Online RN to Master of Science in Nursing

Complex patient needs and rising health care costs create demand for nurses with advanced education. Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in nursing bridge option allows registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to earn a graduate-level education. Gain knowledge in evidence-based practice and innovative leadership to address the nation’s urgent health care challenges.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 13

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 36

Degree questions, answered

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Advance your career with an RN to MSN bridge program

This RN to MSN online puts you on a streamlined path to leadership, in addition to roles in education, research, quality and informatics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing profession is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.

Upon graduation, you’ll enter this growing field prepared to face health care reform, advances in technology and discoveries in evidence-based practice. Emphasizing leadership and innovation in the nursing profession, you’ll gain skills that are critical to enacting system change, improving patient outcomes and creating effective teams, including:

  • Addressing practice and policy issues within organizations.
  • Building a personal leadership style.
  • Exemplifying the role of a nurse leader.
  • Increasing team collaboration.
  • Responding to complex situations.
  • Understanding the interrelationship between nursing practice and research.

These skills equip you to pursue nurse leadership roles or continue your education in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

The benefits of an RN to MSN program

This Master of Science in nursing bridge option allows ADN-prepared nurses to earn a graduate degree without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other bachelor’s degree. You’ll graduate with a combination of nursing skills and advanced knowledge needed to improve health care, including:

  • Coordinated, safe and effective care.
  • Patient-centered health services.
  • Reduced costs.

The curriculum features two bridge courses at the beginning of the program, developed as a link to graduate-level nursing courses. These courses don’t lead to a BSN, but rather bridge the gap between your ADN and the Master of Science in nursing. You’ll also participate in two practicums which are customizable to fit your career aspirations.

Are you interested in learning more about this program and other graduate nursing programs offered by the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation? Register now for an upcoming live, virtual information session.

Do you need to be a registered nurse to apply to this program?

Yes. To be eligible to apply for this Master of Science in nursing bridge, you must have a current, unencumbered RN license. While you don’t need to be currently employed as an RN, it’s ideal if you are.

This program is for ADN-prepared nurses. If you’re a BSN-prepared nurse, check out our non-bridge Master of Science in nursing.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Curriculum that prepares you for nursing leadership roles

Courses in this Master of Science in nursing program provide you with an advanced nursing education, with a focus on innovation, leadership and interprofessional team collaboration. The RN to MSN curriculum covers the essential topics identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, ensuring you’re prepared to deliver patient-focused, evidence-based care.


The jobs an RN to MSN prepares you for

This RN to MSN program equips you with a mindset for continuous innovation in health care delivery and the ability to contribute evidence-based solutions to a complex health care system. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for advanced roles that require graduate-level education, including positions in leadership, teaching and research. These opportunities exist in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, academic institutions and more. Potential career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Learn from leading faculty in nursing education

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned and award-winning faculty members. Our faculty’s accomplishments include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Fulbright Senior Scholar.
  • National faculty nursing awards.
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving.
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.

Learn from leading faculty in nursing education

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned and award-winning faculty members. Our faculty’s accomplishments include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Fulbright Senior Scholar.
  • National faculty nursing awards.
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving.
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Science in nursing bridge option must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Preparing the nursing and health leaders of tomorrow

ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a world-class education to students across various health disciplines. We distinguish ourselves by delivering excellent programs and challenging courses led by high-quality instructors.

#47


DNP program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#49


MSN program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.

2015


American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award for a partnership with Mayo Clinic.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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