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

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.

You'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.”