Online MSN Degrees: The Complete Guide [2024]

In recent years, the demand for advanced nursing degrees has significantly increased, and online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs have become more popular than ever. These programs offer a convenient and flexible way for nurses to further their education and advance their careers.

In this blog post, we will take a comprehensive look at online MSN degrees, including what they are, the benefits of pursuing one, and what to consider when choosing a program.

What is an Online MSN Degree?

An online MSN degree is a graduate-level program that prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in nursing practice, education, research, or administration. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and may require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours in addition to coursework.

Online MSN programs allow students to complete their coursework entirely online, without having to attend on-campus classes. Some programs may require students to participate in virtual classroom sessions, while others allow students to complete coursework at their own pace. The exact format of an online MSN program can vary by school, so it's important to research different programs to find one that meets your needs.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online MSN Degree

There are several benefits to earning an online MSN degree, including:

• Flexibility - Online MSN programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, which can be particularly beneficial for working nurses who may not have the flexibility to attend on-campus classes.
• Convenience - Online MSN programs eliminate the need for students to commute to campus, which can save time and money.
• Access to Specializations - Online MSN programs often offer a wider range of specializations than traditional on-campus programs, allowing students to find a program that aligns with their career goals and interests.
• Lower Costs - Online MSN programs may be less expensive than traditional on-campus programs, particularly when factoring in the cost savings of not needing to commute or relocate.
• Career Advancement - Earning an online MSN degree can provide nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers and pursue advanced nursing roles.

How to Choose an Online MSN Program

When choosing an online MSN program, there are several factors to consider, including:

• Accreditation - Make sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure that it meets high standards for nursing education.
• Specialization Options - Consider whether the program offers specializations in areas that align with your career goals, such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administration.
• Clinical Requirements - Check the program's clinical requirements to ensure that they are feasible for you to complete, whether that means finding clinical placements near your home or arranging time off from work to complete clinical hours.
• Faculty Expertise - Look into the program's faculty and their expertise in your area of interest to ensure that you'll be learning from experienced professionals.
• Cost - Consider the cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and any additional expenses, such as textbooks or clinical supplies.

Types of Online MSN Programs

There are several types of online MSN programs, each with its own unique format and requirements.

• Traditional Online MSN Programs - Traditional online MSN programs are similar to on-campus MSN programs, but the coursework is completed entirely online. These programs may include synchronous or asynchronous classes, and some may require students to participate in virtual classroom sessions. Clinical hours are typically completed at an approved healthcare facility near the student's home.
• Accelerated Online MSN Programs - Accelerated online MSN programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in nursing and want to earn their MSN in a shorter amount of time. These programs typically take 12-18 months to complete and may require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours in addition to coursework.
• RN-to-MSN Programs - RN-to-MSN programs are designed for registered nurses (RNs) who have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing and want to earn their MSN. These programs typically include both BSN and MSN coursework, allowing students to earn both degrees in one program.
• Bridge Programs - Bridge programs are designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and want to become an advanced practice nurse. These programs typically include both BSN and MSN coursework and may take 2-3 years to complete.
• Dual-Degree Programs - Dual-degree programs allow students to earn their MSN and another degree, such as an MBA or a Master of Public Health (MPH), simultaneously. These programs may take longer to complete but can provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for a variety of nursing roles.

Curriculum and Coursework in Online MSN Programs

The exact curriculum and coursework in online MSN programs can vary by program and specialization, but typically includes a combination of core nursing courses and specialization-specific courses.

Core nursing courses may include:

• Nursing Theory and Research - This course covers the foundational theories and concepts of nursing practice and research methods.
• Healthcare Ethics and Policy - This course covers the ethical considerations and policy issues related to healthcare delivery and nursing practice.
• Nursing Leadership and Management - This course covers the principles of nursing leadership and management, including organizational behavior, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Advanced Pathophysiology - This course covers the pathophysiology of disease and how it relates to nursing practice.

Specialization-specific courses may include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner - Courses in this specialization may cover topics such as advanced health assessment, primary care for adults and children, and pharmacology.
• Nurse Educator - Courses in this specialization may cover topics such as curriculum development, teaching and learning strategies, and assessment and evaluation.
• Nursing Administration - Courses in this specialization may cover topics such as healthcare finance, healthcare law and regulation, and quality improvement.

Clinical Requirements in Online MSN Programs

Most online MSN programs require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours in addition to coursework. Clinical hours provide students with hands-on experience in their chosen specialization and allow them to apply the concepts they've learned in coursework to real-world nursing practice.

The exact number of clinical hours required can vary by program and specialization. Some programs may require as few as 500 clinical hours, while others may require more than 1,000 hours. It's important to check the clinical requirements of each program you're considering to ensure that they are feasible for you to complete.

Clinical hours can typically be completed at an approved healthcare facility near the student's home. Some programs may also offer clinical placement assistance to help students find appropriate clinical sites.

Top 10 Online MSN Programs

Here are some examples of online MSN programs:

1. Walden University - Walden University offers an online MSN program with various specializations, such as Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Leadership and Management, and more. The program requires a minimum of 30 semester credits and offers both full-time and part-time options.
2. Georgetown University - Georgetown University offers an online MSN program with specializations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and more. The program requires a minimum of 44 credits and can be completed in as few as 19 months.
3. Duke University - Duke University offers an online MSN program with various specializations, such as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and more. The program requires a minimum of 42 credits and can be completed in as few as two years.
4. University of Southern California - The University of Southern California offers an online MSN program with specializations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program requires a minimum of 49 units and can be completed in as few as 21 months.
5. Johns Hopkins University - Johns Hopkins University offers an online MSN program with various specializations, such as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems Management, and more. The program requires a minimum of 36 credits and can be completed in as few as two years.
6. University of Alabama at Birmingham - The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online MSN program with specializations in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and more. The program requires a minimum of 38 credit hours and can be completed in as few as two years.
7. University of Cincinnati - The University of Cincinnati offers an online MSN program with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program requires a minimum of 48 credits and can be completed in as few as two years.
8. University of Illinois at Chicago - The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an online MSN program with specializations in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, and more. The program requires a minimum of 37 credits and can be completed in as few as two years.
9. George Washington University - George Washington University offers an online MSN program with specializations in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership and Management, and more. The program requires a minimum of 42 credits and can be completed in as few as two years.
10. University of Texas at Arlington - The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online MSN program with various specializations, such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and more. The program requires a minimum of 36-49 credit hours and can be completed in as few as two years.

Conclusion

Earning an online MSN degree can help nurses advance their careers and pursue advanced nursing roles. There are different types of online MSN programs, each with their own curriculum and coursework, including traditional MSN programs, RN-to-MSN programs, bridge programs, and dual-degree programs. Most programs require clinical hours in addition to coursework.