Registered nurses (RNs) can increase their earning potential and qualify for advanced practice roles by enrolling in RN-to-MSN online programs. Many of the highest-paying nursing careers require a master's degree. Nurse midwives, nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurse anesthetists earned a median annual salary of nearly $118,000 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The field is also projected to grow an astronomical 45% over the next ten years.
During an RN-to-MSN program, nurses take bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and master of science in nursing (MSN) courses to build advanced health assessment skills, expand their clinical experience, and gain specialized training in their concentration area. In as little as three years, RNs can complete the requirements for a BSN and MSN degree. Completing the program online also allows you to balance familial responsibilities and gain work experience while pursuing your degree.
We've compiled the best RN-to-MSN programs that will help bridge your career as a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner while being both affordable and flexible.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most Affordable RN-to-MSN Programs Online in 2021
What Are the Benefits of an RN-to-MSN Degree?
Specialization Options Nurses can specialize as nurse educators, nurse administrators, or NPs in an MSN program. These concentrations prepare nurses for specific careers after graduation.
Accelerated Timeline I In an RN-to-MSN program, nursing students can earn a BSN and MSN in less time. Many programs let nurses apply BSN coursework toward their MSN degree. Alternatively, you do not need a bachelor's in nursing to enter a MSN program. With an accelerated MSN program, you can enter with an ADN or diploma in nursing.
Career Advancement Many nursing roles, including nurse educator, NP, and clinical nurse leader, require a master's degree. Nurses can advance their career by pursuing their MSN online.
Increased Earning Potential
Nurses with an MSN degree earn an average of over $117,000 per year, according to the BLS. Earning an MSN thus translates into increased earning potential and leverage for negotiating higher salaries.
Flexibility The online learning format helps working nurses earn a graduate-level degree without stepping back from their career. Nursing students complete coursework on a flexible schedule.
How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists earn the highest salaries in nursing, according to the BLS. The median annual wage for nurse anesthetists nearly reached $175,000 in 2019.
Becoming a nurse anesthetist takes several years. Before enrolling in an accredited nurse anesthetist program, applicants must demonstrate at least one year of nursing experience in a critical care setting. Prospective nurse anesthetists must attend a specialized graduate program and train in pain management and emergency services. Programs incorporate clinical hours so degree-seekers gain hands-on experience treating patients.
Graduates must then apply for the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) credential. Starting in 2025, CRNAs need a doctorate to receive their certification.
Career and Salary Outlook for Nursing Majors
Students who earn an RN-to-MSN online can pursue several careers, including NP, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, and clinical nurse specialist. In these roles, nurses can specialize in emergency nursing, acute care, oncology nursing, and prenatal nursing.
Outside of clinical roles, MSN graduates can also pursue opportunities in community health work, health education, and healthcare management.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioner | $115,800 | 45% |
| Health Educator and Community Health Worker | $46,910 | 13% |
| Registered Nurse | $73,300 | 7% |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $100,980 | 32% |
Source: BLS
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioner
Also known as APRNs, these professionals provide primary and specialty care for patients. They record medical histories, perform exams, and diagnose health problems. APRNs need a master's degree and most roles also require a specialty certification.
Health Educator and Community Health Worker
These professionals improve the health and wellness in a community by educating individuals and implementing health policies. They collect data on health concerns, assess the community's health needs, and create programs to teach people about wellness. Health educators and community health workers also connect people with health services.
Registered Nurse
RNs care for patients in hospitals, doctors' offices, and other medical facilities. They educate patients about health conditions, conduct health assessments, and administer treatments. RNs also communicate with doctors about a patient's condition. With a master's degree, RNs work as nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse administrators.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Also known as healthcare executives, these professionals oversee healthcare organizations. They improve quality and efficiency through new procedures, set a facility's goals and objectives, and recruit staff members. A nursing background plus business training prepares candidates for healthcare administrative positions.
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Accreditation for a Master's in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading data-ek="hen-ui-link:13"]
Nurses researching online RN-to-MSN programs should always look for accredited schools and programs. Attending an unaccredited nursing program can negatively shape a nurse's career prospects.
Accredited schools meet high standards for granting degrees. Learners who attend accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid and often find it easier to transfer credits. To earn accreditation, schools undergo a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. These agencies evaluate the school's student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Prospective students can research a school's accreditation status in the Department of Education database.
Accredited nursing degrees meet the requirements for nursing licenses and professional certifications. Most employers only hire nurses who attend an accredited program. In nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) grant accreditation to graduate-level nursing programs. CCNE and ACEN recognize programs that follow the best practices for training nurses.
Courses in an RN-to-MSN ProgramRNs complete bachelor's courses, master's courses, and concentration-area courses in online RN-to-MSN programs. Depending on their focus area, nurses learn administrative and leadership skills, teaching strategies, and primary care nursing.
During an RN-to-MSN online program, nurses strengthen their leadership, research, and clinical skills. Programs incorporate clinical training to provide hands-on experience in multiple settings. Many programs also include research projects, a master's thesis, or clinical projects.
See below for common courses in RN-to-MSN programs. Keep in mind that exact courses vary depending on the program and the learner's concentration area.
Certifications and Licensure for Nursing Majors
While all advanced practice nursing careers require an RN license, many also require professional certification. NPs, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives can demonstrate their training and experience by earning certification from a specialized organization. The following certifications require a master's degree in nursing.
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How Can a Master's Student Pay for College?
Nursing students can apply for scholarships to cover the cost of college. Unlike loans, which must be repaid, scholarships provide free money toward a degree. RN-to-MSN students can explore the nursing scholarships below and research opportunities based on their program, university, or specialty area.
AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students earning their master's degree in nursing, including students attending accredited online RN-to-MSN programs. The committee gives extra consideration to graduate students in nurse educator programs and those in RN-to-MSN programs. Finalists submit recommendation letters and other materials. The organization awards one scholarship per quarter.
Amount: $2,500
ENA Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Emergency Nursing Association awards scholarships to nurses earning a master's degree with a concentration in nursing administration, nurse practitioner, nursing education, or public health. Applicants must be current ENA members with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates submit two recommendation letters and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited nursing program.
Amount: Varies
March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Nurses who specialize in the care of mothers and babies qualify for the graduate scholarship. Applicants must be RNs enrolled in a graduate program focused on maternal-child nursing. Candidates should also demonstrate membership in the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; the American College of Nurse-Midwives; or the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
Amount: $5,000
Oncology Nursing Foundation Master's Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports RNs pursuing a master's degree in nursing to advance their career in oncology nursing. Applicants must attend an accredited school of nursing, including online RN-to-MSN programs, and complete an online application. The committee looks for applicants' commitment to oncology nursing.
Amount: $5,000
Geraldine "Polly" Bednash Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The AACN offers scholarships to students admitted or enrolled in an MSN program, including accredited RN-to-MSN online programs. Applicants need a minimum 3.2 GPA and must attend an AACN member institution affiliated with CastleBranch. Alternatively, applicants who used NursingCAS to submit their application qualify.
Amount: $5,000
