The Fast-Track Graduate Education for Nurses
If you are an RN with an associate’s degree or diploma and want to go to graduate school, an RN to Master of Scence in nursing (MSN) may be a good fit.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), these programs are increasing rapidly because of demand. There are currently over 130 programs in the United States with at least another 30 in development.
Admission is highly competitive. You need a current RN license and a good GPA from your previous training program. You may need to take prerequisite classes in such subjects as English, history, or math before applying. Some programs want a prescreening interview, an essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Having a few years of nursing experience under your belt is a plus.
Find RN to MSN Programs in Your State:
Depending upon which classes you’ve already taken before admission, a program may take three years or more to complete. At the beginning of your program you will complete the necessary bachelor’s degree content before moving on to the graduate core classes in subjects such as informatics, research, leadership, and nursing theory. You earn your remaining credits by taking electives that pertain to your specialty. Many programs offer part-time, evening, or weekend schedules and an online or hybrid format.
Along with your MSN at graduation, many programs also confer a BSN. You will be prepared to move on to your chosen specialty whether in management, consulting, research, education, or an advanced practice role such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist. With your MSN you can also advance to one of the highest degrees in nursing—a Ph.D. or DNP.
More information about the RN to MSN can be found at AACN’s website.
