Online MSN Programs

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Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Last Updated: February 13, 2023

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Nursing is integral to the health care system. It encompasses the prevention of illness, care of those who are physically or mentally ill, and the promotion of health and well-being. The Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN online program, is generally one of the most popular degrees around the globe due to the growing demand for the nursing profession. Online MSN programs provide nurses with additional specialized knowledge and skills in nursing, healthcare, illness prevention, and patient care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurse employment will grow about 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average for other professions^[1].

Find the Best Online
MSN Programs

Master of Science in Nursing or MSN Programs are built for working nurses and generally give options for many specializations reflecting the current demands of the field. Since this degree can open new doors in the future, students must select their schools carefully, evaluating critical factors, including the quality of faculty, specializations offered, tools and resources available, laboratories, field experiences, and more. Our team at FBD has evaluated several components using a unique ranking method and drawn up a list of the best online MSN programs: *

Ohio State University-Main Campus

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Rush University

Duke University

Saint Xavier University

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Duquesne University

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

The University of Texas at Arlington

East Tennessee State University

Fort Hays State University

Johns Hopkins University

Simmons University

The University of Alabama

Baker University

The Catholic University of America

George Washington University

Stony Brook University

University of Connecticut

Thomas Jefferson University

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to Expect from an Online
MSN Degree

Most of those pursuing MSN programs online generally already have a bachelor’s in nursing or other fields. The MSN typically requires around 35 to 50 credits. However, this number also depends on whether the student has a BSN, a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, or transferable credits. The degree duration could be around one to three years, and additional factors like completion of clinical hours outside the regular class schedule could influence the program length. One of the crucial components of the MSN degree is the practicum or clinical requirement, which includes the elements of evaluation, practice, and research related to it. One can expect to work in advanced settings of practice where they learn about critical skills of diagnosis and usage of clinical management tools.

Curriculum and
Coursework

The MSN program curriculum prepares registered nurses for their advanced clinical practice and builds on their knowledge of several subject areas, including microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Those enrolled in this program must complete classes in advanced nursing research, pharmacology, health assessment and measurement, health care ethics, health informatics, population health, nursing leadership, physiology, and pathophysiology. Most programs across colleges generally begin with five core courses:

Scholarly Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice

This course helps students understand the critical components of evidence-based practice necessary for improvement in various healthcare settings. It teaches critical synthesis and analysis of evidence-based practice, evaluating clinical practice guidelines, and using scholarly inquiry.

Interprofessional Healthcare Leadership

In this course, students develop the skills of a professional working in several healthcare systems to promote a culture of quality and safety. They also understand how to take action proactively based on reliable and timely information, challenge different assumptions, and create solutions to varying needs. These needs arise across four care spheres: chronic disease care, regenerative care, prevention and promotion of well-being and health, and palliative or hospice care.

Global Diversity and Health

In this course, students explore the impact of healthcare delivery systems and different global challenges in healthcare. Study topics include social justice principles, multiple approaches to health advancement, determinants of health, and strategies for social justice advocacy. Students also gain an essential understanding of human rights principles and apply social justice to address wellness and global health challenges in different patient populations.

Biostatistical and Epidemiological Applications in Healthcare

This course focuses on the foundations and principles of biostatistics and epidemiology for healthcare applications. Students evaluate the basic concepts of study designs and disease transmission and learn to quantify disease progression and assess risk factors. They also gain application skills like data analysis, hypothesis testing of health data, and data collection to support disease prevention, clinical decision-making, and health promotion.

Role Development and Transforming MSN Nurses

In this course, students explore the roles that professional MSN nurses play, including the differentiation of an advanced nurse practitioner and developing a long-term career in this field. Students evaluate nurses’ influence on healthcare systems, trends, and policies in shaping professional practice. The course also helps them cultivate and form a professional nursing identity through their engagement, critique, and development of professional relationships.

Other courses one can find across MSN programs include:

Healthcare Safety and Quality
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Education
Advanced Pharmacology
Population Healthcare
Nurse Executive Leadership
Nurse Educator Clinical Practicum
Development and Evaluation of Nursing Curricula
Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced Nursing: Vulnerable Populations

Students enrolled in MSN degrees should also comply with the minimum requirements of their institutions like clinical practice experience in clinics, under supervision. They should note that these requirements include active and unencumbered verification of license(s), immunization records, criminal background checks, professional liability insurance, and more. Students must meet these requirements to finish the course of clinical practice experience.

Learning Outcomes and
Skills Gained

Types of MSN Degrees Students
Can Obtain

Earning an online MSN degree is one of the best ways to advance one’s career options in nursing. There is typically one type of MSN degree that prospective students can find in colleges in the United States – a Master of Science Degree in Nursing or MS. However, various types of MSN specialties are available for one can choose from, including Nurse Administrator, Nurse Midwifery, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Anesthesia, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nursing informatics, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and more. Whatever the interest area, students can find an MSN specialty to match their personal and professional goals.

Areas of Specialization for
MSN Students

Specializations in a graduate program give students the skills to gain expertise in one area and explore it in-depth. MSN online programs offer many concentrations that help students direct their energy into exploring topics they may be interested in, some of which are:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Clinical Trials Research	In this specialization, students understand the range of medical problems faced by today’s generation. They learn to maintain quality and honesty during clinical trials in private and public sectors, ensuring that they comply with state, federal, local, and international regulations.	Clinical Research Nurse
Adult-Gerontology	In this specialization, students focus on the process of protection and aging, restoration, optimization of different health functions, prevention of injury, and alleviation of suffering through treatment. It includes aspects of advocating for the care of this population.	Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health	This concentration prepares students for advanced practice in providing psychiatric-mental health services to patients across their lifespans and their families in different settings. Students learn about classic theories, biopsychosocial approaches, and research evidence to develop skills in clinical management.	Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Oncology Nursing	In this concentration, students learn the various aspects related to the detection and diagnosis of cancer, nursing practice issues, treatment and management of symptoms, and epidemiology and trends in cancer care.	Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Pediatrics	In this specialization, students learn about medical science related to addressing children’s emotional, social, and physical health throughout their developmental lifespan.	Pediatric Nurse
Neonatal	In this concentration, students are trained to work with newborns with infections, cardiac irregularities, physical defects, or other issues requiring extra care for infants in neonatal intensive care units.	Neonatal Care Nurse

Full-Time and Part-Time
Programs

MSN programs online are generally provided both part-time and full-time in most colleges. The program’s duration will depend on whether the student has completed a bachelor of science in nursing, has a non-nursing field bachelor, or even transferable credits. The length of MSN programs typically ranges from one to three years. If pursued full-time, it can be completed in two years; however, when completed part-time, it takes two years to four years (or more) to complete the degree. Additional factors like supervised clinical hours outside one’s traditional regular class schedules could affect the duration. When the degree is completed in an accelerated format or more courses are taken in one semester, one can finish this degree in less than two years.

Accelerated MSN
Programs

Accelerated online nursing MSN programs can help build on previous learning and allow students to quickly enter the healthcare field with an advanced degree. These programs are intensive because students must finish much of the course in less time. The RN to MSN online programs in an accelerated format often combine a BSN and MSN degree, completing the requirements of both in about four years and focusing on only nursing requirements. All such accelerated programs are academically equivalent to a regular traditional MSN, and one need not worry about the quality of such fast-track degrees. Some universities offering accelerated MSN degrees include Emory-Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing^[3] and Drexel University^[4].

Requirements for Getting into an
Online MSN Program

No GRE Online MSN
Programs

Many nursing programs do not require a GRE score for enrollment. Removal of this requirement helps many prospective students become eligible to apply for these degrees. Those from both non-nursing and nursing backgrounds can apply for no GRE MSN programs. Some universities offering no gre online MSN programs are Duke University School of Nursing^[5] and Southern New Hampshire University^[6].

How to Ensure an Online MSN Program
is Accredited

Where to Find Free Online Courses
for MSN Students

Course	Description	Provided by
The Concept of Infection Control^[11]	This course analyzes the basic ideas behind controlling infection and the control actions that one might need to take to keep everyone from getting ill. Students learn the fundamental goals of infection regulation and the role of being one of the first responders to control it.	American Nursing Association
Cultural and Linguistic Competence^[12]	This course makes learners aware of various practical applications, including inclusivity, communication skills, working with interpreters, ensuring representation among clinicians, and identifying and handling the explicit and implicit bias in healthcare settings. It will help them formulate strategies for patients in a culturally competent way.	Scientiacme
NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours^[13]	This course teaches the individual factors leading to differences in nurses’ ability to adjust to long hours. Students learn strategies to help them implement and reduce the risks of shift work.	NIOSH

Ways to Pay for an Online
MSN Degree

Scholarships for Online MSN
Degree Students

A scholarship is a form of monetary reward given to students for furthering their education. Many individuals and organizations offer scholarships to deserving students with excellent academic track records. Some MSN scholarships available to consider are:

Scholarship	Description	Amount/Award	Application Deadline
Caroline E. Holt Nursing^[14]	The Daughters of the American Revolution awards this scholarship to three deserving students who need financial assistance and have been currently enrolled in an accredited nursing institution in the United States.	$2,500	January 31, 2023
R&D Systems Scholarship^[15]	The R&D Systems Scholarship supports students pursuing an associate, graduate, or undergraduate degree in nursing or related sciences. One only needs two personal statements explaining their professional and academic nursing intent.	$1,500	January 2023
Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship^[16]	The American Association of Colleges of Nursing or AACN funds this scholarship. It recognizes the efforts of graduate nursing students who want to be in leadership positions and have academic interests. The scholarship covers educational expenses, and scholars also get one-on-one leadership development with Dr. Trautman.	$3,500	TBA

Career Opportunities and Salaries
After Graduating

Completing online MSN programs leads to diverse jobs in nursing in various healthcare and business settings. The job outlook for the nursing field is better than other professions, and according to the employment projections of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nurse’s occupation is one of the largest employment groups, projected to add roughly 439,300 jobs^[2]. Here are a few common roles MSN students take after graduating from nursing school:

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Registered Nurse^[17]	Registered nurses usually work as part of the physician’s team. However, some could also work as nursing assistants, home health aides, and licensed practical nurses. They educate patients and their caregivers on how to manage illness and injuries and also explain how to aid the recovery process at home.	Critical-thinking skills, communication skills, compassion, detail-oriented, emotional stability, physical stamina, organizational skills	$77,600	6% (as fast as average)
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners^[18]	Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses and have the same duties as registered nurses. They gather information about patients’ conditions and manage their health. The focus is on patient-centered care, which includes understanding patients’ concerns.	Communication skills, critical-thinking skills, compassion, detail-oriented, leadership skills, interpersonal skills	$123,780	40% (much faster than average)
Physician Assistants^[19]	Physician assistants work with surgery and provide treatment like stitching wounds, immunizing patients, setting broken bones, and more. They monitor the progress that patients make and prescribe them medication based on the examination and diagnosis of the patient’s illness or injury.	Problem-solving, emotional stability, interpersonal skills, detail-oriented, compassion, communication skills	$121,530	28% (much faster than average)
Legal Nurse Consultants^[20]	Legal Nurse Consultants analyze, understand and review health records that will help them instruct people about the standards of potential causes and risks in healthcare. They manage and oversee medical chronology and case analysis.	Detailed-oriented, verbal skills, interpersonal skills, management skills	$82,203	NA
Nurse Educators^[21]	Nurse educators work with administrative and medical staff to recognize caregivers like nurses and incorporate them into different education programs at organizations in the capacity of trainers. They directly train such employees to ensure consistency and education is delivered smoothly.	Interpersonal skills, verbal skills, writing skills, critical thinking skills	$78,967	NA
Hospice Nurses^[22]	Hospice nurses help discuss the prognosis and monitor the patient’s vitals. They check if the patient’s living space is optimal for care and well-being and create a plan for their caregivers to follow. They are also entrusted with supervising licensed nurse practitioners and certified home health aides.	Critical-thinking skills, communication skills, compassion, detail-oriented, emotional stability, physical stamina, organizational skills	$72,574	NA

Certifications and Licensing for Online
MSN Students

Additional Resources for
MSN Students

Title/Resource	Description
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners^[27]	This organization is led by a group of volunteers dedicated to the profession of nursing. They launch many collaborative projects, resources, and guides for managing illnesses to educate their members and patients.
American Academy of Nursing^[28]	This organization’s members, called fellows, are amongst the most accomplished leaders in practice, research, management, and education in nursing. Its members aim to work towards the advancement of healthy behaviors collaboratively.
Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments^[29]	This organization aims to promote healthy living amongst people by educating them about healthy environments. It leads the nursing profession by incorporating evidence-based practice and advancing research in this occupation.
American Association for the History of Nursing^[30]	This organization aims to educate nurses and the general public about the heritage and history of nursing. It encourages and supports research in nursing and recognizes the scholarly achievements made throughout the history of nursing. It also aims to promote the inclusion of this history in curricula taught in nursing schools.
American Nursing Association^[31]	Through this organization, nurses can find a community that offers networking opportunities and career benefits and help them find like-minded peers. It helps them stay updated with nursing-related news and provides discounts on certifications, publications, and so on.

FAQs About Online MSN
Programs

Are online MSN programs respected?

What is the best online RN to MSN program?

What are the learning outcomes of an online master’s nursing program?

What can you do with an online MSN degree?

Is an online MSN worth it?

Is it necessary to have some license to apply to an MSN program?

Is there any prerequisite course one needs to complete before pursuing an MSN online degree?

Author Bio:

Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Citations:

Disclaimer:

the average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Ohio State University-Main Campus	190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43210	$11,560	88%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260	$24,118	84%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Rush University	600 S. Paulina St. STE 440, Chicago, Illinois 60612	$37,253	NA

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Duke University	103 Allen Bldg, Durham, North Carolina 27708	$57,900	96%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Saint Xavier University	3700 W 103rd St, Chicago, Illinois 60655	$15,000	52%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
University of Nevada-Las Vegas	4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154	$5,823	47%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Baker University	615 Dearborn Street, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006	$11,466	62%

Online MSN Programs

By Nikita Nath

Updated February 13, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

On this page

Back to top

Find the Best OnlineMSN Programs

What to Expect from an OnlineMSN Degree

Curriculum andCoursework

Scholarly Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice

Interprofessional Healthcare Leadership

Global Diversity and Health

Biostatistical and Epidemiological Applications in Healthcare

Role Development and Transforming MSN Nurses

Learning Outcomes andSkills Gained

Types of MSN Degrees StudentsCan Obtain

Areas of Specialization forMSN Students

Full-Time and Part-TimePrograms

Accelerated MSNPrograms

Requirements for Getting into anOnline MSN Program

No GRE Online MSNPrograms

How to Ensure an Online MSN Programis Accredited

Where to Find Free Online Coursesfor MSN Students

Ways to Pay for an OnlineMSN Degree

Scholarships for Online MSNDegree Students

Career Opportunities and SalariesAfter Graduating

Certifications and Licensing for OnlineMSN Students

Family Nurse Practitioner[23]

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[24]

Emergency Nurse Practitioner[25]

Additional Resources forMSN Students

FAQs About Online MSNPrograms

Are online MSN programs respected?

What is the best online RN to MSN program?

What are the learning outcomes of an online master’s nursing program?

What can you do with an online MSN degree?

Is an online MSN worth it?

Is it necessary to have some license to apply to an MSN program?

Is there any prerequisite course one needs to complete before pursuing an MSN online degree?

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Citations:

Disclaimer:

Find the Best Online
MSN Programs

What to Expect from an Online
MSN Degree

Curriculum and
Coursework

Learning Outcomes and
Skills Gained

Types of MSN Degrees Students
Can Obtain

Areas of Specialization for
MSN Students

Full-Time and Part-Time
Programs

Accelerated MSN
Programs

Requirements for Getting into an
Online MSN Program

No GRE Online MSN
Programs

How to Ensure an Online MSN Program
is Accredited

Where to Find Free Online Courses
for MSN Students

Ways to Pay for an Online
MSN Degree

Scholarships for Online MSN
Degree Students

Career Opportunities and Salaries
After Graduating

Certifications and Licensing for Online
MSN Students

Family Nurse Practitioner^[23]

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner^[24]

Emergency Nurse Practitioner^[25]

Additional Resources for
MSN Students

FAQs About Online MSN
Programs