Advancing Your Nursing Career: Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs

The demand for more highly skilled nurses in the workforce is growing. In order to meet this demand and to advance their careers, many registered nurses are choosing to do an RN to MSN online bridge program. If you are thinking about continuing your education and want to take the fastest and most direct route to a Nursing Master's degree, an accredited online RN to MSN program might be perfect for you. These nursing bridge programs let you earn both your BSN and MSN degree together in one accelerated combined program- thus saving lots of time and money.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for nurses is between $52,000 and $83,000, with the top 10% of nurses earning over $115,000. What kind of degree do you think those top 10% hold? Yes-most have at least a Master of Science in Nursing, and many go on to pursue further education beyond that. Your MSN degree will not only nab you a hefty pay raise, but will also lay the ground for further education such as a PhD or specialized training.
Have you been wishing you could specialize in a particular nursing field, but don't have the necessary qualifications? Your MSN degree will open many doors for you. You'll most likely need your MSN if you want to be a nurse researcher, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse practitioner, just to mention a few. MSN degree holders can choose from dozens of advanced job opportunities.
For example, 42-year old nurse researcher Jenny began her nursing career as an Associate Degree RN. After 19 years of practice, she decided to widen her career options by pursuing an MSN. Since she already had so many years of experience, doing an online RN to MSN Bridge program made sense to her. RN to MSN Bridge programs provide the same education that you would get in a Master in Nursing Science program, but don't require a BSN degree - and are faster than traditional MSN degree programs as well. And since Jenny wanted to continue working full-time, she opted for the convenience and affordability of an online RN to MSN degree program.
After attaining her MSN degree, Jenny was drawn to becoming a nurse researcher. She began her career climb as a clinical data coordinator, progressed rapidly, and is now principal investigator at a university. She designs and conducts scientific studies that are aimed at improving healthcare services, bettering quality of life for chronically ill patients, and encouraging healthy choices.
In a slightly different situation, 33-year old Max has nearly completed his RN to MSN degree program. He is a full-time dad with two young children who also works part time in a family doctor's office. Because of his busy schedule, Max loves the flexibility of the online RN to MSN program. Once he's earned his degree, he plans to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. As a PNP, Max will be able to make diagnoses and prescribe medication. He'll also earn far more than at his current position, which offers no opportunity for advancement.
As for 51-year old Lalit, he already holds an advanced nursing degree from his home country, but lacks the necessary qualifications to practice as a nurse practitioner in the US. He has just enrolled in an online RN to MSN degree program to achieve his dream of becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). As a CNS, Lalit will be able to assist with specialized research, education and advocacy. After attaining his MSN, he'll just need to complete an additional CNS certification for the area of expertise he chooses. In his case, that will be oncology, but a CNS can choose to specialize in psychiatry, cardiology, infectious disease, geriatrics, and several other areas. Lalit chose the RN to MSN program because he wants to be working-and earning-at his full potential as soon as possible. He looks forward to making around $90,000 as a new grad CNS.
If you have been practicing as an RN and are ready to take the next step to advance your career, it's time to explore options for online RN to MSN degree programs. Whether you are drawn towards a particularly exciting specialty that requires an MSN, want to qualify for a hike in salary, or just like the idea of widening your career options, take action today to find an online RN to MSN Bridge program that is right for you.
Learn More About Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs
Take the first step towards earning your MSN degree by requesting program information from nursing schools that offer accredited online RN to MSN degree programs. 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. 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 - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
- Paramedic to RN
Kaplan University
Campus
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs:- RN to BS in Nursing
- MS in Nursing
- RN to MS in Nursing
- Fort Lauderdale
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
Nebraska Methodist College
Online
Advance your nursing career online with Nebraska Methodist College. Our online programs include Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing.
Programs:- MSN Executive
- RN to MSN Executive
- MSN Educator
Liberty University
Campus
We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.
Programs:- BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Lynchburg
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/Family Nurse Practitioner
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- Online
- Phoenix
- Tucson
- Jacksonville
- Mesa
- Ontario
- Killeen
- Southfield
- Gardena
- Spring
- Lathrop
- Hurst
- Bakersfield
- Grand Rapids
- Elk Grove
- Roseville
- Tampa
- Westminster
- Dallas
- Fort Lauderdale
- St Louis Park
- Aurora
- Henderson
- Oakland
- Diamond Bar
- Livermore
- Littleton
- Miami
- San Francisco
- Fairfax
- Daytona Beach
- Fresno
- Plantation
- Irving
- Murrieta
- Las Vegas
- San Diego
- Beachwood
- Clearwater
- Sarasota
- Manassas
- Woodland Hills
- San Jose
- Houston
- Independence
- Nashville
- East Lansing
- Saint Louis
- Westlake
- Saint Paul
- Lone Tree
- Livonia
- Flint
- Chandler
- Maitland
- Los Angeles
- Pasadena
- Fairfield
- San Antonio
- Rancho Cordova
- Clinton Township
- St. Louis
- Orlando
- Lancaster
- Salida
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Sacramento
- Ann Arbor
- Arlington
- Troy
- Temple Terrace
- Reston
- Sugar Land
- Costa Mesa
- Baton Rouge
- Hollywood
- Portage
- 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
- M.S. in Nursing (MSN) - BSN Track
- Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
South University Online
Campus
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
Programs:- Nursing (BSN)
- Savannah
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)
- Addison
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:- Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program
- Dallas
- Anaheim
- Ontario
- Los Angeles
American Sentinel University Online
Online
Advance your career with the right online degree. ACCIS offers self-paced, real-world programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Business Administration.
Programs:- RN to MS Nursing
- RN to BS Nursing
- MS Nursing - Case Management
Fortis Institute
Campus
Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs:- Accelerated BSN
- PN RN Associate Degree Bridge Program
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Miami
- Largo
- Phoenix
- Tampa
- Westerville
- Indianapolis
- Salt Lake City
- Richmond
- Dayton
- Pensacola
- Cuyahoga Falls
- Scranton
- Ravenna
- Cincinnati
- Erie
- Birmingham
- Nashville
- Smyrna
Colorado Christian University
Campus
With a heritage dating back to 1914, Colorado Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. As the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities located in the mainline Rocky Mountains region, and just a few minutes from downtown Denver, CCU is uniquely positioned to offer students a distinctive variety of educational opportunities and experiences. CCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and in the world. CCU students are enrolled at the main campus near Denver and at satellite locations throughout Colorado.
Programs:- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nursing: B.S. Nursing (BSN)
- Sterling
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Grand Junction
- Englewood
The College of St. Scholastica
Campus
Give your career a boost with College of St. Scholastica. We offer an online/on-campus master's in information technology leadership program and an online RN to BSN program.
Programs:- RN to BSN Degree Completion Program (Online)
- Duluth
University of Maine- Fort Kent
Campus
Get your career on track with University of Maine-Fort Kent. We offer associate and bachelor's degree programs in a wide variety of career fields.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Fort Kent
