Online Master Degree Nursing – Check out how a flexible, online master’s degree in nursing can help you take the next step in your career, explore this year’s top programs, and find answers to important questions about earning a master’s degree remotely.
A master’s degree can be the key to career advancement and career transitions as a nurse. Whether you want to enter gerontology, pediatrics, nursing informatics, psychiatric mental health, or other fields, earning a master’s degree in nursing is a necessary step. Carving out the extra time to do this in person can be difficult, especially if you’re currently working. Online MSN programs offer you the flexibility you need and simplify your studies. But where to start and what factors to consider? This guide highlights the best online nursing programs of the year to help you find a program that fits your career goals, budget, and curriculum. You’ll also find more information about customization options, answers to frequently asked questions, and other useful information. Get started on your way to finding MSN online with our list of top-rated programs below.
Online Master Degree Nursing
To earn this ranking, colleges had to meet the following criteria, based on government data provided by the Integrated Postgraduate Education System (IPEDS).
Why Pursue An Online Master Of Nursing Degree
After creating the list of eligible colleges, OMD’s data science team weighed and ranked the colleges based on a combination of affordability, availability of online education and student support metrics.
Each ranking in OMD uses the latest data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education System (IPEDS), a self-report survey of colleges and universities nationwide by the U.S. Department of Education.
Southwestern Baptist University offers a master’s degree in nursing for students with a bachelor’s degree in the field. During this master’s program, degree seekers complete a mix of online courses and in-person clinical experiences. Students can enroll in part-time, full-time, and accelerated programs and graduate in 18 months. In this master’s degree in nursing, students complete core courses in nursing, advanced practice nursing concepts, information systems, nursing statistics, and data analysis. In addition to core classes, students also specialize in nursing administration or nursing. Prospective students must hold a BSN degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants must have an active nursing license.
The University of Texas Medical Branch is a public health research institution that is part of the University of Texas System. Among the school’s list of health science degrees are two nursing majors. Students choose Nursing Education/Leadership and Nursing Practice, which rely heavily on online programming. Regardless of major, students enroll part-time and complete 14 courses over seven semesters. Course requirements can vary, but typical coursework includes topics such as pathophysiology, health promotion, introduction to CNL, and research fundamentals. Applicants for a master’s degree in nursing must earn a BSN degree from an accredited college or university. Prospective students must submit an official transcript, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and at least one year of professional nursing experience.
Can I Earn A Master’s Degree In Nursing Online?
The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers an RN-to-MSN pathway as well as a master’s degree in nursing in a variety of specialties. In USM’s 36-credit master’s degree in nursing, students address core topics such as nursing research, nursing leadership and health policy, public health, nursing theory and knowledge development. In addition to specialists, degree seekers also seek careers in fields such as gerontology, nursing, nursing, and mental health. Prospective students may apply online and must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit two professional references, official transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, and documentation of an active nursing license.
Founded in 1889, Georgia College and State University is a public liberal arts institution that offers online master’s degrees in nursing in a variety of specializations. In addition, Georgia College offers graduate enrichment degrees for nurses who wish to expand their career opportunities and skills. Students complete theory training entirely online, while completing clinical work at an approved healthcare facility. During this online program, students complete core courses such as advanced nursing practice, nursing assessment, health research, and statistical analysis. Online students choose nursing specialties such as midwifery, nursing, mental health and women’s health. Interested students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a GPA of at least 2.75. Applicants may apply online and must include proof of licensure, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a personal statement outlining their professional goals.
Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU) is a public institution that offers a master’s degree in nursing where students complete courses online and in person. This hybrid nursing program offers four specialization areas, including a Master of Science in Nursing, Gerontology and Mental Health Nursing. Courses vary among majors, but typical courses include topics such as advanced practice theory, diagnostic thinking, health promotion, and health informatics. Students interested in this hybrid MSN program must hold an active nursing license and submit an official transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA. In addition, applicants should include letters of recommendation, a resume or resume, and a letter of intent outlining academic and career goals.
While college rankings are a great place to start your search for a quality MSN program, it can be helpful to take a deeper look at individual programs to better understand what a quality program looks like. We’ve reviewed three of the best colleges with accredited MSN programs in multiple majors below. Take a look at what they have to offer and use that as a benchmark against the other schools on your list.
Nursing Online Grad Programs Nationally Ranked · Angelo State University
Duke University’s fully accredited Master of Science in Nursing offers an online pathway to professional development spanning 42-49 credits. The school administers the curriculum through online tools, but some components require at least one on-campus event. These activities include multi-day intensive training, simulations and other face-to-face interactions. Duke offers MSN concentrations in several areas, including gerontology, health informatics, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, and women’s health. Students can also choose an additional professional certificate based on their interests.
These online master’s courses in nursing include design, evidence-based practice, population health, and career transitions. Gers requires 11 clinical courses as final preparation. Most students complete these credits during a clinical residency with an experienced clinician who shares their experience.
All students have access to Duke’s top nursing facilities, including the Institute for Excellence in Education and the Centers for Nursing Research and Discovery.
The University of South Carolina College of Nursing offers several online master’s degree programs. Students without a bachelor’s degree in nursing can enroll in 76 credit hours to take the nursing exam, which is taken over five consecutive semesters and prepares you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Nursing majors can earn online master’s degrees in nursing that require 30-47 credits and include specializations such as family nursing, gerontology-acute care, psychiatric mental health, nursing, and nursing informatics.
Master Of Nursing
The school runs all courses fully online, using flexible and hosted learning tools so that students can access the material whenever they want. Clinical rotations and in-depth skill development experiences are conducted in face-to-face interactions that mirror real-life work situations. Courses cover topics such as pharmacology, health promotion, pathophysiology, and diagnostic interpretation. Students must complete a 3-credit research or 6-credit thesis course before graduation.
Students in Drexel University’s online MSN program complete courses divided into four 10-week periods. The program contains a total of 45 credits and offers five different specializations: clinical nurse manager; leadership in health systems management; public health nurses; nurses; quality, safety and risk management in healthcare.
Students take the same core set of courses regardless of major and study topics, such as ethical decision making, research methods, program evaluation, and quality health care. The course concludes with individual modules for each student’s area of specialization. Often these deep and integrated experiences occur where they are validated. Drexel distinguishes itself from other online MSN programs by offering special, capped tuition rates for students who complete their degree within three years.
Earning an online master’s degree in nursing offers flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. These programs allow you to expand your professional medical horizons. It also helps you determine where you want to make a lasting contribution outside of your primary nursing practice. Additional benefits include:
Alice Lee Centre For Nursing Studies Yong Loo Lin School Of Medicine
There are several programs to choose from when determining which online master’s program in nursing best fits your profile. Some of the most common are:
Professionalism is a key part of graduate nursing, and most programs offer more than one option. Majors like those listed below allow you to focus your studies in areas that support your long-term career goals. These majors are often associated with popular careers in nursing. It will also help you hone your skills and strengthen your qualifications as a desirable job candidate.
The curriculum components are as many and varied as the number of programs available. Every master’s degree in nursing is accepted online
Master degree nursing education, master in nursing online degree, master degree of nursing, nursing master degree types, master degree nursing salary, master degree nursing jobs, master nursing degree online, nursing master degree options, master degree in nursing programs, degree master nursing, master degree nursing programs online, master degree nursing programs