Fast-Track Your Degree with the RN to MSN Online Accelerated Nursing Program
You need a bachelor's. You want a master's. What if you could do it all in one shot, online? Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated RN-to-MSN online degree pathway lets registered nurses do just that, saving you time and tuition - up to 20 weeks and over $3,700.
Fast, affordable and online. That's why current nursing students say they chose SNHU and why 96% would recommend SNHU to a colleague, friend or family member.* Our accelerated nursing program fits your busy life and lets your work and family continue to come first.
Benefits at a Glance:
- Aligns with the Institute of Medicine recommendation that 80% of RNs earn a BSN by 2020*
- Increases earning potential by up to 19%*
- Highly competitive tuition rates, some of the lowest in the nation
- Transfer-friendly. Nurses who have earned an ADN automatically receive 36 credits. On top of that, we will evaluate your transcripts and maximize transfer credits. Students from partner community colleges can transfer in up to 87 credits.
- Accredited. 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.
See Yourself Succeed in Nursing
The Accelerated RN to MSN online track is perfect for professional nurses with defined education goals. This affordable degree option offers a seamless academic pathway by allowing eligible BSN students to complete two graduate-level courses within their BSN program. Successful completion of these courses will then waive two courses within the MSN program, saving both tuition and time. Prior to moving into the MSN program, students must successfully achieve their BSN degree at SNHU.
SNHU RN to BSN students who apply to and are accepted into the online Accelerated RN to MSN option can choose to pursue different tracks:
Why SNHU?
Student support. Dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study work with you every step of the way.
- Academic heritage. Private, nonprofit university with a history of graduating successful professionals since 1932.
- Easy application. No GMAT or GRE required for admission.
- Expert instruction. Learn from nursing professionals with relevant, real-world experience.
- Student support. Dedicated academic and career advisors specialized in your area of study work with you every step of the way.
RN to MSN Admission Requirements
Students interested the accelerated RN to MSN pathway will initially be enrolled in our RN to BSN program. The student will be required to maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 in the BSN program to be eligible to participate in the accelerated option. To learn more, request information and an SNHU admission counselor will answer any of your questions.
ADN/ASN to MSN Friendly
If you have an ADN/ASN and would like to start the track to pursuing your MSN we do offer some flexibility to start prior to RN licensing. Contact us for more information. If you are a graduate of an ASN program from a New Hampshire community college please mention that to your SNHU admission counselor to learn more about our tuition benefits.
SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Admission and current students should contact their Advisor for more information.
Career Outlook
As a registered nurse (RN), you are part of a noble profession, one that blends professionalism with compassion. You're also part of the fastest growing field in America. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare will add more jobs by 2026 than any other occupation - about 2.3 million.*
The demand for nurses with bachelor's-level education continues to grow at hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The Institute of Medicine is urging that the number of BSN-prepared nurses increase to 80% by 2020, and healthcare providers are seeking nurses with an MSN for their supervisory and managerial opportunities.*
The RN-to-MSN track can expand your nursing career employment and leadership opportunities and prepare you to serve as a Clinical Nurse Leader, clinical nursing faculty member and a nursing administrator. It can also set you up to earn a premium - nurses with master's degrees earn $12,000 more on average than those with only a bachelor's. Reach your career goals faster by moving from RN-to-MSN.
Curriculum
Nursing is, at heart, a profession that emphasizes compassion. Your instructors are caring professionals who are leaders in their field and who understand that good nurses put the needs of their patients first, whether they're in the boardroom, the classroom or the operating room.
As with other SNHU programs, the accelerated online RN-to-MSN program lets you customize your path to suit your own strengths, community needs and career goals. Our nursing curriculum emphasizes both patient care and leadership. For instance, in this program you'll
- Develop a community assessment with a health education plan
- Create a capital budget proposal
- Develop a nursing philosophy and change proposal
- Complete both a genetics and a medical malpractice case study
- Earn NIH Security and Privacy certification and a CITI training certificate
Throughout the program, you'll develop an electronic portfolio of completed assignments and certificates, a convenient way to demonstrate achievement of program outcomes and showcase your accomplishments to your employer.
Courses May Include
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IHP
420
Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare
Students in this course examine the role of health care policy and legal, regulatory, and quality control in ethical decision making in healthcare. Students explore concepts and principles of health care policy, legal control, ethical conduct, and regulatory environments and their application to the health care environment. The impact of health care policy and multicultural, socioeconomic, political, legal, and regulatory factors on health care systems is explored.
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IHP
450
Healthcare Management and Finance
This course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare department. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, bookkeeping, accounting principles, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis.
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NUR
300
Scholarly Inquiry
This course is designed to introduce the licensed registered nurse to the role of the bachelor's prepared nurse in complex health care setting. The Transformational model of learning will be the foundation to develop scholarly inquiry in order to improve practice. Skill development in critical reflection, assessing evidence, professional writing, study habits, and work-life balance will be essential for success. The goal is to provide a knowledge base in nursing theory to improve nursing practice. The role of the Bachelor's prepared nurse as a patient advocate, clinical expert and a leader in evidence-based practice and transformation of health care will be emphasized. The course will discuss the capstone course and development of a project.
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NUR
305
Information Management and Patient Care Technologies
This course explores patient care technologies, information systems, telecommunication technologies, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice. Topics covered include standardized terminology; electronic health record, patient portal, meaningful use, and pay for performance; data integrity, abstraction and mining; use of clinical decision support tools to promote patient safety, and ethical and legal issues related to information technology.
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NUR
325
Patient Assessment and Health Literacy
The student will analyze health assessment methods and communication strategies for diverse populations across the continuum of care in this course. An overview of assessment techniques and patient education will be explored in order to support informed health care decisions. Development of interpersonal effectiveness and cultural competence will be the focus of competency for the student. The goal of health literacy will be to develop verbal and written communication strategies that nurses can use to effectively meet the individualized needs of the patient to promote health and address illness. The student will review standards of care and regulations which oversee the provision of safe and effective care. This three-credit hour course will include 45 hours of practical application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the course.
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NUR
350
Community and Population Health
In this course, the student will develop the ability to assess, analyze, and recommend change for health issues for groups and in communities. Topics will include local and regional conditions that affect vulnerable populations through the lifespan. Case management and care coordination will be discussed. Application of community health principles will be the foundation for recommending interventions. The prevention will include diverse, environmental disease treatments and healthcare policy strategies. This three credit hour course will include 45 hours of practical application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the course.
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NUR
400
Systems Leadership for Continuous Quality
This course will explore organizational and systems leadership within the complex clinical microsystems to promote high quality patient care utilizing the knowledge, skills and attitudes to promote care coordination, negotiation, change management, team building and collaboration within the interdisciplinary team. Topics will include quality improvement and safety concepts using structure, process and outcome measures, and performance improvement methodologies to promote quality outcomes for diverse populations. This three credit hour course will include 45 hours of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
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NUR
490
Transformational Capstone
The Transformational Capstone course will utilize a seminar process, portfolio development, and final project to illustrate achievement of all program outcomes. In keeping with the Transformational Learning Theory, the summative activities will provide evidence of the student's progression to a baccalaureate-professional nurse. This three credit hour course will include 90 hours of practicum experience to demonstrate synthesis of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the program.
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Total Credits: 120
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Program Outcomes
- Apply skills in using patient care technologies, information systems and clinical decision support tools to promote safe nursing practice and quality patient outcomes
- Utilize evidence-based practice in planning, implementing and evaluating outcomes of care
- Formulate strategies to promote health and prevent disease in individuals and populations across the lifespan
- Implement patient safety and quality initiatives within the complex clinical microsystem using leadership and communication skills
- Analyze trends in healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments and their implications for healthcare access, equity, and affordability
- Evaluate life-long learning and nursing engagement to promote personal and professional transformation
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
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Online Undergraduate Programs
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Per Course*
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Per Credit Hour*
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Degree/Certificates
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$960 |
$320 |
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)
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$675 |
$225 |
*Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education as well as several other accrediting bodies. More...
*According to a survey of over 11,000 SNHU online students, including approximately 450 nursing students, conducted in the fall of 2017. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the Internet, at https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm (viewed online February 8, 2018). 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 online December 22, 2017) Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.