Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) A masters degree is an 18-24 month program that allows a
nurse to specialize in a particular area - such as an area of advanced
clinical training or research. Some students take on joint degrees
in related fields like business administration, public health, or
hospital administration. Most people working towards an MSN already
have a BSN, but there are accelerated programs for ADN nurses to
earn a BSN and MSN in one shot, or for non-nursing college graduates.
Typical requirements include a BSN from an accredited nursing school,
an RN license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and some period of clinical
work experience. Each school has its specific requirements, so make
sure to check with them before applying.
RN-to-MSN
This program is for RNs who have an associate degree in nursing
and want to earn an MSN immediately after earning the BSN. The courses
in the program are tailored to the specific needs of the student
so that they receive as much advanced placement credit for their
BSN as possible, and so there's no overlap between their BSN and
MSN courses.
Find RN-to-MSN Programs.
Direct Entry MSN
Direct entry MSN programs, also sometimes called “graduate entry”
or “master’s entry ” programs, are designed for non-nurses who hold
bachelors’ degrees in non-nursing fields. These programs give students
credit for having completed their liberal arts requirements and
allow them to complete an abbreviated schedule of undergraduate
nursing coursework before moving directly into graduate nursing
coursework -- combining preparation for RN-licensure with advanced
training in a master’s specialty area. Direct entry MSN programs
typically require three years to complete, with the first year being
devoted to entry-level nursing coursework and the last two years
to master’s-level study.
A variation of the Direct Entry MSN is the Accelerated MSN. Although
the terms "Direct Entry MSN" and "Accelerated MSN"
are sometimes used interchangeably, some Accelerated MSN programs
may be completed in two academic years, rather than three. A 3.0
GPA is often an entrance requirement for both Direct Entry and Acclerated
MSN programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Professional Certifications are specialized exams that you can take
to prove your expertise in a specific field, beyond the skills required
for an RN license. The exams are provided by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center, which is part of the American Nurses Association
(ANCC). The ANCC offers generalist, advanced practice, and clinical
specialist exams in almost 30 areas. Certifications show that the
nurse has a commitment to excellence in their field, and can give
them a leg up on career advancement.
Post-Master's Certificate programs are designed for nurses who already
have a Master of Science degree in nursing who wish to qualify to
sit for one of the certification exams or to expand into a new area
of specialization.
Post-Certificate Master's
In the past, many states allowed RN's to earn certification as nurse
anesthetists (CRNA), Certified Nurse Practitioners, or Nurse-Midwife
without earning a Master's degree. These requirements have generally
changed, and some schools offer programs that allow these certified
nurses to earn their master's degrees while earning credit for their
past educational and work experience. More and more states and employers
are now requiring Master's degrees to allow these certified non-master's
nurses to practice. In some ways these programs are parallel to
the RN-to-BSN programs, which don't qualify you for any new certifications
and licenses, but which add to your professional credentials and
make you more employable.
Jacksonville
University Online
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is the critical first
step for a career in professional nursing. The BSN degree is essential
for nurses seeking to perform at the case-manager or supervisory level
or move across employment settings.
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice urges that
at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or
higher degrees in nursing by 2010. Currently only 40% do. An estimated
98.6% of RN-to-BSN graduates had jobs waiting, according to the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing. Jacksonville University is among the
“hidden treasures” in American higher education, according to a national
survey for the annual Newsweek College Catalog 2001. Jacksonville University
is a member of the American Association of Colleges and Nursing (AACN)and
is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097;
Telephone 404-679-4501) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. The
School of Nursing offers a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
(NLNAC) accredited generic-track program leading to the Bachelor of Science
in Nursing degree. This program also holds preliminary approval from the
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Washington
State University Online
Washington State University is one of the nation's leading providers of online
education. Distance learning, including online degrees and certficates, coupled
with award winning student services, is one of the university's most important
endeavors. WSU's distance learning degree and course options are offered through
Distance Degree Programs (DDP), a division of Extended University Services (EUS),
located in Van Doren Hall on the WSU Pullman campus. Students register through
DDP for all courses offered outside WSU’s four campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities,
and Vancouver). Degree Programs in: Business, Education, Nursing.
University
of Phoenix Online
Since 1976, University of Phoenix has been a recognized leader in adult education.
Their commitment to high educational standards and exceptional student service
has made them the largest private accredited university in the United States.
With campuses in many locations across the United States, University of Phoenix
has helped thousands of working professionals achieve their academic and career
goals every year. They can help you, too. You'll
have our proven record of success behind you. • 95% of our graduates are
highly satisfied with the impact we've made on their careers 50% indicate a
promotion or advancement within one year of obtaining their degree.
ProgramsBrowse
all Programs. Campus LocationsOnline
DeVry
University Online Since 1931, more than 250,000 students have graduated from DeVry.
DeVry’s academic programs are designed to launch and support successful careers
in business management and technology. Degree programs are offered at DeVry
campuses and DeVry University Centers nationwide, and through DeVry University
Online. Academic Programs: Accounting - Small Business Management
and Entrepreneurship - Ecommerce - Hospitality Management - Human Resource Management
- Health Services - Management - Business Information Systems - Operations Management
- Project Management - Security Management - Sales and Marketing - Client/ Server
- Main frame Computing - Network Administration - Web Application - Technical
Management. Locations: Online.
Kaplan
University Online Kaplan University helps students looking to either
change or advance their careers by offering online flexibility, reduced costs,
financial aid assistance, and a fast path to a degree. The instructors at Kaplan
have the academic background and professional experience that allows them to
pass on real-world knowledge to their students. The degree programs have a curriculum
that is focused on career goals, and they feature various areas of emphasis. Programs: Accounting - Alternative Dispute Resolution - Branding and Visual
Communications - Business - Business Administration/Accounting - Business Administration/Management
- Business and Communications Entrepreneur - Computer Information Systems -
Corrections - Criminal Justice - Database - E-Business - Elementary - Finance
- Health Care Management - Information Technology - Law Enforcement - Management
- Management of Information Systems - Management/Health Care Management - Multimedia
and Animation - Networking - Paralegal Studies - Private Security - Programming
- Sales and Marketing - Secondary - Teaching and Learning - Teaching Literacy
and Language - Teaching Students With Special Needs - Teaching With Technology
- Web Development - Web Optimization and Integration. Locations:
Online. >>Request
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