Best Online RN to MSN Programs (No Bachelor’s Degree Required)

Best Online RN to MSN Programs (No Bachelor’s Degree Required) | 2023 Edition

Use the links below to jump to detailed reviews of the Best Online RN to MSN programs in the country. Analyze the handy list of decision points and College of Nursing profiles to find a degree that works for you!

RANK	SCHOOL	ACCEPTS OUT-OF-STATE RNS
1.	University of Arizona	Yes
2.	University of Mississippi Medical Center	Yes – Eligibility for MS Licensure
3.	University of Texas at Arlington	Yes
4.	University of Maryland Baltimore	MBON Compact States
5.	Jacksonville University	Yes
6.	University of Pittsburgh	Yes
7.	University of San Francisco	Yes
8.	George Mason University	Yes
9.	Union University	Compact State
10.	Lamar University	Yes
11.	Stevenson University	Yes
12.	Ferris State University	Yes
13.	Sacred Heart University	Yes

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

U of A’s Online RN to MS is built for convenience. The entire program is 100% online; most courses are only 7 weeks in length; and there are multiple start dates per year. There is one concentration—Clinical Systems Leadership—that culminates in a 16-week capstone project. You’ll work with a faculty mentor to create a patient-centered care management plan.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Student Completions | Graduations
Available Specialties	Clinical Systems Leadership
Program Length	2 years
RN to BSN Credits	11
MSN Credits	30
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$29,508
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA, 1 year RN experience
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose U of A?

Price, convenience, and reputation—these are the top 3 reasons why you might want to consider U of A. Unlike some of the other options in our rankings, in-state and out-of-state students at this public research university pay exactly the same price. The College of Nursing is a sturdy player on the national stage and it’s stacked with seasoned faculty. If you’re interested in the leadership track, you’ll also find plenty to love about the College’s research strengths (e.g. data & systems, health determinants & precision science).

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

UMMC’s speedy Online RN to MSN offerings come in a variety of flavors. The Nursing and Health Care Administrator track is online, but the hybrid NP and Nurse Educator tracks may include face-to-face elements in Jackson, MS. Clinical hours & residencies can usually be completed in your home community, but any NP clinical experiences must take place in Mississippi. If you commit to full-time study, you can earn your MSN in 2 years.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Employment | Student Debt
Available Specialties	Nursing & Health Care Administrator; Nurse Educator; AGACNP; AGPCNP; FNP; PMHNP
Program Length	2 years/6 semesters
RN to BSN Credits	16
MSN Credits	37-50
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$28,725 (In-State); $82,520 (Out-of-State)
On-Campus Requirements	Online for Administrator track; face-to-face meetings & intensives for other tracks
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes with Eligibility for MS Licensure
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA, 1 year of clinical RN experience for NP tracks
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose UMMC?

If you live in Mississippi—or aspire to be a nursing administrator—put UMMC on your shortlist. Thanks to its location on the health sciences campus of the University of Mississippi, the School of Nursing (SON) has close ties to UMMC hospitals, multiple healthcare facilities, and a number of its own nurse-managed clinics. You may even wish to work with SON faculty in a relevant area of regional research expertise (e.g. racial disparities in health care) or get involved in projects like the Jackson Heart Study. Oh, and did we mention that debt rates are low?

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

At UTA, you’ve got a choice—pick the streamlined Online RN to MSN in Nurse Educator or Administration or opt for the longer, practitioner-focused Online RN to MSN – FNP. Both options will help you earn a BSN and an MSN. UTA is an excellent choice for online learners who crave a flexible program with multiple start dates, but residents of certain states aren’t eligible to apply. Check the State Authorization and UTA Online FAQs sections for more details.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Tuition | Student Completions | Student Debt
Available Specialties	Nurse Educator; Administration; FNP
Program Length	3-3.5 years
RN to BSN Credits	32
MSN Credits	36-43
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$19,500 (Non-NP specialties); $38,308 (FNP)
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes – Check State Authorization
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA, 2 years of RN experience
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose UTA?

UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation impresses us for all kinds of reasons. It’s the largest public college of nursing in the country, a twice-designated NLN Center of Excellence, and a powerhouse of research work. Better yet, it’s relatively affordable, even for out-of-state students. UTA looks for high quality RN candidates with strong GPAs, so it’s also no surprise to see that its nursing graduates do well in APRN certification exams and job placements!

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

UMB offers an accelerated Online RN to MSN that allows you to earn a BSN and an MSN in a little over 2 years—the BSN portion of the program includes 6 credits of graduate-level coursework that can be applied to the MSN. If you opt for the Leadership or Informatics tracks, you can complete the entire degree online. The track in Community/Public Health Nursing will contain on-campus courses.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Student Completions | APRN Pass Rates | Graduations
Available Specialties	Nursing Informatics; Health Services Leadership and Management; Community/Public Health Nursing
Program Length	~2.5 years
RN to BSN Credits	31
MSN Credits	38-40
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$41,116 (In-State); $94,358 (Out-of-State)
On-Campus Requirements	100% online (Informatics, Leadership); blend of online & face-to-face elements (Public Health Nursing)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	MBON Compact States
Admission Requirements	2.5 GPA overall, 2.75 GPA on science courses
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose UMB?

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the country—employers will know the name! National rankings for informatics & leadership programs tend to be superb and graduate reviews are universally strong. Plus there are the professional connections. UMSON has close ties to the UM Medical Center and Baltimore VA Medical Center, and it’s home to a number of fascinating research centers. All of this quality comes with a price—UMB is not cheap. But it does offer merit & donor-funded scholarships.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

JU’s Online RN-MSN is actually an RN to BSN to MSN program—you’ll earn both degrees over the course of your studies. Courses are 8-weeks-long and there are multiple start dates throughout the year. JU states that its 100% online program can be finished in as few as 18 months, but this would be a heavy full-time schedule. Talk to the RN to MSN program coordinator about individualizing your calendar.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Tuition | Student Completions | Graduations | Student Debt
Available Specialties	Clinical Nurse Educator; Leadership in Healthcare Systems; Nursing Informatics; Healthcare Quality and Safety
Program Length	18 months+
RN to BSN Credits	23
MSN Credits	30-33
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$26,475 (In-State); $28,700 (Out-of-State)
On-Campus Requirements	100% online or in-person evening option
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA preferred
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose JU?

It’s eminently affordable. It’s flexible. And it’s respectable. The Keigwin School of Nursing is not as famous as some other Florida nursing schools, but it’s usually strong enough to rank in the top 200 of U.S. News rankings for Best MSN and Best Online MSN. JU is also known for being military friendly and accommodating to working nurses. Alumni tend to praise the career-focused environment, fast-paced classes, and helpfulness of faculty.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

Interested in hands-on leadership roles? Check out Pitt’s Online RN to MSN in CNL or Nursing Informatics. In these accelerated programs, you’ll earn a BSN and receive early admission to the MSN— 24 credits of the undergraduate portion also count towards core courses in the graduate degree. The Informatics concentration is 100% online; the CNL concentration is online or face-to-face.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	APRN Pass Rates | Graduations | Employment
Available Specialties	CNL; Nursing Informatics
Program Length	~2.5 years (7-8 terms)
RN to BSN Credits	52 (24 credits count toward MSN)
MSN Credits	39.5-43
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$71,152
On-Campus Requirements	100% online (Informatics); 100% online or face-to-face (CNL)
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA, competitive GRE scores
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose Pitt?

Pitt fully deserves its spot in our Best Online RN to MSN rankings. The research-backed School of Nursing has instant name recognition in the job market and it consistently over-performs in U.S. News & World Report. It’s considered to be one of the top nursing schools in the country. But the real mark of approval comes from former students. In reviews, nursing alumni praise almost every aspect of their experience, from the teaching to the curriculum. That may be why Pitt’s prices—and its certification pass rates—are so high. You get what you pay for here!

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

USF’s accelerated Online RN-MSN is aimed at RNs who wish to skip the BSN and progress directly to the MSN. Over the course of 6 semesters, you’ll tackle 38 credits. The final two semesters include a practicum (e.g. 400 hours) & internship. You’ll be responsible for securing a preceptor and identifying your own practicum site, but this can be at your place of work. USF does not accept RN-MSN applicants from a number of states—check your eligibility in the State Authorization section.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Strong U.S. News Rankings
Available Specialties	CNL
Program Length	2 years/6 semesters
RN to BSN Credits	N/A
MSN Credits	38
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$59,090
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes – Check State Authorization
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose USF?

At this private Jesuit university, you’ll find a School of Nursing and Health Professions with sturdy CNL pass rates, great Bay Area clinical connections, and a reputation for experienced graduates. Alumni say the MSN program is fast-paced and rigorous, with instructors expecting high quality work from students. Diversity, justice, and global perspectives are key tenets of the School’s mission, so you can also expect those threads to run through your education. The biggest downside is cost—USF is not cheap.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

GMU leaps into our rankings thanks to its Online RN to MSN pathway for the FNP. This RN to BSN to MSN program is open to associate degree holders. Coursework is 100% online with local practicum experiences. On a full-time basis, the RN to BSN portion might take 2 semesters; the MSN portion contains 8-week courses and takes 2-2.5 years. Part-time study is available. Check the State Authorization section before applying.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	APRN Pass Rates | Student Debt
Available Specialties	FNP
Program Length	3-4 years
RN to BSN Credits	30
MSN Credits	49
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$54,766 (In-State); $78,226 (Out-of-State)
On-Campus Requirements	100% online with in-person practicums
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes – Check State Authorization
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA; RN experience
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose GMU?

GMU’s School of Nursing has everything to recommend it. It’s one of the top 50 schools in the country. It has excellent quality markers & student achievement statistics. And it offers a number of nursing scholarships to help offset costs. Be sure to check out the Research & Expertise section for more info on primary care initiatives like the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics and public health projects. Virginia RNs should put this one on their shortlist.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

Looking for a Christian school? Check out UU’s cohort-based Online RN-MSN. If you want a 100% online experience, you can choose from Administration or Education. NP tracks are blended and include on-campus coursework. General Education requirements are listed on each program page—we’re estimating the undergraduate coursework would take 3 semesters, but you may be able to reduce the time with credit transfers. The MSN is 4 semesters (full-time) or 7 semesters (part-time).

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	APRN Pass Rates | Graduations | Employment
Available Specialties	Nursing Administration; Nursing Education (Hybrid for FNP & PMHNP)
Program Length	2.25-3.25 years
RN to BSN Credits	52* (may be fewer with transfers)
MSN Credits	39-46
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$82,278* (may be less with transfers)
On-Campus Requirements	100% online for non-NP tracks; hybrid for NP specialties
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Compact State
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose UU?

UU is a private, evangelical Christian liberal arts university, so it’s no surprise that the College of Nursing is committed to providing a Christ-centered environment (e.g. Center for Excellence in Health Care Practice). The school has a great track record in APRN pass rates, as well as employment & graduation rates, and it’s small enough for students to receive personalized attention. Alumni often praise the rigor of the programs and the helpfulness of the nursing faculty.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

Lamar’s convenient Online RN to MSN is available in 2 specialties: Administration or Education. Over the course of 36 months, you’ll complete 58 credits in an RN to BSN to MSN pathway. There are 4 BSN completion courses, 3 RN to MSN transition courses, 5 MSN core courses, and 8 MSN specialty courses. Once the BSN is conferred, you don’t need to reapply for admission to the MSN program. You can choose from 3 program start dates in the summer or fall.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Tuition | Student Debt
Available Specialties	Administration; Education
Program Length	3 years
RN to BSN Credits	28 (incl. RN to MSN Transition)
MSN Credits	30
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$25,931
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA (MAT score required for 2.85-2.99)
Accreditation	ACEN

Why Choose Lamar?

Lamar is a member of the Texas State University System, but its highly affordable RN to MSN tuition price is the same for all students. The ACEN-accredited JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing is required to publish Student Learning Outcomes on an annual basis, so you can see for yourself how it’s doing. In the past, the MSN has seen strong completion rates and job placements for graduates, but—unsurprisingly—these numbers took a hit during the COVID pandemic. Reviews tend to be positive, so chat to recent alumni to get a fuller sense of the picture.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

Stevenson’s Online RN to MS will allow you to earn a BSN and a master’s degree in a choice of 3 concentrations. The undergraduate portion is 30 credits and might take one year on a full-time schedule. The MSN portion is 36 credits and designed as a part-time accelerated program. Almost all courses are 8 weeks in length, with the exception of one BSN-level course that requires 45 clinical hours and the MSN capstone. There are 6 start dates to the RN to MS program every year.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Employment
Available Specialties	Nursing Education; Nursing Leadership/Management; Population-Based Care Coordination
Program Length	~3.5 years
RN to BSN Credits	30
MSN Credits	36
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$37,350
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose Stevenson?

Stevenson’s School of Nursing and Health Professions is the little Maryland engine that could. It has created a no-fee program that’s relatively affordable, convenient, and intimate. Online graduate nursing classes tend to be small, diverse, and taught by faculty with a solid background in distance education. The school offers a partnership tuition discount to students in local community colleges, hospitals, and organizations. And it’s particularly strong on employment rates after graduation.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

FSU’s Online RN to MSN Accelerated Track is an extension of its RN to BSN completion program—you’ll enroll in the undergraduate pathway and indicate that you’re interested in pursuing an MSN. The BSN portion of the program consists of 7 online courses and a service learning project, plus any extra General Education credits. The cohort-based MSN is 37 credits and all courses are delivered online. The entire RN to MSN might take 12 semesters to finish.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Employment
Available Specialties	Nursing Administration; Nursing Education; Nursing Informatics
Program Length	12 semesters/4 years
RN to BSN Credits	21
MSN Credits	37
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$36,305
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	2.5 GPA; 2 years clinical experience preferred
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose FSU?

FSU is a public research university in Michigan, so you can expect the School of Nursing to have a solid track record in education and faculty expertise. In addition to offering reasonable tuition prices, the School tends to sit in the top 100 of U.S. News rankings for Online MSN programs and it usually achieves excellent employment rates for graduates.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

Online RN to MSN Program Overview

SHU’s Online RN-BSN-MSN is available in 3 tracks—CNL, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management & Executive Leadership. If you have all your prerequisite credits in hand, you can complete both degrees in ~3.5 years. The BSN portion is 30 credits. The MSN is 24-27 credits (e.g. 8-9 courses). This 100% online program is also built for convenience. Clinical practicums can be completed in your home state. There are 6 start dates per year. And courses are only 8 weeks long.

Online RN to MSN Decision Points
Top 5 Schools For	Tuition | Student Completions | APRN Pass Rates
Available Specialties	CNL; Nursing Education; Nursing Management & Executive Leadership
Program Length	3.5 years
RN to BSN Credits	30
MSN Credits	24-27
Minimum Tuition Estimate	$28,380
On-Campus Requirements	100% online
Accepts Out-of-State RNs	Yes
Admission Requirements	3.0 GPA
Accreditation	CCNE

Why Choose SHU?

SHU is a bit of a hidden gem. At this private Roman Catholic university, you’ll find a College of Nursing with top-notch certification pass rates, small class sizes, seasoned faculty, and eminently affordable graduate programs. New England RNs should definitely take a look—the College has developed a range of clinical affiliations and community experiences and it offers a 10% discount on online tuition to employees of local partners & hospitals.

Learn More: Program Website | Admissions Information | Tuition Prices

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Online RN to MSN: The Complete Guide

Program Format

Online RN to MSN programs are structured just like on-campus RN to MSN programs. That means your studies will be split into 2 major phases:

• Undergraduate Phase: You’ll be required to earn good grades in a set number of upper-level undergraduate courses from the university. In the case of a distance learning program, these courses are almost always offered online, so you can work while you study.
• Graduate Phase: You’ll be able to take all (or almost all) of your standard MS or MSN courses online. You can fulfill your practicums in your home community, but you’ll often be expected to find the preceptor and arrange the setting. You’ll also have to pay for transit costs to the site.

In a lot of cases, online courses will be offered in an asynchronous format (i.e. you can log into the course at any time), but check the curriculum. Some schools like to include synchronous elements such as real-time lectures, group projects & discussions, and real-time tests & exams.

Program Timeline

Generally speaking, the undergraduate phase will take 6 months to 2 years and the MS or MSN portion will take anywhere from 1-3 years to complete, but this depends on:

• What undergraduate qualification you hold (e.g. diploma vs. non-nursing bachelor’s degree)
• What program you are in (e.g. RN-MSN or RN-BSN-MSN)
• How many credits you can transfer & how many you need to earn
• Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time
• Your choice of specialty

A lot of online students decide to work full-time or part-time while they are studying, so this can stretch the timeline out!

On-Campus Components

Schools of Nursing may decide to incorporate on-campus components into their online RN to MSN programs, even in the undergraduate phase. For example:

• Direct Care: Many online RN to MSN programs that deal with direct care & APRN licensure (e.g. nurse practitioner specialties, nurse midwifery, etc.) will include campus-based orientations, training workshops, weekend intensives, and simulations. Schools are deliberately preparing you for clinical work.
• Indirect Care: Online RN to MSN programs that deal with indirect care (e.g. nursing administration, nursing informatics, nursing education, etc.) are much more variable. Some programs include orientations & networking opportunities, but plenty of programs require no on-campus visits. However, you’ll still be expected to complete internships and/or practicums in your home community.

We tend to favor online RN to MSN programs that include on-campus components. After all, nursing is a hands-on medical discipline that requires skills in negotiation, networking, and team-building! But campus trips will cost money and time. Draw up a comprehensive budget of all your expenses.

Note: When it comes to APRN state licensure & national certification, the key requirement will be your total number of clinical practicum hours, not these extra campus components.

Online RN to MSN State Licensure & National Certification

State Authorization

Before you fall in love with a specific online RN to MSN program, it’s important to know that every state has specific laws & regulations that govern educational providers, including rules regarding distance learning programs. That means:

• States have the power to authorize (or not authorize) out-of-state Schools of Nursing that want to offer online programs to their residents.
• Mainly, states want to verify that distance learning programs are meeting the same quality standards as in-state programs.
• As of July 2018, a U.S. Department of Education rule requires institutions to be authorized in each state where students are enrolled in order to participate in federal student financial aid programs.

How to Handle State Authorization

State authorization is a messy area, involving all kinds of reciprocity agreements and exemptions, so it’s probably easiest to:

1. Create a shortlist of your favorite online RN to MSN programs.
2. Consult the State Authorizations or State Regulations page on the School of Nursing website.
3. Talk to the program coordinator to make double-sure you’re eligible to apply.
4. Check with your State Board of Nursing if you’re planning to pursue APRN licensure (see below).

Your choice of specialty will also affect the availability of online programs:

• Indirect Care: Online RN to MSN programs that deal with indirect care (e.g. nursing administration, nursing informatics, etc.) and don’t involve licensure are usually open to nursing students in many states.
• Direct Care: Online RN to MSN programs that deal with direct care & APRN licensure (e.g. nurse practitioner specialties, nurse midwifery, etc.) may have more restrictions when it comes to accepting out-of-state students, due to the clinical training that’s required.

In some cases, you may discover that a program simply can’t accept you.

APRN State Licensure Requirements

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (i.e. APRN) or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (e.g. ARNP) state licensure is required for the following fields:

• All Nurse Practitioner Specialties
• Nurse Midwife
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN in Most States)
• Nurse Anesthetist (doctorate also required)

Please make sure your online RN to MSN will meet APRN licensure requirements in your home state before you apply!

State Boards of Nursing have specific rules & regulations regarding distance learning programs & clinical training experiences. It’s important that your online program is authorized by your home state and meets all the criteria for preceptorships and clinical placements. Online RN to MSN program websites often provide a warning on this issue:

e.g. “X College is unable to ascertain licensure requirements in every state. It is up to the individual student to be aware of and abide by licensure requirements in the states in which the student chooses to obtain licensure and employment.”

Most schools suggest that you contact the State Board of Nursing directly.

Online RN to MSN Programs & National Certification

We provide detailed info on national certification requirements (mandatory & voluntary) under each RN to MSN specialty page. If you’re wondering about how this relates to online & hybrid RN to MSN programs:

• Most national certification bodies will expect you to have an MSN from an ACEN– or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing.
• If you’re considering nurse midwifery certification, your program should be accredited by the ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

Certification bodies won’t care if your MSN is hybrid, online, or on-campus, just as long as it holds the appropriate accreditation. In addition:

• National certifications in nurse practitioner specialties and other programs involving direct care often have a clinical practicum requirement (e.g. minimum of X faculty-supervised clinical hours). Make sure your online program fulfills all the criteria for these hours.
• Online RN to MSN programs should always prepare you for relevant national certifications! Most schools will state this clearly on the program website.

How to Choose an Online RN to MSN Program

Program Accreditation

We recommend you choose an accredited online RN to MSN program that holds:

• Regional Accreditation: Regional accreditation is granted to colleges and universities—both public & private—in all 50 states. Most of these institutions are non-profit. Regional accreditation is given to an institution, so it will cover all of the programs that the college or university offers, including on-campus, hybrid, and online degrees.
• ACEN or CCNE Accreditation: An ACEN– or CCNE-accredited degree is frequently required for national certifications. Happily, many ACEN- and CCNE-accredited schools now offer hybrid & online programs.

Almost all the online RN to MSN programs in our state-by-state directory hold these two accreditations. But it’s important to note that we have included a small number of programs from nationally accredited, for-profit schools (e.g. Aspen & Capella). They are ACEN- or CCNE- accredited, so we wanted to let you know they existed.

Our guide to RN to MSN Programs has more info on the:

• Benefits of regional accreditation over national accreditation
• Pitfalls of choosing a for-profit program (even if it’s cheaper)

Employers pay close attention to accreditation quality markers, especially when they’re evaluating candidates who have earned an online degree. A regionally accredited, non-profit institution with CCNE or ACEN accreditation is always your safest bet!!

Teaching Standards

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with inept teachers in graduate school. To avoid the trap, examine the class schedule (where course instructors are listed) or ask the program coordinator for a list of online instructors.

Pick online RN to MSN programs that are taught by:

• Experienced, tenured nursing professors who also teach in the on-campus nursing programs
• Adjunct professors & instructors who have significant real-world experience in their field of expertise
• Teachers who are active in their specialty (e.g. publishing papers, presenting at conferences, etc.) and who receive praise on graduate student review sites

Because nursing is a hands-on discipline, we don’t mind online programs that use qualified adjuncts—they usually have the latest intelligence on healthcare developments & workplace issues. They may also be able to help when it comes to career planning & networking. Check their LinkedIn profiles to learn more about their qualifications.

Note: Minimal RN & clinical years, no training in online teaching, and dubious academic credentials (e.g. MSN from a degree mill) are big red flags!

Online Student Support

Support is important for any RN to MSN student, but it’s especially critical for online students. It can be a lonely and challenging process to complete a graduate degree in nursing through distance learning.

That’s why we favor Schools of Nursing that offer:

• Individual academic advisors or student service coordinators
• 24/7 technical support for distance learning students
• Online tutoring & counseling services
• Opportunities to connect in real-time with professors & fellow students during the courses
• Online student chat rooms or forums
• Virtual office hours
• Assistance with arranging practicums in your home community
• On-campus training (as long as you can afford the travel)

Online Graduate Outcomes

Unsurprisingly, online graduate programs tend to have a higher number of drop-outs than on-campus programs! You can get an inside view of an online RN to MSN’s popularity & effectiveness by asking the program coordinator for statistics on the:

• Program retention rate
• Number of job offers at graduation
• Alumni employment rate after one year
• National certification exam pass rates
• Average student debt