics course may be taken after the student is admitted to the MSN program.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

101 Vera King Farris Dr

Galloway, NJ 08205

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is named for Richard Stockon, a New Jersey native that also signed the Declaration of Independence. The college was established in 1969. Today, the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey serves over 8,000 students and was named in U.S News and World Report’s Best Colleges publication.

The nursing masters degree program at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey is available in two specializations, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The 42 credit RN to MSN program can be completed in four semesters of study plus one semester of summer coursework. A student may also elect to complete the MSN program on a part-time schedule and take up to five years to complete their studies. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the MSN programs at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Admission to the MSN programs is competitive, and students who meet the minimum requirements will not necessarily be admitted to the program. In general, applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.2. Prerequisite courses include nursing research and health assessment. Applicants must also complete a brief essay to answer a question in ethics related to a specific nursing case study.

Thomas Edison State College: RN to MSN Program Review

Thomas Edison State College

101 W State St

Trenton, NJ 08608

Thomas Edison State College is a public college founded in 1972. The college offers numerous online degree programs to meet the needs of working professionals. The college serves over 20,000 students from every state in the USA and over 50 additional countries. Thomas Edison State College is based in Trenton’s historic district.

In addition to a Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration and Nursing Informatics programs, a RN to BSN/MSN program is offered for nurses with a diploma or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). The RN to BSN/MSN program allows students to earn both a BSN and MSN. Prior to applying to the RN to BSN/MSN or traditional MSN program, it is recommended that students have at least two years of career experience in nursing. In this program, nurses will first complete all requirements for the BSN and upon completion of the undergraduate degree, pursue the MSN.

The MSN programs at Thomas Edison State College are offered online. Admission requirements state that all applicants to MSN programs must have a BSN earned from an accredited program and hold a current nursing license. Upon completion of the MSN, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their relevant area of study.

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

671 Hoes Ln W

Piscataway, NJ 08854

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is a public health sciences university in New Jersey and among the largest health science institutions in the nation. The university, also known as UMDNJ was established in 1970. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey was originally founded as The College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The university has five campuses in Camden, Piscataway, Stratford, Newark and Scotch Plains.

There are numerous specialization options available for MSN students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and a special MSN section dedicated to the Women’s Health Initiative. Specialization options for the master’s degree include the following:

Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Community Health Leadership

Dual Women’s Health and Adult Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Leadership

Dual Women’s Health Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery

Family Health Nurse Practitioner

Dual Adult Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery

Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care

Dual Nurse Midwifery and Family Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthetist

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN, ADN or diploma from a program accredited by a nursing body. Nurses with an ADN or diploma are required to complete a transition course prior to commencing masters level studies. Prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment are required for admission consideration to the MSN program. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.

William Paterson University: RN to MSN Program Review

William Paterson University

300 Pompton Rd

Wayne, NJ 07470

William Patterson University is a public university that serves over 11,000 students. Originally called Paterson City Normal School, the university was established in 1855. The university is based on a campus of more than 350 acres in Wayne, New Jersey. The university was named for William Paterson, a prominent state official who emigrated from Ireland and later studied at Princeton University.

Nursing programs at William Paterson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The masters program has an emphasis on working in the community-based setting. The following tracks are available for the nursing masters program:

MSN Nursing Education (36 credits)

MSN Nursing Administration (36 credits)

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (48 credits)

MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (40 credits)

Courses in the nursing masters program are campus-based and can be completed on a full or part-time schedule.

Entrance requirements for the RN to MSN program include a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or better GPA. Applicants should submit exam scores for the GRE or MAT. Prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and physical assessment are required. In addition to academic requirements, applicants should have experience working in a community based or a related nursing field. Nurses interested in the MSN program should note their preference for studying the field of community nursing as it relates to their career goals.

New Mexico MSN Programs

Brookline College: RN to MSNE Program Review
Brookline College, 4201 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105
The New Mexico campus of Brookline College is based in the city of Albuquerque. Additional campuses are located in the state of Arizona in the cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Tempe. There is an additional campus in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as a result of the merger between Brookline College and Oklahoma Technology Institute. The college was established in 1979 as Arizona Institute of Business and Technology.

The Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSNE) program offered at Brookline College is available completely online. In addition to courses in curriculum and pedagogy, the nursing masters program offers two practicum courses focused on teaching and academic leadership. The 36 credit Masters of Science in Nursing Education program requires 660 hours of study.

Admission requirements to the MSNE program include current licensure as an RN in a US State or Territory and a Bachelor of Science degree with a nursing major from a program recognized by the US Department of Education. Students with the foreign of equivalent of a bachelors degree in nursing may also be considered.

Students with previous nursing graduate study should note that up to half of the credits required for the nursing masters program may be transferred from a previous institution, though at least 18 credits must be earned in the MSNE program at Brookline College.

New Mexico State University: RN to MSN Program Review

New Mexico State University

725 College Dr

Las Cruces, NM 88003

New Mexico State University is one of two major public universities in the state of New Mexico. The university is based in the city of Las Cruces. Founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College, the institution was originally founded as an agriculture-based learning institution. Today, the university serves over 18,000 students. In addition to the campus in Las Cruces, additional campuses are located in Grants, Alamogordo, Carlsbad and Grants among other cities. The university also has several extension centers.

New Mexico State University offers two nursing masters program. The Roadrunner program is a general MSN program, while the MSN Administration program is a pathway specifically for nurses seeking an administrative career in the healthcare setting. Though the nursing masters programs are delivered online, students are required to attend on on-campus orientation annually for three to four days.

To apply to the RN to MSN Nursing Administration program, entrance requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing and a nursing license. The Roadrunner MSN is designed for students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Applicants to the Roadrunner MSN should have a bachelor’s degree earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The Roadrunner MSN provides training for students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.

University of New Mexico: RN to MSN Program Review

University of New Mexico
1 University Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87131

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico is a leading research institution based in the city of Albuquerque. Additional University of New Mexico campuses are located in Valencia, Gallup, Taos, Rio Rancho and Los Alamos. The Albuquerque campus of the University of New Mexico serves more than 27,000 students.

Nursing masters programs offered at the University of New Mexico are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The nursing masters program offers varied specialization options for nurses pursuing a career in administration, education or an advanced practice role. In addition to several MSN specializations, nursing masters students may also pursue a dual degree in Public Health or Public Administration, the MSN/MPH and MSN/MPA respectively.

Other concentrations available for the masters program include:

Advanced Practice Roles

MSN Certified Nurse Midwife

MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN Nurse Education

MSN Nurse Administration

Applicants who are current residents of the state of New Mexico are currently given admission preference in the nursing masters program. Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a bachelors degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of undergraduate study. For most concentrations, students should also have at least one year of career experience as a nurse. In certain cases in which applicants don’t meet entrance requirements for the nursing masters program, they may still apply. The committee makes admission decisions to the RN to MSN program on a case-by-case basis.

New York MSN Programs

Adelphi University: RN to MS Program Review
Adelphi University, 154 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Adelphi University is a private post-secondary institution in the Long Island, New York area. Adelphi University is among the oldest post-secondary institutions based in Long Island. Adelphi College was established in 1896, though the university can trace its roots to the 1893 establishment of Adelphi Academy, a secondary school in Brooklyn.

Adelphi University offers a Master of Science program with the following specializations:

Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nursing Administration

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing program at Adelphi University. In addition to coursework, nursing masters students at Adelphi University are required to complete a capstone project and also successfully complete an exam. Students have up to five years to complete the nursing masters program. All students complete the same initial 15 core units prior to taking courses in their chosen specialization.

Prerequisite courses in research and statistics must be completed with a grade of “B” or better as part of the entrance requirements to the nursing program. Admission requirements to the RN to MS nursing program require applicants to be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who are not able to meet all admission requirements may be granted provisional admission by the Director on a case-by-case basis.

Albany Medical College: RN to CRNA Program Review

Albany Medical College
215 Washington Park Rd Ste 13

Albany, NY 12205

Founded in 1839, Albany Medical College is one of the oldest post-secondary medical institutions founded in the United States. Originally, Albany Medical College and Albany Hospital were separate institutions, though they merged to form Albany Medical Center more than 100 years after its founding. The college is affiliated with other higher education institutions in the area including Albany Law School and Union College.

Albany Medical College offers a Nurse Anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program is approximately 28 months, including clinical and didactic courses. Students will complete clinical rotations at both on and off campus sites. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program at Albany Medical College was recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication. The CRNA masters program is 54 credits.

Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program should have a BSN or degree in Chemistry, Physics or Biology from an accredited program. The minimum acceptable GPA is 3.0. Students with degrees in related healthcare fields may be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is preferred that applicants to the nurse anesthesia masters program have at least two years of experience in critical care nursing within the past five years. Holding at least one year of critical care nursing experience is required.

College of Mount Saint Vincent: RN to MSN Program Review

College of Mount Saint Vincent
6301 Riverdale Ave

Bronx, NY 10471

Established in 1847, the College of Mount Saint Vincent is located in northern New York City, specifically in the Bronx. The college serves a combined undergraduate and graduate student population of less than 2,000 students. Originally established as the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent, the Sisters of Charity of New York founded the college.

The College of Mount Saint Vincent offers an MSN program in the following four specialty areas:

Nursing Education

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Adult Nurse Practitioner

In addition to the traditional nursing masters programs, an Accelerated Nursing program is also available for students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The accelerated program is full-time and allows students to complete the program in less than two years. Application to the Accelerated Nursing program requires completion of several general prerequisites, one letter of recommendation and an essay.

The traditional RN to MSN programs can be completed in approximately three years of study. Applicants to the MSN program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE. Other admission requirements include submitting two letters of recommendation and an interview. A unique option exists for undergraduate students who have completed their undergraduate nursing degree at the College of Mount Saint Vincent to earn their MSN in one additional year of study. Students interested in this option may carefully plan a course plan with their nursing program advisor.

Columbia University: RN to MS Program Review

Columbia University

116th Street and Broadway

New York, NY 10027

Columbia University in the City of New York is more often referred to as Columbia University. The university belongs to the prestigious group of Ivy League institutions and was founded in 1754 making it one of the oldest post-secondary institutions in the United States. Columbia University is located in Manhattan, New York.

In addition to a variety of specialization options, students in the Columbia University RN to MS program may also choose to enroll in a combined BS/MS program or an MS completion program. Nursing masters programs at Columbia University lead to a Master of Science degree. Specialties in the Columbia University nursing masters program include the following:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Within any of the given specialization options, nurses can also choose to enroll in one of the following sub-specialty areas:

Addictive Behaviors

HIV/AIDS

Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Palliative and End of Life Care

Genetics in Advanced Practice

Two dual degree programs in Nursing and Business (MS/MBA) and Nursing and Public Health (MS/MPA) are also available to students.

Nursing masters programs at Columbia University do not offer full-time online options. However, some masters programs are available part time. GRE scores are required as part of the application process and it is recommended that students have scores in at least the 50^th percentile. General admission requirements to the masters program include at least one year of experience in a clinical nursing setting and a BSN from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE.

College of Staten Island-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review

College of Staten Island-CUNY

2800 Victory Blvd

Staten Island, NY 10314

The College of Staten Island is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The College of Staten Island (abbreviated as CSI) has the largest college campus in New York, at just over 200 acres. CUNY CSI is the result of the 1976 merger between Staten Island Community College and Richmond College. Staten Island Community College, the older of the two institutions, was established in 1955.

The college of Staten Island offers two nursing role options in the nursing masters program, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and a combine Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner (CNS/NP) program. Students may choose to study Adult Health Nursing or Gerontological Nursing. Applicants should not that students from both program will take courses together, though their clinical practicum experiences and coursework will focus on their population of choice. Graduates of the nursing masters program at CSI can choose to pursue certification in either of their field of study.

Admission requirements for the RN to MS program include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Prerequisite courses generally include statistics, research health assessment, chemistry, nursing management and pharmacotherapeutics. Students who have not taken these courses may demonstrate learning experiences consistent with what is taught in the course for admission consideration. Two letters of recommendation, personal statement and New York nursing license are also required.

Students should have at least one year of career experience as a full-time nurse prior to applying to the nursing masters program.

Hunter College-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review

Hunter College-CUNY
695 Park Ave

New York, NY 10065

Hunter College, a member of the 11 campus City University of New York system, is based in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood. The college is highly selective. Hunter College is one of the oldest colleges in the area, as it was founded in 1870. In addition to being one of the oldest colleges, Hunter College also holds the distinction of being the largest institution in the CUNY system.

Hunter College CUNY is designated a National League for Nursing Center for Nursing Excellence, specifically for their educational environment which fosters student and professional growth. Hunter College offers comprehensive specialization options and dual degree nursing masters programs.

MS/MPA Dual Degree Master of Science Nursing Administration/Master in Public Administration

MS/MPH MS Dual Degree Master of Science Community/Public Health Nursing/Urban Public Health/Master of Public Health

MS Clinical Nurse Leader

MS Clinical Nurse Specialist

MS Community/Public Health Nursing

MS Gerontological/Adult Nurse Practitioner

MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing/Nurse Practitioner

Admission requirements for the nursing masters program include graduation from an accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is required prior to commencing courses in the program, though students who do not meet this requirement in the first semester of their program. Students in the Community Health Nursing program must also take a prerequisite research courses. It is preferred that applicants to the NP programs have at least two years of career experience as a nurse. Applicants who meet this requirement will be given admission preference.

Applicants to the dual MPA/MS program should take the Graduate Record Exam.

Lehman College-CUNY: RN to MS Program Review

Lehman College-CUNY
250 Bedford Park Blvd W

New York, NY 10468

Lehman College has been in operation since 1931, originally an extension campus of Hunter College. Since 1967, Lehman College has operated as an independent college and is also part of the CUNY system. Lehman College serves students in the Bronx area. Lehman College was named one of the “Top 50 Public Colleges” in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report publication.

The MS program in Nursing at Lehman College offers both administrative, education and advanced practice roles. Students can focus their studies on a Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Parent-Child Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, or Nursing of Older Adults. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner programs are 45 credits, while the other programs are 43 credits. Some RN to MS programs are offered part-time.

Admission requirements include an interview, valid New York nursing license and a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree should contact the Lehman College Nursing Department for information regarding the nursing program. In lieu of reference letters, applicants are to provide a list of references to the admission committee. In order to successfully commence the program, a prerequisite course in statistics must be completed with a grade “B” or better.

D’Youville College: RN to Nursing MS Program Review

D’Youville College

320 Porter Ave

Buffalo, NY 14201

D’Youville College is based in the West Side of Buffalo, New York. The college was founded in the Catholic tradition in 1908 by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. Today, D’Youville College serves just over 3,000 students. The campus is located just miles from the Peace Bridge, which crosses into Canada.

Applicants to the D’Youville College nursing masters program can enroll in the Community Health Nursing MS, Family Nurse Practitioner Nursing MS or choose one of the following areas as a clinical focus:

Pediatrics Nursing

Gerontological Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Adult Health Nursing

Care of the homeless Nursing

Informatics

Prospective students to the Community Health Nursing MS will further specialize by choosing a Advanced Clinical Track, Education Track or Management Track. Students in the D’Youville RN to Nursing MS program can choose to enroll in the program on a full or part-time basis. Applicants to the program will take classes held once weekly as the program utilizes hybrid courses.

Prerequisite courses in statistics and computer science are required for applicants to the Nursing MS program. Prospective students should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with at least a 2.75 GPA in undergraduate upper division coursework or 3.0 GPA overall. Applicants with a masters degree in a field other than nursing that have at least a 3.5 GPA also meet the GPA requirement.

In addition to a New York nursing license, applicants may also hold a license to practice nursing in Ontario, Canada.

Daemen College: RN to MS Program Review

Daemen College

4380 Main St

Amherst, NY 14226

Daemen College is a liberal arts post-secondary institution based in the city of Amherst. The original name of the college was Rosary Hill College. Today, Daemen College bears the name of Magdalene Daemen who established the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity which went on to establish Daemen College. The college serves approximately 3,000 students.

The following nursing masters programs are offered at Daemen College:

Master of Science in Adult Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing Executive Leadership

RN to MS Accelerated Programs

Master of Science in Nursing Education

The RN accelerated programs are for nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma. The accelerated nursing masters program accepts applicants with a 3.25 or higher undergraduate GPA. Students in the RN to MS accelerated program will be enrolled in the Adult Nurse Practitioner track.

Admission requirements to the traditional nursing masters program include a BSN from an accredited program. Nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing that can demonstrate proficiency in nursing coursework, should contact the department for a review of their undergraduate coursework. Applicants should have at least one year of career experience in a clinical/surgical environment. Three letters of recommendation and an interview are also required.

Dominican College of Blauvelt: RN to MSN Program Review

Dominican College of Blauvelt

470 Western Hwy

Orangeburg, NY 10962

Dominican College of Blauvelt is a private liberal arts college that serves approximately 2,000 students. The college was established in 1952 as a teachers college for women. Dominican College of Blauvelt, also known as simply Dominican College, derives its name from the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt that founded the college. Dominican College is based less than 20 miles from New York City.

Dominican College offers a Family Nurse Practitioner nursing masters program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN to MSN program is a flexible degree option designed for working nurses. The MSN program allows students up to five years for completion. Campus-based classes are held two evenings per week, while other classes are conducted online. The MSN requires nursing students to complete 750 clinical practicum experience hours.

Upon completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) masters program, students may take the FNP certification exam.

Admission to the 42 credit nursing masters program is competitive. Applicants to the MSN program should hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a 3.0 GPA overall and in courses in the natural sciences. Provisional admission may be granted to applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement. Applicants will be fully admitted to the course, pending completion of course with a “B” or better grade.

Excelsior College: RN to MSN Program Review

Excelsior College

7 Columbia Cir

Albany, NY 12203

Excelsior College, based in Albany, was founded in 1971. The college was originally known as Regents College. Excelsior College focuses specifically on programs for adult non-traditional students and has many programs that cater to students in need of a flexible degree program. The college lays claim to being one of the largest nurse educators in the nation.

In addition to offering flexible nursing degree programs, Excelsior College is designated as a Center of Nursing Excellence by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nursing masters programs at Excelsior College are available online. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the nursing masters programs at Excelsior College. The following masters level specializations and tracks are offered in the nursing department:

Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Systems Management

Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education

Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Informatics

In addition to a traditional masters track, the college also offers an RN to MSN option. RN to MSN students choose from the same specialization options available in the traditional masters track. General admission requirements to Excelsior College require graduation from a BSN program and a current nursing license valid in the state in which clinical practicum experiences will be completed. Registered Nurses who don’t have a BSN are eligible to apply for the RN to MSN option.

Keuka College: RN to MSN Program Review

Keuka College
141 Central Ave

Keuka Park, NY 14478

Kekua College is a private liberal arts college based approximately 60 miles outside of Rochester, New York. The college is based near the Kekua Lake. In addition to offering programs in New York, Kekua College also offers degree programs at universities in China and Vietnam. Kekua College was established in 1890 to provide education to young adults in the region.

Kekua College offers a Master of Science in Nursing, with course locations in Syracuse, Binghamton, Victor or Elmira. In The courses are held at college campuses and health centers in New York. The MSN program is 37 credits and offers a specialization in nurse education. Upon completion of the program, nursing masters graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings providing staff training. The nursing masters program at Kekua College is accredited by the CCNE. Classes are held once weekly in the evening. The masters course can be completed in approximately 1.5 years.

Admission requirements include baccalaureate degree from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Nurses enrolled in the program must be currently working as a nurse on a full or part time schedule and hold a valid New York nursing license. Two letters of recommendation are required, though applicants to the nursing program are not required to submit an essay.

Le Moyne College: RN to MSN Program Review

Le Moyne College
1419 Salt Springs Rd

Syracuse, NY 13214

LeMoyne College is a private college in Syracuse, New York founded in the Jesuit tradition. The New York Province of the Society of Jesus established the college in 1946. The college’s namesake is Simon LeMoyne, a Jesuit Priest well known throughout the New York area in the 17^th century. Approximately 3,500 students are educated at LeMoyne College today.

Three graduate programs are available for Registered Nurses seeking to further their nursing education at Le Moyne College. In addition to an MSN program with a Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator track, Le Moyne College offers an RN to MS certificate which provides the transition courses necessary for an RN with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field to progress to the nursing masters program. Courses in the sixteen credit RN to MS certificate program must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.

Admission requirements to the CCNE-accredited masters program at Le Moyne College include a BSN degree earned with a 3.0 or better GPA. Provisional admission may be awarded to students with a minimum 2.8 GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required for the program. A personal statement, valid New York nursing license and resume are also required. The personal statement will be completed following an admission interview with on a pre-assigned topic.

Long Island University Brooklyn: RN to MS Program Review

Long Island University Brooklyn

1 University Plaza

Brooklyn, New York 11201-8423

Long Island University Brooklyn is a private institution offering post-secondary programs in Brooklyn, New York. Another Long Island University campus is located in Brookville. The Brooklyn campus of Long Island University was established in 1926. Today, the LIU Brooklyn campus alone serves more than 11,000 students. LIU Brooklyn was recognized on the President’s Honor Roll for their commitment to community service.

The School of Nursing at Long Island University Brooklyn offers the following five nursing masters programs:

MS Nurse Educator

MS Family Nurse Practitioner

MS Executive Program for Nursing and Healthcare Management

MS Adult Nurse Practitioner

MS Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

With the exception of the MS Executive Program for Nursing Healthcare Management, the programs are offered in a blended format in which a majority of coursework is available to be completed online. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the Master of Science nursing programs at Long Island University Brooklyn.

Admission requirements include submitting the application along with three letters of recommendation using the nursing recommendation form available on the university’s website. A resume, personal statement and transcripts from previous schools should also be submitted. Programs in the RN to MS program meet once weekly and are designed for full-time career nurses. In general applicants to the nursing masters program should have a 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate coursework. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body.

Long Island University Post: RN to MS Program Review

Long Island University Post

720 Northern Blvd

Brookville, NY 11548

Long Island University Post is based in Nassau County. The college is named for the Post family, known for the Post Cereal brand. The estate of the Post family, purchased by the college, served as the home of the institution’s first classes. The Long Island University campus was established in 1955.

The Department of Nursing at Long Island University Post offers nursing masters programs in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education specializations The Family Nurse Practitioner is a part-time program that requires six semesters of coursework. The FNP nursing masters program is 46 credits total. Upon completion of the program, nurses are eligible to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The Nursing Education program is 33 credits and requires five semesters and one summer of coursework. Like the MS FNP program, it is completed on a part-time schedule.

Admission requirements to the MS Nursing Education course include a bachelors degree earned with an overall 3.0 GPA. Applicants do not need a BSN to apply for the nursing masters program. As part of the admission process, applicants are required to have a personal interview. A prerequisite course in nursing research and at least one year of clinical experience are recommended prior to beginning the course.

Admission requirements to the MSN FNP program are similar, but it is also recommend that applicants have a course in health assessment, which can be completed upon admission to the nursing program.

Mercy College: RN to MS Program Review

Mercy College
555 Broadway

Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522-1186

Mercy College is a private liberal arts institution with several campuses throughout New York in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Yorktown and the Bronx. Originally founded as a junior college, the university was established in 1950 by the Sisters of Mercy. Mercy College holds the honor of being a “Yellow Ribbon School” an honor bestowed by the Department of Veteran Affairs to educational institutions committed to assisting veterans with educational expenses.

Mercy College offers masters programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Both the Nursing Administration and Nursing Education masters degree programs require completion of a 120 hour practicum. The RN to MS programs can usually be completed in two years and are campus-based with an online component. The departmental website maintains a list of financial aid programs that are available for students including the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.

In addition to the masters degree programs for nurses with a bachelors degree a bridge program is also offered for nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree. The bridge program includes courses in nursing research, statistics and community health nursing in addition to a required graduate course. To be admitted into the nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree from an accredited program and a current US nursing license.

Molloy College: RN to MS Program Review

Molloy College

1000 Hempstead Ave

Rockville Centre, NY 1157

Molloy College was established in 1955. The private college is based in Long Island and was founded by the Sisters of St. Domonic of Amityville, the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The college holds the honor of being named among the Catholic Colleges of Distinction, an award based on the nomination of secondary and post-secondary guidance counselors.

The following specialization tracks are offered in the nursing masters program at Molloy College:

Nursing Administration with Informatics

Nursing Education

Clinical Nurse Specialist : Adult Health

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Individualized personal attention and mentoring are a key part of the nursing masters program at Molloy College, which is accredited by CCNE. In addition to working with patients, students will also have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects in their chosen area of specialty.

Dual degree options are offered at Molloy College for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. These programs allow nurses to earn both a masters degree in nursing as well as an undergraduate nursing degree. Three letters of recommendation, transcripts and a personal statement are required as part of the nursing masters program application at Molloy College. RNs should have a valid nursing license, and will need to include the RN license number on their application.

Mount Saint Mary College: RN to MSN Program Review

Mount Saint Mary College

330 Powell Ave

Newburgh, NY 12550

In 1959, the Sisters of Saint Dominic established Mount Saint Mary College. Since that time, the college has grown to serve over 2,700 students annually. The college maintains an intimate feel, with the average student to faculty ratio 15:1. The college is located in the city of Newburgh, an approximate halfway point between Albany and New York City.

Adult Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner masters nursing programs are offered at Mount Saint Mary College. The Adult Nurse Practitioner program is 27 credits and requires 500-600 hours of clinical practicum experience. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 30 credits and requires 600-700 hours of clinical practicum experience. The RN to MSN program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years and is offered both part and full time. The nursing masters program offers a hybrid course format, with a combination of evening and online courses to suit working nurses.

Applicants should have a bachelors degree from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. An overall GPA of 2.75 is required unless the student has a graduate degree, in which a 3.0 is required. Prerequisite courses in nursing research, statistics and physical assessment are also required. The Mount Saint Mary College nursing masters program recommends that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a nurse.

New York University: RN to MS Program Review

New York University

37 Washington Square W

New York, NY 10011

New York University was founded in 1831. The college is in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. The university is one of the largest and most prominent private research universities in the United States. NYU, as the university is commonly known, was established in part due to the work of Albert Gallatin, a statesman that worked with Presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.

In addition to a dual degree Master of Science/Master of Public Health Nursing Science program, New York University offers the following specializations in their nursing MS program:

Nurse-Midwifery

Nursing Administration

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatrics

Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult Acute Care

Advanced Practice Nursing: Mental Health Nursing

Advanced Practice Nursing: Adult Primary Care

Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner

The nursing masters programs at New York University accept nurses with a BSN or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Nurses should hold a current New York nursing license. It is a requirement that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a clinical nurse before beginning the clinical course component of the masters program. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research are required for acceptance to the nursing masters programs. The Adult Acute Care and Pediatrics tracks have additional requirements.

Pace University: RN to MSN Program Review

Pace University
1 Pace Plaza

New York, NY 10038

Pace University is a private university that was founded in 1906. The university serves over 13,000 students today on two campuses in Westchester and New York City. Pace University School of Nursing was established in 1966 and later named for Gustav Lienhard, a prominent alumni and donor to the university.

Pace University offers the following programs for nurses without a bachelors degree that are interested in earning a nursing masters degree:

Accelerated, Combined BSN and MSN program – for non-nurses with a bachelors degree seeking a BSN and MSN

RN Bridge Program – for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The RN Bridge program requires nurses to be competent in using online education and requires nurses to complete courses in statistics, research and nursing practice.

The following programs are available for nurses with a bachelors degree seeking a master’s degree with a nursing focus:

MA in Nursing Education

Family Nurse Practitioner program

The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 42 credits and allows nurses to complete a masters degree and also sit for the certification exam for FNP (Family Nurse Practitioners) upon completion of their course. The course also requires a 720 hour clinical component. The Nursing Education program is 32 credits and admits nurse with at least one year of clinical nursing experience.

Roberts Wesleyan College: RN to MSN Program Review

Roberts Wesleyan College
2301 Westside Dr

Rochester, NY 14624

Roberts Wesleyan College is a liberal arts post-secondary institution with a Christian heritage. Benjamin Titus Roberts, a committed abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, founded the college in 1866. Over 95% of students enrolled at the college receive a form of financial aid. Roberts Wesleyan College serves just under 2,000 students each year.

Nursing masters programs at Roberts Wesleyan College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Additionally, the MSN programs are available through distance learning or campus-based coursework depending on the student’s preferences. The nursing program is 39 credits and delivered in a modular format, in which students take one nursing course at a time. Prospective nursing students may opt to enroll in the Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership & Administration masters program.

Applicants to the nursing program should have a BSN or similar degree from an accredited program. While students in the MSN Nursing Education program are required to have a New York nursing license, students in the MSN Nursing Leadership & Administration program may have a New York or Canadian nursing license. Nurses with licenses from other areas will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should have a 3.0 overall GPA and a prerequisite course in statistics completed with a 3.0 or better.

St. Joseph’s College: RN to MS Program Review

St. Joseph’s College

155 W Roe Blvd

Patchogue, NY 11772

St. Joseph’s College has campuses in Patchogue near Long Island and the city of Brooklyn in New York. The college is a liberal arts post-secondary institution founded in 1916. The college was established in Brooklyn by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Together, the two St. Joseph’s campuses enroll just under 5,000 students.

St. Joseph’s College offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a nursing major. The nursing masters program at St. Joseph’s College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Nurses seeking financial aid may be eligible for funding via the Nursing Faculty Loan program. The MS nursing major program offers the following two specialization options:

Clinical Nursing Specialist: Adult Health

Nursing Education

The nursing masters program requires a total of seven months of study.

Nurses that apply to the MS program at St. Joseph’s College should have a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the NLNAC or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Though a 3.0 overall GPA is a requirement for the program, students with a 3.3 or higher GPA are given admission preference to the nursing masters program. It is required that nursing applicants have at least one year of career experience in clinical nursing prior to acceptance in the MS nursing program.

An interview and two letters of recommendation are also required prior to admittance into the nursing masters program.

St. John Fisher College: RN to MSN Program Review

St. John Fisher College

3690 East Ave

Rochester, NY 14618

St. John Fisher College is a private post-secondary college based just outside of Rochester in the city of Pittsford. The college was founded with Catholic roots, though it has operated independently since 1968. St. John Fisher College was originally established as a men’s college in 1948. The Basilian Fathers founded the college.

The following three nursing specialties are offered in the nursing masters program at St. John Fischer College:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Specialist (can be further specialized to Maternal/Child or Adult/Gerontology specialty)

Nurse Educator

Students in the Nurse Educator track can sit the certification exam in their specialty upon completion of the nursing masters course. A fast track is open for junior nursing students that demonstrate academic aptitude (3.3 GPA or above). The fast track program shortens the graduate degree and allows nursing students to commence taking graduate nurses courses while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

Though the Graduate Record Exam is not required to apply to the nursing masters program at St. John Fisher College, scores may bolster the nursing application. Statistics, health assessment and nursing research are required prerequisite courses and should have completed at the undergraduate level. With the exception of students in the fast-track program, applicants should have a current New York nursing license. Nurses should have a BSN from an accredited program before applying to the traditional masters program.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center: RN to MS Program Review

SUNY Downstate Medical Center

470 Clarkson Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11203

In addition to being a leading healthcare institution that serves Brooklyn residents, the SUNY Downstate Medical Center also offers healthcare-oriented educational programs. SUNY Downstate Medical Center has been in operation since 1860. The State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn is the center’s former name. Approximately 1,700 students are educated at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia programs, all degree options are available on a full or part-time basis. The College of Nursing at Downstate SUNY Medical Center offers the following masters program tracks:

Clinical Nursing Specialist (Adult and High Risk Mother and Infant Specialties offered)

Nurse Midwifery

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Upon completion of the nursing masters program, students are eligible to take the nursing certification exam in their area of specialty. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

The Nurse Anesthesia course requires applicants to have a BSN earned with a 3.3 or higher GPA. Entrance requirements require specific departmental experience. A list of acceptable departments and experience levels are available from the nursing department. Generally, other nursing masters programs require a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisite courses in statistics, research and health assessment are required for all nursing masters programs.

Stony Brook University: RN to MSN Program Review

Stony Brook University

100 Nicolls Rd

Stony Brook, NY 11794

Stony Brook University was founded in 1957. The university was originally focused on teacher education. The public university is based in Stony Brook, New York less than 4 miles from the West Meadow Beach and Wetlands Reserve and approximately 60 miles from New York City. Approximately 24,000 students are educated at Stony Brook University each year.

The following nursing masters programs are offered at Stony Brook University:

Nursing Education

Nursing Midwifery

Nurse Practitioner (nurses choose from among specialties in Adult Health, Perinatal/Woman’s Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Neonatal Health, Pediatric).

Stony Brook University’s nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and available online, though campus-based attendance is required periodically. A Master’s completion program exists for bachelors degree prepared nurses who already possess a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification. The Master’s Completion program admits certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioners seeking to earn a masters degree in nursing.

Aspiring nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and no previous nursing experience may apply to the Accelerated BSN program, however nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may be offered conditional admission. A Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master’s program is available for nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. Other general admission requirements to the RN to MSN programs at Stony Brook University include a BSN earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above and prerequisite courses in health assessment and statistics.

Binghamton University: RN to MS Program Review

Binghamton University

4400 Vestal Pkwy E

Binghamton, NY 13902

Binghamton University is part of the State University of New York system and also known as the State University of New York at Binghamton. The university was founded in 1946, and like many universities in this era was established to meet the educational needs of returning World War II veterans. The university was originally called Triple Cities College.

The Decker School of Nursing at SUNY Binghamton offers the following four nursing masters tracks:

Gerontological Nursing

Dual MS in Nursing/MPA Program

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing

Family Nursing

Upon completion of the nursing masters tracks, students will also be able to pursue certification in one of the following advanced practice nursing roles:

Nursing Administrator

Nursing Education

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner

Nurses can further specialize their program by choosing a focus in rural nursing or disaster preparedness. In the future, the Decker School of Nursing also aspires to offer concentrations in palliative care and forensic nursing. In addition to the traditional nursing masters programs, a master’s degree completion program is offered for nurses with a bachelor’s degree and nurse midwifery certification.

For admission into the Nursing MS programs, applicants should have a BSN or equivalent from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. The undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. It is recommended that applicants have at least one year of career experience as a nurse prior to commencing masters level study in nursing. The nursing masters programs are available on a full or part time basis. The part-time option is suggested for nurses without the recommended work experience.

State University of New York Institute of Technology: RN to MS Program Review

State University of New York Institute of Technology

100 Seymour Rd

Utica NY 13502

SUNY Institute of Technology, also known as SUNYIT and the State University of New York Institute of Technology was founded in 1966. The university is based in Marcy, outside of Utica, New York. When the university was founded it originally offered only graduate programs, though today it serves undergraduate and graduate students.

SUNYIT offers the following masters in nursing programs:

Nursing Education -36 credits

Family Nurse Practitioner – 45 credits

SUNY IT’s nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing masters programs are available on a full or part time basis. Registered Nurses that do not hold a BSN in nursing are eligible to apply for accelerated programs which lead to bachelors and masters degrees in nursing. The accelerated programs are offered in both the Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education specializations. Some courses are offered in a hybrid format, in which students in engage in distance learning coursework. The Nursing Education track is offered online.

Applicants to the nursing masters program at SUNY Institute of Technology should have a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned from a program accredited by a nursing body (CCNE, NLNAC). The applicant’s undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. In addition, applicants to the nursing masters program should have at least one year of experience as a nurse. Applicants to the Nurse Practitioner track will need a prerequisite course in health assessment in addition to the required prerequisite in statistics.

SUNY Upstate Medical University: RN to MS Program Review

SUNY Upstate Medical University

750 E Adams St

Syracuse, NY 13210

The State University of New York Upstate Medical University was founded in 1834. The campus is based in Syracuse, New York. More than 1,500 students are enrolled at SUNY Upstate Medical University. The university was originally established as the Medical Institution of Geneva College.

The master of science in nursing programs at SUNY Upstate Medical University prepare nurses for work in a variety of roles. The following specializations are offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult-Medical Surgical focus)

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may also enroll in the RN to MS Fast track program. A nurse educator minor is offered in the masters programs for aspiring nurse educators. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner was offered in the past, but is currently not being offered.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters programs at SUNY Upstate Medical University include a bachelor’s degree with a focus in nursing. Though a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, a higher GPA may be required as admission to the BS to MS nursing program is competitive. Applicants to the RN to MS program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam, nor are they required to have career experience as a nurse like other nursing masters programs in the area.

The College of New Rochelle: RN to MS Program Review

The College of New Rochelle

29 Castle Pl

New Rochelle, NY 10805

The College of New Rochelle is a private Catholic post-secondary institution that was founded in 1904. The college holds the distinction of being the first women’s Catholic college in New York. The college serves approximately 4,200 students and was founded in the Ursuline tradition.

A traditional Family Nurse Practitioner masters program is offered at The College of New Rochelle. The FNP program is 40 credits and requires 765 hours of clinical practicum experience. An accelerated RN to BSN to MS program is offered in addition to the traditional masters track. Other nursing masters tracks that were offered previously include Clinical Nurse Specialist in Holistic Nursing, Nursing and Health Care Administration, and Nurse Educator.

General application requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Since a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission consideration, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may apply for a review of their application in writing. A prerequisite course in statistics, two reference letters and two essays should also be submitted with the nursing masters program application.

Though career experience is not explicitly listed as an entrance requirement to the nursing masters program, applicants are required to write one essay about their nursing practice experience. A current New York RN license is required for nurses in the masters program.

The Sage Colleges: RN to MSN Program Review

The Sage Colleges

65 1st St

Troy, NY 12180

The Sage Colleges are a three college system composed of Russell Sage College for Women in the city of Troy, Sage College of Albany which is a coeducational college and a graduate college that operates on both campuses. The Sage Colleges can trace its history to 1916 when the Russell Sage College for women was established.

The Sage Colleges offers highly-customizable nursing masters degree program options. Nurses in the program can choose from day, evening or even bi-weekly courses. In addition to selecting one of the tracks listed below, students have the option of choosing an Educator, Administrative/Executive or Clinical Focus within their program. The Nursing MS program can be completed in as little as two years or up to seven years if necessary.

Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

Community Health

Adult Health

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

A BSN, or an equivalent degree, earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA is required for admission to the nursing program. Though a statistics course taken within the past three years is usually a prerequisite for the program, students may bypass this requirement if they can demonstrate equivalent experience in their portfolio or an advising session. In some cases, applicants are offered provisional admission to the nursing masters program. This includes RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and applicants who do not satisfy the 3.0 GPA requirement.

University at Buffalo-SUNY: RN to MS Program Review

University at Buffalo SUNY
12 Capen Hall

Buffalo, NY 14260

The University at Buffalo State University of New York was founded in 1846. The post-secondary institution was originally founded as a medical school called the University of Buffalo. The University of Buffalo became part of the State University of New York in the 1960s. Other common names of the university include SUNY Buffalo or the University at Buffalo. SUNY Buffalo serves more than 28,000 students.

A Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems masters program is offered at SUNY Buffalo. The nursing masters program is designed for bachelors prepared nurses and prepares them for executive leadership, consultant and clinical management roles. Though not a dual degree program, the nursing masters program at SUNY Buffalo is interdisciplinary in nature as students will have the opportunity to take courses in the School of Public Health and also Management. Upon completion of the masters program, nurse may take the exam to earn Nurse Administrator certification.

The undergraduate GPA requirement for admission to the nursing program is 3.0. Admission requirements include a bachelor of science degree in nursing, a US nursing license and Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores. In addition to the application, aspiring nursing masters students should submit a personal statement, Curriculum Vitae and three letters of reference. An admission interview is also required.

University of Rochester: RN to MS Program Review

University of Rochester

500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd.

Rochester, NY 14627

The University of Rochester was established in 1850 and educates more than 10,000 students each year. The university is composed of several campuses, notably the River campus, Medical Center and Eastman School. The university boasts an exceptionally low student to faculty ratio of 10:1.

Accelerated programs, Nurse Practitioner and Leadership nursing masters programs are offered at the University of Rochester. The following is a brief summary of their program offerings:

RN to BS to MS – Designed for nurses with a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing that are ultimately seeking a masters degree in nursing

AMPNN – The Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses prepares students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to earn a Nursing MS. Students in this program earn both a bachelors and masters degree

Nurse Practitioner specialties offered in the traditional RN to MS program include the following:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (nurses choose a Critical Care or Cardiovascular focus)

Adult Nurse Practitioner/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The Leadership in Health Care Systems tracks also offer Nursing MS degrees:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Health Care Organization Management and Leadership

Clinical Research Coordinator

The latter to tracks of the Leadership in Health Care Systems are available to students without a nursing degree. Prior to applying to the nursing masters program, students should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 GPA or higher. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a “C” or better is also required.

Wagner College: RN to MSN Program Review

Wagner College
1 Campus Rd

New York, NY 10301

Wagner College is a private liberal arts college serving about 2,400 students. The college is located in Staten Island, a short ferry ride across from bustling Manhattan, New York. Wagner College traces its root to the 1883 establishment of Lutheran Proseminary of Rochester. The college is named after George Wagner, an aspiring minister who passed away before he could realize his dream. George was also the son of benefactor John Wagner whose donation allowed the college to purchase a campus.

Wagner College offers Nurse Educator (44 credits) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP, 45 credits) masters tracks. The nursing masters program can be completed in five or seven semesters of full or part time study respectively. The college offers comprehensive financial aid options to students, including graduate assistantships, to assist students in paying for their education. The master of science in nursing programs at Wagner College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Generally, applicants to Nursing MS program should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants from other bachelors degree programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. For applicants to the FNP track, documentation of current clinical experience is required. The nursing masters program admission committee reviews applications from applicants who do not meet admission requirements on a case-by-case basis.

North Carolina MSN Programs

Duke University: RN to MSN Program Review
Duke University, 138 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27705
Duke University is a private research-focused university based in Durham, North Carolina. Established in1838, the university can trace its founding to Methodists and Quakers who founded the institution in the city of Trinity.

Nursing masters programs at Duke University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The MSN programs offered at Duke University are flexible in nature, low-residency and offered on a full or part-time basis. Most courses in the MSN program are offered online at least once during the school year. Though select NP specializations, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Healthcare and Leadership and Nursing Education tracks are offered online, on-campus segments are also necessary.

In addition to the specific tracks in which one can focus their nursing masters program at Duke University, nursing students may also choose to enroll in the nine-credit Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner concentration. Nursing students must apply separately to this concentration.

Specialization options available in the Duke University nursing masters program include the following:

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner (Family, Pediatric, Adult-Gerontology, Neonatal, Gerontological, Acute Care)

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing and Health Care Leadership

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

It is not an entrance requirement, though it is recommend that nurses have at least one year of career experience as a nurse prior to applying to Duke University’s nursing masters program. Certain RN to MSN tracks will require more specialized career experience. Applicants to the nursing program with a 3.4 or higher GPA are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam.

East Carolina University: RN to MSN Program Review

East Carolina University

1001 E 5th St

Greenville, North Carolina 27858

East Carolina University is a public university based in Greenville, North Carolina that serves over 20,000 students. The university was established in 1907 with the purpose of being a teacher education institution, more commonly known as a Normal School.

An RN to MSN program, traditional nursing master’s program and Alternate Entry MSN for students with a degree in a field other than nursing are offered at East Carolina University. Most tracks of the MSN program are offered online, though the Nurse Anesthesia program is campus-based as is the first phase of the Alternate Entry MSN.

The RN to MSN program is for nurses with a current nursing license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The RN to MSN program graduates earn an MSN, but not a BSN. The program is competitive and students must earn a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to transition from the RN to BSN to the RN to MSN portion of the course.

Several specializations are offered in the traditional nursing masters track including the following:

Clinical Nurse Leadership

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Nursing Education

Family Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Admission requirements for the nursing masters program include a bachelors degree in nursing, 3.0 or higher nursing GPA, and 2.7 overall GPA. Nursing masters program applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores within the past five years. Career experience requirements to apply to the MSN programs vary according to the nursing specialization track, but are listed in detail on the school’s website.

Gardner-Webb University: RN to MSN Program Review

Gardner-Webb University

110 N Main St

Boiling Springs, NC 28017

Gardner-Webb University is a private, liberal arts university based in Boiling Springs, which is located less than 50 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The university was founded in 1905 as Boiler Springs High School designed to serve as a Christian educational institution for youth in the area. In 1928, the institution became Boiler Springs Junior College.

Gardner-Webb University offers an RN to MSN and traditional MSN program, which is offered online or campus-based. Students in the RN to MSN program are first admitted to the RN to BSN program. If successful, nursing students will earn a BSN and continue to the nursing masters program to complete an additional 30 credit hours of study before earning the MSN degree.

The traditional MSN program at Gardner-Webb University was created with the working nurse in mind and at least two specializations are offered online. Students can choose from a specialization in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration or a dual degree MSN/MBA program. The latter dual degree nursing masters program requires students to apply to the business school and nursing program. Gardner-Webb University also offers a Family Nurse Practitioner program which prepares nurses to sit the FNP certification exam.

Admission requirements for the nursing masters program at Gardner-Webb University include a BSN degree, current nursing license, a 2.7 overall GPA and acceptable scores on the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam for the dual degree program. Nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may also apply to the MSN programs at Gardner-Webb University.

Queens University of Charlotte: RN to MSN Program Review

Queens University of Charlotte

1900 Selwyn Ave

Charlotte, North Carolina 2820

Queens University of Charlotte is a private school located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally established as Charlotte Female Institute in 1857, the university is now co-educational.

The nursing masters program at Queens University of Charlotte is designed for Registered Nurses with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. The nursing masters program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The MSN program offers the following three specializations:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Health Services Management

Nurse Educator Practices

The Clinical Nurse Leader specialization is offered online. Students in the nursing masters program, also have the option of pursuing an MSN/MBA dual degree program. Students interested in this option should consult the nursing program ahead of time to plan a course of study.

Admission requirements to the nursing program at Queen’s University of Charlotte include a Bachelors degree in nursing from a college accredited by a nursing body earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A statement of purpose and current unencumbered nursing license are also required to apply to the nursing masters program.

An RN to MSN program for Registered Nurses enrolled in the RN to BSN program is available. In the first semester of the RN to BSN program, students should apply to the RN to MSN program.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

209 South Rd

Chapel Hill, NC 27599

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research institution and part of the University of North Carolina system. Other campuses in the UNC system include Charlotte, Greensboro and Wilmington. With the university holding classes as early as 1795, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is among the oldest institutions in the United States.

Both RN to MSN and traditional nursing masters programs are offered at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Specializations include the following:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Nurses can further specialize in Oncology)

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Health Care Systems (Nurses further specialize in Informatics, Administration, Outcomes Management, Education, Clinical Nurse Leader or Clinical Nurse Leader/Education)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Students in the Health Care Systems course have the option of earning a dual degree in Information Systems Management or Library Science, an MSN/MSIS or MSN/MSLS respectively.

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse, 51 college credits including nursing prerequisite courses completed with a 3.0 or higher GPA and Graduate Record Exam scores. Admission requirements to the traditional masters program include competitive GRE scores, at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse, and completion of a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Carolina at Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28223

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is part of the University of North Carolina system including campuses in Greensboro, Chapel Hill and Wilmington. UNC Charlotte is one of the most rapidly growing universities in the University of North Carolina system. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus was established in 1946 and has since grown to serve over 25,000 students. The campus was developed out of a need to create more education centers for World War II veterans.

In addition to an RN to MSN program, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers comprehensive options for traditional nursing masters program. The following are specializatoin options within the MSN program at UNC Charlotte:

Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Administrator (Nurses can choose a Systems Population Major within this option)

Nurse Educator (Nurses can choose a Systems Population Major within this option)

Community/Public Health Nursing

Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan

A prerequisite course in undergraduate statistics is among the entrance requirements for acceptance into the UNC Charlotte nursing masters program. The RN to MSN program is for nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program are the same as those for the traditional MSN, with the exception of the BSN requirements. RNs with an ADN must earn a BSN before applying to the Nurse Anesthesia program.

In general, applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The Graduate Record Exam is required to apply to the Nurse Anesthesia program. Students applying to other MSN concentrations may take the GRE or MAT, though the GRE is preferred.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

1400 Spring Garden St

Greensboro, NC 27412

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro began classes in 1891. The university was established in great part due to Dr. Charles McIver’s efforts to provide educational opportunities for women. The university is part of the University of North Carolina system, which includes campuses in Charlotte, Wilmington and Chapel Hill.

The MSN at the University of North Carolina Greensboro is offered in four concentrations in addition to a dual degree program.

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

MSN/MBA in Health Management

The Nurse Practitioner MSN is offered on a full and part-time schedule. The MSN outreach program offers courses in collaboration with the Northwest Area Health Education Center. The course is part-time with classes being held at the Northwest Area Health Education Center.

For other RN to MSN programs, admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. With the exception of the dual MSN/MBA program which requires Graduate Record Exam or Graduate Management Aptitude Test Scores, applicants can submit GRE or MAT scores for admission consideration. Prerequisite courses in statistics and basic health assessment are part of the admission requirements for the MSN program.

It is recommended that students have at least one year of nursing experience prior to applying to the nursing masters program. Nurse Anesthesia applicants are required to have at least one year of experience in a critical care setting.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Carolina at Wilmington
601 S College Rd

Wilmington, NC 28403

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a public university based just miles from the North Carolina coast. Established in 1947, the university is part of the University of North Carolina system, which includes other campuses in Charlotte, Greensboro and Chapel Hill. The institution was first named Wilmington College.

A Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner program is offered at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The nursing masters program is offered on a full or part time schedule. The RN to MSN program requires three to four years of full or part time study respectively. Though the MSN FNP program is primarily online, students will be required to make approximately five visits to campus throughout the course of the program.

Entrance requirements to the MSN FNP program including a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. In addition to the nursing masters application, students will submit references and a writing sample. A BSN from an accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA, at least one year of career experience as a nurse post-BSN and prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research, leadership, health assessment and community health are required. An RN license valid in North Carolina or a compact agreement state is required.

Western Carolina University: RN to MS Program Review

Western Carolina University

1 University Way

Cullowhee, NC 28723

Western Carolina University was established in 1889. The university was established to provide for higher education needs in the Western part of North Carolina. West Carolina University is an affiliate of the University of North Carolina system, which has campuses in Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Wilmington and Greensboro. Western Carolina University was originally established as a secondary school to provide teacher training and youth education. Today the university serves over 9,000 students.

The School of Nursing at Western Carolina University offers both an RN to MS program as well as several Master of Science programs with a major in nursing. The Master of Science nursing programs at Western Carolina University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational programs.

The specializations offered in the nursing program include: MS Nurse Anesthesia, MS Nurse Educator, MS Nurse Administration and MS Family Nurse Practitioner. All tracks offer courses online though the Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia tracks do require campus-based courses as well. Nurses applying to the MS Family Nurse Practitioner or MS Nurse Anesthesia programs must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to meet application requirements. Nurses applying to other nursing masters program tracks may take the GRE or Miller Analogies Test.

Winston-Salem State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Winston-Salem State University
601 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr

Winston-Salem, NC 27110

Winston-Salem University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) and an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System. Other universities affiliated with the system include UNC campuses in Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Wilmington and Charlotte as well as Western Carolina University. Winston-Salem University was founded in 1892 and serves over 6,000 students. Winston-Salem State University is also commonly referred to as WSSU.

The nursing masters program at Winston-Salem State University offers two specializations, Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Nurse Educator. Winston-Salem State University has federal funding to provide students studying in the Family Nurse Practitioner program with financial assistance with tuition, books and living assistance. Nurses can complete the Master of Science in nursing program in as little as two years, though they must do so within six years. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the RN to MSN programs at WSSU.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters program at Winston-Salem State University include three letters of recommendation, satisfactory scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test and a nursing license valid in North Carolina. Students with a nursing license from a compact state are also eligible. A GPA of 2.7 and at least one year of experience as a nurse is required. Students are required to complete their admission application essay on campus.

North Dakota MSN Programs

North Dakota State University: RN to MS Program Review
North Dakota State University, 1340 Administration Avenue, Fargo, ND 58102
North Dakota State University serves more than 14,000 students on a campus that is just over 250 acres in Fargo, North Dakota. The full name of the university is North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, though it is most often referred to as North Dakota State University. The university is based in Fargo, but has additional satellite campuses in other parts of North Dakota.

The nursing department at North Dakota State University offers a Master of Science degree with a nurse educator specialization that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Admission requirements include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisite courses for the RN to MS nursing program include research and health assessment. Applicants to the nursing masters program should hold a current and valid nursing license. Three references, two of which must be from coworkers and a personal statement are required. In some cases, applicants to the nursing masters program may be required to complete an interview.

In order to successfully graduate from the NE/MS (Nurse Educator/Master of Science) nursing program, students should maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the 42 credit program. In some cases, nursing masters students may transfer up to nine credits to the program.

University of North Dakota: RN to MSN Program Review

University of North Dakota

264 Centennial Dr

Grand Forks, ND 58202

The University of North Dakota is a public research university based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Programs at the university are known for specializing in rural health issues. The university was founded in 1883 and is the oldest university in North Dakota.

The University of North Dakota offers a variety of specialty nursing masters programs that prepare RNs to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Available nursing master’s tracks at the University of North Dakota include:

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

Advanced Public Health Nurse

Family Nurse Practitioner

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Nurse Educator

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Nurse Educator, Advanced Public Health Nurse and NP (Nurse Practitioner) specialties are offered online, though the CRNA and Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist programs are campus-based.

Admission to the RN to MSN programs at the University of North Dakota is competitive, and as a result qualified students may not be admitted for lack of space. To apply to the nursing masters programs at the University of North Dakota, students should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. The BSN program should be accredited by a nursing body. In addition, applicants should submit letters of reference and have at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse prior to applying for the nursing masters program.

University of Mary: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Mary
7500 University Dr

Bismarck, ND 58504

The University of Mary is one of the largest degree granting institutions in the state of North Dakota. The university was established in 1955. In addition to the main campus in Bismarck, the university has satellite campus throughout the USA and abroad including in Kansas City, Missouri and Rome, Italy.

The University of Mary offers ADN to MSN and BSN to MSN Nursing programs. Specializations offered in the nursing masters program include Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner. A joint degree program that offers a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration is an option for nurses aspiring to leadership roles. MSN programs are delivered in a variety of methods, with some programs offered online, on-campus or in a blended format. Some RN to MSN programs are offered in an accelerated plan.

The nursing masters program can be completed in as little as 15 months, though students have up to seven years to complete the program. To apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program, nurses are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam. Applicants should have a 2.75 or above GPA, a BSN degree and a current nursing license. Additional prerequisites or work experience may be required depending on the applicant’s specialization.

Ohio MSN Programs

Capital University: RN to MSN Program Review
Capital University, 1 College Avenue, Bexley, OH 43209
Capital University is a private Christian University based in the city of Bexley. The university was founded in 1830 and is affiliated with the Lutheran church. Capital University is one of the oldest universities in Ohio. Just over 3,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are enrolled at Capital University.

Capital University offers several nursing masters programs including an ADN to MSN, RN to MSN and traditional MSN programs. The ADN to MSN program is for nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing area, while the RN to MSN program is for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The RN to MSN begins with the BSN Completion program and ultimately enrolls students in the MSN program. Applicants should note that students in the accelerated ADN to MSN program will only receive a master’s degree in nursing, and not a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to dual degree programs, the traditional nursing masters program at Capital University offers several tracks:

Nursing Education

Administration

Theology

Legal Studies

Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult/Gerontology

The dual degree programs offered include the following:

MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration)

MSN/JD (Master of Science in Nursing/Juris Doctor)

MSN/MTS (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Theological Studies)

Some courses in the MSN programs allow students to sit the certification exam to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Applicants to the nursing masters programs at Capital University should have a BSN, or related degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The applicant’s undergraduate nursing program should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research methods are also required.

Case Western Reserve University: RN to MSN Program Review

Case Western Reserve University

10900 Euclid Ave

Cleveland, OH 44106

Case Western Reserve University is an independent post-secondary institution based in Cleveland, Ohio. The university was established in 1826 as Western Reserve College. The Western Reserve of Connecticut is an area nearby from which the college takes its name. Case Western Reserve University was originally founded in Cleveland, Ohio.

A variety of entry, specialization and sub-specialization options are offered in the nursing masters programs at Case Western Reserve University.

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular Nursing option)

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Flight Nursing and Cardiovascular Nursing options

Nurse Anesthesia

Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular Nursing option)

Adult-Gerontology Oncology and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

Education with Population Focus

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular option)

In addition to the options above, nursing students may opt to complete a blended major, such as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Oncology Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist. Dual degree programs in Anthropology and Bioethics are offered.

The traditional nursing masters programs are available to nurses with a BSN. Admission requirements include scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. Specific career experience may be required for certain specialties. For nursing program applicants who need a flexible nursing masters degree program, weekend and distance learning course options are offered.

Cedarville University: RN to MSN Program Review

Cedarville University
251 N Main St

Cedarville, OH 45314

Cedarville University is a Christian university established in the Baptist tradition. All students that earn a degree at Cedarville University are also required to earn a Bible minor. Cedarville University was founded in 1887 with the goal of offering education to Christian students in a Bible-centered format.

Students in the RN to MSN program at Cedarville University can choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner or Global Health Ministries focus. The nursing masters programs at Cedarville University are offered on a full or part time basis. The university aspires to offer a fully online nursing masters program, though the current MSN format does offer flexible options for working nurses. The MSN program can be completed in as little as two years of full time study or in three years of part-time coursework.

Admission requirements to the MSN program at Cedarville University include a BSN and statement of faith. Three recommendations are required including one from a spiritual leader. It is recommended that applicants to the MSN program have at least a 3.0 GPA and career work experience as a nurse. In addition to submitting an application, an admission interview is required for the MSN program. Prerequisite courses include a Bible minor, which can also be completed while enrolled in the MSN program.

Cleveland State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Ave

Cleveland, OH 44115

Cleveland State University was established in 1964. The university is a combination of both Fenn College and Cleveland-Marshall College of law. Cleveland State University is a public university that serves over 17,000 students annually.

The RN to MSN program at Cleveland State University has a focus on population based healthcare. The following four tracks are offered in the nursing masters program:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Specialized Populations

Forensic Nursing

Nursing Education

A dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program is also offered. The MSN program is part-time and delivered in a distance-learning format with online courses. The master of science in nursing program is well-suited to working nurses, as clinical practicum hours can be scheduled around other commitments. The MSN course is 38 credits.

To apply to the MSN program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Graduate Record Exam scores are not required for admission to the four MSN tracks, but the dual degree program requires recent GRE or GMAT exam scores. In lieu of reference letters, students are required to list contact information for references. Provisional admission is possible for students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a grade of “C” or better is also required for admission to the MSN course. The prerequisite course is offered online and may be taken over the summer.

College of Mount St. Joseph: RN to MSN Program Review

College of Mount St. Joseph

5701 Delhi Rd

Cincinnati, OH 45233

The College of Mount St. Joseph is a private liberal arts college located just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. The college is affiliated with the Catholic faith. The College of Mount Saint Joseph was established by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. The liberal arts college was founded in the year 1920 as a women’s college, but today serves both men and women.

The nursing masters program at the College of Mount St. Joseph is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition to the traditional nursing masters program, the college offers the MAGELIN (Master’s Graduate Entry Level into Nursing) program for college graduates with a non-nursing degree. Administration and education tracks are the two specialization options available in the nursing masters program. The MSN program is offered part-time in a hybrid format (online and campus-based coursework) that caters to the working nurse.

Admission requirements for the RN to MSN program at the College of Mount St. Joseph include a BSN earned with a minimum 3.25 GPA. Applicants who have participated in the MAGELIN program should also have a 3.25 GPA or submit a Graduate Record Exam score. Nurses should have two years of career experience prior to beginning the MSN program. A prerequisite course in statistics, completed with a grade of “C” or better and admissions interview are also required as part of the master of science in nursing application process.

Franciscan University of Steubenville: RN to MSN Program Review

Franciscan University of Steubenville

1235 University Blvd

Steubenville, OH 43952

The Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular founded Franciscan University of Steubenville in 1946. The university is affiliated with the Catholic tradition and is located nearly 38 miles outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Franciscan University of Steubenville was named among the “best value” institutions in the nation byKiplinger Personal Finance.

The MSN program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The RN to MSN program has been offered at the university since 1999. The nursing masters program offers an Education Specialist or Family Nurse Practitioner specialization of 46 and 48 credits respectively. Students in the FNP program are prepared to sit the certification exam in their specialty area, while Education Specialists are prepared to be patient educators.

Specialized programs for nurses who have not yet earned bachelors minimize the number of duplicate credits the nurse may encounter while transitioning from undergraduate to graduate coursework. An RN to MSN program is also offered for nurses without a bachelors degree. The BS to MS program allows undergraduate nursing students to take graduate classes that can be added to the graduate level.

The MSN program is offered in the evening to provide a convenient option for nurses who cannot study on a daytime schedule. In addition to the application, applicants to the nursing masters program should submit two letters of recommendation.

Kent State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Kent State University
800 E Summit St

Kent, OH 44240

Kent State University is a public research university in Ohio. In addition to the university’s campus in Kent, the university also has campuses in Liverpool, Salem, Ashtabula, Stark, Trumbull, Geauga, and Tuscarawas. Kent State University was established in 1910 as a school for teachers.

The Master of Science in Nursing Program is offered in four core areas:

Health Care Management

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner

Dual degree programs including the MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) and MSN/MPA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Administration) are also offered. Within the Nurse Practitioner roles, students can further specialize in Adult Gerontology (Acute or Primary Care), Pediatric, Family, Psychiatric/Mental Health – Family, and Women’s Health. Adult Gerontology and Clinical Nurse Specialist roles were offered in the Clinical Nurse Specialist role.

To apply to the nursing masters program at Kent State University, a nurse should have a BSN earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a valid Ohio nursing license. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field related to nursing may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Nurses applying to the dual degree program and applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test.

Lourdes University: RN to MSN Program Review

Lourdes University

6832 Convent Blvd

Sylvania, OH 43560

Lourdes University is a private university based in Sylvania, Ohio, which is approximately 10 miles from Toledo. The university was founded in the Franciscan tradition of the Catholic faith. Lourdes University began in 1943 and was originally an extension campus of Minnesota-based College of Saint Theresa before becoming Lourdes Junior College. The institution became a university in 2011.

The nursing masters program at Lourdes University offers the following areas of study:

Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Educator

Nurse Leader

The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia program that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The RN to MSN program is for nurses with an ADN or diploma aspiring to earn a masters degree. All certification programs will allow students to sit the related certification upon completion of degree and practicum requirements.

Admission to the RN to MSN program requires completion of at least 75 credits and a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in math and science courses. Prerequisite courses for the Nurse Anesthesia program include microbiology, statistics, chemistry (inorganic and organic), and anatomy and physiology.

Malone University: RN to MSN Program Review

Malone University

2600 Cleveland Ave NW

Canton, OH 44709

Malone University was originally founded in 1892 as a Bible Institute. The university is named for Emma and Walter Malone who founded the institution. Malone University is a Christian, liberal arts university based in Canton.

A Master of Science in Nursing program with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization is offered at Malone University. Students in the MSN FNP program are eligible to sit the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam upon completion of the program. The nursing masters program requires two years to complete and does include two summer semesters. Throughout the course of the RN to MSN program, students are required to complete an internship and thesis project.

Admission requirements to the MSN program at Malone University include a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and an Ohio nursing license. An admission interview is required for the MSN program. Students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement may be awarded conditional admission, which requires the nursing masters student to complete Year 1 of the program with a 3.0 or better GPA.

Part-time students at Malone University are eligible for financial aid. Research is incorporated into the nursing curriculum for aspiring doctoral students. Furthermore, the MSN course at Malone University offers convenient scheduling and small classes. The nursing masters program at Malone University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

127 S Davis Ave

Columbus, OH 43222

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is based on the grounds of Mount Carmel West hospital. The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross established the Mount Carmel School of Nursing in 1903. Before becoming a college in 1990, the college awarded nursing diplomas. The MSN program at Mount Carmel College of was established in 2003, 100 years after the college was founded.

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Adult Health

Students in the Acute Care Adult Gerontology program can also choose a Trauma focus for their studies. A variety of scholarships are available to nurses studying at Mount Carmel College of Nursing.

Admission criteria for the MSN programs generally include a BSN degree from a program accredited by a nursing body earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research are required and should be completed with a “C” or better. Applicants should have an Ohio nursing license at least one year of career experience as a nurse. Students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 may be considered for non-matriculated admission, a sort of conditional admission in which a student must earn satisfactory grades to progress and obtain formal admission to the MSN programs.

The Ohio State University: RN to MS Program Review

The Ohio State University

1739 N High St

Columbus, OH 43210

The Ohio State University commonly referred to as OSU or simply Ohio State, is one of the largest public universities in Ohio. The university is based in the city of Columbus. Extension campuses of the university include Mansfield, Marion, Newark, Lima, Stone Lab and ATI (Agricultural Technical Institute). Ohio State University was founded in 1870.

The nursing masters program at Ohio State University offers traditional and Graduate entry options. Nurses with a BSN or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing enter the traditional nursing masters program, while the Graduate Entry program is for students with a non-nursing bachelors degree and no previous nursing experience. The following specialties are offered in the nursing program:

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Leader

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Nursing and Health Systems Management

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health

Adult Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Nursing Science

Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

General requirements for admission to the RN to MS programs at Ohio State University include a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Most nurses admitted to the program have a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Applicants to the MS program that do not meet the GPA requirements, are graduates of a non-accredited program or that are being considered for a fellowship may be required to take the Graduate Record Exam.

Ohio University: RN to MSN Program Review

Ohio University
1 Ohio University

Athens, OH 45701

Ohio University is based in the city of Athens. The university is a public post-secondary institution with a research focus. The university enrolls over 36,000 students between its main campus in Athens, regional campuses and distance-learning programs. Forbes recently named Ohio University one of America’s Top Colleges. Ohio University was established in 1804, making it one of the oldest universities in the nation.

Both online and campus based master of science in nursing programs are offered at Ohio University. Students in the online nursing masters program choose from three different specialties:

Nurse Educator

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Administrator

Students that enroll in the campus-based MSN program have a fourth specialty to choose from, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Enrollment in the RN to MSN programs requires students to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students have up to six years to complete master of science in nursing degree, though it may be completed in two years of study. A unique option at Ohio University allows students to combine specializations in the nursing masters track.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Though a 3.0 is the minimum GPA requirement to submit an application to the nursing masters program, applicants with a GPA below 3.2 must take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test.

Otterbein University: RN to MSN Program Review

Otterbein University

1 S Grove St

Westerville, OH 43081

Otterbein University is private university founded in the Methodist tradition. The university was founded in 1847 and was among the first to admit female students and minorities prior to the American Civil War. Otterbein University serves about 3,000 students each year.

The nursing masters programs at Otterbein University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following MSN specializations are offered:

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration dual degree program

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Service Administration

Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurse Anesthesia

An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) to MSN program is also offered. Students in the ADN to MSN program may choose between the following three specializations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Service Administration

Clinical Nurse Leader

With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia program, nursing students may enroll in the RN to MSN programs full-time.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics should also be completed. Depending on which nursing masters program the student applies to, one to two years of career experience as a nurse is required. An admission essay and personal interview are part of the admission process to the nursing masters program at Otterbein University. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to express themselves effectively.

The University of Toledo: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Toledo

2801 W Bancroft St

Toledo, OH 43606

The University of Toledo was established in 1872. Other common names for the university include simply Toledo or UT. Medical University of Ohio merged with the University of Toledo in 2006 to create one of the largest public universities in Ohio.

Full and part-time nursing masters program are available at the University of Toledo. The RN to MSN programs are available in the following specialties:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader

BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader

With the exception of the Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader program all degree programs offer courses online and on-campus. The Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader program is for students with a bachelors degree seeking to become a nurse. This program was previously called the GEMINI program.

Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program. The applicant’s undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. It is not a requirement, but is recommended that applicants complete a prerequisite course in statistics. Admission to the nursing masters program at the University of Toledo is competitive and applicants may be subject to an admission interview. All international applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam. With the exception of the Nurse Educator program, applicants should have an Ohio nursing license.

University of Akron: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Akron

302 E Buchtel Ave

Akron, OH 44304

Established in 1872, the University of Akron was founded as a small college with the assistance of the Universalist Church. The University of Akron is part of Ohio’s 14 member university system.

Students in the nursing masters program at the University of Akron choose from one of the following specialization areas:

Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Anesthetist

Nursing Administration

The following clinical areas of advanced specialty are offered:

Adult/Gerontological CNS
Adult/Gerontological NP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner

Child and Adolescent Primary Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The RN to MSN program is largely campus-based and nurses in the program should be available during normal business hours of 8am to 5pm to fulfill clinical practicum requirements. Courses in the MSN program are offered weekday evenings. The MSN courses range from 36-60 credits.

Prerequisites for admission to the nursing masters program include undergraduate courses in health assessment and statistics, in addition to a graduate statistics course. In addition to submitting the MSN application, nursing applicants should submit a personal essay, letters of reference and also sit for an interview with an admission committee representative. A bachelors degree from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA is required for admission.

The University of Cincinnati: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Cincinnati

2600 Clifton Ave

Cincinnati, OH 45221

The University of Cincinnati was established in 1819, and is part of Ohio’s University system. The university serves more than 40,000 students each year and was named among Princeton Review’s “top green universities.”

Both campus-based and online MSN programs are offered at the University of Cincinnati. To apply to the nursing masters programs students should have a bachelor of science degree and a current Registered Nurse license. Depending upon the applicant’s specialty a minimum amount of experience in a specific area of nursing may also be required. Students have two to five years to complete the RN to MSN programs, which are offered on a full or part-time basis. Campus-based students are eligible for scholarships and graduate assistantships to help cover the cost of their studies.

The following campus-based MSN programs are available:

Occupational Health

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary care focus)

Nurse Anesthesia

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary care focus)

Students pursuing distance learning MSN can choose from the following specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Midwifery

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Students in the distance learning nursing masters program may complete all of their coursework online, and are not required to attend any campus-based meetings.

Urbana University: RN to MSN Program Review

Urbana University

579 College Way

Urbana, OH 43078

Urbana University is a small liberal arts post-secondary institution. Based in Urbana, the nearest metropolitan areas are Columbus and Dayton. Urbana University was established in 1850 by the Swedenborgian Church.

The RN to MSN program at Urbana University is for nurses with a bachelors degree seeking an MSN. There is also a traditional masters nursing program. A nurse administrator and nurse educator specialization are offered. The CCNE-accredited MSN program is designed to be flexible to accommodate working nurses. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of practice. Students can complete the MSN program in two to three years of full or part time study respectively.

To apply to the traditional nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree (undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher) in nursing and Ohio nursing license. In addition to the application students should submit a personal essay, three letters of recommendation and be prepared to sit for an admission interview.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA and a 3.5 or higher GPA in the nursing program. Career experience as a nurse is required for the RN to MSN program. Specifically, applicants should have one year of full-time or two years of part-time experience.

Ursuline College: RN to MSN Program

Ursuline College
2550 Lander Rd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124

The Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, and specifically Mother Mary of the Annunciation Beaumont established Ursline College in 1871. The college was the first women’s liberal arts college in Ohio, and among the first in the USA. The college is based in Pepper Pike, less than15 miles from Cleveland. The college is affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith.

Nursing programs have been offered at Ursuline College through Breen School of Nursing since 1975. In addition the specializations offered as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nurse Specialist, students in the MSN program can further specialize in nursing education or palliative care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist program is 39 credits, The Adult Nurse Practitioner program is 43 credits and the Family Nurse Practitioner program is 46 credits. The subspecialties are approximately 9 credits of study in conjunction with the core masters courses.

The nursing masters program can be completed in approximately 5 semesters. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, bachelors degree in nursing, and at least one year of work experience as a nurse. In addition, applicants may be required to attend an admission interview. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from a supervisor and an instructor, are required. The MSN program usually begins in January and August annually.

Wright State University: RN to MS Program Review

Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy

Dayton, OH 45435

Wright State University is based in Fairborn, just outside of Dayton, Ohio. The university was established as a branch campus of Miami University and Ohio State University. The university formally became an independent post-secondary institution in 1967.

The College of Nursing and Health at Wright State University offers a nursing masters program in the following areas of study:

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care or Primary Care)

Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

School Nursing

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult-Gerontological Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (Flight and Disaster specialization option offered)

Joint degree program in Master of Science in nursing/Master of Business Administration

Administration of Nursing and Health Care Systems

The RN to MS program normally requires two years to complete. In some cases, courses may be available online. Part-time and full-time curriculum plans are available.

Applicants to the nursing masters program should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 earned in a BSN program accredited by a nursing body. Applicants to the CNS and NP specialties should have one to two full years of experience as a nurse prior to applying to the nursing program. Each program has varying experience requirements and some programs require experience in a specific department. Though letters of reference are not required as part of the application process, students are required to list their academic references on their application.

Xavier University: RN to MSN Program Review

Xavier University
3800 Victory Pkwy

Cincinnati, OH 45207

Xavier University is a Catholic university founded in the Jesuit tradition. Established in 1831, Xavier University is among the oldest Catholic post-secondary institutions in the nation.

Extensive options for specialization and joint degree programs are offered in the Xavier University MSN program. The following specialties are offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Clinical Nurse Leader

Administration

Forensics

Education

Health Care Law

Informatics

School Nurse

The following are joint degree programs, awarding an MSN and masters degree in an additional area:

MSN/Master of Business Administration

MSN/Master of Science in Criminal Justice

MSN/Master of Education

In addition to the specializations above, students can also pursue a general studies MSN in which they are able to customize their own major. There are several entry points to the nursing masters program. RNs without a bachelors degree can pursue the RN to MSN program and college graduates with a non-nursing degree can enroll in the MIDAS program. There is also an Educational Mobility option for Registered Nurses with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

In general, admission requirements include a current nursing license valid where clinical practicum experience will be performed and an associate degree or diploma in nursing or a bachelors degree. Students who pursue dual degree programs may need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or GMAT.

Youngstown State University: RN to MSN Programs

Youngstown State University

1 University Plaza

Youngstown, OH 44555

Youngstown State University is based in eastern Ohio, approximately 20 miles from the Pennsylvania border. The university was founded in 1908 and enrolls over 15,000 students each year.

The NLNAC-accredited nursing masters program at Youngstown State University offers three specialization options: Clinical Nursing with a School Nursing or Chronic Illness focus and Nurse Anesthesia. The Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator specializations have also been offered in the past. Upon completion of the RN to MSN program, students are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of practice.

Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN from an accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Prerequisite courses that should be completed at the undergraduate level include statistics, health assessment and research. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 and all applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program are required to submit Graduate Record Exam scores. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have an Ohio state nursing license. Along with the application, transcripts and three letters of recommendation should be submitted.

Provisional admission is awarded on a case-by-case basis to students that do not meet the admission requirements.

Oklahoma MSN Programs

Northeastern University: RN to MSN Program Review
Northeastern University, 600 N Grand Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464
Northeastern University has three campuses in the state of Oklahoma. The main campus is located in Tahlequah with additional campuses in Broken Arrow and Muskogee. The university was originally established in 1909 as Northeastern State Normal School, though the post-secondary institution can trace its history to 1846 when it was founded as Cherokee National Female Seminary.

The nursing department at Northeastern University offers an RN to MSN program in Nursing Education. The nursing masters program is a candidate for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The 32 credit program is available online, and is designed to fulfill the need for nurse educators in the area. Students can complete the program in as little as 3 semesters of 16 weeks followed by one 8 week semester.

Though most part-time students complete the program in six semesters of study, students have up to six years to complete the MSN Nursing Education program.

A BSN from an accredited program is required to apply for the nursing masters program. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a 2.5 overall undergraduate GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the nursing major. Though there is no minimum score necessary, applicants to the program must submit Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores taken within the past five years.

Oklahoma Baptist University: RN to MSN Program Review

Oklahoma Baptist University

500 W University St

Shawnee, OK 74804

Oklahoma Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. The university was established in 1910 and is based approximately 30 minutes from Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Baptist University serves a student body of just under 2,000 students from over 35 states and over 25 countries. The university has received accolades both by Forbes and The Princeton Review.

The College of Nursing at Oklahoma Baptist University offers a Global Nursing or Nursing Education Master of Science in Nursing program. Both RN to MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Educator track can be completed in less than two years, approximately 18 months, and is for students who wish to educate future nurses. The Global Nursing program is for nurses seeking to work in a cross-cultural setting. In addition to offering financial aid, the college offers scholarships for nursing graduate students.

To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing completed with a 3.0 or better in the last 60 hours of coursework. Rather than the Graduate Record Exam, applicants to the Master of Science in nursing program should submit test scores for the Miller Analogies Test along with two reference letters and a statement of purpose. A prerequisite course in statistics is required. It’s preferred that MSN applicants have at least two years of nursing experience. Applicants with less than two years of experience are accepted on a space available basis.

Oklahoma City University: RN to MSN Program Review

Oklahoma City University
2501 N Blackwelder Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Oklahoma City University is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university was established as Epworth University in 1904. Despite difficult beginnings and a series of name changes, the college has remained in operation and hosts a student body of approximately 4,000.

In addition to a dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/ Master of Business Administration program, the university also offers Nursing Administration or Nursing Education tracks in the RN to MSN program. All instructors in the nursing program at Oklahoma City University have doctorate level education. The Master of Science in nursing program is designed to accommodate working nurses, and most classes are offered on Thursdays in blocks of no more than 40 hours. RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may also apply to the MSN program.

Admission requirements stipulate that MSN applicants should have a BSN from an accredited program. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in the undergraduate program or hold a masters degree in another area. Health assessment and statistics courses are prerequisites for the nursing program as applicants will need to take these courses before progressing to Advanced Research. Students in the nursing masters program should maintain a 3.0 GPA to successfully earn their degree.

Southern Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program

Southern Nazarene University

6729 NW 39th Expy

Bethany, OK 73008

A small liberal arts institution, Southern Nazarene University was founded in the Nazarene denomination of the Christian faith. Southern Nazarene University was established in 1899 and is situated on a 40-acre campus in the city of Bethany. The nearest large city is Oklahoma City. The university also has a campus in Tulsa. Nursing courses are held at both the Bethany and Tulsa campuses.

The nursing masters program at Southern Nazarene University offers a Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership tracks. There are scholarship opportunities available for nurses interested in the education track. The RN to MSN programs at Southern Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Master of Science in nursing program is accelerated and admits bachelors prepared nurses with degrees in nursing or another field.

The master in nursing program admits applicants with a GPA below 3.0 on provisional admission, though a GPA of 3.0 is normally required. Other requirements include a bachelors degree from an accredited program and a valid Oklahoma nursing license. Statistics is the only prerequisite course required for admission to the nursing masters program. Nursing students can pursue both masters tracks, earning a certificate in one program after they’ve completed their MSN degree. Both programs require 39 credits of study and require campus-based coursework.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1100 N Lindsay Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73104

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is affiliated with the University of Oklahoma. The center focuses on coursework in medical, dental, nursing and allied health fields. The college can trace its roots to 1910 when the College of Medicine became a degree granting program. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center formally became a campus in 1971.

The nursing masters program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has courses for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing in addition to nurses with a BSN. The following four areas of study are available:

Administration/Management

Education

Clinical Nurse Specialist (Acute Care)

Nurse Practitioner (Family, Pediatric or Adult specializations are offered)

RNs without a BSN may be required to complete additional undergraduate courses before enrolling in the Nurse Practitioner masters program. Challenge exams are offered in community and leadership courses for nurses without a BSN. In addition, students can make efficient use of time by enrolling in up to nine units of graduate coursework while completing undergraduate courses.

A bachelors degree from an accredited program and Oklahoma RN license are required for admission to the nursing program. Applicants with a degree in a field other than nursing may be admitted with additional course requirements. Applicants to the Administration and Education tracks may have a nursing license in any US State. For full admission to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of their program.

Oregon MSN Programs

Oregon Health & Science University: RN to MN Program Review
Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239
Oregon Health & Science University has two campuses in Oregon. It is commonly referred to as OHSU. The main OHSU campus is located in Portland with an additional campus in Hillsboro. The university holds the distinction of being the only one of its kind in Oregon, with a focus on healthcare programs and research. The university was formally established in 1974 as a merger between the University of Oregon Medical School, Dental School and School of Nursing.

The OHSU School of Nursing has campuses in Ashland, Monmouth, Portland, Klamath Falls, and La Grande in addition to online courses. Several nursing bodies accredit nursing masters programs at Oregon Health & Science University including the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and Commission for Midwifery Education. Nursing masters tracks available at Oregon Health & Science University include the following:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Nurse Anesthesia

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education (Students choose a focus in community nursing, mental health nursing or adult-Gerontological nursing)

Health Systems and Organizational Leadership

Public Health

The nursing education track is offered online. Accelerated programs are available in the Psychiatric Mental Health and Nurse Midwifery specializations. Applicants to the RN to MN nursing programs at Oregon Health & Science University should have an Oregon nursing license or be eligible to receive a license prior to beginning classes. Applicants to the Master of Science in nursing program should have a BSN or bachelors degree with a nursing major earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA.

University of Portland: RN to MS Program Review

University of Portland

5000 N Willamette Blvd

Portland, OR 97203

The University of Portland is a private, Catholic higher education institution. The Congregation of the Holy Cross established the University of Portland in1901. The organization is also known for establishing the University of Notre Dame. The University of Portland was originally named Columbia University.

Two masters tracks, Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator are offered at the University of Portland School of Nursing. The nursing masters courses are delivered as a hybrid program with a full or part time option making it possible for working nurses to complete their masters degree while maintaining their career. The RN to MS program can be completed in 6 to 8 semesters of study. Graduates of both nursing masters programs may pursue certification in their area of study.

A prerequisite course in statistics is required as part of the nursing masters curriculum, though there is not a time restriction on when it must be completed. Nurses interested in the masters in nursing program should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required. Students should have a score of 150 or higher on the new version of the Graduate Record Exam along with a 3.5 or higher writing score. Students who have taken previous GRE versions should have a minimum score on 500.

Pennsylvania MSN Programs

Alvernia University: RN to MSN Program Review
Alvernia University, 400 St Bernadine Street, Reading, PA 19607
Alvernia University is a liberal arts post-secondary institution based in the city of Reading. The university was established as a teacher training institution for the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in 1926. In 1958, Alvernia University became a college.

A Master of Science in Nursing program with a focus in Nursing Education is offered at Alvernia University. The Department of Nursing at Alvernia University was established in 1977 and its programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing education program is suitable for nurses who seek to teach aspiring RNs, serve in a staff development roles or design online education programs.

The nursing program is designed to be flexible and accommodate nurses wit h a working schedule. The RN to MSN program is delivered in a blended format with courses online and campus-based, and can be completed in three years. Upon completion of the program, students can pursue career opportunities in staff development programs, undergraduate level nursing programs and clinics.

In order to apply to the nursing masters program at Alvernia University, applicants will need to submit a copy of their transcripts indicating a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body. Though the GRE or MAT is normally a requirement, applicants who meet one of the following conditions are exempt from taking the exam:

GPA of 3.0 or above

Graduation from a BSN program no more than five years prior

Graduates of Alvernia College

Applicants to the Alvernia University masters in nursing program must have at least one year of nursing experience prior to entering the nursing program.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

400 E 2nd St

Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1839. It was originally built as a youth training institution. The university is located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the city of Bloomsburg.

Nursing programs at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following specializations are offered within the RN to MSN and traditional Master of Science in Nursing Program:

Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing Administration

Community Health (Administration or School Health focus)

Special programs are offered for nurses with a certification in a specialty area such as School Nurse, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. These programs allow nurses to complete an MSN without repeating clinical courses.

In general applicants to the nursing program must meet several requirements including a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Pennsylvania nursing license. The undergraduate GPA must be a 3.0 or above. Certain specializations have requirements for years of experience in a specific area of practice. Prerequisite courses to the nursing masters program include research, statistics and health assessment. In order to be accepted into the Master of Science in nursing program, applicants must also attend an admission interview with a nursing advisor.

The Nurse Anesthesia program requires experience shadowing a CRNA and a minimum of one year of clinical experience.

California University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave

California, PA 15419

California University of Pennsylvania is a public university based in the Pennsylvania city of California. The university was established in 1852. California University of Pennsylvania serves over 8,000 students each year.

The RN to MSN program at California University of Pennsylvania is delivered online and takes less than two years to complete. The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a Nursing Administration and Leadership focus. The nursing masters program prepares nurses for leadership positions in a variety of industries including hospitals, insurance agencies and long-term care centers. Financial aid is available to help nurses afford the MSN program. Unlike many online nursing programs, students in the California University of Pennsylvania MSN program will not need to travel to campus at any time.

Entrance requirements to the nursing program include a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. A 3.0 QPA in undergraduate study is required for acceptance into the nursing masters program. The following undergraduate nursing courses should be completed as prerequisites to the MSN program:

Nursing Research

Statistics

Nursing Leadership

Applicants to the nursing program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam. After submitting the application and related materials including two letters of recommendation and a resume, applicants are also required to complete a telephone interview with the admission committee.

Carlow University: RN to MSN Program Review

Carlow University

3333 5th Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The Sisters of Mercy established Carlow University in 1929. The university is named for the city in Ireland where the Sisters of Mercy originated. Carlow University was established in the Roman Catholic tradition.

The nursing masters program at Carlow University offers several Nurse Practitioner specializations. Classes in the MSN program are held in the evenings and during the day. The RN to MSN program can be completed in as little as two years or up to four years depending on how many courses a nursing student takes each semester. A Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Education and Leadership specialization track is offered online in the nursing masters program. The Nursing Concentration in Education and Leadership can be completed in as little as 1 year full-time, though the program is also offered on a part-time schedule.

A BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the Carlow University nursing program. Applicants to the nursing masters program FNP track should have at least one year of career experience in clinical care. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required. In some cases, applicants to the nursing program will need to attend an interview with an admission representative.

Cedar Crest College: RN to MSN Program Review

Cedar Crest College

100 College Dr

Allentown, PA 18103

Cedar Crest College is a private post-secondary institution for women. The college offers liberal arts focused educational programs. Cedar Crest College was established in 1867 and serves over 1,300 students. The campus is based in Allentown, approximately one hour away from Philadelphia.

Cedar Crest College offers a campus-based nursing masters program that is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The MSN program is offered through SAGE, the School of Adult and Graduate Education. Students in the nursing masters program attend courses once weekly during the evenings or the daytime. The MSN program is offered in Allentown and Reading. Students in the nursing masters program have the opportunity to study abroad in Africa, Europe or Central America. Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator specialization options are offered in the nursing masters program.

The MSN program can be completed in 2 to 4 years of study. To apply to the RN to MSN program, nurses should have a BSN degree completed with a 3.0 or above GPA and a current nursing license. Three letters of recommendation, including one from an employer and one from a nursing instructor should be included with the application. It is recommended that applicants have at least one year of experience as nurse prior to enrolling in the nursing masters program.

Chatham University: RN to MSN Program Review

Chatham University

Woodland Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Chatham University was founded in 1869 as Pennsylvania Female College. Today the university is coeducational. Chatham University has three campuses – Eden Hall, Chatham Eastside and Shadyside, which serves as the original campus location. Over 2,000 students are enrolled at Chatham University.

Chatham University offers a CCNE accredited nursing masters program with specializations in Leadership, Education or Informatics. Chatham University offers information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities via the nursing department website. Applicants that are interested in financial aid should complete a FAFSA.

The nursing masters program accepts students annually in the fall. Applying to the nursing program at Chatham University is free. Applicants should have a BSN degree, 3.0 undergraduate GPA or above and a current nursing license. In addition to the application, nurses should also submit a personal statement and current resume.

Students in the Nursing masters program will complete 21core credits, and 15 credits in their area of focus. The nursing masters program is delivered online and requires 250 hours of clinical practicum experience. Since the MSN program is offered online, nursing masters students will complete clinical practicum requirements in their locale. The RN to MSN program is 36 credits and can be completed in as little as four semesters of study.

Clarion University: RN to MSN Program Review

Clarion University

840 Wood St

Clarion, PA 16214

Clarion University is a public university that was founded in 1867. The university serves over 6,000 students from more than 40 states and 30 countries. Clarion University is based in the Pennsylvania city of Clarion.

Edinboro University and Clarion University have collaborated to offer a Master of Science in Nursing program. The nursing masters program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization. Students can enroll in the nursing program full or part time. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the nursing programs at Clarion University. Upon completion of the nursing masters program, students will earn degrees from both Edinboro and Clarion Universities.

The minimum academic qualification needed to apply to the MSN program is a BSN degree. Applicants to the nursing program should have a nursing license in the area in which clinical practicum requirements will be completed. Bachelors prepared nurses applying to the nursing program should have a 2.75 Quality Point Average or above. Applicants to the RN to MSN Program that already hold an MSN should have a 3.0 QPA or above. Nursing masters program applicants should have 2,000 hours of career experience as a nurse (one year of full time work or two years of part time work).

DeSales University: RN to MSN Program Review

DeSales University

2755 Station Ave

Center Valley, PA 18034

DeSales University takes its name to St. Francis De Sales University. Before changing its name to DeSales University in 2001, the university was known as Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales. DeSales University was founded in 1965, and was originally a men’s Catholic college. Today the university serves both men and women.

The Master of Science in Nursing programs at DeSales University have been offered since 1984. Since the inception of the RN to MSN program every nursing masters students has passed their certification exam. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters program:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist

RN to MSN Program (Accelerated)

Joint degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program for Nurse Executives

MSN Completion for Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives

The MSN program offers specializations as a FNP and Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist for the traditional and Accelerated MSN programs. Nurses who already hold an advanced practice certification without having to repeat clinical courses in the nursing masters degree completion program. To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body. The undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or higher.

Drexel University: RN to MSN Program Review

Drexel University

3141 Chestnut St

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Drexel University is a private research university based in the city of Philadelphia. The university’s namesake is Anthony Drexel, an entrepreneur and philanthropist whose assistance lead to the founding of the university in 1891.

The RN to MSN programs at Drexel University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters program at Drexel University:

Clinical Trials Research

Leadership in Health Systems Management

Nursing Education and Faculty Role

Clinical Nurse Leader

Innovation and Intra Entrepreneurship Advanced Practice Nursing

Nurse Anesthesia

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care

Family Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health

Pediatric Primary Care

Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health

An accelerated track is available for nurses that have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field.

Several nursing masters tracks are available online, though campus-based tracks are also offered. In general, to be admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing program, a nurse should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are considered on a case by case basis. Certain programs, such as the Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner tracks require years of experience in specific areas and Graduate Record Exam scores. In certain cases, letters of reference should also come from specific individuals.

Duquesne University: RN to MSN Program Review

Duquesne University

600 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Duquesne University is a private university affiliated with the Catholic faith. The university is based in Pittsburgh. Duquesne University was originally named Pittsburgh Catholic College when it was founded in 1878.

The nursing programs at Duquesne University are offered online. Students in the nursing program can choose from a specialization as a Nurse Educator, Forensic Nurse or Family Nurse Practitioner. Though nursing programs are delivered online, students must attend a two-day campus-based orientation. Additionally, students who choose to enroll in certain courses are required to come to campus to complete coursework. Despite these requirements to come on campus, clinical practicum experiences can be completed in the student’s area of residence.

Applicants to the nursing masters program at Duquesne should have a 3.0 QPA or above. Before beginning the RN to MSN portion of the program, students should have a minimum of one year experience working as a nurse. Other prerequisites for the nursing program include completion of a course in statistics. Certain tracks also require t a physical assessment course. In some cases, students may be required to have an interview with a nursing faculty member.

Along with the nursing masters application, nurses should submit letters of reference, a copy of their nursing license and a personal statement.

Eastern Mennonite University: RN to MSN Program Review

Eastern Mennonite University

1200 Park Rd

Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Eastern Mennonite University is a private university affiliated with the Mennonite Church. The liberal arts post-secondary institution was founded in 1917. About 1,500 students are enrolled at Eastern Mennonite University.

A CCNE-accredited MSN is offered at Eastern Mennonite University’s School of Nursing. A Leadership and School Nursing and Leadership and Management track are offered at the university. The nursing masters program can be completed in approximately 2 years of study. Students in the program can pursue a part or full time plan of study as the program was designed with working nurses in mind. Most clinical requirements for the program can be completed in the student’s workplace.

Students in the Leadership and Management track are prepared for the certification exam in their area of study. Students in the School Nursing track are prepared for the Pennsylvania certification required by the Department of Education. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have at least 2,080 hours of career experience as a nurse, which is equivalent to approximately one year of full-time work. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned with a 3.0 GPA or above is required for the program.

Career opportunities for RN to MSN students in the management track include being a unit manager, supervisor or even holding a faculty role in a nursing education program. Nurses in the School Nursing track usually go on to work in school settings and may also hold faculty roles.

Edinboro University: RN to MSN Program Review

Edinboro University

219 Meadville St

Edinboro, PA 16444

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is more commonly known as simply Edinboro University. The post-secondary institution is based in Pennsylvania, not to be confused with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Edinboro University was founded in 1857 and has campuses in Erie, Edinboro and Meadville.

Edinboro University offers a nursing masters program in collaboration with Clarion University. Courses in the nursing masters program are offered at Clarion University. Two specialization tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator are offered in the RN to MSN program. Both Edinboro University and Clarion University will award degrees to students who complete the MSN. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the Master of Science in Nursing. The MSN is delivered completely online.

In addition to submitting an application, students are required to attend an on campus interview for the MSN program. The nursing department website lists the approximate dates for the admission interviews. Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program is competitive and at minimum, applicants should have a QPA of 2.75 or above. In addition to holding a BSN qualification, applicants to the nursing program should have at least one year of full time work experience (two years of part-time experience).

Excela Health: RN to MHS Program Review

Excela Health School of Anesthesia

One Mellon Way

Latrobe, PA 15650

Excela Health was founded in 2004. The merger of three hospitals in Westmoreland County resulted in the creation of Excela Health. The three hospital locations include Westmoreland, Latrobe and Frick. In 1955, the first class of nurses graduated from the Anesthesia School.

Excela Health’s Anesthesia School offers a Master of Health Science program focused on Nurse Anesthesia. The nursing masters program can be completed in just over 27 months. Upon completion of the nurse anesthesia program, nurses are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Nurses in the program will complete clinical practicum experiences with several of the school’s 20 clinical partners.

For admission to the nurse anesthesia masters program, applicants should have a BSN degree or a Registered Nurse license with a bachelors degree in a field considered appropriate by the nursing admission committee. At least one year of acute care nursing experience is required in ordered to be admitted to the nursing masters program. A GPA of 3.0 or above and current BLS and ACLS certifications are also required for nurses to be admitted to the nursing program.

Applicants should take the Graduate Record Exam and send scores to the Anesthesia school. Along with the application form, applicants should submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation.

Gannon University: RN to MSN Program Review

Gannon University

109 University Square

Erie, PA 16541

Gannon University is a private Catholic university based in Erie, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1925 and has liberal arts focused degree programs. Just over 4,000 students are enrolled at Gannon University.

The following RN to MSN program specializations are offered at Gannon University:

Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

An MSN program is offered for nurses holding a BSN. The Nursing RN to MSN program is for Registered Nurses with management potential that have not yet earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In general, admission requirements to the MSN program include a BSN degree, a grade of “B” or better in statistics and research courses at the undergraduate level and good scores on the Graduate Record Exam. In addition to the nursing masters program application, nursing masters applicants should submit three letters of recommendation with their application.

The graduate nursing programs are accredited by CCNE and COA. Students in the Nurse Practitioner program will graduate with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus. Unlike many Nurse Anesthesia programs which award an MS degree, students in the Nurse Anesthesia program will earn an MSN degree with a Nurse Anesthesia focus. Most of the nursing masters programs can be completed within 7 semesters of study.

Gwynedd-Mercy College: RN to MSN Program Review

Gwynedd-Mercy College

1325 Sumneytown Pike

Gwynedd, PA 19437

Gwynedd Mercy College is located in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, with an additional campus located in Fort Washington. Gwynedd-Mercy College is a liberal arts based Catholic institution that is located less than 30 miles from Philadelphia.

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters program at Gwynedd-Mercy College:

Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult Gerontology)

Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric or Adult Gerontology)

Certified Nurse Educator

The CNS and NP tracks require 43 credits of study, while the Nurse Educator track requires 37 credits. The RN to MSN programs offered are suitable as a foundation for further graduate study at the doctoral level. Students are admitted to the nursing masters program three semesters each year. Upon application to the MSN programs, students have the opportunity to enroll in three courses as a non-degree student. An accelerated option is offered for Registered Nurses without a BSN aspiring to earn an MSN.

The nursing masters program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. For admission into the nursing masters programs, applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. In addition to the online application, nursing masters applicants should take prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment. Applicants that have not taken these courses are required to do so before enrolling in the masters degree program.

A BSN is required to be admitted to the nursing masters program. Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field may take the National League for Nursing Baccalaureate Achievement Exam.

Holy Family University: RN to MSN Program Review

Holy Family University

9801 Frankford Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19114

Holy Family University is a Roman Catholic post-secondary institution founded in 1945. The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded the institution. In addition to the main campus in Philadelphia, other campuses are located in Newtown and Bensalem.

Three CCNE-accredited nursing programs are offered at Holy Family University. Aspiring MSNs may enroll in a Community Health Nursing, Nursing Education or Nursing Administration MSN program. The nursing masters program curriculum is interdisciplinary and each specialization is 39 credits of study, including core courses.

To apply to the nursing program applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree from a CCNE or NLN accredited nursing program at a regionally accredited college or university. A prerequisite course in statistics is required before students begin graduate study and must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Provisional admission is offered in some cases for applicants with a GPA below 3.0. Applicants offered provisional admission must earn a GPA of 3.0 in six credits of graduate coursework.

Along with the application, applicants must submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation and a resume. If applicants are admitted to the RN to MSN program without a BSN degree, they must be three additional prerequisite courses.

Immaculata University: RN to MSN Program Review

Immaculata University

1145 King Road

Immaculata, PA 19345

Immaculata University is based in the city of Immaculata, Pennsylvania. The university was founded in the Roman Catholic faith by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Immaculata University is based approximately 20 miles from Philadelphia.

The nursing masters program at Immaculata University offers Nursing Education and Nursing Administration specializations. Classes for the nursing masters program are held at on and off-campus locations. The RN to MSN program is 39 credits and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Upon completion of the masters program, nurses can take the certification exam in their area of specialization.

To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by CCNE or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. An undergraduate 3.0 GPA or above is required for admission to the nursing masters program.

In addition to submitting an application, Master of Science in Nursing applicants will interview with the admission committee and also be required to take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. Two letters of recommendation, a personal essay on future goals and a resume should also be submitted with the nursing program application. In some cases, RNs with a non-nursing bachelors degree may be admitted to the nursing program. Prior to matriculating, these students must meet BSN equivalencies by taking additional courses.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

1011 South Dr

Indiana, PA 15705

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is the largest university in the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education. The university, also referred to as IUP is located in the city of Indiana in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Indiana University of Pennsylvania was established in 1875. Graduate courses are also at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Monroeville campus.

The nursing masters program has Nursing Education and Nursing Administration specialization options. To assist in paying for tuition, nursing masters students may pursue an assistantship. The assistantship program requires nursing students is selective. The Master of Science in Nursing program is 36 credits including core and specialization coursework.

To apply to the RN to MSN programs, applicants should have a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or above QPA. Applicants to the nursing masters program may have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, but may be required to take additional coursework. A course in statistics and a current nursing license is required for admission to the nursing masters program.

The MSN program is designed to be completed in two years. Working nurses can enroll in the program as classes are offered part-time in the evenings. Furthermore, some courses are offered in blended or online format. A simulation laboratory is available on campus to further enhance the nurse’s clinical practicum experience.

La Roche College: RN to MSN Program Review

La Roche College

9000 Babcock Blvd

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

La Roche College is a private Catholic College based outside of Pittsburgh in McCandless. The Sisters of Divine Providence established La Roche College in 1963. The namesake of the college is the Congregation of Divine Providence’s first superior, Marie de la Roche.

The nursing department at La Roche College offers the following RN to MSN programs:

MSN Nursing Administration

MSN Nursing Education

MSN Nurse Anesthesia

The education and administration specializations in the nursing masters program may be completed online, though the nurse anesthesia track is a full-time program that requires on-campus attendance. Applicants to the nursing masters program should be a graduate of a baccalaureate nursing program accredited by a nursing body or its equivalent if the degree was earned abroad. Nurses should have a valid nursing license from any location in the USA.

Applicants to the MSN program will be interviewed by a nursing professor in their area of interest. Recommendation letters and a personal statement should also be submitted with the nursing masters application. At least one year of career experience is required to be admitted to the nursing masters program. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program must meet additional requirements include competitive scores on the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam. Certification in BCLS, ACLS and PALS are required for the nurse anesthesia masters program.

La Salle University: RN to MSN Program Review

La Salle University

1900 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144

La Salle University was established in 1863 by the Christian Brothers organization. St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle is who the college is named for. La Salle University is a private Catholic college.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits nursing masters degree programs at La Salle University. A RN to MSN bridge program is offered for aspiring MSNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The Masters of Science in Nursing program features numerous specializations including the following:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Nursing Administration

Nursing Administration/Master of Business Administration dual degree program

Adult Health and Illness Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Anesthetist

Nursing Service Administration (for applicants with an MBA)

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Public Health Nursing

Public Health Nursing/Master of Public Health dual degree program

In addition to classes at the La Salle University campus, courses are also held at Pennsylvania and Abington hospitals and Bucks County Center.

For full acceptance to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or above. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 should take the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam. Additional requirements are necessary for students applying to dual degree programs as well as the Nursing Anesthesia track.

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

71 S Academy St

Mansfield, PA 16933

Mansfield University is a public university affiliated with the Pennsylvania higher education system. The university was established in 1857 as a seminary. Approximately 3,500 students attend Mansfield University.

The MSN program at Mansfield University is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The university offers a nursing masters program with an administration or education focus. Both nursing programs take approximately two years to complete including summer sessions. Both nursing masters programs are delivered online.

There is no deadline to apply to the RN to MSN program at Mansfield University. Applications to the nursing program are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the committee has noted on the nursing department website that applications are reviewed on a daily basis.

The nursing masters program accepts applications from nurses with a BSN or bachelors degree with completed prerequisites. Applicants with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field should complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better: Introduction to Statistics and Community Health Nursing or Practices and Principles of Community Health. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to gain acceptance into the nursing masters program. Applicants with a minimum 2.7 GPA may be considered for conditional admission, in which certain requirements must be fulfilled to gain full acceptance into the nursing masters program.

Millersville University: RN to MSN Program Review

Millersville University

1 S George St

Millersville, PA 17551

Millersville University is a public liberal arts post-secondary institution. The university bears the name of the city of Millersville, where it’s based. Millersville University was founded in 1855.

Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education specializations are offered within the RN to MSN program at Millersville University. The FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) program is offered on a part-time plan of study. The FNP specialization is 43 credits and also requires about 670 hours of clinical practicum experience. Graduates of the MSN FNP program are eligible to take state and national certification exams in the FNP specialization. The Nursing Education program is 35 credits of study and requires approximately 110 hours of clinical practicum experience.

To apply to the nursing masters program, a nurse should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program. The applicant’s undergraduate GPA should be 3.0 or above. Despite the GPA requirement, applicants to the nursing program that demonstrate the aptitude to succeed in the nursing program based on other areas of their application may be offered conditional acceptance to the Master of Science in Nursing program.

In addition to the GPA and degree requirements, other prerequisites for admission to the MSN program include courses in statistics, health assessment and research.

Misericordia University: RN to MSN Program Review

Misericordia University

301 Lake St

Dallas, PA 18612

Misericordia University was established by the Sisters of Mercy, a group that was established in 1831 in the city of Dublin. The university serves over 2,000 students and was established in 1924.

Misericordia University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing program. The MSN FNP focuses on acute and chronic issues. The program requires 45 credits of study in addition to 630 hours of clinical practicum experiences. Upon completion of the nursing masters program, MSN FNP graduates can take the national certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In addition to the FNP program, a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Practitioner focus is also offered.

An RN to MSN program is offered for Registered Nurses with an associates degree or diploma from a National League for Nursing accredited program. Admission to the traditional nursing masters program includes a strict 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement. The nursing program website clearly states that applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be admitted to the nursing masters program.

Other admission requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing program include a BSN degree from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program and completion of prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment.

Nazareth Hospital: RN to MS Program Review

Nazareth Hospital

2601 Holme Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19152

Nazareth Hospital is part of the Mercy Health System that was established by the Sisters of Mercy. The Mercy Hospital was founded as Misericordia Hospital in 1918.The School of Nurse Anesthesiology at Nazareth Hospital can trace its history to 1954.

The School of Nurse Anesthesiology masters degree program is just over 2 years in length. To apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should submit their resume and evidence of a nursing license along with their application. Though nurses may have a nursing license from a different state when applying to the program, accepted nursing masters students will need to obtain a Pennsylvania state license. In addition to a nursing license, applicants should also hold a nursing license in the following areas: CPR, PALS, ACLS.

Additional documentation to be sent with the CRNA masters program application include transcripts, letter of support from the applicant’s current place of employment, two letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Exam scores. The nursing masters program is offered in conjunction with Saint Joseph’s University. After being accepted to Nazareth Hospital’s CRNA program, the nursing masters applicants will apply to Saint Joseph’s University with the assistance of nursing masters program staff.

Students in the nurse anesthesia program will gain experience in the following areas of anesthesia: Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Regional and Cardiothoracic.

Neumann University: RN to MS Program Review

Neumann University
1 Neumann Dr

Aston, PA 19014

Neumann University is a private post-secondary institution founded in the Franciscan tradition of the Roman Catholic faith. The university was originally named Our Lady of Angels College and was established by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. The university was established in 1965 and is based in Aston, about 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Just over 3,000 students are enrolled at Neumann University.

Admission to the nursing masters programs at Neumann University is competitive. The nursing masters program at Neumann University offers a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner program is 43 credits. In addition to the MS FNP specialization, a Nurse Educator track is also offered. The nurse educator specialization is 43 credits. In order to maintain enrollment in the RN to MS program, nursing students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in the program.

Prior to applying to the nursing program, applicants should have at least one year of career experience in clinical nursing. As for academic requirements, applicants should generally have a 3.0 or above undergraduate GPA in an accredited Bachelors degree in nursing program. Provisional admission may be offered to applicants with a GPA below 3.0 that excel in other areas. Two letters of recommendation and a copy of a current nursing license should also be submitted with the masters in nursing application.

Penn State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Penn State University

201 Old Main

University Park, Pennsylvania 16802

Penn State University was established in 1855 as a land grant institution. The university is based in the city of University Park. Though the university is officially known as The Pennsylvania State University, it is more commonly referred to as simply Penn State University.

Nursing masters programs at Penn State University are offered in the following areas of specialization:

Nurse Educator

Nurse Administrator

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care or Acute Care)

Clinical Nurse Specialist (may be further specialized in Gerontology Educator)

Upon completion of the nursing masters program, nurses in advanced practice roles are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of specialization offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. After obtaining certification with one of the above agencies, MSN graduates can pursue specialization with the state of Pennsylvania. The Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator specializations are offered completely online.

It is expected that applicants to the nursing masters program will have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in their nursing masters program. In addition, applicants should also have a 3.0 or above average in all nursing and science coursework. Prerequisite courses in statistics and chemistry are required for admission to the Master of Science in nursing program. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam are not required, though they may be submitted along with the application.

Philadelphia University: RN to MS Program Review

Philadelphia University

4201 Henry Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19144

Philadelphia University was established in 1844. The university is based in the city of Philadelphia. Philadelphia University enrolls more than 3,000 students from over 35 states and approximately 30 countries.

Philadelphia University offers nursing masters programs in Midwifery and Disaster Medicine and Management. The midwifery degree program is offered online as a Master of Science completion program for nurses who already hold a midwifery qualification and would like to earn a nursing masters degree.

The Disaster and Medicine Management program is delivered in a blended format, with classes held both on-campus and online. Students can expect to spend about 10 hours weekly preparing for the nursing program. The university has also developed a full-time on campus option which will allow students a more traditional learning experience if they desire it. To apply to the Disaster and Medicine Management program students should submit two letters of recommendation and a personal essay along with their application.

Applicants will be evaluated for several criteria including their work experience; therefore, nurses seeking a nursing masters degree will find the Disaster and Medicine Management program appropriate to their field of study.

To apply to the nursing midwifery program, applicants should be a Registered Nurse with a bachelors degree in any area of study. Students that have completed the required prerequisite courses may also be considered. In general, applicants should have a 3.0 or above GPA.

Robert Morris University: RN to MSN Program Review

Robert Morris University

6001 University Blvd

Moon, PA 15108

Robert Morris University was established in 1921. The university enrolls just under 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Robert Morris University was originally founded as Pittsburgh School of Accountancy.

In addition to the traditional nursing masters programs, Robert Morris University offers a RN to MSN program and a traditional masters degree program completely online. The RN to MSN Program is for nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma. The nursing masters programs at Robert Morris University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Master of Science in nursing program offers a Nursing Education specialization. The nursing masters program requires two years, or six semesters of study, and includes two summer sessions. Robert Morris University advises students seeking financial aid and also provides information on payment plans for students who need help funding their nursing education.

Applying to the nursing masters program at Robert Morris University is free if the application is completed online. Two letters of recommendation are required along with the nursing program application. For admission to the nursing masters program, a 3.25 or above Quality Point Average (QPA) is required. Applicants with a QPA below the minimum will still be evaluated for admission. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have at least one year of experience as a nurse.

Thomas Jefferson University: RN to MSN Program Review

Thomas Jefferson University

111 S 11th St

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Thomas Jefferson University is a private university with degree programs in healthcare fields, such as nursing. The university was established in 1824 and is based in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson University was originally founded as Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia.

The nursing masters program at Thomas Jefferson University offers over 10 specialization options in addition to a dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health degree program. The following specializations are offered in the RN to MSN Program:

Community Systems Administration/Nursing Informatics

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Community Systems Administration

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing Informatics

Woman’s Health

Family Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner

Community Systems Administration/ Family Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

All nursing masters programs at Thomas Jefferson University are offered completely online or in a hybrid format, with classes delivered online and on-campus.

To apply to the MSN program, nurses should have a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Statistics, physical assessment and nursing research are required prerequisite courses for admission to the nursing masters programs. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 must submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test and successfully pass two nursing graduate courses with a 3.0 or above GPA.

University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Pennsylvania

423 Guardian Dr #175

Philadelphia, PA 19104

The University of Pennsylvania is a public research university in Philadelphia and one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions. Established in 1740, the university owes its founding to the efforts of minister George Whitfield and Benjamin Franklin among others. The University of Pennsylvania, more often known as Penn, is one of the oldest universities in the United States.

The nursing masters programs at the University of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council on Accreditation (Nurse Anesthesia programs). The School of Nursing has received numerous honors and distinctions such as being named among the top nursing schools in the United States by the National Institute of Health.

All four advanced practice specialties are offered in the Penn School of Nursing. In addition to the Nurse Midwifery and Nurse Anesthesia programs, students in the Penn School of Nursing can specialize their nursing masters degree program as follows:

Nurse Practitioner tracks

Adult Gerontology (Acute or Primary Care)

Family

Neonatal

Pediatric (Acute Chronic, Critical, Oncology)

Psychiatric/Mental Health

Women’s Health Care

Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks

Adult Gerontology

Neonatal

Pediatric

Administrative Master of Science in nursing programs are offered in Health Leadership and Nursing and Healthcare Administration. Within the specializations a variety of masters programs are offered including oncology, informatics and global health.

To apply to the RN to MSN programs at the University of Pennsylvania, applicants should have a bachelors of science in nursing from an accredited program and a completed statistics course. Though the GRE is normally required of all applicants, nurses with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or who have a masters degree in another field may be exempt from the Graduate Record Exam requirement at the discretion of the admission committee.

University of Pittsburgh: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Pittsburgh

4200 Fifth Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university that serves over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university was established in 1787 making it among the oldest in the United States. The University of Pittsburgh is located in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania neighborhood of Oakland.

The nursing masters programs at the University of Pittsburgh were honored in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication. The following nursing masters specializations are offered at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing:

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing Administration

Clinical Nurse Leader

Nursing Informatics

With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia masters program, all RN to MSN programs are offered both online and on-campus. Students in the nursing masters program can also choose to minor in Nursing Education or Nursing Research. There is an early admission nursing masters program for Registered Nurses who have not earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Nurses that apply to the Master of Science in Nursing programs at the University of Pittsburgh should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC unless they are applying to the RN early admission option. A GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the MSN program. Although MSN applicants may have a nursing license from any state, a Pennsylvania nursing license must be obtained before commencing clinical practicum experiences.

Scores for the Graduate Record Exam are normally required, but waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or above. The only required prerequisite course is statistics, which should be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

University of Pittsburgh Johnstown: RN to MSN Programs

University of Pittsburgh Johnstown

450 Schoolhouse Rd

Johnstown, PA 1590

The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. The university is often referred to as Pitt-Johnstown. The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown was established in 1927. The university is the first among regional campuses affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh as well as the largest regional campus. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.

The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown offers nursing programs in collaboration with the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Nursing. The RN Early Admission Masters program is also offered at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. Nurses in the early admission program first complete a set of core courses before opting to enroll in the MSN program. For admittance into the Early Admission RN to MSN program, applicants must be a graduate of a nursing program with a satisfactory GPA.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a valid Pennsylvania nursing license and be a graduate of a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accredited nursing degree program. In addition to a current resume and transcripts detailing previous education, nurses should submit a personal statement of their goals and career interests and three letters of recommendation. The RN to MSN program is offered full or part time.

University of Scranton: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Scranton

800 Linden St

Scranton, PA 18510

The University of Scranton is a private Catholic university founded in the Jesuit tradition. The university was established in 1888. About 6,000 students are enrolled at the University of Scranton.

The nursing program at the University of Scranton offers the following areas to specialize in:

Adult Health Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

For nurses that already hold advanced practice certification as a nurse midwife, nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, an MSN degree completion program is offered. Though the nursing masters program is not delivered online, it is very flexible. Classes are held twice weekly for full-time students or once weekly for part-time students. Full time nursing masters students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students will need at least two years to complete the nursing masters program. The RN to MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

In order to be admitted to the nursing masters program applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program. The minimum acceptable GPA is 3.0. Prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment should also be completed. As part of the admission process, applicants are required to have an interview regarding their background and goals. Nurses should have at least one year of experience prior to applying for the nursing masters program. Scores from a graduate admission exam or significant work experience are necessary.

Villanova University: RN to MSN Program Review

Villanova University

800 E Lancaster Ave

Villanova, PA 19087

Villanova University is a Catholic post-secondary institution founded in the Augustinian tradition. The university is based in the Philadelphia suburb of Villonova. The Order of St. Augustine established Villanova University in 1842.

Nurses with an associate’s degree may work on their MSN while earning their BSN through the BSN/MSN gateway program. Nurses can apply for the masters program when they are 18 credits from earning the BSN. Besides the RN to MSN program, a nursing masters program for bachelors prepared nurses is offered in the following areas of specialization:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Health Care Administration

Nursing Education

The credits required to complete the nursing masters program range from 39 to 49. Some courses in the nursing masters program are offered online, though the MSN program is largely campus-based.

In some cases, nursing students can use undergraduate coursework towards the masters program if the material covered fits with the corresponding course in the graduate program. With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner masters programs, clinical experience is not required prior to applying to the Master of Science in nursing program. A GPA of 3.0 above earned from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited BSN program is required for admission to the nursing masters program.

Waynesburg University: RN to MSN Program Review

Waynesburg University

51 W College St

Waynesburg, PA 15370

Waynesburg University was established in 1849 with the assistance of the Presbyterian Church. The university enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Waynesburg University is named for Revolutionary War veteran General Anthony Wayne.

The Waynesburg University MSN program is available in the following areas of practice:

Joint Degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Nursing Administration

Administration and Education

The nursing masters programs range from 36 to 39 credits, with the exception of the dual degree program which is 54 credits. The nursing masters program is accelerated, yet designed to meet the needs of adult-learners that are also managing a career. Classes are held on-campus in addition to the following regional locations in Western Pennsylvania:

Southpointe Center

North Hills

Monroeville

Classes in the MSN center are small and discussion-based. Students in the nursing masters program attend courses in the late evening. The RN to MSN program can be completed in two years or less from some students.

For admittance to the nursing program, applicants should have a BSN from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. A resume and letters of recommendation should also be submitted with the nursing masters program application. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for the nursing masters program, but can also be taken along with other masters courses if the applicant has not met this prerequisite.

Westchester University of Pennsylvania: RN to MSN Program Review

West Chester University of Pennsylvania
700 S High St

West Chester, PA 1938

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public university and part of Pennsylvania’s Higher Education System. The university was established in 1871 as West Chester Academy. Approximately 15, 500 students are enrolled at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

A Masters of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Public Health Nursing is offered in the School of Nursing. Students in the RN to MSN program will be prepared as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The nursing masters program prepares its CNS graduates for leadership and management roles in the healthcare field. Students in the program choose a sub-focus in education, administration or integrative health depending on their academic interests and career goals.

The nursing masters program is 39 credits and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The MSN program usually takes 2-4 years to complete depending on if the student chooses full or part-time study, but must be completed within 6 years. Applicants to the nursing masters program should have a 2.8 or above CGPA in a BSN degree. Nurses with a degree in a field other than nursing will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A prerequisite course in statistics, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement should also be turned in with the application. Courses in the nursing masters program are held weekday evenings.

Widener University: RN to MSN Program Review

Widener University

One University Pl

Chester, PA 19013

Widener University is a private university located less than 15 miles from Philadelphia. Established in 1891, Widener University now serves over 6,000 students. The university still maintains a small feel with a student to faculty ratio of 8:1 in clinical nursing courses.

The nursing masters programs at Widener University are for bachelor’s prepared nurses. An RN to MSN option is available for nurses that do not have a bachelors degree in nursing. The RN to MSN program required nurses to complete three classes, which provides the foundation necessary to enter the nursing masters program. The Master of Science in nursing programs range from 39-46 credits. Nurses can choose from among the following specializations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Health Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult-Health Gerontology with Emergency/Critical Care

Upon completion of the nursing masters program, nurses can take the certification exam offered in their area of specialty. The MSN programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months depending on which specialization is chosen.

To apply to the nursing program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing completed with a 3.0 or above GPA. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research are also required. A Pennsylvania nursing license is necessary for the MSN program. Applicants should have one year of career experience as a nurse and will be required to sit for an interview with the admission committee.

Wilkes University: RN to MS Program Review

Wilkes University
84 W South St

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

Wilkes University is based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and enrolls just under 5,000 students. In 1933, the university was established as Bucknell University Junior College, an affiliate of Bucknell University. Since 1947, Wilkes University has been an independent institution.

Wilkes University offers a nursing masters degree program with specializations in the following areas:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nurse Executive

Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

The RN to MS nursing program is for nurses without a BSN seeking a graduate level degree.

Entrance requirements to the nursing masters program include a bachelors degree with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants to the RN to MS program should be a graduate of a nursing program with a 3.0 or above GPA. Both the RN to MS and traditional Nursing MS programs require a current RN license, two letters of recommendation, essay on personal goals and an interview with the admission committee.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program for bachelors prepared nurses should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and research and also have demonstrated skills in health assessment. Before beginning clinical practicum experiences, applicants to the nursing MS program should have at least one year of experience in a clinical setting.

York College of Pennsylvania: RN to MS Program Review

York College of Pennsylvania

441 Country Club Rd

York, PA 17403

York College of Pennsylvania enrolls approximately 5,000 students. The college was established as York Academy in 1787. York College of Pennsylvania has been named a best value college and one of the best colleges in the northeast region by Barron’s among other publications.

The Master of Science nursing programs at York College of Pennsylvania are offered in the following areas:

Nurse Educator

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Students choose an administrative or education focus)

An RN to MS program is offered for nurses without a baccalaureate degree seeking a Nursing MS. The nursing masters programs are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing masters program prepares applicants to take the national certification exam in their area of practice. With the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia program, all nursing masters program tracks are offered part-time.

Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia program should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in an undergraduate BSN program. Applicants with a lower GPA may be admitted on a case-by-case basis. Nurse Anesthesia applicants should have a minimum of one year experience working in a critical care unit and have completed prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and physical assessment.

Applicants to other nursing masters programs should have one year of experience in a related clinical practice area and a bachelors degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Statistics, physical assessment and nursing research are also required prerequisites for the nursing MS program.

Rhode Island MSN Programs

Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island: RN to MS Program Review
Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, 111 Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
The Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island is a health center that offers a joint masters degree program in biological sciences and Nurse Anesthesia. The hospital can trace its founding to 1901 when it was incorporated.

Instructors in the Nurse Anesthesia program are from Central Connecticut State University. Students in the Nurse Anesthesia program will have the opportunity to perform healthcare rotations at various area hospitals in the area in addition to Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. Courses in the first phase of the program are taken on campus in Connecticut. In the second part of the program, nursing students will engage in clinical experience at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

Students have two degree options for admission to the CRNA program. The program accepts nurses with a BSN as well as nurses with an ADN or diploma and bachelors degree in biology. Prerequisite courses in Chemistry and Biology are required for admission to the RN to MS nurse anesthesia program. Students will need both a Rhode Island and Massachusetts nursing license for their clinical rotations. These licenses must be obtained prior to practicum experience. A minimum of one year of career experience in a critical care setting is required for admission to the Nurse Anesthesia program.

Rhode Island College: RN to MSN Program Review

Rhode Island College
600 Mt Pleasant Ave

Providence, RI 02908

Rhode Island College, abbreviated as RIC, is a private college based in the Rhode Island city of Providence. The college serves about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Rhode Island College was founded in 1854 as a teacher preparation school.

The following tracks are available in the RN to MSN program at Rhode Island College:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist

Public Health/Community Leadership

In all tracks, nursing students will be eligible to take the certification exam upon completion of their MSN program. The nursing masters programs are available on a full or part time program of study. Students in the Adult-Gerontology specialization will complete a 45 credit program, while students in the Public Health/Community Leadership program will complete a 42 credit program.

In order to be admitted to the Master of Science in Nursing program at Rhode Island College a student should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC and a Rhode Island nursing license. A 3.0 GPA is required for admission to the nursing masters program, though in some cases conditional admission is offered. The only prerequisite course required to apply to the nursing masters tracks is statistics, which must be completed with a “C” or higher. Scores for the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam must be submitted with the application.

St. Joseph Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses: RN to MS Program Review

St. Joseph Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses

200 High Service Avenue

North Providence, RI, 02904

St. Joseph Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurses is based in North Providence, Rhode Island. The school was established in 1962, and offers nursing courses which are delivered by SJHSAN, with some courses delivered by the University of New England.

In addition to completing clinical training at St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, students will also complete nursing coursework at off-campus sites and hospitals in the area. Each year 10 students are admitted to the Nurse Anesthesia Program at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. Students in the program should have a nursing license for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island since clinical rotations will be offered in both places. In addition to submitting an application, aspiring CRNA’s should have Graduate Record Exam scores in the 30^th percentile.

A biochemistry course completed with a grade “B” or higher is a prerequisite for the Nurse Anesthesia program. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. In some cases, applicants may be required to sit for an interview with the admission committee. One year of experience in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, or other critical care setting approved by the admission committee is required.

University of Rhode Island: RN to MS Program Review

University of Rhode Island

35 Campus Ave

Kingston, RI 02881

The University of Rhode Island is one of the largest public universities in the state. Kingston serves as the location of the main campus, though other campuses are located in Providence, Narragansett Bay and West Greenwich. The university was founded in 1892 as Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

The Master of Science nursing program offers training in the following areas:

Nursing Education

Nursing Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Clinical Nurse Specialist also offered)

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

If desired, a student may choose to study more than one concentration. For example, a nurse practitioner student may enroll in nursing education classes. The RN to MS program is available on full and part time study plans. With the exception of the nurse practitioner tracks which are 42 credits, all other nursing masters tracks are 41 credits.

Admissions requirements to the nursing masters program include a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body. A prerequisite course in statistics should be completed to aid in understanding nursing research. A score from the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam, taken within the past five years is required along with the application. Applicants need to write a personal statement in support of their application.

South Carolina MSN Programs

Charleston Southern University: RN to MSN Program Review
Charleston Southern University, 9200 University Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29406
Charleston Southern University is an independent post-secondary institution with ties to the Southern Baptist convention. The university was established in 1964 and was formally named Baptist College. Just over 3,000 students are enrolled at Charleston Southern University.

The MSN Nurse Educator program at Charleston Southern University is a faith-based nursing masters degree program that prepares nurses for faculty positions in a nursing school. The MSN program is delivered online and is accredited by the NLNAC. Scholarships, work-study and other federal financial aid programs are available to help nursing students fund their education. In order to maintain enrollment in the MSN program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above. Nursing students are permitted to earn one grade below a “B” in any given class in their academic program. Subsequent grades below a “B” may result in dismissal from the nursing program.

In addition to the nursing masters program for bachelors prepared nurses, an RN to MSN program is offered for nurses without a bachelors degree seeking graduate training in nursing. Applicants to the nursing masters program with a GPA below 3.5 must submit a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test taken no more than five years prior. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program unless a student is applying for the RN to MSN program, for which an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is required.

Clemson University: RN to MS Program Review

Clemson University

101 Sikes Ave

Clemson, SC 29634

Clemson University was founded on due to the work of Thomas Green Clemson. The university was established in 1893 as Clemson College, five years after Thomas Clemson’s death. Clemson University is based in Clemson, South Carolina.

Clemson University offers a Master of Science degree program with a nursing major for bachelors prepared nurses. The nursing masters program prepares students for careers in the following advanced practice nursing roles:

Nurse Practitioner (Family or Adult/Gerontological)

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

The MSN programs are campus-based and held at the University Center of Greenville in Greenville, South Carolina.

Applicants to the nursing masters program must have a minimum of 600 hours of clinical career experience within the past year. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. Students must score a 3.5 or above on the writing section of the GRE and a minimum of 150 and 140 on the verbal and quantitative sections respectively. Two letters of recommendation, one each from an academic and professional reference are required. Applicants to the RN to MSN program should be graduates of a BSN program with a 3.0 or higher GPA and have a South Carolina RN license.

In addition to the entrance requirements above, the following prerequisite courses are required:

Statistics

Health Assessment Skills

Computer

Accounting (Nursing Administration applicants only)

Medical University of South Carolina: RN to MSN Program Review

Medical University of South Carolina

169 Ashley Ave

Charleston, SC 29403

Medical University of South Carolina was established in 1824. The university was originally a post-secondary institution for medical doctors. The Medical University of South Carolina campus also includes a hospital and children’s medical facility.

Medical University of South Carolina offers an RN to MSN Program for nurse practitioners in the following areas:

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The nursing masters degree program is delivered primarily online, though students must go to campus for orientation and coursework. Depending on the student’s MSN concentration and class schedule, some nursing students will have to go to the MUSC campus more than others. Scholarships are available for nursing masters students, and in order to be considered students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Applicants to the MSN program at Medical University of South Carolina should have a BSN with a 3.0 or above GPA in nursing courses. It is also ideal that applicants have a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is required, but applicants do not need to take the Graduate Record Exam. In some cases, a student may need to sit for an interview with the nursing admission committee. Three letters of reference should be submitted using the nursing recommendation form and should be completely confidential.

South University: RN to MSN Program Review

South University
9 Science Ct

Columbia, SC 29203

South University was established as Draughon’s Practical Business College in 1899. In addition to the campus in Columbia, South Carolina, the university has campuses in North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Florida. Besides campus-based programs the university also offers several degree programs online.

The Master of Science in Nursing program at South University is offered online and in various satellite campuses throughout the United States. The MSN and RN to MSN programs are offered in a campus-based setting at the following locations:

Columbia, South Carolina

Montgomery, Alabama

Novi, Michigan

Richmond, Virginia

Savannah, Georgia

Tampa, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Each campus offers different specializations. The following specializations are offered online:

Adult Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Administrator

Nurse Educator

Nursing Informatics

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track is also offered, but only at the West Palm Beach campus. In addition to the nursing masters program for nurses with a BSN an RN to MSN program is also offered.

In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a current US nursing license and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. In the last 90 quarters or 60 semesters of the undergraduate program, the application should have a minimum 2.69 grade point average. The only prerequisite course required is statistics, which should cover both descriptive and inferential areas and be completed with a “C” or better. Three letters of recommendation, a personal essay and resume should be submitted along with the MSN application.

University of South Carolina: RN to MSN Program Review

University of South Carolina

816 Bull St

Columbia, SC 29208

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina currently serves over 45,000 students. Other campuses are located in Aiken, Beaufort, Lancaster and Union and several other cities throughout the state. The University of South Carolina was originally founded as South Carolina College.

The nursing masters program at the University of South Carolina offers an Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks. Both programs can be completed in two years plus an additional fall semester. Upon graduating from either MSN program, nurses are eligible to pursue certification in their area of study. Students in the acute care track, can add pediatric coursework to their program. The primary care program focuses on rural and underserved groups.

In order to graduate from the Master of Science in Nursing program, students must several requirements. Students should maintain a GPA of 3.0 in the nursing masters program and complete thesis and research courses in addition to courses in their specialty area. A Master of Science in Nursing Assessment is also a degree requirement.

The nursing masters degree programs are offered online and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Though most coursework is offered online, students are required to meet with faculty on campus twice each semester. In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have a South Carolina RN license, BSN and competitive scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).

South Dakota MSN Programs

Mount Marty College: RN to MSN Program Review
Mount Marty College, 1105 W 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078
Mount Marty College is a private Catholic college founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery. Today, the college serves just over 1,000 students. Mount Marty College was established in 1936.

Mount Marty College offers nursing masters programs in the following areas:
Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Public Health Nurse Leader
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The above MSN programs are offered online, and a campus-based Masters in Nurse Anesthesia program is available. The MS CRNA program takes approximately 2.5 years to complete. Students enrolled in the Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Public Health nurse leader tracks will be eligible to sit the certification exam in their specialty upon completing the MSN program.

Nurses applying to the RN to MSN program should have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It is preferred that applicants have at least two years of experience prior to entering the nursing program, but applicants with one year of experience will be considered for admission to the program. Applicants to the Masters of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program must meet additional requirements in order to be considered for admission.

South Dakota State University: RN to MSN Program Review

South Dakota State University

Administration (SAD) 200

Box: 2201

Brookings, SD 57007

South Dakota State University serves more than 15,500 students. The main campus is located in the city of Brookings with additional course offerings in Rapid City, Aberdeen and Sioux Falls. South Dakota State University was established in 1881.

South Dakota state university offers an RN to MSN program for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma aspiring to earn a master’s degree in nursing. The College of Nursing also offers several MSN tracks for nurses with a bachelors degree. Tracks in the MSN program include Clinical Nursing Leadership (Clinical Nurse Leader or Administrator focus) and Nurse Educator.

The MSN programs at South Dakota State University are flexible and delivered in a hybrid format. Students will complete most of their coursework online, and go to the South Dakota State University campus on select dates throughout the program. The Master of Science in Nursing programs can be completed in four to five years of study.

In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a prerequisite course in statistics completed no more than five years prior to applying to the nursing masters program. Applicants to the nursing masters program for bachelors prepared nurses should have a BSN or equivalent from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program. Coursework in statistics, community health nursing and physical assessment is required.

Tennessee MSN Programs

Austin Peay State University: RN to MSN Program Review
Austin Peay State University, 601 College Street, Clarksville, TN 37044
Clarksville based Austin Peay State University is a public university that maintains an affiliation with the Tennessee Board of Regents. The university was established in 1927 as Austin Peay Normal School. In addition to the campus in Clarksville, additional classes are hold at satellite locations in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Dickson, Tennessee and Springfield, Tennessee. The university also offers online degree programs. The university is named for Austin Peay, a former governor of Tennessee.

Austin Peay University offers online nursing masters degree programs in collaboration with the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). RODP is a collaborative effort among several local post-secondary institutions to offer access to MSN education through distance learning and prepare more students to become nurses in Tennessee.

The nursing masters degree program is delivered online and offers Nursing Informatics, Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner specializations.

In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a grade of “C” or better is also required. International applicants to the nursing masters degree program at Austin Peay State University should have a score above 500 for the paper test, above 61 for the internet test and 173 for the computer TOEFL exam.

Belmont University: RN to MSN Program Review

Belmont University
1900 Belmont Blvd

Nashville, TN 37212

Today, Belmont University serves more than 6,500 students. The university was established in 1890 as Belmont College. Belmont University is a private Christian university based in Nashville. The university was featured in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges publication.

Belmont University offers a Master of Science in nursing program with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. After completing the MSN FNP program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for Family NPs. The masters program can be completed in approximately two years on a part time schedule and is suitable for nurses who would like to continue working. During the last few semesters in which students are completing clinical requirements, it is recommended that students work part-time hours if they must. A full-time MSN program is also offered.

Nursing masters courses are not offered completely online, rather the program meets weekly during a 2-3 day block in the daytime. For admission consideration to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a BSN degree completed with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants must submit test scores for the Graduate Record Exam within the past five years, though there is no minimum score requirement. Students must have a nursing license in the area in which clinical practicum requirements will be completed.

Carson-Newman University: RN to MSN Program

Carson-Newman University

1646 Russell Ave

Jefferson City, TN 37760

Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts college located in Jefferson City. The university was established in 1851. Just over 1,900 students are enrolled at Carson-Newman University. The university has received numerous honors and accolades including being named by Newsweek as one of the top community-service oriented universities in the nation.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing masters program at Carson-Newman University. The MSN features specialization options in the following areas:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Educator

Students can also opt-in a combined Family Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Educator program. An RN to MSN program is offered for Registered Nurses without a bachelor’s degree. Nurses in the RN to MSN program complete two semesters of transitional coursework, though in the second semester they are formally admitted as a graduate student.

In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should submit a resume, personal statement and scores for the Graduate Record Exam. Applicants are required to submit three letters of reference, one each from a character, academic and professional/career reference. Students are evaluated for admission to the nursing masters program based on their academic achievement, work experience, leadership potential, and activities related to the nursing profession among other things.

Several community service opportunities and nursing organizations exist on campus with which students can get involved.

East Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review

East Tennessee State University

807 University Pkwy

Johnson City, TN 37604

East Tennessee State University is based in Johnson City. The university was founded in 1911 as a normal school, which offers teacher education. More than 15,000 students are enrolled at East Tennessee State University.

East Tennessee State University offers a Master of Science in nursing Clinical Nurse Leader program. The course is delivered in a hybrid format, with classes both online and on-campus. In addition to the hybrid MSN CNL course, East Tennessee State University offers an online MSN program through the Regent’s Online Degree Program (RODP). RODP is a group of Tennessee colleges working together to make nursing education readily available in hopes of reducing the shortage of nurses. The following specializations are offered in the MSN RODP program:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

The nursing masters program admits nurses with a BSN as well as nurses with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. Nurses without a BSN will need to complete the following prerequisite courses before being admitted to the nursing masters program:

Community Health Nursing

Trends and Issues in Nursing and Healthcare

Healthcare Research

Nursing Leadership and Management

Students in the RN to MSN program do not earn a bachelors degree, rather they complete the above bridge program and continue to nursing masters coursework. General admission requirements for the Master of Science in nursing program include a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation and a nursing license. Nurses must have a valid nursing license to complete clinical practicum experiences before the first MSN semester ends.

King University: RN to MSN Program Review

King University

1350 King College Road

Bristol TN 37620

King University was established in 1867 and is based in Bristol, Tennessee. The campus is near several local attractions including the Bristol Motor Speedway where NASCAR races are held. Additional King University campuses are in Knoxville and Kingsport.

A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at King University. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Family Nurse Practitioner, Educator and Administration specialty tracks are offered within the program. A joint degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program is also offered at King University. The nursing masters program is designed for working adults who need flexibility in order to further their graduate education. Nursing students can complete the MSN program in as little as 20 months.

Generally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters program. Nurses who do not meet the GPA requirement may be accepted through provisional admission. Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a bachelors degree in nursing, basic life support or CPR certification and a current nursing license. Prerequisite courses in nursing research and statistics are required for all nursing tracks. It is recommended though not required that applicants also take a pathophysiology course. Nurses in the MSN Administration track should also complete a prerequisite course in health assessment.

Lincoln Memorial University: RN to MSN Program Review

Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy

Harrogate, Tennessee 37752

Lincoln Memorial University is a private post-secondary institution. The university’s 1,000 acres campus is right next to the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Lincoln Memorial University was established in 1897 to honor President Abraham Lincoln.

Caylor School of Nursing has offered nursing masters degree programs since 2006. Three specializations, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia and Family Nurse Practitioner, are offered in the nursing masters program at Lincoln Memorial University. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia tracks are eligible to take the relevant certification exam upon completion of their degree program. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Programs are held at the Cedar Bluff, Harrogate or Knoxville campuses.

Entrance requirements vary slightly according to which specialty the nursing student enrolls in. In general, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam are required for admission consideration. Three letters of recommendation and a 3-page personal essay outlining the nursing student’s goals in the nursing profession are required. Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia masters program should have completed two courses in chemistry at the undergraduate level.

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia: RN to MS Program Review

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia

315 Hospital Drive

Madison, Tennessee 37115

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia was first named Madison Hospital School of Anesthesia when it was established in 1950. The school is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist faith and is based in Madison, Tennessee. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

In order to apply to the Master of Science program with a Nurse Anesthesia major, applicants must obtain five letters of recommendation from people familiar with their work in the nursing profession. Recommendations should come from 3 coworkers, 1 supervisor and another healthcare professional in any position. Usually, students admitted to the program have a BSN degree; however students without a bachelors degree may apply to the program after completing 15 credits of biophysical sciences coursework beyond the nursing degree. A GPA of 3.0 or above and scores for the Graduate Record Exam are also required.

Classes are not available online, but students have the option of completing clinical practicum experiences in several of 20+sites located in Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. The Nurse Anesthesia masters program can be completed in 28 months of full-time study. Students in the Nurse Anesthesia MS program should maintain a 3.0 or above GPA throughout the course of the nursing program.

Middle Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Middle Tennessee State University

1301 E Main St

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Established in 1911 as Middle Tennessee State Normal School, Middle Tennessee State University has now grown to serve over 25,000 students annually. The campus is more than 500 acres and based in Murfreesboro.

Nursing programs have been offered at Middle Tennessee State University since 1966. Middle Tennessee State University offers the Nursing masters degree program through its collaboration with the Regents Online Degree Program. The following four MSN specializations are offered:

Nursing Administration

Nursing Informatics

Nursing Education

Nursing Advanced Practice

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the RN to MSN programs. The nursing masters degree programs range from 34 to 46 credits. Several scholarship opportunities for students at all levels of their nursing program are listed on the departmental website.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a 3.0 or above GPA and a bachelors degree in nursing. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for consideration to the nursing masters program. In addition, applicants should have a Tennessee nursing license, or a valid license in the location in which clinical experiences will be completed. Non-native speakers must provide TOEFL scores of 525, 71 or 195 for the paper, internet or computer based TOEFL, depending on which form of the exam that they take.

Southern Adventist University: RN to MSN Program Review

Southern Adventist University
4881 Taylor Cir

Collegedale, TN 37363

Southern Adventist University is a post-secondary institution affiliated with the Southern Union Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. The university was established in 1892 in the city of Graysville. Today, the university is located in Collegedale, less than 10 miles from Chattanooga.

Southern Adventist University offers a nursing masters degree program in several formats. An RN to MSN program is offered for nurses without a BSN. A MSN program is offered for nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing and a dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program is offered for nurses with a BSN seeking a career in management and leadership. Students in the MSN program can choose from a Nurse Educator, Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specializations.

In order to apply to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have a GPA of 3.25 or above in their undergraduate degree program. Additionally, it is required that applicants have at least two years of full-time experience in a clinical nursing setting, which is equivalent to about 4,000 hours of practice. Applicants to the Acute Care Track should also have acute care experience.

Applicants to the nursing masters program for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree require a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants who have completed at least 12 hours of graduate credits, may have the graduate GPA considered in lieu of the undergraduate GPA. At least one year of nursing experience is required to apply to most tracks of the nursing masters program, though applicants to the Acute care concentration must have at least two years of nursing experience and documented experience in a critical care setting.

Tennessee Technical University: RN to MSN Program Review

Tennessee Technical University
1 William L Jones Dr

Cookeville, TN 38505

Tennessee Technical University is a public post-secondary institution less than 75 miles away from Nashville in the city of Cookeville. Tennessee Tech, as the university is commonly known, is part of the Tennessee Board of Regents consortium that has partnered with several Tennessee universities to offer nursing programs.

The nursing masters degree program is offered in the following areas:

Administration

Education

Family Nurse Practitioner

Informatics

Though the nursing masters degree program was designed for bachelors prepared nurses, an RN to MSN option exists for nurses with an ADN (Associate degree in Nursing) or diploma and a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field seeking to earn a masters degree in nursing. International students may apply to the Master of Science in nursing degree programs but they must pass the TOEFL with a score above 500 on the paper exam. Other admission requirements to the program include a BSN earned with a 3.0 or above GPA.

The entire nursing masters degree program is delivered online and students in the program must choose their clinical practicum supervisor. Students must first apply and be accepted to the nursing masters program. Upon being accepted to the program, applicants apply to Texas Technical University as the home school for the nursing masters degree program.

Tennessee State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Tennessee State University

3500 John A Merritt Blvd

Nashville, TN 37209

Tennessee State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College University) located in Nashville. The university was established in 1912. Tennessee State University is affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Three concentrations are offered in the Tennessee State University RN to MSN program, Holistic Nursing, Nursing Education and Family Nurse Practitioner. The campus-based programs have very flexible scheduling options as classes are offered in the day, evening and online. All three campus-based MSN programs lead to certification.

The university has also partnered with the Regents Online Degree Program to offer Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics and Nursing Education concentrations in a distance learning format. In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should submit three letters of recommendation and a statement outlining their career experience in the nursing profession.

For the nursing masters degree programs, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Applicants that do not meet these requirements may be offered provisional admission. Applicants offered conditional admission must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and are required to earn a “B” or better in 9 credits of coursework before being formally accepted into the nursing masters degree program.

University of Tennessee Health Science Center: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

920 Madison Ave

Memphis, TN 38163

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is based in Memphis with additional campuses in Chattanooga and Knoxville. The university was established in 1911. Over 2,800 students are enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center annually.

A Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Clinical Nurse Leader concentration is offered at the University of Tennessee. The MSN program accepts both BSN prepared nurses and applicants with a bachelors degree or higher without prior nursing experience. Applicants to the RN to MSN program are evaluated for admission consideration based on their academic achievement, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores, admission interview, personal essay and letters of reference.

In order to apply for admission to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should submit transcripts. The average GPA for students previously accepted was 3.2. BSN prepared nurses should have a minimum 2.0 GPA in science prerequisites, while applicants with a bachelors or masters degree in a non-nursing field should have a 2.6 or above GPA in science coursework. Applicants to the MSN Second-Degree program for applicants with a bachelors degree or above, but no prior nursing experience are required to take the TEAS.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program requires approximately 80 credits of study and over 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and it may be difficult to work during some parts of the MSN program.

University of Tennessee Chattanooga: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

615 McCallie Ave

Chattanooga, TN 37403

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga has served students since 1886. Over 10,500 students are enrolled at the university.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga offers an RN to MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration or Nurse Anesthesia focus. Prospective students interested in the Nursing Administration focus should contact the department for more information.

The Nurse Anesthesia program is 27 months in length. The university has a partnership with the North Mississippi Medical Center. Students who enroll in the partnership program can complete the Nurse Anesthesia program in Tupelo, Mississippi while completing clinical experience at the medical center. The Nurse Anesthesia nursing masters program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program requires six semesters of study. Upon completion of the program, students can take the FNP certification exam. The MSN FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Applicants to the MSN program should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Nurses applying the FNP specialization should have at least one year of clinical care experience. Nurses applying to the Nurse Anesthesia concentration should have a minimum of two years of clinical experience in a critical care setting. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test are required for admission consideration.

University of Tennessee Knoxville: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

The University of Tennessee Knoxville can trace its roots to 1794, though it was formerly declared a land-grant university in 1879. The flagship location of the University of Tennessee system is the Knoxville campus.

The Master of Science in Nursing program offers the following MSN program concentrations:

Nursing Administration

Global Disaster Nursing

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Anesthetist

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Both financial aid programs and university-funded scholarships are available to students at all levels of study in the College of Nursing. The nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Council on Accreditation (Nurse Anesthesia). Programs in the College of Nursing are primarily offered full-time and in a hybrid format, with classes offered online and on-campus. A part-time program of study may be approved in some cases.

Entrance requirements to the nursing masters program vary slightly depending on the MSN concentration. In general, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing with a 3.0 overall GPA. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test should also be submitted for admission consideration. Prerequisite courses include statistics, and also health assessment is required for some majors.

Union University: RN to MSN Program Review

Union University

1050 Union University Dr

Jackson, TN 38305

Union University was established in 1823 and is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian faith. In addition the Jacksonville campus, additional campuses are located in Hendersonville and Germantown.

The nursing masters degree program at Union University offers the following specializations:

Education Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

The online nursing degree programs at Union University were recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as 40^th overall in the nation. The Nursing Education and Administration masters tracks are offered online in collaboration with e-campus. The Nurse Practitioner degree programs are held on-campus in Jackson or Germantown.

The nursing masters degree programs generally require two years of study. Students can enroll in the MSN program on a full or part time plan of study.

To apply to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should have a bachelor of science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA in the last 60 credits of the undergraduate degree program. Though the nursing masters degree programs are offered online, attending an on-campus orientation may be necessary. Statistics is the only required prerequisite course for all nursing masters degree programs. Three letters of recommendation and a current license are also required as part of the admission process.

University of Memphis: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Memphis

101 John Wilder Tower

Memphis, TN 38152

The University of Memphis is the flagship campus in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. Plans to establish the university began as early as 1909 and the university was originally called West Tennessee Normal School. The first University of Memphis classes were held in 1912. Over 22,000 students are enrolled at the University of Memphis.

The University of Memphis offers several Master of Science in Nursing concentrations. All nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following concentrations are offered in the MSN program:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Executive MSN

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Nursing Informatics

The Loewenberg School of Nursing has collaborated with the Regents Online Campus Collaborative to offer nursing programs online. In addition to the specializations above, an RN to MSN program has been offered in the past for nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing area.

To be admitted to the Master of Science in nursing degree program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above, Tennessee RN license or valid nursing license in the location where nursing degree requirements will be completed. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one letter from an academic reference should be submitted along with the MSN application.

Vanderbilt University: RN to MSN Program Review

Vanderbilt University

2201 West End Ave

Nashville, TN 37235

Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville. Over 12,500 students are enrolled in the university’s undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. Vanderbilt University’s Graduate School of Nursing was named the 15^th top graduate nursing school in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Master of Science in Nursing programs at Vanderbilt University offer several points of entry and a variety of specialization options for nurses and aspiring nurses. The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (also offered with an intensivist specialization)

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner (option for dual concentration as Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an emergency focus)

Health Systems Management

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Nurse Midwifery/ Family Nurse Practitioner Dual Focus

Nursing Informatics

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute or Primary Care focus)

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner dual concentration

Masters degree completion programs are offered for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a bachelors degree. Nurses may also enroll in the joint degree Master of Science in Nursing and Masters of Divinity and Theological studies program. Entry options are available for bachelors prepared nurses, nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing),college graduates with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and nurses in their senior year of their undergraduate program that are affiliated with a partner school.

MSN admission information sessions are held twice weekly and conducted by an admission counselor. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend and ask any questions that they have about the RN to MSN programs. Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Prerequisite courses and entrance requirements vary according to the MSN concentration.

Texas MSN Programs

Abilene Christian University: RN to MSN Program Review
Abilene Christian University, 1949 ACU Drive, Abilene, TX 79699
Abilene Christian University was established as Childers Classical Institute in 1906. The university serves over 4,500 students. Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ denomination of the Christian faith.

The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with an administration, education or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is 44 credits of study and must be completed within six years of the degree program commencing. In order to successfully graduate from the MSN FNP program, students must maintain a 3.0 or above in addition to completing all required coursework. The MSN education program is 33 credits and must also be completed within six years of the program’s start date.

In addition to the admission application, aspiring MSN students should submit three letters of reference, a personal statement and scores for the Graduate Record Exam. The minimum required score for the GRE is 850 on both verbal and quantitative sections. In addition, applicants should have a grade point average of 3.0 or above and at least one year of clinical nursing experience. An admission interview, Texas RN license and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification are also required for admission to the RN to MSN program.

Angelo State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Angelo State University
2601 W. Avenue N

San Angelo, Texas 76909

Angelo State University was established in 1928. The university maintains an affiliation with the Texas Tech University System. More than 6,750 students are enrolled at Angelo State University.

The Department of Nursing at Angelo State University offers both a Masters of Science in Nursing and Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) program for nurses with an associate degree or diploma. Concentrations offered in the MSN programs include an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification as a Family, Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). The GNP, ACNP, and PNP specializations are offered in collaboration with Texas Tech.

Applicants to the nursing masters program will need to complete prerequisite courses in pathophysiology and statistics. A GPA of 3.0 or above is required to apply to the nursing masters program. Nurses should be graduates of a nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition to the application, an essay, three letters of recommendation and proof of competency in health or physical assessment is required.

Applicants to the RN to MSN program should complete all BSN degree requirements as listed on the departmental website and have a GPA of 3.4 or above.

Baylor University: RN to MSN Program Review

Baylor University

1311 S 5th St

Waco, Texas 76798

Baylor University is affiliated with the Christian faith and was founded in 1845. In addition to being Texas oldest post-secondary institution, Baylor University is one of the oldest universities in the USA.

Baylor University offers an RN to MSN program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing masters degree program offers Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specializations. Students enrolled in the Louise Herrington School of Nursing MSN program will benefit from excellent resources, including access to a 24/7 computer lab and designated patient simulation lab. Furthermore, the university librarians have a specialization in medical resources in order to aid nurses in their research.

Applicants to the nursing masters program should have taken an undergraduate level course in statistics. In addition to applying to both the nursing school and graduate school, applicants to the MSN program should submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT), letters of reference, resume and an essay. In order to meet academic requirements for the MSN program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing with a 3.0 grade point average in both nursing major courses and overall.

At least one year of nursing experience is required to apply to the MSN program. MSN NNP applicants should have a year of experience in NICU.

Hardin-Simmons University: RN to MSN Program Review

Hardin-Simmons University

2200 Hickory

Abilene, TX, 79698

Hardin-Simmons University maintains an affiliation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The university was established in1941 and is based in Taylor County. Hardin-Simmons University has received honors from The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Approximately 2,300 students are enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University.

The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing manages graduate nursing programs for Hardin-Simmons University. Education, Family Nurse Practitioner and Administration tracks are offered. Upon completing the nursing masters program, applicants receive a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Hardin-Simmons University. Students in the MSN FNP program are trained and prepared to take the FNP certification exam upon completion of the nursing masters degree program. The RN to MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

All applicants to the nursing masters degree program at Hardin-Simmons University should submit Graduate Record Exam scores of 290 or above in the quantitative and verbal sections and 3.0 or above in the writing section. In addition, MSN applicants should have a Texas RN license and a GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate nursing program and overall. In some cases, conditional admission may be offered to applicants who meet at least one of the GPA requirements.

Lamar University: RN to MSN Program

Lamar University

4400 S M L King Jr Pkwy

Beaumont, TX 77710

Lamar University is a public post-secondary institution based in Beaumont, Texas. The university serves over 14,000 students and was established in 1923.

The Dishman Department of Nursing at Lamar University holds several distinctions. The university was ranked second among online nursing degree programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, the online nursing masters degree program has been ranked third in the nation for the quality of its faculty. Three nursing tracks are offered, MSN Nursing Education, MSN Nursing Administration (MSNA) and a joint degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.

With the exception of the dual masters degree program, the RN To MSN program is offered part-time and full-time. Courses for the nursing component of the program are available online. Students in the MSNA and MSN/MBA track may be required to attend campus-based business courses. Both scholarships and graduate assistantships are available to students in the nursing masters degree program.

In order to apply to the masters in nursing program, applicants should have a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC, a GPA of 3.0 or above in previous coursework and a completed statistics course with a “C” or above. Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test scores are required for admission to the nursing masters degree program.

McMurry University: RN to MSN Program

McMurry University

1401 Sayles Blvd

Abilene, TX 79605

McMurry University is a private liberal arts college founded in 1923. The university was founded in the United Methodist denomination of the Christian faith. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in academic programs at McMurry University.

McMurry University offers Masters degree programs through Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. The school offers degree programs in MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Nursing Education and MSN Nursing Administration. The nursing masters degree programs can be completed in two years of study. The MSN FNP program concludes in the summer with 144 practice hours following two prior semesters of 228 practicum hours each. the MSN Nursing Education program includes a 90 hour practicum experience in the spring.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing MS programs at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. For admission consideration to the RN To MSN program, applicants should have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree earned with a 3.0 nursing major and overall GPA. A minimum writing score of 3.0 is required for the GRE in addition to a 290 on the verbal and quantitative sections. Applicants to the MSN FNP should have an Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. All applicants should have a valid Texas nursing license.

Midwestern State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Midwestern State University
3410 Taft Blvd

Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Midwestern State University is a public post-secondary institution in Wichita Falls, Texas. The university enrolls over 5,500 students each year. Midwestern State University was founded in 1922.

The Wilson School of Nursing at Midwestern State University offers a nursing masters program with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations. In addition to the traditional option for bachelors prepared nurses, an RN to MSN program is offered for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the masters in nursing programs.

Applicants to the MSN program should submit an application to the Wilson School of Nursing and Midwestern State University’s Graduate School. In addition to the application, an essay, transcripts and Graduate Record Exam scores should also be submitted to the admission committee. Applicants to the traditional track of the MSN program should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, Texas RN license and prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment. In lieu of the physical assessment course, applicants may provide proof of competency in this area.

A grade point average of 3.0 or above is required in the last 60 credits of the undergraduate nursing program. Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be offered provisional admission. Nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing and a masters degree in an unrelated field may be admitted based on their masters degree.

Prairie View A&M University: RN to MSN Program Review

Prairie View A&M University

FM 1098 Rd & University Dr

Prairie View, TX 77446

Prairie View A&M University is a HBCU (Historically Black College University) and part of the Texas A&M University system. The university was established in 1876 during reconstruction after the Civil War.

Three concentrations, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Education and Nurse Administration, are offered in the Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing. An RN to MSN program named the Bridge to Advanced Nurse Educator Role (BANER) is offered to aspiring nurses who have an associate’s degree or diploma. Nurses in this program will first complete a BSN and then the MSN Nurse Educator track.

In order to be accepted to the RN to MSN BANER program, applicants should have an associate’s degree or diploma from a nursing program, and a GPA of 3.0 or above prior to beginning masters coursework. An admission interview, Graduate Record Exam Scores and 63 credits of transferable general education coursework are also required.

The traditional nursing masters degree program is offered full or part time and accredited by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Courses are held in the evenings. The nursing masters degree program requires 5-8 semesters of study to complete. Applicants to the traditional track of the MSN program should have a 2.75 or above GPA in nursing classes and a 3.0 GPA if previous graduate work was completed. GRE scores within the past 10 years are accepted.

Stephen F. Austin State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Stephen F. Austin State University

1936 North St.

Nacogdoches TX 75962

Stephen F. Austin State University was originally a college for teachers. The university was established in 1923. Stephen F. Austin State University, is named after Stephen F. Austin, a leader in the development of the state of Texas. The university is referred to as SFA or SFASU for short.

The Master of Science in Nursing program at Stephen F. Austin State University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. The program is designed to be completed in 3 years and 46 credits of study. Students enrolled in the nursing masters degree program will complete approximately 850 clinical practicum hours beginning in their second year of study.

A grade point average of 3.0 or above in an accredited BSN program is required for admission to the MSN FNP program. Along with the RN to MSN program application, nurses should submit proof of at least one year of clinical nursing experience, three letters of recommendation and an essay. The letters of references should come from one academic resource and two professional resources.

A score above the 50^th percentile on the Miller Analogies Test or combined GRE score of 1,000 or above on verbal and quantitative sections is required for admission to the nursing masters program. A BLS (Basic Life Support) certification must be obtained by all applicants. International students to the MSN program should submit TOEFL scores.

Texas A &M International University: RN to MSN Program Review

Texas A&M International University

5201 University Blvd

Laredo, TX 78041

Texas A&M International University is part of the Texas A&M system. Approximately 7,000 students are enrolled at Texas A&M International University. The university was established in 1970 as Texas A&I University at Laredo. The acronym TAMIU is also used to refer to the university.

The Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission accredits the MSN FNP. The MSN program is 45 credits and also requires a clinical practicum.

Applicants to the MSN FNP program should have a valid Texas nursing license, a BSN from an accredited post-secondary institution and at least one year of career experience as a nurse prior to applying to the MSN program. For academic requirements, MSN applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The Graduate Record Exam must be taken prior to commencing nursing masters coursework.

Three letters of recommendation and an admission interview are also required as part of the RN to MSN application process. In some cases nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may be permitted to enroll in the MSN program pending completion of 27 required credit hours.

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi: RN to MSN Program Review

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

6300 Ocean Dr

Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi was established in 1947. The university is part of the Texas A&M University system. Because the university is located on the Gulf of Mexico, it is nicknamed “The Island University.” Over 10,000 students are enrolled at the Corpus Christi campus. Nearly all states (48) and over 65 countries are represented in the student body.

The Master of Science in Nursing program delivered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is offered online. In addition to the traditional masters track, an ADN to MSN program is offered for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma as well as an RN to MSN bridge course for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Students in the nursing masters program can choose from a Leadership in Nursing Systems, Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator focus. Nursing masters programs are offered part-time.

Entrance requirements to the masters in nursing program include a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last 60 credit hours of the degree program. Along with the application, nurses should submit a copy of their nursing license, resume, and transcripts for all previous institutions attended. A prerequisite course completed with a grade of “C” or better is required for admission. Applicants to the RN to MSN program should complete prerequisite courses prior to applying for admission to the program.

Texas Christian University: RN to MSN Program Review

Texas Christian University

2800 S University Dr

Fort Worth, TX 76129

Texas Christian University is a private post-secondary institution affiliated with the Disciples of Christ denomination of the Christian faith. Over 9,000 students are enrolled at Texas Christian University. Texas Christian University is often referred to as TCU and was founded in 1873.

The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers several specializations for the masters in nursing program. Students can enroll in a Clinical Nurse Leader, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nursing Education specialization. The MSN curriculum ranges from 33 to 40 hours of study. All nursing masters degree programs include a clinical practicum. Applications to the RN to MSN program are accepted annually in November.

In addition to academic requirements, students should meet the following professional requirements for consideration to the nursing masters degree program:

CPR certification

Texas RN license (or RN license in state in which clinical practicum experience is carried out)

At least two years of experience as a full-time nurse (departmental requirements vary by specialty)

For the academic entrance requirments, nursing students should submit Graduate Record Exam scores and transcripts showing a GPA of 3.0 or above. In addition to the application, nursing masters program applicants should submit three letters of recommendation and a personal essay.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: RN to MSN Program Review

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

3601 4th Street

Lubbock, TX 79430

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is affiliated with the Texas Tech University System. The university was established in 1969 as Texas Tech University School of Medicine, but today offers degree programs in a range of healthcare fields.

The Texas Tech University School of Nursing offers the following MSN specializations:

MSN Administration

MSN Education

MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN Nurse Midwifery

MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Scholarships are available to students in the School of Nursing. All prospective students interested in obtaining a scholarship should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered. In order to apply to the nursing masters degree leadership tracks, Administration and Education, applicants should have a 3.0 or above GPA in their upper division coursework. Three letters of reference, a personal essay and prerequisite courses in statistics and research are also required for admission.

After completing all requirements for the degree program, students in the Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner tracks are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of practice. In addition to the requirements for the leadership track, applicants to the advanced practice MSN programs should also have at least one year of nursing experience. Detailed information about the years of experience and departmental requirements are listed on the nursing website.

Texas Wesleyan University: RN to MS Program Review

Texas Wesleyan University

1201 Wesleyan St

Fort Worth, TX 76105

Texas Wesleyan University is a private post-secondary institution affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The university was founded in 1890.

Texas Wesleyan University offers a nursing masters program leading to a MS in Nurse Anesthesia. The program is designed for current Registered Nurses. In addition to academic coursework, students in the CRNA program will complete sixteen months of full-time clinical practicum experience. The coursework portion of the nursing masters program is 1 year, making the program 28 months total.

The nurse anesthia program is offered through distance education. In both cases, students may be required to take some courses at the Texas Wesleyan University campus, though much of the course can be completed on-site.

Nurses applying to the Nurse ANesthia masters program should have at least one year of full-time experience in adult or pediatric ICU. In addition to a RN license, nurses should also have certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. At minimum, RN to MS applicants should have a 2.5 GPA or above.

Applicants must meet two of four academic requirements for GPA and GRE scores. GRE requirements include a combined score of 1,000 or 297 on the newer version of the GRE. GPA requirements include a 3.0 or above science GPA, 3.0 or above GPA in last 60 credits of coursework and an overall 3.0 GPA.

Texas Women’s University: RN to MS Program Review

Texas Women’s University

304 Administration Drive

Denton, TX 76204, USA

Texas Women’s University offers distance education and degree programs at sites throughout Texas in Denton, Dallas and Houston. The university was established in 1901 as Girls Industrial College.

Texas Women’s University offers the following concentrations in their nursing masters degree program:

Nursing Education (delivered completely online)

Nursing Health Systems Management

Clinical Nurse Leader (Adult Health, Child Health)

Nurse Practitioner (Adult Health, Family Health, Women’s Health, Acute Care, Pediatrics)

In addition to the traditional entry for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Texas Women’s University offers two points of entry for nurses without a BSN. An RN to MS program is offered for nurses with an associate’s degree. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can enroll in the Post Baccalaureate RN MS program. Depending on the specialization, the nursing programs are held on-campus in Denton, Dallas or Houston. Some MS programs are offered at more than one location.

Applicants that do not meet all requirements for the nursing masters program may be offered conditional admission. Admission requirements to the MS Nursing program include a 3.0 or above GPA in all graduate courses and the last 60 credits of the undergraduate program. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test, an RN license and completion of a prerequisite course in statistics are also required for admission to the nursing masters program.

University of Texas at Austin: RN to MSN Program

University of Texas at Austin

1 University Station

Austin, TX 78712

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university located in Texas. The university was established in 1883 and serves over 50,000 students.

The University of Texas at Austin offers a Master of Science Nursing program and AE MSN (Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing) program for college graduates seeking both a nursing license and MSN.

The traditional MSN program serves nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing or another field. Areas of study offered in the MSN program include the following:

Public Health Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration and Healthcare Systems Management

Maternity (further specialized in Administration, Teaching or Public Health Nursing)

Holistic Adult Health (further specialized into Administration or teaching)

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Child Health (further specialized into Administration, Teaching or Public Health Nursing)

The MSN program can be completed on full or part time study, and can be completed in a campus-based setting only. Nurses can complete the RN to MSN program in approximately 2 years. Students are only admitted to the MSN program in the fall. Entrance requirements include a BSN completed with a 3.0 or above GPA, Graduate Record Exam Scores and a valid Texas nursing license.

Aspiring nurses applying to the AE MSN program are admitted during the summer term. Prior to being coursework all prerequisite courses must be completed.

The University of Texas at Arlington: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Texas at Arlington

701 S Nedderman Dr

Arlington, TX 76019

The University of Texas at Arlington also referred to as UTA or UT Arlington, is one of the largest universities in Texas. More than 33,000 students are enrolled at the University of Texas at Arlington and it is also the second largest university in the University of Texas system. The university was founded in 1895 and has been a part of the University of Texas system since 1965.

The College of Nursing offers several MSN program specializations. Nurse Educator and Nurse Administration tracks are offered through an academic partnership program. Nursing Administration Executive, Nursing Administration (different from the executive track) and Nursing Education tracks are offered through the College of Nursing. MSN programs are also available for the following nurse practitioner specializations:

Acute Care

Acute Care Pediatric

Adult- Gerontology Primary Care

Family

Neonatal

Pediatric

Psychiatric/Mental Health

Dual degree programs are offered in Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA), Master of Science in Nursing/ Master in Health Care Administration (MSN/HCAD) and Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH).

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include a GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 60 credits of the nursing degree program, Texas RN license or nursing license valid in a compact state and a BSN degree from a program accredited by a nursing body. It is preferred that all applicants have at least two years of full-time nursing experience, however, for certain programs specific nursing experience is required. Provisional admission may be offered to applicants with a minimum 2.8 GPA.

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

80 Fort Brown St

Brownsville, TX 78520

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College can trace its founding to 1926. The university is part of the University of Texas system. More than 15,000 students are enrolled in programs at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, also referred to as UTB and TSC. Though the colleges have been united since 1991, shortly after the University of Texas at Brownsville, UTB will soon be a completely autonomous institution.

The College of Nursing offers masters degree programs in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Clinical Nursing Leadership. All programs are offered on a full or part time plan of study. Students in all tracks have the option of completing a thesis or pursuing a capstone project. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include Texas RN license and completion of statistics prerequisite course. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and are required to interview with the director of MSN admissions.

Provisional admission may be offered to students that do not meet all admission requirements. Nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may also be admitted via provisional admission. Provisional admission requires students to complete a transition to nursing course prior to enrolling in MSN coursework.

University of Texas at El Paso: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Texas at El Paso
500 W University Ave

El Paso, TX 79968

The University of Texas at El Paso is commonly referred to as UTEP. The university was established in 1914 and is part of the University of Texas system.

A Nursing Education and Nursing Systems Management MSN program are offered in the School of Nursing. Additionally, an RN to MSN program is offered for nurses with a diploma or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The RN to MSN program does not offer a bachelors degree.

The Nursing Systems Management (NSM) degree is offered online and can be completed in 1.5 years of study. Applicants to the Nursing Systems Management program should be RNs with a valid license and graduates of an accredited undergraduate program. Generally, a GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters program, though students who do not meet the GPA requirement may be offered provisional admission. Students offered provisional admission must earn a “B” or better in the MSN core.

A Nursing Education focus is also offered online and prepares students to teach in academic or clinical nursing settings. The admission requirements are the same as the MSN NSM degree. The Graduate Record Exam and letters of reference are not required for admission to either masters in nursing program.

University of Texas at Tyler: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Texas at Tyler

3900 University Blvd

Tyler, TX 75799

The University of Texas at Tyler has campuses in Longview, Tyler and Palestine. The university is part of the University of Texas system. The public post-secondary institution was established in 1971.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Texas at Tyler offers the following RN to MSN programs:

MSN Education

MSN Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN/MBA (joint degree leading to a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration)

In addition to the traditional MSN program, a RN to MSN program is offered for nurses with an ADN (associate degree in nursing) or a diploma. Students in the RN to MSN program will earn both BSN and MSN degrees. In some cases, applicants to the MSN program may be offered conditional admission, in which they must complete a designated amount of coursework before gaining full acceptance in to the nursing masters program.

Entrance requirements to the traditional nursing masters program include a bachelor of science in nursing and a grade of “C” or better in a statistics course. Though a GPA of 3.0 or above is normally required for admission, applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or above do not have to provide scores for the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. All other applicants are required to submit GRE or MAT scores, and no minimum score is required.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

7000 Fannin, Suite 1200

Houston, Texas 77030

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is commonly referred to as UTHealth. The institution was founded in 1972 and is part of the University of Texas system. U.S. News & World Report ranked the graduate nursing programs at UTHealth the best in Texas and in the top 5% of programs in the nation.

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters program at the University of Texas Health Science Center:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care

Adult Gerontology Primary Care

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing Education

Nursing Leadership and Administration in Health Systems

MSN-MPH (a joint degree program offering a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health degree)

The nursing masters degree program is delivered in a hybrid format with classes offered both online and in a classroom setting. Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include a bachelors degree in nursing and 3.0 or above GPA. Students with a masters degree in a field other than nursing do not have to take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. However, all students applying to the Nurse Anesthesia track must take the GRE (MAT is not accepted for Nurse Anesthesia) regardless of their background.

A Texas RN license and three letters of recommendation are also required for admission to the nursing masters program. Required years of experience for the advanced practice specializations, including Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthetist, vary though generally at least one year of experience in the practice area is required.

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

7703 Floyd Curl Drive

San Antonio, Texas 78229

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of two University of Texas Health Science Centers in the University of Texas system. The other campus is located in Houston. The university of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio was established in 1959.

Master of science in nursing and Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE MSN) programs are offered at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Specializations available in the nursing masters program include the following:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Administrative Management

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The nursing masters programs require between 40 and 50 credit hours. Students can enroll in the nursing masters program full or part time. Nurses with an ADN or diploma enrolled in the AE MSN will also complete the requirements for the BSN in the course of their studies.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a 3.0 or above GPA in the undergraduate nursing program. In addition to an RN license, applicants should have a CPR certification. Three letters of recommendation and a personal essay are also required for admission consideration. The RN license may be from Texas or a state that is part of the compact agreement for nursing licenses.

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

301 University Boulevard

Galveston, Texas, 77555

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, also referred to as UTMB Health, is part of the University of Texas and based less than 60 miles from Houston. Since its establishment in 1891 as University of Texas Medical Department, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has grown to serve over 2,500 students.

The School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers nursing masters programs in the following areas:

Executive Nurse Leader (ENL)

Nurse Educator (NE)

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Some nursing courses including the Nurse Educator track offer courses online. Admission requirements to the RN to MSN programs vary slightly according to specialization. In general, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body, the CCNE or NLNAC. A personal statement and a GPA of 3.0 or above are required for admission to the nursing masters program. All masters in nursing programs either prefer or require at least one year of RN experience prior to being accepted in to the nursing masters program. The area or department in which the applicant should have experience is listed below:

ENL – Preferred one year of nursing management experience

CNL – One year experience as a RN is required, exceptions may be considered

FNP/AGNP- One year of experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred

NNP- Requirement of at least two years experience in a Level III nursery

Nurse Educator –Required experience of 1 year as an RN, preference for experience in acute

The University of Texas- Pan American: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Texas-Pan American

1201 W University Dr

Edinburg, TX 78539

The University of Texas-Pan American was established in 1927. The university is part of the University of Texas system and serves students in the Rio Grande Valley. The university was originally established as Edinburg College and served approximately 200 students.

A Master of Science in nursing program with a Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Health focus is offered in the School of Nursing. Admission requirements to the nursing masters program include a GPA of 2.75 in graduate or upper division undergraduate coursework. Three letters of reference and completion of a prerequisite course in statistics are also required as part of the application process. All applicants should have a BSN degree and a Texas RN license. Applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA may be granted provisional admission to the RN to MSN program.

The Nurse Educator track can be completed in as little as four semesters. The program prepares nurses to work in a variety of settings including nursing schools and hospitals and numerous roles including patient education and staff development. The Adult Health nursing program requires 31 credits of study, while the Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 48 or 51 credits for the project-based or thesis option respectively. Nurses in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Health nursing masters program will also complete a Nurse Educator course sequence.

University of Houston Victoria: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Houston Victoria

3007 N Ben Wilson

Victoria, TX 77901

The University of Houston Victoria is part of the University of Houston System. Other campuses are based in Katy and Sugar Land. The university was established in 1973.

The University of Houston Victoria offers a dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration program in addition to the general MSN programs. MSN programs are offered in the following areas of concentration:

Nurse Administration

Nurse Educator

The RN to MSN program is also offered at the Sugarland and Cinco Ranch campuses. The nursing masters degree program admits students in the spring and fall terms. The School of Nursing’s masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Nurse Education program requires 42 credits of study, while the Nurse Administration program requires 36 hours of study. The masters in nursing program offers both conditional and full admission. Applicants should be graduates of an undergraduate nursing program from one of the six major regional accrediting organizations recognized by the University of Houston Victoria in their admission booklet. Work experience, two letters of recommendation, and an admission interview review are also required for admission consideration.

All applicants to the MSN program should submit a personal essay, copy of their Texas RN license and scores for the Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A combined score of 1000 or 297, depending on which GRE version taken is required. The required HSRT score is 18 or above.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

900 College St

Belton, TX 76513

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor serves more than 3,000 students. The university is affiliated with the Christian faith and was named in honor of one of the university’s benefactors. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor was founded in 1845.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers three Master of Science in Nursing tracks for bachelors prepared nurses. The specializations offered are Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Leader and Family Nurse Practitioner. Two-thirds of the program is completed through distance education and the remaining one-third of the nursing masters program is completed through campus-based study.

The master of science in Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and can be completed in approximately two years of study. All students take the same core courses in the first year of the program. In the second year of the program, students take a comprehensive exam, and subsequently take courses in their area of specialization.

The nursing masters degree program ranges from 39 to 45 credits of study. Students in the nursing masters degree program must complete all degree requirements within five years of beginning the program. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader tracks are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of study upon completing the program. Admission requirements to the MSN program include submitting two letters of reference with the application and sitting for an interview with a member of the nursing department. GRE scores are not required for admission.

University of the Incarnate Word: RN to MSN Program Review

University of the Incarnate Word

4301 Broadway St

San Antonio, TX 78209

The University of the Incarnate Word is a private Catholic liberal arts institution. The university was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

The Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program. Students in the RN to MSN program choose from a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role. Students in the MSN program can further specialize their program to a specific subset of the population. Though the nursing masters degree program is not delivered completely online, its offered in a hybrid format to accommodate working nurses. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the nursing masters program.

An RN to MSN program is offered for nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. Admission to the RN to MSN program requires completion of an National League for Nursing accredited undergraduate nursing program and a GPA of 3.0 or above in nursing courses. Applicants to the RN to MSN program should have a minimum of 3 years experience as a nurse in the recent past.

Admission to the traditional MSN program requires a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 or above GPA in nursing classes. Applicants should have a BSN accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC and three academic and professional letters of reference. It is preferred, though not required, that MSN applicants have at least one year of nursing experience. Prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment are required.

Wayland Baptist University: RN to MSN Program Review

Wayland Baptist University

1900 W 7th St

Plainview, TX 79072

Wayland Baptist University is a private university founded in the Baptist tradition of the Christian faith. In addition to the main campus in Plainview, additional campuses are located in several Texas cities, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona and abroad in Kenya. Wayland Baptist University was established in 1908.

The School of Nursing offers a campus-based Master of Science in Nursing degree program. The RN to MSN program is designed for bachelors prepared nurses, and prepares students for a career in nursing education. The MSN program can be completed in 36 hours of study. Admission to the nursing masters degree program requires a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from a CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) accredited program.

Students enrolled in the MSN program may transfer up to 12 credits from a graduate nursing degree program. Upon completion of the masters in nursing coursework, students are required to complete a nursing practicum. In order to graduate from the MSN, students must maintain a 3.0 or above GPA.

Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or above are generally guaranteed admission to the nursing masters program. Applicants with a 2.7-2.9 GPA must submit a writing sample along with their applications. MSN applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.69 may be offered provisional admission to the nursing masters degree program and required to complete additional requirements. Applicants with a GPA of 2.5 or lower are generally not admitted to the MSN program.

West Texas A&M University: RN to MSN Program Review

West Texas A&M University

2501 4th Ave

Canyon, TX 79016

West Texas A&M University is a public university located near the city of Amarillo. The university was established in 1910 and belongs to the Texas A&M University system.

The Department of Nursing offers both an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner specialization and a Comprehensive MSN track. The latter specialization prepares nurses in a variety of areas including Nursing Informatics, Holistic Nursing, School Nursing and Nursing Management.

An RN to MSN degree program is offered in conjunction with the RN to BSN program. The RN to MSN program is for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma and is offered in an accelerated format. Students in the accelerated MSN program will complete BSN requirements before moving on to MSN coursework. Both BSN and MSN degrees are awarded upon completion of the RN to MSN program.

Admission to the Master of Science in nursing program requires a Bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing. In addition to having a GPA of 3.0 or above in the final 60 credits of the undergraduate program, all grades should be a “C” or better. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for admission to the nursing masters program. Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner track should have a minimum of two years experience as a Registered Nurse before starting the MSN program.

Utah MSN Programs

Brigham Young University: RN to MS Program Review
Brigham Young University, 1 N University Avenue, Provo, UT 84606
Brigham Young University is one of the largest private universities in the United States. The university was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Brigham Young University was established in 1875 and serves more than 33,000 students annually.

Brigham Young University offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited Master of Science degree program with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus. In addition to scholarships, assistantships are available for nursing graduate students to offset the cost of tuition. Students in the nursing masters degree program will participate in clinical practicum experiences in rural and urban settings.

Prior to submitting an application to the nursing masters degree program, nurses should hold or be in the process of obtaining a Utah RN license. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a bachelors degree from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Prerequisite courses in statistics and pathophysiology are required. As part of the admission process, applicants are required to complete an admission interview.

The nursing masters degree program is offered both full and part time. The RN to MS program can be completed in two years plus one additional semester of study.

Independence University: RN to MSN Program Review

Independence University

4021 South 700 East

Suite 400

Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Independence University is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university is an affiliate of Stevens-Henager College, which is also located in Utah. Independence University was originally founded as California College for Health Sciences in 1978. Today, the university continues into offer degree programs in nursing, business and other areas of study. Independence University has operated under its current name since 2005.

A Nursing Education and Nursing Administration degree program are offered through Independence University. Both RN to MSN programs can be completed online. The Nursing Education program is 15 months while the Nursing Administration program requires 16 months of study. A full list of courses offered in the nursing masters degree program is available on the Independence University web site. The Nursing Administration program requires students to complete a thesis project, while students in the Nursing Education MSN track will complete a practicum experience.

Financial aid programs are available for nursing masters students at Independence University. In addition to federal financial aid programs, there also options for students who were formerly in the military. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a GPA of 2.5 or above. A bachelors degree from an accredited program and current RN license are also required for admission to the nursing masters degree program.

Stevens-Henager College: RN to MS Program Review

Stevens-Henager College

383 W Vine St

Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Stevens-Henager College was established in 1891. Stevens-Henager College offers degree programs in various fields of study including nursing. The college was formally named Intermountain Business College. Besides the Ogden branch, other campuses of the college are located in Idaho and various sites in Utah.

An RN to MS program is offered in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. The nursing masters degree programs are offered online. The Nursing Administration track is also offered in campus-based setting in Salt Lake City and Murray. Both nursing MS programs require 15 months of study to complete. The Nursing Administration masters degree program is 83 credits, and the Nursing Education program is 59 credits.

In order to apply to the nursing masters degree program, applicants must provide a copy of their bachelors degree. Applicants to the nursing MS program should also have a valid nursing license. Domestic applicants to the nursing masters degree program should submit a personal essay outlining their personal goals. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. An applicant’s an undergraduate degree should be from an accredited US institution. If earned abroad, the degree must be evaluated by an agency. In some cases, an admission interview may be required.

University of Utah: RN to MS Program Review

University of Utah

201 Presidents Cir

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

The University of Utah was established in 1850. The university is based in Salt Lake City and is one of the leading universities in the state.

The University of Utah masters program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students in the Nursing MS program can choose from a Nursing Education or Nursing Informatics specialization. An RN to MS program for nurses without a BSN offers the tracks above in addition to a Care Management concentration. The nursing masters degree program can be completed in two to three years depending on the applicant’s program of study.

Though the Nursing Informatics masters program cannot be completed online in its entirety, several courses are offered online. The Nursing Education masters program is offered online to students in the states of Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada). Utah-based students within an hour of the university are not eligible to enroll in the online course option.

Entrance requirements to the nursing masters degree program include a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program, a GPA of 3.0 or above and valid RN license. Required prerequisite courses include statistics and physiology. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 must submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam no more than five years old at the time of application.

Utah Valley University: RN to MS Program Review

Utah Valley University

800 W University Pkwy

Orem, UT 84058

Utah Valley University is a public university that was founded in 1941 and is based in Orem. Utah Valley University has been named among the top family cities in the USA by Forbes and other publications. The university is the largest public post-secondary institution in the state. More than 33,000 students enroll at Utah Valley University each year.

In order to apply to the MS Nursing program at Utah Valley University, applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or above in the last 60 credits of their undergraduate nursing program. A BSN degree from a program accredited by a nursing body, Utah RN license, and three letters of recommendation are also required for admission consideration. As for additional academic requirements, Graduate Record Exam scores and a prerequisite course in statistics should also be completed. The MSN application includes an essay question and detailed information about its evaluation is listed on the nursing website.

The RN to MS program ranges from 33 to 37 credits and can be completed in about 4 semesters of study. Students in the program are prepared as nurse educators to work in clinical or academic environments. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. In order to complete the nursing masters degree requirements, students must complete a masters thesis or project.

Weber State University: RN to MSN Program Review

Weber State University

3848 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84408

Weber State University is a public university based in Ogden, Utah with an additional campus in Layton. The university was established in 1889.

Weber State University’s nursing program offers two concentrations, Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator. Both RN to MSN programs prepare students to take national certification exams in their area of study. The majority of faculty in the nursing masters degree program hold doctoral degrees. Over 5 million dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled at Weber State University. In addition to university-wide scholarships, specific scholarships are available for students in the School of Nursing.

Admission to the nursing masters degree program at Weber State University is competitive, however, an admission advisor is available to meet individually with prospective applicants. Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a 3.0 or above GPA. Nurses should have a bachelor of science in nursing degree or its equivalent from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission on Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education.

Additional documents required for admission consideration include a resume and letters of recommendation. Applicants should have at least two years of career experience as a nurse when applying to the nursing masters program, though applicants with less experience may be admitted on a case-by-case basis. A prerequisite course in statistics is recommend, and all nurses admitted to the MSN program are required to take an advanced writing course.

Westminster College: RN to MSN Program Review

Westminster College

3848 Harrison Blvd

Ogden, UT 84408

Westminster College, also commonly referred to as Westminster, was established in 1875. The private college is based in Salt Lake City and serves over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. More than 15 monuments or national park sites are located within several hours of the university in addition to numerous skiing, snowboarding, hiking and other recreational activity areas.

Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education and Nurse Anesthesia are three nursing masters degree concentrations are offered in the Westminster College MSN program.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is accredited by CCNE. The program is designed with career nurses and in mind, as classes are held twice weekly in the afternoons and evenings. The MSN FNP program can be completed in five semesters and requires 42 credits.

The Master of Science Nurse Anesthesia program (MSNA) is accredited by the Council on Accreditation. The program requires 29 months of study. Clinical practicum experiences for the MSNA program are available in several states including California, Kansas, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas and Utah.

Students can complete the Nurse Educator MSN program in 30 credits of study over 5 semesters. Upon completion of MSN Nurse Educator coursework, students are eligible to take the certification exam offered by the National League for Nursing. Students can further specialize their program to focus on professional development or academia.

A bachelors degree, Graduate Record Exam scores, three letters of recommendation and personal statement are required for admission to the nursing masters degree program at Westminster College.

Vermont MSN Programs

Norwich University: RN to MSN Program Review
Norwich University, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663
Norwich University is the oldest military college in the United States. The institution was founded in 1819 and also enrolls civilian students. The campus is approximately 30 minutes from Montpelier, the capital of Vermont.

Norwich University offers accredited online masters degree programs in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Both nursing masters degree programs require 36 credits of study. The RN to MSN can be completed in 1.5-2 years of study. In the first semester, nursing students will take core courses, followed by concentration-specific coursework in the second and subsequent semesters. Though delivered mostly online, the Master of Science in nursing program culminates in a week-long residency. It should be noted that the university covers room and board during the residency.

Entrance requirements to the MSN program include a BSN earned with a GPA of 2.75 or above. Applicants are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test. One year of clinical experience as an RN is required for all applicants to the masters in nursing program. Since a GPA of 3.0 is preferred, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 must have a 3.0 or above in the last 60 credits of the undergraduate program. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research should be completed before enrolling in the program.

The University of Vermont: RN to MSN Program Review

The University of Vermont

85 S Prospect St

Burlington, 05401

The University of Vermont was established as a land-grant college. The institution’s full name is the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College. Approximately 12,000 students are enrolled at the university. Among the oldest universities in the nation, the University of Vermont received its charter in 1791, which is the same year Vermont attained statehood.

The nursing masters degree programs at the University of Vermont are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The following concentrations are offered in the nursing masters program:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Family Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Adult Nurse Practitioner

An MSN program is also offered for nursing students who already hold an advanced practice certification. The MEPN (Master’s Entry Program in Nursing) is for college graduates without prior nursing experience or education that are aspiring to become an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).

After graduating from the Master of Science in Nursing program, applicants are eligible to take a certification exam in their area of study.

In order to be admitted to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should have or be eligible to obtain a Vermont Registered Nurse license. A bachelors of science in nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above is required for all applicants. All MSN applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam unless they hold a graduate degree already. A previous course in statistics and physical assessment and three letters of recommendation are also required. Though it is not required, it is preferred that applicants have previous RN experience.

Wisconsin MSN Programs

Alverno College: RN to MSN Program Review
Alverno College, 3400 S 43rd St., Milwaukee, WI 53234
Alverno College was established in 1887. The college is a private Catholic institution that offers liberal arts education.

Students in the nursing masters program at Alverno College can choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner or a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator specialization. Students in the Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator concentration will complete approximately 500 clinical practice hours, while students in the Family Nurse Practitioner track will complete 660 clinical hours. The program can be completed in five semesters of study on a full-time plan or seven semesters of study on a part-time plan.

Most classes in the nursing masters degree program meet biweekly on Fridays and Saturdays, though some courses also meet weekday evenings. Though classes in the MSN program are not offered online, the program is designed to accommodate the working nurse’s schedule.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree should be graduates of a baccalaureate degree program that also included a prerequisite course in statistics. In addition to the application and transcripts, students are required to submit a current RN license and CPR certification. In lieu of standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Exam, nursing students are evaluated based on the contents of a portfolio, which includes writing samples. International application packets are available on request for prospective international students.

Bellin College of Nursing: RN to MSN Program Review

Bellin College of Nursing

3201 Eaton Road

Green Bay, WI 54311

Bellin College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in healthcare related fields. Bellin College of Nursing opened in 1909 as Deaconess Sanitarium Training School.

Bellin College of Nursing offers an RN to MSN program for bachelors prepared nurses with a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator focus. The nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepare nurses for immediate employment as well as doctoral study in nursing.

The Family Nurse Practitioner track requires 680 credit hours and requires 48 credits of study. Upon completion of the nursing masters program, applicants are eligible to take the certification exam offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Nurse Educator program is 38 credits and prepares nurses for a variety of educator roles including in patient and community education programs as well as academic instruction and professional development.

Admission requirements to the nursing masters degree program include one year of clinical nursing experience, a bachelors’s degree in nursing and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above. Statistics, health assessment and research are required prerequisite courses for the Master of Science in Nursing program. Two references, a resume, personal essay and Wisconsin RN license are also required admission into the masters degree in nursing program.

Concordia University Wisconsin: RN to MSN Program Review

Concordia University Wisconsin

12800 N Lake Shore Dr

Mequon, WI 53097

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private university affiliated with the Lutheran Church. The university is part of the Concordia University system, which includes 10 additional institutions. In 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin was founded as Concordia College.

Concordia University offers an RN to BSN to MSN program for Registered Nurses without a bachelors degree as well as a traditional nursing masters degree program for bachelors prepared nurses. Students in the RN to BSN to MSN program will first progress through general education requirements and coursework and finally to the RN to MSN portion in which the nurse chooses from a Nurse Practitioner (Family and Adult Gerontology) or Nurse Educator specialization. The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited and offers a part or full-time plan of study.

Entrance requirements to Concordia University Wisconsin’s MSN program include a BSN from a nursing school with accreditation, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, possession of an RN license, CPR certification and nursing work experience in a clinical setting. Prerequisite courses in health assessment and statistics are required for admission to the nursing masters program. The MSN program is usually completed in two to four years, though the program must be completed in seven years at most.

Though the MSN program is completed online, students must complete a two-week on campus practicum.

Edgewood College: RN to MSN Program Review

Edgewood College

1000 Edgewood College Dr

Madison, WI 53711

Edgewood College is a private Catholic college founded in the Dominican tradition. The university is in the Diocese of Madison. Edgewood College was established in 1927 as Edgewood Junior College. Approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Edgewood College. The college was established by the Dominican Sisters.

In addition to a traditional Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Nursing Administration concentration, the university also offers a dual degree program MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration). The MSN Nursing Administration track is 36 credits and holds evening classes to accommodate nurses with a busy schedule. The dual degree program is 63 credits and each degree is conferred as applicants meet the course requirements. Applicants to the dual degree program must meet entrance requirements for the MSN and MBA.

Admission requirements to the RN to MSN program include a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by a nursing body earned with a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average. Two undergraduate course, statistics and nursing research, are prerequisites to the nursing masters degree program. The statistics course should be taken no more than three years prior. In addition to the graduate application, MSN applicants should submit two letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to the student’s nursing ability. A current RN license is also required.

Herzing University: RN to MSN Program Review

Herzing University

W140 N8917 Lilly Road

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Herzing University is a private university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to offering online degree programs, the university has campuses in Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. The Wisconsin campuses are located in Madison, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield and Kenosha. The university is named for its founder, Henry Herzing, who founded the institution in 1965.

Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education and Nursing Management courses are offered in the Herzing University nursing masters program. The nursing masters degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Nursing Management track requires 36 credits of study. Upon completion of the MSN Nursing Management program, students will complete a scholarly project and clinical practicum. The Nursing Education program is 36 credits and requires either an onsite or simulated practicum. Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner program will complete a 46 credit hour program and 675 credit hours of clinical requirements.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a baccalaureate degree from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to be admitted to the RN to MSN program, applicants should have a 2.7 or higher GPA or a score of 450 on each section of the Graduate Record Exam.

Marian University: RN to MSN Program Review

Marian University

45 S National Ave

Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Marian University was previously called Marian College of Fond du Lac. The university was established in 1936 and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic faith. The Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes founded Marian University. In addition to classes held on the Fond du Lac campus, additional courses are held in Green Bay, Appleton and Madison among other locations.

The university offers an RN to MSN program and traditional nursing masters program for bachelors prepared nurses. During the course of the RN to MSN program, students will also fulfill requirements for the BSN degree. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students in the Nurse Educator program will complete clinical practicum experiences totaling to 450 hours. Upon completion of the Nurse Educator program, applicants may take the Nurse Educator certification exam.

The Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to take the certification exam in their specialty upon completion of the RN to MSN program. For acceptance into the Marian University MSN program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Prerequisite courses in nursing research, statistics and physical assessment are required for the nursing masters program.

Marquette University: RN to MSN Program Review

Marquette University

1250 W Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53233

Marquette University is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The university was founded in the Jesuit tradition of the Roman Catholic faith. The university serves more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 65 countries. The university was opened as Marquette College in 1881.

Marquette University offers the following concentrations in the nursing masters degree program:

Advanced Practice Nursing Acute Care

Advanced Practice Nursing Adults

Advanced Practice Nursing Nurse-Midwifery

Advanced Practice Nursing Older Adults

Advanced Practice Nursing Pediatrics (Acute or Primary Care)

Clinical Nurse Leader

Health Care Systems Leadership

The minimum GPA accepted for admission to the RN to MSN program is 3.0.

Nursing research and statistics are required prerequisites to the nursing masters degree program. The Graduate Record Exam is required, but waived if applicants have a minimum 3.2 GPA. Three letters of recommendation, a resume and personal essay are also required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. A Second Degree-Direct Entry MSN is offered for college graduates without a nursing degree or experience as a well as nurses with an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing).

It is recommend though not required that applicants have at least one year of nursing experience for some MSN concentrations.

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

105 Garfield Ave

Eau Claire, WI 54701

The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire was established in 1916 and is a public university that is part of the University of Wisconsin system which includes campuses in Milwaukee, Madison, Oshkosh, and La Crosse. More than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.

The following specializations are offered in the nursing masters degree program at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire:

Adult-Gerontologic Health Nursing

Family Health Nursing

Students in both concentrations will also take courses related to the Nurse Educator role. The nursing masters degree program requires 41 or 42 credits of study depending on the nursing program chosen. The course is delivered in a hybrid format with some classes based on campus and others delivered online.

For acceptance to the nursing masters degree program at the University of Wisconsin, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and a prerequisite course in statistics are also required for admission consideration. A Wisconsin RN license, three letters of reference and essay are also required to be accepted the nursing masters degree program.

University of Wisconsin La Crosse: RN to MS Program Review

University of Wisconsin La Crosse

1725 State St

La Crosse, WI 54601

The University of Wisconsin La Crosse is part of the University of Wisconsin system. The university was established in 1909. More than 10,000 students are enrolled at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, also commonly referred to as UW-L.

The Franciscan School of Nurse Anesthesia offers a Master of Science degree program in Biology for Registered Nurses pursuing training to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The CRNA program can be completed in two years of study or approximately 4 semesters and 3 summer sessions of study. The nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Aspiring CRNAs must submit applications to the School of Anesthesia as well as the Biology Department at the University of Wisconsin LA Crosse.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia admits applicants with a bachelor of science in nursing degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related science field. Additional science courses in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry or physics. At the time of application, nurses should have a minimum 1.5 years of experience working as a nurse in a clinical care setting, though it is preferred that applicants have at least two years of experience. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above and eligibility to become a Wisconsin RN are also required as part of the nursing masters program admission requirements.

University of Wisconsin Madison: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Wisconsin Madison

702 West Johnson St

Madison, WI 53715

The University of Wisconsin Madison is a public research institution. The university is part of the University of Wisconsin system. Other campuses include Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and La Crosse. The University of Wisconsin Madison was established in 1848 and serves more than 40,000 students.

The University of Wisconsin Madison offers a dual degree Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health degree program. Each subject area of the program requires 36 credits of study. The dual degree MSN program is created with the accreditation guidelines of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in mind. The MSN portion of the program has a nurse educator focus. The MSN/MPH program can be completed in approximately two years of study. Students in the RN to MSN program will complete both a practicum in teaching and a fieldwork component for the MPH part of the program.

Applicants must complete a minimum of 60 credits for the MSN/MPh program. Students can transfer in up to 6 credits for the nursing masters degree program. Students can complete the coursework in six semesters, though students may also complete the RN to MSN program on a part time schedule. Students seeking advanced certification upon completion of the program may need to take additional courses.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee: RN to MN Program Review

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

3202 N Maryland Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53202

The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee enrolls almost 30,000 students that represent all 50 states and more than 75 countries. Of all the campuses in the University of Wisconsin system, the Milwaukee campus is the most diverse. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee can trace its founding to 1851 when Wisconsin State Normal School was established. The university merged with another institution to become the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1956.

Three entry options are offered for nurses seeking to study in the RN to MN program. The Master of Nursing program is for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The RN to MN program is for nurses without a bachelor’s degree and the MN Direct Entry Option is for college graduates with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field.

The Master of Nursing program offers a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) specialization that prepares nurses for the CNL certification exam. The MN program can be completed on a full or part time plan of study, with part time students having the option of a spring or fall start. The MN program is 33 credits.

To apply to the Master of Nursing program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing and proof of completion of a prerequisite course in statistics. The statistics prerequisite course must be completed with a grade of “B” or better. The nursing masters degree application is available online. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 are required to submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam.

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

800 Algoma Blvd

Oshkosh, WI 54901

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh was established in 1871. As part of the University of Wisconsin system, the university serves more than 13,000 students. The University of Wisconsin is one of the largest universities in the state of Wisconsin. Other UW campuses are located in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Madison and La Crosse.

The RN to MSN degree program is delivered online. An RN to BSN to MSN program and traditional nursing masters in nursing program are offered in the following specialties:

Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurse Educator

Both nursing masters degree program concentrations require 37 credits of study and can be completed on a part or full time plan of study in three or two years respectively. The MSN CNL program requires at least one summer session and also includes several hundred hours of clinical experiences throughout the course of the program. Students in the Nurse Educator track will complete an education-focused clinical practicum experience.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is required. Students must have a current RN license in the location in which clinical practicum experiences will be carried out. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program.

Viterbo University: RN to MSN Program Review

Viterbo University
900 Viterbo Dr

La Crosse, WI 54601

Viterbo University is a private Catholic University established in the Franciscan tradition. The university is in the Diocese of La Crosse. Originally called St. Rose Normal School, Viterbo University was established in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The university was referred to as Viterbo College from 1937 to 2000, when it achieved university status.

A Bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission is required for acceptance to the RN to MSN program. Viterbo University’s MSN program is accredited by the CCNE. Upon completion of the RN to MSN program, graduates of all four tracks are eligible to take a certification exam in their area of study.

Prerequisites to the nursing masters degree program include completion of prerequisite courses in statistics, physical assessment and an introductory research course. Some nursing courses are offered online and classes usually meet weekly. Students choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Adult Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader focus in the nursing masters degree program. Though the Miller Analogies Test is normally required for admission consideration, applicants with at least five credits of graduate study can waive this requirement.

Virginia MSN Programs

Eastern Mennonite University: RN to MSN Program Review
Eastern Mennonite University, 1200 Park Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is a private university established in 1917. Originally established as a Bible academy, the university is affiliated with the Mennonite Church. In addition to the main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia, an additional campus is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. About 1,500 students are enrolled at Eastern Mennonite University.

An online Master of Science in Nursing program is offered at Eastern Mennonite University. Students can choose from a concentration in Leadership and Management or Leadership/School Nursing. The masters in nursing program can be completed in approximately 2 years. The MSN program is designed for working nurses who need flexibility to maintain familial and professional commitments. The RN to MSN program can be completed on a part or full time plan of study. Nurses can complete most of their clinical requirements in their place of employment.

In order to apply to the nursing masters program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program earned with a 3.0 or above grade point average. An RN license and approximately one year of full time nursing experience is required prior to applying for the program. In addition to the application, students should also submit two recommendation letters and transcripts from previous program. Though the MSN program is mostly delivered online, students are required to come to campus for orientation.

George Mason University: RN to MSN Program Review

George Mason University

4400 University Dr

Fairfax, VA 22030

George Mason University is a public university established in 1957. The university has been independent since 1972, but was originally established as a satellite campus of the University of Virginia. The university was named for George Mason, a statesman from Virginia. Approximately 33,000 students are enrolled at George Mason University.

The following academic concentrations are offered in the nursing masters program at George Mason University:

Nursing Administration

Nurse Educator

Family Nurse Practitioner

Adult Nurse Practitioner

In addition to the traditional nursing masters program, the RN to MSN program is for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma. In order to be admitted to the nursing masters program, applicants should have at least one to two years of nursing experience and be a graduate of a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program. Prior to enrolling in the nursing masters degree program, students are required to take a bridge course.

Applicants to the nursing masters degree program should have a bachelors degree with a 3.0 or above from an accredited university. A personal statement, two letters of recommendation and an essay are also required for admission to the MSN program. Applicants to the nurse practitioner program should have a prerequisite course in health assessment. Nurse Practitioner applicants should also have at least one year of experience and may be required to take the Graduate Record Exam.

Hampton University: RN to MSN Program Review

Hampton University
100 E Queen St

Hampton, VA 23668

Hampton University is an HBCU (Historically Black College University) founded in 1868. The university was originally founded as a primary/secondary school and also served Native Americans.

The nursing masters degree program at Hampton University is offered in the following areas of specialization:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Administration

Education

Nurses in the Administration or Education program choose among the following specialties: Advanced Adult Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Community Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing. The RN to MSN programs are campus-based. The MSN program is offered on a full or part-time plan of study. In order to earn the MSN degree, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 during the course of the program.

Entrance requirements to the RN to MSN program include a BSN from an accredited program earned with a 2.7 or above GPA. MSN applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam and must have a writing score of 4.0 or verbal score of 450. In addition to the MSN application, two letters of recommendation and a personal essay should be submitted. Prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment are required. Prior to beginning the clinical practicum component of the nursing masters program, applicants should have at least one year of experience as a nurse.

James Madison University: RN to MSN Program Review

James Madison University

800 S Main St

Harrisonburg, VA 22807

James Madison University was established in 1908. The university was originally founded as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg. Today James Madison University is a public research institution that serves more than 19,500 students.

James Madison University offers the following concentrations in the nursing masters degree program:

Clinical Nurse Leader (38 credits)

Nurse Administrator (38 credits)

Nurse Midwifery (41 credits)

Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (46 credits)

Family Nurse Practitioner (49 credits)

MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) joint degree program

The Nurse Midwifery program is offered in conjunction with Shenandoah University. MSN students can enroll in the program on a full or part time plan of study. Though the RN to MSN program is not delivered entirely online, several courses are offered in a hybrid format. MSN Classes in the course meet once weekly.

Admission to James Madison University’s MSN program is competitive. In order to be accepted to the program, applicants should have a GPA of 2.8 or above. Provisional admission may be offered to applicants with a lower GPA. Additional admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree in nursing or another field and current nursing license. Applicants should complete a prerequisite course in statistics and health assessment with a minimum “C” grade. Scores for the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam are required for admission consideration.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review

Jefferson College of Health Sciences

101 Elm Ave SE

Roanoke, VA 24013

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a private college with degree programs in nursing and allied health. The college is located in the Downtown Area of Roanoke. The college was established in 1982.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited nursing masters degree program. Students can choose from a Nursing Systems Management or Nurse Clinician Educator specialization. The RN to MSN program is offered on a full or part time plan of study. The program is offered in a flexible blended format, which requires students to come to campus at most four times during the nursing masters program. Students who take the MSN course full time can complete it in two years of study.

Admission to the masters in nursing program is available for nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, in addition to RNs with a BSN. Nurses without a BSN will be required two to three classes to fulfill requirements to pursue nursing masters coursework. Applicants to the Master of Science in nursing program should have a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Statistics is the only required prerequisite and should be completed with a “C” grade or above. Three letters of recommendation and scores for the Miller Analogies Test are required.

Liberty University: RN to MSN Program Review

Liberty University

1971 University Blvd

Lynchburg, VA 24502

Liberty University is a private Christian university established in 1971. More than 80,000 students participate in Liberty University’s online degree programs in addition to the 10,000+ residential students enrolled on the campus.

Liberty University offers an online nursing masters degree program with two concentrations, Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator. The MSN program requires 42 credits of study. Nurses with previous graduate coursework may transfer up to 6 credits. Graduates of the nursing program are prepared to work in clinical settings or as an educator in an undergraduate nursing education program. Students must complete the required clinical practicum experience within the United States. The RN to MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

In general, the nursing masters program accepts nurses with a BSN and GPA of 3.0 or above. Students with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing area may apply to the nursing masters program. If accepted, all prerequisite courses must be completed before or during the first year of study. Statistics and health assessment are prerequisite courses for graduate nursing classes, and do not have to be completed for admission purposes. In addition to an RN license, applicants should have at least one year of experience as a Registered Nurse.

Marymount University: RN to MSN Program Review

Marymount University

2807 N Glebe Rd

Arlington, VA 22207

Marymount University is a private Catholic University. The post-secondary institution was established in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. More than 3,500 students from 40 states are enrolled at Marymount University. The main campus is based in Arlington with additional campuses in Arlington and Reston, the Ballston Center and Reston Center respectively.

An MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program is offered at Marymount University. The nursing masters degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Upon completion of the RN to MSN program, nurses can take the FNP certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The degree program requires 42 credits of study. Students will complete clinical practicum experiences in several area hospitals and also private practice offices.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing program should have a bachelors degree earned with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Before beginning clinical coursework, applicants should have RN licenses in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Prior to commencing clinical practicum experiences, applicants should have at least two years of full-time nursing experience. Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a former supervisor is required. A personal statement is also required.

Old Dominion University: RN to MSN Program Review

Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Blvd

Norfolk, VA 23529

Old Dominion University is a public research university was originally established as an affiliate of the College of William and Mary. The university was founded in 1930.Old Dominion University has operated independently since 1962.

The nursing masters degree program at Old Dominion University is delivered in a blended format, with students completing coursework both on campus and online. Applications are accepted annually in the fall from domestic and international applicants. The nursing masters degree program offers the following specialties:

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Anesthesia

Nurse Administrator

Nurse Midwifery

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Students in the nursing masters program can also participate in the Graduate Nursing Student Association. Scholarships are available for nursing students at Old Dominion University. The Nurse Administrator program is delivered online.

To apply to the MSN program, applicants should submit scores for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE), a personal essay one letter of recommendation from a professor and two letters of recommendation from former employers. Students are required to submit an application to Old Dominion University and a supplemental application in their specific concentration in the nursing program to apply for admission. Most RN to MSN programs are offered on a full or part time plan of study.

Shenandoah University: RN to MSN Program Review

Shenandoah University
1460 University Dr

Winchester, VA 22601

Shenandoah University is a private university based in Winchester. The post-secondary institution was established in 1875. Shenandoah University maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church. More than 4,000 students are enrolled at the university representing more than 40 states and 20 countries. In addition to the main campus in Winchester, additional campus buildings are located in downtown Winchester.

Both traditional masters degree programs and an RN to MSN program are offered at Shenandoah University. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students in the MSN program can choose from the following specializations:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Health Systems Management

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

Through the Midwifery and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Initiatives, nurses from other institutions complete coursework at Shenandoah University and earn their degree from their home nursing school. The RN to MSN program is for nurses without a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Entrance requirements into the nursing masters program include a BSN from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or CCNE. Applicants with degrees from a nursing program that is not accredited will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or above is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. Prerequisite courses should be completed with a grade of “C” or better and include community nursing, statistics and health assessment.

Three letters of recommendation and a comprehensive BCLS certification are also required for admission to the MSN program.

University of Virginia: RN to MSN Program Review

University of Virginia
1400 University Ave

Charlottesville, VA 22903

The University of Virginia was established in 1819. The university was founded in large part due to the assistance and planning of former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. The University of Virginia was named the second best public university in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Virginia offers a Master of Science in nursing degree program in the following specializations:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care (Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner)

Clinical Nurse Leader

Family Nurse Practitioner

Health Systems Management

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Program (CNS or NP)

Public Health Nursing Leadership

Public Health Nursing Leadership combination with Family or Pediatric NP

In addition to the nursing masters programs for RNs, the Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse Leader program is for college graduates without prior nursing education or experience. The Public Health Nursing Leadership program is completed primarily online, though students are required to go to campus twice each term.

General admission requirements for the nursing masters degree program include a bachelors degree in nursing with a 3.0 or above Grade Point Average. Three letters of recommendation and a resume should also be submitted along with the application. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. There are additional entrance requirements for international students and nurses applying to certain specialties.

Virginia Commonwealth University: RN to MS Program Review

Virginia Commonwealth University

1111 W Broad St

Richmond, VA 23220

Virginia Commonwealth University was founded as an affiliate campus of Hampden-Sydney College in 1838. The university has two primary campuses in Richmond, the MCV and Monroe Park campuses. Originally called the Medical College of Virginia, the institution became Virginia Commonwealth University in 1968 following its merger with another college.

The following concentrations are offered in the nursing masters degree program at Virginia Commonwealth University:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration and Leadership

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The nursing programs at Virginia Commonwealth University were ranked in the nation’s top ten percent by U.S News & World Report. The RN to MSN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. In addition to a traditional masters track, an RN to MS program is also offered.

Nurses should have an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma from a NLNAC-accredited institution if applying to the RN to MS program. Applicants to the general nursing masters degree program should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a NLNAC or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited program. An undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or above is required to apply to the nursing masters program. In addition to a prerequisite course in statistics, applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam if their GPA is below 3.25.

Washington MSN Programs

WGU University Washington: RN to MSN Program Review
WGU Washington, 1001 Fourth Avenue, Suite 3827, Seattle, WA 98154-1101
The full name of WGU Washington is Western Governor’s University Washington. WGU Washington is an online not-for-profit university based in Seattle. The college was established in the state of Washington in 2011 and is affiliated with Western Governor’s University which is located in Utah. Western Governor’s University system was founded in 1997.

Two concentrations are offered in the nursing masters degree programs at WGU Washington: 1) MS Nursing Education, 2) MS Nursing Leadership

Both programs are also offered in an RN to MSN program for nurses without a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Students in the nursing masters program will complete 30 credits of study and a 40 hour clinical experience practicum. The MSN program can generally be completed in two years of study. Students can complete the program in less than two years, as the program is competency based.

For admission to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should be residents of Washington and possess a valid Washington RN license. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is also required for admission. As for testing requirements, applicants must complete WGU Washington’s Readiness Assessment. Applicants to the nursing masters program should hold a nursing license and be currently employed in a clinical nursing setting.

Gonzaga University: RN to MSN Program Review

Gonzaga University
502 E Boone Ave
Spokane, WA 99202

Gonzaga University was established in 1887. The university is affiliated with the Catholic faith and was named for the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. More than 7,500 students are educated at the 100+ acre Gonzaga University campus.

Gonzaga University offers several entrance options for the online nursing masters degree programs. In addition to the traditional nursing masters degree for nurses with a BSN, an RN to MSN program for nurses without a bachelors degree and a Second Degree Masters Program for nurses holding a MSN seeking a masters degree in a different nursing specialization. The nursing masters program offers Nurse Educator and Health Systems Leadership specializations. A Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner focus are also offered in the second degree MSN program.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Gonzaga University’s MSN programs.

The nursing masters degree program can be completed in two years plus one additional semester of study. The course is delivered online in its entirety, though students make one campus visit towards the program’s completion. Students complete clinical practicum requirements in their local area. In addition to submitting transcripts, applicants to the MSN program should submit Miller Analogies Test scores, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation and resume.

Pacific Lutheran University: RN to MSN Program Review

Pacific Lutheran University
12180 Park Ave S

Tacoma, WA 98447

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university serving over 3,000 students. The university is based in Parkland, which is located near Tacoma, Washington.

The following masters degree specializations are offered at Pacific Lutheran University:

MSN Care and Outcomes Manager

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) joint degree program

In addition to the traditional nursing masters degree program for bachelors prepared nurses, a Master’s Entry Level program is offered for college graduates without prior nursing education or work experience. The nursing masters entry program, prepares students to become RNs with a masters degree in nursing. The RN-B to MSN is for Registered Nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing.

In order to apply to the traditional nursing masters program, nurses should have a bachelor’s degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. A prerequisite course that covers descriptive and inferential statistics completed with a B or better is also required. Applicants to the RN-B to MSN and Entry-Level MSN should have a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Prerequisites, which must be completed with a “B” or better include Statistics, Human Anatomy and Physiology (I and II), Developmental Psychology and Intro to Microbiology.

Seattle Pacific University: RN to MSN Program Review

Seattle Pacific University
3307 3rd Ave W

Seattle, WA 98119

Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian university that offers liberal arts education. The university is based in the Seattle neighborhood of Queen Anne Hill. The university serves approximately 4,000 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Seattle Pacific University was founded by Free Methodists in 1891 as Seattle Seminary.

The following core concentrations are offered in the nursing masters degree program:

Nurse Administrator

Nurse Educator

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner (Family or Adult primary care)

The Nurse Administrator and Educator concentrations are interdisciplinary. Students in the Nurse Administrator program enroll in courses at the School of Business and Economics, while students in the Nurse Educator course enroll in courses at the School of Education. In addition to bachelors prepared nurses, the RN to MSN programs also accept nurses with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program should have a bachelors degree and Registered Nurse license. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 45 credits of the nursing program is required for admission. Applicants to the CNS and NP programs should have at least two years of clinical nursing experience before applying to the nursing masters program. In addition to meeting requirements above, MSN applicants should submit a resume, essay and letters of recommendation along with their application. In some cases, an admission interview may be required.

Seattle University: RN to MSN Program Review

Seattle University

901 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 9812

Seattle University is a private Catholic university based in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. The university was founded in 1891 in the Jesuit denomination.

Seattle University offers the following nursing specializations in their masters program:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with Addictions focus

Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Midwifery

All of the nursing masters Nurse Practitioner specializations focus on primary care. In addition to the traditional RN to MSN programs, an Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion program is offered for applicants without nursing experience or credentials and a bachelors’s degree. The program prepares students to earn both the BSN and MSN and is offered full-time.

Applicants to the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion program should have a bachelors degree earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. Scores for the Graduate Record Exam are also required. In addition to the application, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation and a resume are also required for admission.

For admission to the traditional nursing masters degree program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In general, applicants should have at least two years of experience working in a clinical nursing setting. Applicants who do not meet admission requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

University of Washington: RN to MS Program Review

University of Washington

E Columbia Rd

Seattle, WA 98105

The University of Washington is located in Seattle. Additional branches of the university are based in Tacoma and Bothell. The University of Washington was established in 1861 and serves nearly 50,000 students.

The University of Washington offers both Master in Nursing and Master of Science degree programs.

Applicants to the MN program should have an undergraduate degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or better GPA. Nurses without a bachelors degree may be accepted to the nursing program, but must complete essays related to Leadership and Community Health Nursing. When applying the program, MN applicants should have a valid US RN license, but must obtain a Washington state RN license prior to beginning the graduate nursing degree clinical coursework. The following specializations are offered in the MN program:

Master of Nursing/Master of Public Health joint degree program

Community Nursing with one of the following specialties:

Cross-Cultural and Global Health

Healthy Aging

Occupational and Environmental Health

Rural Health

Communities for Youth

A Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies specialization is offered in the MS Program. Entrance requirements to the MS program include a GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 90 quarter credits of the undergraduate degree program. A current US RN license is also required if the program includes clinical coursework. A prerequisite course in statistics, three letters of recommendation and answers to the written response questions on the application are also required. The RN to MS program can be completed in 6 semesters of full time study, though part-time study is also available.

University of Washington Bothell: RN to MN Program Review

University of Washington Bothell

18115 Campus Way NE

Bothell, WA 98011-8246

The University of Washington Bothell, also referred to as UW Bothell, is part of the University of Washington system with additional campuses in Bellevue, Mt. Vernon, Everett, Seattle and Tacoma. The university serves over 4,000 students and was established in 1990.

The nursing masters degree program is for RNs with a BSN and RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. MSN courses meet weekly at the University of Washington Bothell campus. Prior to being accepted into the nursing masters program, a nurse may earn up to 12 credits as a non-matriculated student. The RN to MN program is designed to be completed part-time. Students can choose from a seven or eleven quarter plan. The MN program has been offered since 2002 and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Applicants to the Master in Nursing program should have a bachelors degree from a CCNE or National League for Nursing (NLN) accredited program. A statistics course covering descriptive and inferential areas is the only requirement. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required in the last 60 semester of 90 quarter credits of the nursing program. Nursing experience and a Washington RN license are also required for admission to the nursing masters program.

University of Washington Tacoma: RN to MN Program Review

University of Washington Tacoma

1900 Commerce St

Tacoma, WA 98402

The University of Washington Tacoma was founded in 1990 and is part of the University of Washington system along with the Seattle and Bothell campuses. Nearly 4,000 students are enrolled at the Tacoma campus. The Academic Ranking of World Universities names the University of Washington the 16^th university in the world.

A Master of Nursing in Communities, Populations and Health, Nurse Educator or Leadership in Healthcare is offered at the University of Washington Tacoma. The Master in Nursing program is flexible and designed to accommodate working nurses. The MN program is not delivered online in its entirety, but does offer online course components. The nursing masters program can be completed in five semesters of full time study or seven to eight semesters on a part-time schedule.

In order to apply to the nursing masters degree program, applicants should have a bachelors degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN). A prerequisite statistics course and Washington RN license is also required. Applicants without a BSN may petition the admission committee for acceptance to the RN to MN program. Students are encouraged to meet individually with a nursing program advisor.

Washington State University: RN to MN Program Review

Washington State University
PO Box 641227

Pullman WA 99164

Washington State University was established in 1890. The university serves over 20,000 students and is one the largest universities in the state of Washington. The main campus of Washington State University is located in Pullman, with additional campuses in Spokane, Vancouver, and Richland. Washington State University was originally named the Washington Agricultural College and School of Science.

A Master of Nursing with an Advanced Population Health focus is offered at Washington State University. Students can choose from a general MN APH focus or further specialize into Nursing Leadership, Nurse Education or an Individualized Study option. Applicants to the nursing masters program are accepted in spring and fall. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with courses held on-campus and online components. The amount of on-campus time varies according to the student’s nursing track.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission to the nursing masters degree program. Applicants are required to submit a personal essay, three letters of recommendation and scores for the Graduate Record Exam in addition to meeting the academic requirements above. An undergraduate course in statistics is also required for admission consideration. Applicants are advised to provide contact information for references from both professional and academic settings.

West Virginia MSN Programs

Marshall University: RN to MSN Program Review
Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755
Marshall University is a public research university founded in 1837. The college is named for the fourth United States Chief Justice, John Marshall.

The following tracks are offered in the nursing masters degree program at Marshall University:

Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Education
Nursing Administration
Nurse Midwifery
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

All nursing masters degree programs start with a 12 credit nursing core group of courses, followed by courses in the specialization. After successfully completing the program, nursing masters students are eligible to take the certification exam in their area of study. The RN to MSN program ranges from 36 to 44 credits of study.

Applicants to the nursing program should meet the following criteria:

Nursing baccalaureate degree from a National League for Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Education accredited program

Minimum undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0

The following prerequisite courses completed with a grade of “C” or better: statistics and research

The following are the criteria for submitting Graduate Record Exams (GRE) scores:

Applicants with a GPA above 3.25 do not have to take the Graduate Record Exam

Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.24 must have a combined 800 (304-291 for new exam) score or above on the exam

Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.9 must have a combined 1000 (336-301 for new exam) score or above on the exam

It is preferred, though not required, that all applicants have at least two years of clinical nursing experience.

Applicants to the nursing midwifery and psychiatric mental health concentrations are required to meet with the Shenandoah University admission committee.

West Virginia University: RN to MSN Program Review

West Virginia University

1550 University Ave

Morgantown, WV 26506

West Virginia University is a public post-secondary institution established in 1867. Additional campuses are located in Charleston, Montgomery and Keyser.

West Virginia University has both a traditional Master of Science in Nursing program as well as a RN to MSN program for Registered Nurses without a bachelors degree in nursing. Students in the nursing masters program enroll in one of the specializations below:

Family Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Leadership

Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing program should have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing earned with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants to the nursing masters program should meet one of the following criteria for standardized tests:

Combined score of 800 on the GRE and writing score of 3.0

Combined score of 286 on the GRE and writing score of 3.0

Score of 400 on the Miller Analogies Test

Applicants should hold an RN license valid in the USA and have graduated from a BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Three letters of reference, a personal essay and prerequisite course in statistics are the final requirements. If an applicant does not meet all admission criteria, provisional admission may be awarded.

West Virginia Wesleyan University: RN to MSN Program Review

West Virginia Wesleyan University

59 College Ave

Buckhannon, WV 26201

West Virginia Wesleyan College is private post-secondary institution that offers a liberal arts education. The college is related with the United Methodist Church. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled at West Virginia Wesleyan College from over 30 states and 25 countries. The college was established in1890.

West Virginia Wesleyan College’s nursing masters program was recently granted initial accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The areas of concentration offered within the nursing masters degree program include the following:

Nurse Midwifery

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Administration

Nursing Education

Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN/MBA (Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration) combined degree program

The Nursing Administration and Nursing Education programs require 36 credits of study and can be completed in one year and four months. The Nurse Midwifery and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs are offered in conjunction with Shenandoah University.

A BSN degree, RN license and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above are entrance requirements for the nursing masters degree program. In addition to the Graduate Admission application, applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing program should submit a personal essay, transcripts, two-three letters of reference (depending on the program), and GMAT scores if applying for the MSN/MBA joint degree program.

Wheeling Jesuit University: RN to MSN Program Review

Wheeling Jesuit University

59 College Ave

Buckhannon, WV 26201

Wheeling Jesuit University was established in 1954. The university is a private university affiliated with the Jesuit tradition of the Roman Catholic faith. The university was founded by the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in collaboration with the Society of Jesus of the Maryland Province. Wheeling Jesuit University serves approximately 1,500 students from over 20 states and countries

A RN to MSN program with a Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education Specialist or Nursing Administration focus is offered at Wheeling Jesuit University. The Nursing Administration program can be completed in 40-43 credits. The Nursing Education Specialist program can be completed in 42 to 43 credits. The Family Nurse Practitioner program can be completed in 48 credits of study. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and designed to accommodate working nurses. An RN to MSN program is also offered for nurses who have completed the RN to BSN coursework.

Admission requirements to the MSN program include a combined GRE score of 800. The Graduate Record Exam score is waived for nurses who received a BSN from Wheeling Jesuit University. Nurses should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, earned with a 3.0 or above GPA. In addition to completing prerequisite courses in statistics and research, nursing masters applicants should have knowledge of computers and at least one computer software program. Three letters of recommendation should be submitted along with the MSN application.

Wyoming MSN Programs

University of Wyoming: RN to MS Program Review
University of Wyoming, 1000 E University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071
The University of Wyoming is a public research institution near the Snowy Range mountains. Over 12,000 students are enrolled at the university.  The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886.

The School of Nursing offers a Master of Science Nurse Educator program that can be completed online. The nursing master’s degree program admits both nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field. The MSN program requires 36 credits of study. Though the RN to MSN program is delivered online in its entirety, students must come to campus for the program’s orientation. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree will need to take two classes in the RN to BSN program prior to enrolling in the nursing masters course.

Applications to the masters in the nursing program are evaluated based on their nursing experience, personal statement, grade point average, and letters of reference. Unlike many nursing master’s programs, applicants do not have to apply separately to the nursing school and university. Applicants should provide evidence of certification in a specialized area of practice or sufficient examples of expertise including support from coworkers and awards.  A nursing research course is required as a prerequisite to a graduate class. Applicants to the MSN program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA.