RN to MSN Bridge Programs Explained

These days many registered nurses are choosing to pursue their MSN degrees online, rather than with traditional classroom learning.Online RN to MSN bridge programs carry with them a great many benefits, including increased flexibility, superior instruction and often lower costs as well.Online education can make a lot of sense, especially for working RNs whose schedules can be unpredictable at best.And since these online RN to MSN bridge programs are accredited by the same organization that provides accreditation for traditional colleges or universities nurses can be assured that they are getting the knowledge they will need to succeed on the job.

How Does the Bridge Program Work?

The RN to MSN bridge program is designed to help RNs make the most of the knowledge and skills they already possess, both their original classroom instruction and the valuable skills they have learned on the job.The bridge program begins with intensive instruction that can help RNs test out of the prerequisites for the MSN program.The RN to MSN bridge program typically includes comprehensive learning materials students can use to test out of the general education and other prerequisite courses, allowing them to get right into the meat of the program.

The second part of the RN to MSN bridge program is focused on the actual coursework for the MSN degree, including both the complete practicum courses and the experience requirements.During this part of the course students who are enrolled in the RN to MSN program are free to learn at their own pace, taking their time as needed to absorb this challenging material.The online coursework is designed to help working nurses make the most of their time, allowing them to learn without sacrificing their current careers or time with their families.Since they are free to learn at their own pace students who are enrolled in an RN to MSN transition program can take their time and learn the skills they will need - both in the classroom and on the job.No campus visits are required to complete the online RN to MSN bridge program, and students are not required to attend classes at a specific time.This flexible schedule allows students to adjust their classroom schedules to their specific needs, without impacting their current careers.

Experienced and knowledgeable mentors are available to oversee all practicum courses, thereby eliminating the need for campus visits and other travel.The learning process is designed to be flexible, and it is designed to give each RN the support he or she needs to move up to the next level of the health care world.In the old days moving from an RN to an MSN degree could be a lengthy, difficult and arduous process, and many nurses were forced to give up their dreams due to the demands of work and family.But with the online RN to MSN bridge program registered nurses from all backgrounds and all walks of life can now get the training and education they need to enhance their careers, increase their earnings and enjoy an even more satisfying career.With so many opportunities in the health care arena there has never been a better time to get your MSN, and with an online bridge program you can move up the ladder without the cost - or the hassles - associated with the traditional classroom.

Finding an online RN to MSN Bridge Program that suits you

First of all, you must be a registered nurse with a valid license RN license, Associate of Science in Nursing degree from regionally accredited institution or Diploma RN from NLNAC accredited school to be eligible to enroll in an online RN to MSN degree program.SomeRN to MSN programs have requirements regarding work experience as an RN as well. Requirements vary by school, so requesting information from several nursing schools is wise. Wherever you are on the path to obtaining a Master's in Nursing Science degree, you can take advantage of the many online degree programs available so that you can continue to work while you study.

Find Online RN-to-MSN Degree Programs
Fast track your nursing career and income potential online through an accredited online RN to MSN bridge program. Featuring the same fully accredited content and expert faculty support available to students learning in the on-campus setting, online RN to MSN bridge programs allow busy nursing professionals the flexibility to learn on their schedule. No waiting lists - skip to the head of the line and get started:
Explore Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs

The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• RN to MS in Nursing - Regis University (Licensed RNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• M.S. in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Online
Fairfield
Diamond Bar
Woodland Hills
Salida
Roseville
Lancaster
Elk Grove
Bakersfield
Gardena
Murrieta
Sacramento
Ontario
Fresno
Pasadena
Rancho Cordova
Costa Mesa
Lathrop
San Jose
Livermore
San Francisco
Oakland
Los Angeles
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing (MSN) - RN Track
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• RN to BSN
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
• B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration with Nurse Case Manager Emphasis (Online)

Campus Locations:

National City
San Marcos
San Diego

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant

Campus Locations:

Gardena
San Bernardino
South Gate
Los Angeles

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

San Jose
San Leandro
Antioch
Sacramento

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fairfield

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma

Campus Locations:

Redding

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Saint Xavier University

Campus

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic, coeducational, comprehensive university focused on the liberal arts, and offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students across the country.

Programs:

• MSN in Executive Leadership
• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles