Online MSN Program Master's in Nursing Degree

Position yourself for success in one of most high-demand nursing roles with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

This track satisfies the educational requirements needed for the two national FNP certifications. Successfully passing one of those certification examinations allows the FNP graduate to apply for their Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from their state Board of Nursing.

Learn more about earning your family nurse practitioner degree online.

Courses include:

• Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology
• Advanced Health Assessment & Clinical Reasoning
• Advanced Pharmacology for the Prescriber

The family nurse practitioner track includes a multi-day in-person immersion experience in New Hampshire as well as 650 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of preceptors.

Become an advocate for change and gain the skills you need to implement a culture of safety with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Healthcare Quality & Safety.

It's estimated that 1 in 10 patients are harmed while receiving hospital patient care – and of those cases, about 50% are preventable.¹ This MSN track can give you the skills you need to change those numbers and improve patient-centered care.

Learn more about earning your healthcare quality & safety MSN online.

Courses include:

• Healthcare Quality & Improvement
• Health Policy & Law
• Healthcare Finance & Reimbursement

The healthcare quality and safety track includes 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of a preceptor in the student's final course.

Take your nursing expertise to an academic or clinical setting with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nursing Education.

Nursing education is a high-demand field with a promising future – as healthcare itself is dynamic and ever-evolving. As a graduate of this program, you'll meet the educational requirements you need to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing.

Learn more about earning your nursing education MSN online.

Courses include:

• Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
• Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
• Population Care Management

During the final course, nursing education students will complete 135 clinical practicum hours divided between clinical and academic settings under the guidance of preceptors.

Set the vision for the delivery of safe, timely, efficient, equitable and patient-centered care with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Executive Leadership.

As a nurse, you're already an advocate for your patients. This program track can take you a step further – helping you advance your career from a bedside role to the role of a leader.

As a nurse leader in executive practice, you'll build leadership, strategic planning, human resources and finance skills. Working within a collaborative and interprofessional environment, you'll influence and improve both the patient experience of care and the health of populations.

You'll also discover ways to reduce the per capita cost of health care, making healthcare more equitable and affordable to all. You'll then make recommendations to leadership on strategic plans, budgets, human relations and patient care.

Career outlook:

As Dr. Kimberly Gibbons, clinical faculty member of graduate nursing programs at SNHU, points out: "Regardless of their title, nurses in all roles are expected to demonstrate leadership, and must challenge themselves and the profession to develop effective leadership styles."

Because of this, the job market for nurse leaders is growing fast. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical and health services managers could grow 32% through 2029 – far faster than the national average for all occupations.¹

Graduates of the MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership track will have the option to demonstrate the achievement of program competencies through two national exams: the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) and/or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) offered by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).

Courses include:

• Healthcare Quality and Improvement
• Strategic Skills for Nurse Executive Leaders
• Advanced Concepts for Nurse Executive Leaders

The nursing executive leadership track includes 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of a preceptor in the student's final course.

Promote practices that keep communities safe with your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Population Healthcare.

COVID-19 offered a stark lesson in the value of population healthcare. While population health as a practice is focused on improving the patient health outcomes of groups and communities such as schools, businesses, homes and hospitals, this was amplified in 2020. Suddenly, these same spaces were at risk of spreading one of the most unprecedented viruses of our time.

An MSN in Population Healthcare can help you identify ways to connect practice to policy in pursuit of local change. You'll learn how non-traditional partnerships among different sectors of the community – such as public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities and beyond – can help achieve positive health outcomes.

With assignments and projects focused on telehealth, diversity, equity and inclusion as well as informatics, this track can also help you learn how to integrate evidence-based guidelines for health promotion and disease prevention.

Career outlook:

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, population healthcare is likely to be an important field in for years to come. 

Those with an MSN in Population Healthcare could, for example, treat infected patient populations and collaborate with healthcare partners to identify factors that led to diagnosis. You may work to reduce the risk of exposure to other healthcare workers and the patient’s family and friends, or even coordinate a recovery plan with multiple healthcare providers.

This is a unique track, an emerging discipline and a major focus of authoritative sources in the nursing education space including American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Courses include:

• Informatics and Communication Technology
• Population Care Management
• Healthcare Quality and Improvement

The population healthcare track includes 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of a preceptor in the student's final course.

Flexible

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

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), 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 200,000 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.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.⁶ Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

MSN admission requirements for nursing executive leadership, population healthcare, healthcare quality and safety, and nursing education tracks:

• Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction, all licenses must be unencumbered.)
• Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Must complete the MSN Program Acknowledgement Form.
• Provisional acceptance may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.67 and 2.99.

For family nurse practitioner track:

• Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction, all licenses must be unencumbered.)
• Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Must complete the MSN Program Acknowledgement Form.
• Must have two years of full-time work experience as a licensed registered nurse.
• Must identify one potential preceptor for a clinical practicum.
• Must be available for one week-long in-person immersion experience.
• No provisional acceptance policy for this track.

Immersion experience: As part of the FNP track, you'll also take Advanced Pharmacology for the Prescriber, Immersion. This course requires you to travel to New Hampshire for one immersion experience, where you'll participate in simulation activities and perform assessments with standardized patients. This multi-day experience should help prepare you for your clinical practicums and provide pivotal hands-on learning to supplement your educational journey.

The cost of the Immersion Experience is $2,000 and is separate from course tuition. The fee covers items associated with the immersion, such as facility rentals, on-site faculty, training materials and standardized patients. Travel including transportation costs, flights, lodging and meal costs are not included in this fee and are the responsibility of the student to pay for and secure. The Immersion Experience is scheduled in NUR-600 and will be held in New Hampshire.

After the Immersion Experience, you'll embark on your practicum experiences, which includes 650 clinical hours across five courses. FNP Students will need to complete their program within five (5) years after completing the NUR 600, Advanced Pharmacology for the Prescriber, Immersion course. 

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.

Please note that we are currently only accepting students in the family nurse practitioner track in the following states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey. Students must reside in one of these states while taking FNP courses at SNHU, and all practicum experiences must be completed in one of these states.  Please note that the family nurse practitioner track is accepting applications from a limited number of students per term.

Applicants and students are advised that their success in their chosen program may be dependent on an ability to meet the Nursing Program Health and Technical Requirements (PDF).

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process, which includes:

• No application fee
• Completing a graduate application
• Providing undergraduate transcripts

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

For nurse executive leadership and healthcare quality and safety tracks:

• 10Mbps or higher for ideal streaming (download)
• Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
• A laptop is recommended

For nursing education and population healthcare tracks:

• 20Mbps (download) and 5Mbps (upload)
• Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
• Assessment kit (tools specified in course syllabus)
• A laptop is recommended

For family nurse practitioner track:

• 20Mbps (download) and 5Mbps (upload)
• Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer
• Government-issued photo ID is required for proctored exams
• Browser plug-in for online proctored exams
• Assessment kit (tools specified in course syllabus)
• A laptop is required during NUR-600 and all practicum courses

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, you can enroll in and graduate from online nursing programs that are accredited and can help you in your career.

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.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE, is an autonomous accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing across the country.

In 2019, SNHU's online nursing programs received a 10-year reaccreditation from CCNE, which awarded initial accreditation in 2014.

“The goals of accreditation are to ensure that nursing programs consistently fulfill their stated mission and expected program outcomes through self-evaluation, continuous program improvement and the pursuit of academic excellence,” said Dr. Lisa Urban, associate chief of nursing at SNHU. “These [CCNE] accreditation goals align with the university and SNHU nursing program missions.”

The short answer is yes. Assuming the program is accredited and aligned with the latest industry standards, an online MSN degree is respected by today's employers.

Just ask Katie Smith '21, a recent grad of Southern New Hampshire University's MSN program.

According to her, she not only got a respected degree that helped her build skills as a nurse – she also gained invaluable support along the way.

Of her academic advisor, Smith said: "It was just really nice to have that support and have someone in my corner that I could turn to that understood the academic world."

Smith's MSN also positioned her to pass on her skills and help build an even stronger nursing community.

"I’m definitely not the same nurse I was when I started," she said. "Learning to mentor either new people or especially new grads has been a real honor and privilege."

This depends on many factors, depending on how many courses you take per term and your chosen track.

The 36-credit MSN tracks at Southern New Hampshire University include healthcare quality and safety, nursing education, nurse executive leadership and population healthcare. These tracks are comprised of 12 courses. Full-time status means you'd take 2 courses during each 10-week term. Full-time students who satisfactorily complete their coursework in these tracks could expect to complete an MSN degree in less than 1.5 years.

The family nurse practitioner track is 51 credits, or 17 courses. Full-time students could finish this track in less than 2 years.

Attending school as a full-time student isn't always feasible for working adults. At SNHU, taking 1 class per term puts you at part-time status, which means it would take longer for you to earn your degree, but could work better with your life and schedule. However, it can be worth it, if it gives you the time you need to learn the information and do the coursework. There is flexibility within this model too, even taking two courses per term for one or two terms can save significant time on your educational journey.

What's most important in deciding whether to enroll at full- or part-time status is how successful you can be at that level. If you feel comfortable taking 2 courses per term with your schedule, it may be worth it to you so that you can reach that finish line sooner.

Earning your master's degree means you're creating more opportunity for yourself. It opens so many more doors for your career and, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)³, it positions you to be able to:

• Conduct research
• Consult with corporations
• Impact public policy
• Implement evidence-based solutions
• Lead health systems
• Provide direct patient care at an advanced level
• Teach online and in the classroom

With a projected 32% growth for medical and health services managers², the outlook looks good for MSN-educated nurses. The AACN notes that because of the high demand, established and new positions are opening in practice areas like administration, forensics, genetics/genomics, geriatrics, informatics, pediatrics, public health and systems improvement.³

In addition, the right MSN program can help you build cultural competence – a skill the National Academy of Medicine pinpoints has one of the most vital for today's nurse leaders.

"As healthcare professionals, we have to note a patient’s perception in order to address the pressing issue of their reality," said Dr. Maude McGill, graduate clinical faculty of SNHU's online nursing programs.

These perceptions are indeed felt by all patient populations – factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status and more can impact how communities receive care. But for people of color (POC), this issue presents an especially challenging barrier to effective treatment. "There’s often the fear of not being understood, or being dismissed or minimized,” McGill said.

However, with representation, exposure and empathy, nurses can identify a better way forward.

"Increased exposure to diversity leads to an understanding of inclusivity which leads to responses that break barriers and biases; it leads to responses that are effective, inclusive, and equitable; responses that are indeed patient-centered, student-centered, person-centered," she said.

If you have career goals that align with where an MSN can take you, then, yes, earning a master's in nursing is definitely worth the investment.

"A degree opens doors that were previously closed," said Sherry Consolin '19. "As I proceed through the program, I discover new opportunities for nurses that excite me."

Beyond the reward of expanded knowledge, nurses who earn their MSN degree broaden their range of opportunities and open the door to a potential boost in pay.

"The employer interprets the additional credential as a highly desirable indicator of future performance and assigns value to the degree holder accordingly," said Laurie Lewis, an SNHU Career advisor.

Some value may not be monetary rewards, either. Though the potential of a bumped-up paycheck is certainly one of the biggest benefits, there may be other perks. You may find it valuable to be eligible for positions that come with better hours – meaning an MSN could have benefits to your personal life, too.

And while you may have a career goal in mind as the reason behind getting your master's, an MSN continues to open the door to opportunity beyond that first role that you land.

Plus, getting your master's in nursing doesn't have to be expensive. The cost of tuition for an entire 36-credit online MSN degree at SNHU is $22,572 – meaning you could achieve your return on investment (ROI) on your degree faster. And with a tuition freeze that's been in place since 2012, the university continues to show its commitment to affordable education.

Yes. Students who are already registered nurses – and who have previously earned their BSN – can enroll in an online MSN program.

Not only are nurses able to pursue this advanced degree online, but for many, attending online makes more sense. Many nurses have demanding schedules that aren't always the same week to week, making it nearly impossible to attend set classes at a brick-and-mortar institution. The time and money attributed to commuting to a physical institution alone is valuable, and at SNHU we get it.

"The flexibility and support the nursing program offers students is exceptional and has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals," said Sherry Consolin '19, who spent time as a travel nurse throughout her program and needed the convenience of an online degree.

By earning a master's in nursing online, it allows you to continue your career as a nurse – while working to advance it at the same time. SNHU's program was designed so that the learnings from each course are immediately applicable to your career, which can help patients reap the rewards right away.

The best online MSN program is the one that can help you reach your personal and professional goals, at an affordable price, on your timeline and is accredited.

At SNHU, that translates to:

• Career focused: Our MSN program was built by nurses, for nurses. It was designed around recommendations within "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" report from the National Academy of Medicine, formerly the Institute of Medicine – which outlined how roles should change in our healthcare system. In 2021, the report was updated to reflect new recommendations to meet further meet the needs of today's nursing workforce.
• Affordability: Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
• Convenient: Enroll in 1 or 2 classes per term – whichever works best for your busy schedule. Plus, you'll have 24/7 access to your courses, meaning you can complete your work any time during the week to meet your deadlines.
• 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. CCNE is an accrediting agency that ensures baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs meet quality standards.

SNHU also offers 5 MSN program tracks – family nurse practitioner (FNP), nurse executive leadership, nursing education, healthcare quality & safety and population healthcare – helping you meet your needs as you determine the next path of your career.

¹The 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.

² World Health Organization, 10 facts on patient safety, on the internet, at https://www.who.int/news-room/photo-story/photo-story-detail/10-facts-on-patient-safety (viewed April 1, 2021)

³ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed June 3, 2021).

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

⁴ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982.

⁵ American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Master's Education, on the internet, at https://www.aacnnursing.org/Nursing-Education-Programs/Masters-Education (viewed Nov. 21, 2019)

⁶ According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.