RN to MSN Online Pathway Seamlessly transition from BSN to MSN Program

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
• Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free undergraduate application
• Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
• Test scores are not required as part of your application

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

If you are considering an MSN program at SNHU, please check MSN admissions criteria including GPA requirements.

Criterion for acceptance into the accelerated pathway is a 3.5 GPA in SNHU RN-BSN coursework. Admission to the RN-MSN pathway does not guarantee admission to the SNHU MSN program. All students must apply to the MSN program. To learn more, request information and an SNHU admission counselor will answer any of your questions.

ADN/ASN to MSN Friendly

You deserve credit for your experience. That's why, at SNHU, we've partnered with community colleges throughout the country to offer transfer-friendly programs that can help recent ASN graduates start courses before sitting for their NCLEX exam. If you are a graduate of an ASN program from a New Hampshire community college, mention that to your SNHU admission counselor to learn more about our tuition benefits.

NOTE: SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or US territories, and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or US territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a US territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the US territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Admission, and current students should contact their advisor for more information.

Students enrolled in SNHU nursing programs must comply with requirements of the healthcare organizations where their clinical practice experiences will be completed. If the healthcare organization requires an affiliation agreement prior to conducting clinical practice experiences, additional requirements may include (but are not limited to) criminal background checks and verification of licensure, drug testing, immunization records, health insurance and medical malpractice insurance. Students are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of meeting these additional requirements.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete a free undergraduate application
• Submit any additional documents required
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process

If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.

Upon completion of their BSN, students will still need to submit an application and be accepted to the MSN program.

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Technology Requirements for Nursing Students

Students enrolled in SNHU programs are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software and equipment. In addition to the SNHU technology requirements, nursing students should have the following:

• The ability to record (webcams and microphones are often built into laptops or computers)
• At least 5 Mbps internet upload speed
• If using a Windows machine, at least Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen with an integrated graphics chip
• If using a Mac machine, at least Intel i5 or Apple M1 with an integrated graphics chip
• Google Chrome

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Yes. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.

At SNHU, RNs must earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing before moving on to their Master of Science in Nursing. The RN-to-MSN pathway gives you the opportunity to achieve your MSN faster – saving you time and tuition.

The pathway represents just one of the many ways SNHU works to empower nurses. We understand the daily challenges you'll face as a practicing nurse – and we believe wholeheartedly that, no matter how much time you dedicate to your job, you should always have the option to advance your career on your terms.

At SNHU, we believe those who answer the call to become a nurse should have access to the education and tools they need to succeed. One way we do this is by offering a more seamless, hassle-free admission process.

SNHU has no caps or waiting lists for the RN to BSN and most MSN tracks, ensuring we meet the needs of our students and the healthcare field. Once you meet the Admissions Requirements, you'll be accepted into your chosen MSN track on a rolling basis, with 5 term starts per year.

These efforts are especially important when you consider this: In 2020, a total of 80,521 qualified applications were not accepted at schools of nursing, largely due to a shortage of clinical sites, faculty and resource constraints.³

Within this total, applications turned away included 66,274 from entry-level baccalaureate, 1,376 from RN-to-baccalaureate, 8,987 from master's, and 3,884 from doctoral programs.³

Given the persistent shortage of nurse faculty, AACN remains concerned that 12,871 applications were turned away from graduate programs, which limits the pool of potential nurse faculty.³

But at SNHU, our online MSNs empower nurses to pursue their goals, without wait times that put their life and career on hold.

The best RN to MSN program is the one that fits your learning needs, schedule and budget. While there are many rankings in the market, at the end of the day, what really matters is that your degree works for you.

At SNHU, we take pride in creating nursing pathways that meet students where they are.

Our highly experienced nursing faculty understand what it's like to juggle home, work and school life. And now, in a post-pandemic world, we're more dedicated than ever to supporting you throughout your educational journey.

Built by nurses, for nurses.

Nursing is a job that is both physically and mentally demanding, and we get that. Additionally, 2020 brought challenges that we had never experienced before and strengthened our belief that nurses are heroes. That's why SNHU's curriculum was designed with nurses in mind. We aim to simplify the pathway to your master's, from offering affordable access to coursework online and on your time, to providing academic and career support when you need it. Because we believe that nurses are the heart of healthcare – and you deserve the opportunity to lead them.

Virtual classroom. Real impact.

You'll also have the option to make a real difference in your community through student groups, projects and initiatives. One such opportunity is the HEaRT – Higher Education and Real-World Training – Challenge, which pairs online students with community leaders to develop collaborative strategies and solutions to organizational problems. This team-based approach supports the interprofessional collaboration employees need to succeed in healthcare.

"The HEaRT Challenge offers students a meaningful way to build confidence, apply soft skills and demonstrate workforce readiness," said Dr. Toni Clayton, associate dean of health professions at SNHU.

Pre-licensure nursing programs including an associate degree in nursing (ADN) are not completed online. Many registered nurses (RNs) start with an associate degree in nursing at a community college.

In fact, we partner with a number of community colleges across the country that offer all kinds of learning experiences – all built to fit your life and learning style.

Earning your ADN through one of our partner community colleges can be an excellent educational stepping stone – and a practical one, too. You'll be able to gain the foundational knowledge you need to advance, then transition seamlessly to an undergraduate degree at SNHU.

You'll also have the opportunity to develop your professional identity and open doors to nursing positions in an array of settings, from hospitals and doctor’s offices to schools and long-term care facilities.

Yes, it's possible, but here at SNHU, the RN to MSN pathway is structured so you earn your BSN, then seamlessly progress to a master's program.

We do it this way because we believe every student should have the opportunity to earn valuable credentials as they pursue their goals. Not only will they serve as benchmarks in your own educational journey – they will show employers your qualifications as you complete your coursework. This could ultimately open doors for new employment opportunities, or put you on track to an advanced degree.

At SNHU, we're proud to offer our students an RN to MSN pathway that can help you save time and money. By applying and choosing this pathway, you'll have the power to complete your education without gaps, helping you advance in a smaller period of time and positioning you for leadership in your field once you graduate.

Typically, it can take many years for a nurse to earn an MSN, as it requires a few steps to complete.

First, you must become a registered nurse. This can be achieved in a couple of different ways but starts with attending an accredited pre-licensure nursing program which can be offered as several degree types including:

• Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program which is typically four years in length or
• Completing an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at a community college which is typically 2-3 years in length

After successfully achieving the required education, students must sit for and pass the NCLEX. All U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia require registered nurses to have a nursing license. To earn licensure, you must complete an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. Additional requirements for licensure vary by state.

From there, ASN graduates can apply for an RN to BSN program, which can also help them work toward their MSN through the RN to MSN pathway. Students entering the RN to BSN can transfer in up to 90 credits, which means they need to take 10 courses at SNHU to achieve a BSN. With those transfer credits, full-time students taking two courses per term can finish in under one year, and part-time students taking one course per term can finish in under two years. By selecting the RN to MSN pathway, most students will reduce their master's program to 30 credits. For those enrolled in the accelerated FNP track, the 51-credit program is reduced to 45 credits.

Apart from being both costly and time-consuming, earning these degrees can come with a host of other challenges, including:

• Transferability. Transferring credits from one institution to the next can be a time-consuming process. By opting for the RN to MSN pathway, however, you can save the hassle of getting credit for past academic achievements.
• Flexibility. Opting for a traditional (in-person) learning experience may conflict with your busy schedule. Earning your degree in a 24/7 online program – and combining two programs – can help you make it work.

A master's degree in nursing may be worth pursuing, depending on your personal and professional goals. Nurses who earn an MSN open the door to new areas of achievement, whether it's managing a team, creating positive change in patient outcomes, or providing a safe training and simulation experience to staff in various types of healthcare institutions. There are even opportunities to specialize in several high-demand areas, such as nursing education.

Taking the next step in your education can result in a number of rewards. You'll have the knowledge and credentials you need to make a bigger impact in the workplace. By leveraging a curriculum created by professionals who understand the complexities and evolving demands of the field, you'll have the added knowledge you need to keep up in the dynamic world of healthcare.

While holding a bachelor's in nursing demonstrates a nurse's commitment to a career, the master's degree can help you transition to a more specialized area of nursing. If you're looking to progress even further, an MSN is an essential next step to earning a doctorate degree in nursing.

Nurses with a master's degree may also position themselves for higher earning potential. "The employer interprets the additional credential as a highly desirable indicator of future performance and assigns value to the degree holder accordingly," said SNHU Career advisor Laurie Lewis.

For some, earning an MSN means rediscovering your passion in an established career.

Les Rothrock had worked as a nurse for more than a dozen years – and an emergency nurse for 10 – when he finally decided to go back to school and earn his master's. Partly fueled by a desire to work his way up in his organization, he wanted to build upon his years of experience to open new doors.

"What pushed me was the thought that I was learning many new things, but what I wanted was the credentials to back up what I was learning," said Rothrock, "and the satisfaction that I had earned it."

Eventually, he found the right fit in SNHU – and immediately noticed a change. "The learning experience goes beyond being simply academic to practical in my everyday work," he said. "It has given me the edge to be better prepared and equipped in doing my job. I have learned how to research and problem solve issues in my work as well."

With rejuvenated confidence and a broader skillset, Rothrock's prospects started to grow. He even got an offer from the school where he earned his associate degree in nursing.

"My biggest desire is to inspire other nurses in achieving beyond what they dreamed, to become what patients need today," he said. "A better-equipped nurse is better able to provide compassionate care and become an advocate for the patient and the profession."

“My students quote me by saying, ‘keep climbing the educational ladder.’ Learning is a requirement to be a great nurse,” said Daniel Arellano, nurse practitioner and graduate faculty member at SNHU. “Whether that learning is a local conference to enhance your skills or a PhD, always strive to make yourself a better nurse.”

¹ Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health," on the internet, at http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/
2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Future%20of%20Nursing%202010%20Recommendations.pdf (viewed April 30, 2021)

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1 (viewed Oct. 30, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

³ American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Students enrollment surged in U.S. schools of Nursing in 2020 despite challenges presented by the pandemic, on the internet, at https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Press-Releases/View/ArticleId/24802/2020-survey-data-student-enrollment (viewed April 27, 2021)