Distance Learning RN to MSN: Graduate Degree Options for Registered Nurses

A registered nurse (RN) who decides to continue his or her education and training may opt for an RN-to-MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program. Numerous schools offer such programs online. RNs may even complete their bachelor's degree requirements in an accelerated bridge program leading to a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) as well as an MSN.

Online RN-to-MSN Program Overview

RN-to-MSN programs typically offer a variety of specialization options for students to consider. Students trained to become clinical nurse leaders are prepared to deal with all aspects of patient care, including quality, coordination, safety and cost. Those who specialize in patient care services administration are trained in the administrative side of nursing leadership, ensuring effective and high-quality patient care. Other students may specialize in nursing education, which appeals to RNs who wish to become nursing instructors.
Although specific prerequisites can vary, all schools require applicants to be RNs. An RN who holds a diploma or an associate's degree may enroll in a program that combines BSN completion requirements and leads to a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. RNs who hold a bachelor's degree with a specified minimum grade point average (GPA) are eligible to enroll in just the MSN program.

Program Information and Requirements

Individuals who opt for the RN-to-BSN-to-MSN program are able to complete the program in 3-4 years. Those who already hold bachelor's degrees can usually fulfill the MSN requirements in about two years.
Clinical or practical courses are often completed at an approved hospital or facility near the student's home. Most often, this is where the student is already employed. The didactic portions of the program are delivered entirely online. Using a course management system, such as Blackboard, students have access to classes and assignments 24 hours a day. Students are generally advised to log in a certain number of times each week. Assignments are completed and entered online. Exams are presented either online or completed live in an approved, proctored facility.
Technical requirements include a computer with Internet access using at least Windows XP or Mac OS X. Recommended browsers include Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0 and Safari 3.0. The computer may also need such programs as Microsoft Office Professional and Adobe Acrobat Professional.

List of Common RN-to-MSN Courses

Courses in the RN-to-MSN program will vary depending on the specialization. However, some basic foundation courses are included in virtually every program.

Policy and Ethics Course

With an examination of past and present healthcare policies, students explore issues such as financing, quality and safety. This course considers the possible ethical implications of applying social practices to healthcare policies.

Research Course

Students learn to identify and analyze possible problems in research studies. They learn to design quantitative and qualitative research projects in order to address the problems and offer possible solutions.

Pathophysiology Course

As students learn to run the various diagnostic tests used in advanced nursing, they become familiar with how to analyze and assess the pathophysiology of common diseases. They examine changes that can occur in body systems in similar primary care settings as the body ages.

Patient Care Services Leadership Course

Among the primary focal points of this course are strategic planning, patient expectations and needs, care delivery and quality control. All aspects of patient care are examined as students learn how to design effective strategies to ensure successful outcomes.

Curriculum Development Course

Students learn the process of curriculum development for the nursing profession. Taken into consideration are course objectives, activities, course content, competent delivery of course content and methods for student performance evaluation.

Career Information for Graduates

Some common jobs available to graduates holding Master of Science in Nursing degrees include nurse educator, director of nurse education, nurse manager, clinical nurse educator, practice administrator and director of patient care services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for all nurses, including those holding an MSN, will increase by 22% from 2008-2018. This is much faster than the national average for all occupations, reports the BLS (www.bls.gov).
In July 2010, a survey conducted by PayScale.com found the median national salary for nurse educators to be $66,095. The median salaries for patient care services administrators and clinical nurse leaders were reported to be $69,551 and $73,111, respectively.

Professional Certification and Continuing Education Information

Qualified graduates are eligible to sit for certification examinations to become Certified Nurse Leaders (CNLs), a credential offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Those looking to teach nursing can look to the National League for Nursing (NLN) for their Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential. CNLs must renew their certification every five years, and they must maintain their RN licensure, work a minimum number of hours during each 5-year certification interval and complete continuing education courses.
Requirements for CNE renewal are very similar, plus they must demonstrate that they follow the Certified Nurse Educator Code of Ethics. Other nursing credentials are offered by numerous organizations; RN-to-MSN students are encouraged to do as much research as possible when considering certification options.