Skip to main content

Accelerated RN to MSN Online Pathway Option Transition from BSN to MSN Program

2017 online nursing degree graduate Kristina Libby looking over the shoulder of a fellow nurse in a medical office.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

Program Overview Why pursue our accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option?

Calling all registered nurses! If you want to advance your career faster — and for less money — you've landed in the right place. Southern New Hampshire University's accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option was designed for people just like you.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program requires you to choose from 5 specialty tracks so you can gain the expertise needed to stand out:

Plus, you can rest easy knowing the program was built to accommodate busy lives like yours.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Safe nursing practices
  • Care and outcome analysis
  • Disease-prevention strategies
  • Patient protection techniques
  • Leadership tactics
  • Data-driven decision making
Kristina Libby, who earned her online BSN in 2017, working from a laptop at a desk.

Courses & Curriculum Accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option classes can help advance your career faster

This pathway option lets students take graduate courses during their BSN that can then be used to waive credits in each of the MSN tracks. Four of the MSN tracks – Population Healthcare, Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Quality & Safety and Nurse Executive Leadership – can be reduced by 6 credits, while Nursing Education can be reduced by 9 credits. This allows eligible registered nurses to more seamlessly transition from a BSN to MSN and provides the added benefit of earning a credential along the way.

Degree Courses

Accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option courses

All classes within this pathway option emphasize patient care and leadership. In addition to track-specific courses, you'll be required to take advanced classes.

Courses may include:

Course ID: IHP 501
In this interprofessional course, learners will explore major global health challenges and their impact on healthcare delivery systems. Topics explored include determinants of health, multiple approaches to advance health, social justice principles, and strategies to advocate for social justice. Learners will gain knowledge to apply social justice and human rights principles to address global health and wellness.
Course ID: NUR 411
In this course, students will explore the components of a research study while analyzing its application to scholarship and clinical practice. Students will use scholarly inquiry to examine the research process and identify potential solutions to a professional practice issue. At the completion of this course, students will learn how to communicate research findings to guide evidence-based practice.
Course ID: NUR 499
In this course, students will integrate the spirit of inquiry with professional identity to develop their personal nursing brand. This course will focus on lifelong learning strategies, self-reflection, and self-care skills to maximize professional growth opportunities and foster resilience. They will also develop the skills to professionally communicate and advocate for themselves while leading change in the field of healthcare.
Course ID: NUR 307
In this course, students will explore how technology is used to manage and improve healthcare quality and safety. There will be an emphasis on how technology tools are used in order to promote patient care, impact health outcomes and guide decision-making. Students will explore how technology impacts interprofessional collaboration, communication, relationship development and provide focus on the social challenges, ethical obligations, and regulations.
Course ID: NUR 315
This course introduces the student to common health problems in individuals. Adult conditions will be reviewed. Cellular disruptions resulting from environmental, genetic, and stress conditions will be analyzed. The understanding of nursing process to assess, diagnose, plan and implement treatments for disease processes will serve as the foundation for decision-making and management. Diagnostic evaluations and holistic management of selected disease processes will be explored.
Course ID: NUR 531
Learners will develop key attributes of an MSN professional functioning in complex healthcare systems to promote a culture of safety and quality outcomes. Learners will challenge assumptions, be prepared to proactively take action based on timely and reliable information, and create solutions that anticipate needs across the four spheres of care. They will develop leadership, communication skills and strategies to promote interprofessional team collaboration and strengthen partnerships to improve outcomes across a variety of settings.
Course ID: NUR 634
In this course, students explore the use of teaching and learning assessment strategies for nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based practice to enhance student learning in clinical, didactic, and online learning environments. Students will examine various teaching and learning methods, including using innovative education technologies. Topics in this course include feedback strategies, test construction and item analysis, and developing and using rubrics.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BS in Nursing - Accelerated pathway for MSN curriculum.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025

Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

If you are considering an MSN program at SNHU, please check MSN admission 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 professional liability insurance. Students are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of meeting these additional requirements.

Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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.

NECHE Logo CCNE Accredited Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

The accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, including 45 credits for an unencumbered RN license. 

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an MSN degree?

Taking this next step in your education can result in a number of rewards. You'll have the knowledge and credentials needed to make a bigger impact in the workplace. Plus, you'll be prepared to serve in a number of nursing roles and settings, so you can pursue what interests you most.

Occupations

Nurses with an MSN degree are often employed in supervisory and managerial positions (that may require additional certifications), including:

Help improve the health and well-being of a community by educating them about illness, safe health practices, disease prevention and how to obtain services.

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Focus on teaching or split your time between teaching and research.

Oversee the improvement of clinical health outcomes of a defined group of individuals through community engagement and targeted programs.

Understand how infectious agents spread and focus on their control and prevention. Expect to prioritize research, education and policy — not hands-on care.

6%

Increase in roles for registered nurses through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$86,070

Median annual pay for registered nurses as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered

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 Southern New Hampshire University, RNs must earn their Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing before moving on to their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option gives you the opportunity to achieve your MSN faster – saving you time and tuition.

We understand the daily challenges you'll face as a practicing nurse – and we maintain 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 Southern New Hampshire University (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 satisfy the admissions requirements, you'll be accepted into your chosen MSN track on a rolling basis, with 5 term starts per year.

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 Southern New Hampshire University, 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 we'd never experienced before and strengthened our belief that nurses are heroes. That's why Southern New Hampshire University's curriculum was designed with nurses in mind. We aim to simplify the pathway to your master's by offering affordable access to 24/7 online coursework, along with academic and career support.

Virtual classroom. Real impact.

Dr. Toni Clayton with text: Dr. Toni ClaytonYou'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 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 Southern New Hampshire University.

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 Southern New Hampshire University, the accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option 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, but they'll also show employers your qualifications as you complete coursework. This could ultimately open doors for new employment opportunities or put you on track to an advanced degree.

We're proud to offer our students an accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option that can help you save time and money. By applying and choosing this pathway option, 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 once you graduate.

Typically, it can take many years for a nurse to earn an MSN, as it requires multiple 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 that can be offered as several degree types, including:

  • Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which is typically 4 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 accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option. Students entering the RN to BSN program 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 2 courses per term can finish in under 1 year, and part-time students taking 1 course per term can finish in under 2 years. By selecting the accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option, 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 1 institution to the next can be a time-consuming process. By opting for the accelerated RN to MSN online pathway option, 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 2 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.

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.

Holding a bachelor's in nursing certainly demonstrates your commitment to a career, but a 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 their passion in an established career.

“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.”

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.