The Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is the next step for students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a registered nursing license. The degree program provides advanced training for nurses who wish to open up their own nursing practice, find work as a clinical nurse specialist, or become an educator in the field. Students who complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree program acquire essential critical thinking skills and knowledge to apply in a nursing facility environment. The typical MSN degree program is a combination of classes and hands-on experience.
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning, equipping nursing students with the tools and resources they need to solve today’s most common health problems. The program generally takes between 18-24 months of full time study to complete; however, some programs require three years of study beyond the BSN. Students learn how to apply various methods in nursing research to current problems, and can practice using conceptual models to analyze data and research. They may also use online technologies and a variety of advanced statistical methods as part of their training.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may choose to enroll in a ‘master’s entry’ program that consists of an accelerated registered nurse licensure program before the MSN degree curriculum. After enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program, students can choose from a variety of specializations in the field. The most common courses of study include:
The MSN degree program is comprised of a core curriculum in addition to classes in the student’s area of concentration. Courses in the core curriculum may include:
If you are interested in earning your MSN degree, check out our featured MS Nursing schools below. Request information from any of the schools of your interest, free of charge, and equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to make the right educational choice for you.
Online
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, MS in Nursing, MBA, Master of Health Administration, Master of Healthcare Education, Nursing Health Care Education Certificate
RN to BSN in Nursing
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, RN to BS in Nursing, Radiologic Sciences
B R.N. to B.S. in Nursing
B.S. - Nursing RN-to-BSN
Nursing Degree Completion (RN to BSN)
M.S. in Nursing, M.S. in Nursing-Education (BSN-MSN), M.S. in Nursing-Leadership and Management, M.S. in Nursing-Education (RN-MSN), M.S. in Nursing-Leadership and Management (RN-MSN)
Arizona
Phoenix - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
Ft. Huachuca / Southern Arizona - BS in Nursing (RN Required), Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN, MS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics Certificate, School Nurse Certificate
Tucson / Southern Arizona - Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN, BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
California
Vista / North County, North Hollywood, San Diego - Certificate: Vocational Nursing, Certificate: Nurse Assistant Training
Fresno / Central Valley - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Southern California - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
Sacramento - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
San Diego - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing/MBA/Health Care Management
San Francisco - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Colorado
Aurora - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Colorado Springs* - Licensed Practical Nurse to BSN, BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Connecticut
New Britain, Shelton - Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Florida
Orlando - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Jacksonville - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Fort Lauderdale - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Tampa - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Pensacola - Practical Nursing
Georgia
Atlanta - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Columbus* - MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Hawaii
Honolulu - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Illinois
Bridgeview, Chicago - Legal Nurse Consultant
Indiana
Indianapolis - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Merrillville - Practical Nurse
Iowa
Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Mason City - Practical Nursing
Davenport - Nursing
Louisiana
Baton Rouge - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
New Orleans - MS in Nursing with a specialization in Healthcare Systems Management
Michigan
Grand Rapids - Practical Nurse
Detroit - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Grand Rapids - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Portage / West Michigan - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Missouri
St. Peters - Diploma in Practical Nursing, Associate in Nursing
Nebraska
Lincoln, Omaha - Practical Nursing
Fremont - Nursing
New Jersey
Wayne - Nurses Aid
New Mexico
Albuquerque - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
North Carolina
Charlotte, Raleigh - Practical Nursing
Ohio
Cleveland - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City - BS in Nursing (RN Required)
Tulsa - BS in Nursing (RN Required)
South Carolina
San Antonio - Practical Nursing
Tennessee
Nashville - BS in Nursing (RN Required)
Texas
San Antonio - Nurse Aide, Vocational Nursing
Utah
Salt Lake City - BS in Nursing (RN Required), MS in Nursing (RN Required)
West Jordan - Nursing
Virginia
Newport News, Northern Virginia, Manassas, Glen Allen, Roanoke - Practical Nursing
Virginia Beach, Richmond, Newport News - Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing
Alexandria - Licensed Practical Nurse
Canada
Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver- Practical Nursing