Is getting your MSN worth it?

No matter how your path has unfolded so far, an MSN is worth considering. If you are interested in advancing your nursing education, gaining specialized knowledge and skills, or even just increasing your earning potential, an MSN could be exactly what you are looking for.

Is an MSN higher than an RN?

Nurses who earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These nurses have all sorts of options when it comes to career choices. They can work independently as well as in collaboration with physicians, according to the BLS.1 They can perform all of the duties of an RN as well as more extensive tasks like ordering and evaluating test results, referring patients to specialists and diagnosing and treating ailments.

Does an RN or BSN make more money?

According to the nurse.com 2018 nursing salary research report, there are clear salary differences based on education. They found the average salary increased with each advance in education, with a particularly big jump at the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) level:Diploma: $66,092ADN: $67,162BSN: $73,995MSN: $90,288

Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Online
Field Experience

Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)

Online
Field Experience

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Online MSN Degree Made for Working Nurses

Logo: CCNE accreditation If you’re an RN with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), here’s a CCNE-accredited1 online MSN degree program designed to fit your life.

Online courses combined with local practicums give you the flexibility and experience you need to confidently pursue your goals.

Your nursing talents and passions are unique, which is why we designed our flexible MSN program with your choice of specializations.

MSN specializations:

Nursing Leadership and Administration
Nursing Education
Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics

MSN-NP specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Multiple start dates per year and no GRE^® requirement2 help qualified applicants get going right away.

Get started on your MSN degree

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Empowered Learning^®

Online Empowered Learning courses allow you to learn by doing real-world projects, manage your pace and stay connected with faculty and peers.

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Online Courses + Practicum Experience

Online curriculum helps you balance work, life and family. Practicum experiences allow you to apply your new skills in your own community.

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Expand Your Nursing Network

Build meaningful relationships and experiences with your faculty and peers, both within your specialization and with other nursing leaders in the MSN program.

Graduate Nursing Education You Can Build On

MSN Credits

MSN Nurse Practitioner Credits

MSN Programs to Meet Your Goals

You are a licensed nurse, have your BSN degree and are ready for the graduate level. Our MSN and DNP programs are designed to help you start and continue advancing your education until you’ve reached your goals.

At the MSN level, you can choose between three professional leadership specializations or pursue your Nurse Practitioner credential with the choice of four specializations. If your goals include a Doctoral degree, our MSN program creates a clear path to your DNP.

Already have your MSN or DNP? Expand your leadership skills or pursue a new specialization with a Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate.

MSN Program Details
MSN Nurse Practitioner Program Details
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Program Details
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Nurse Practitioner Program Details
DNP Program Details

Access to Mentor Minds

Join our thriving nursing network of over 19,500 nursing alumni and 600 nursing faculty.3 Gain access to faculty and alumni who have been where you are now and where you are headed in your career. You will have supporters on your team who can help you navigate your practicums, offer insights from their experiences and connect you with others in their own network.

Support to Make It Work

From clinical practicum coordinator and experienced faculty to 24/7 technical support and a grad services advisor, you’ll have support throughout the program. The clinical practicum coordinator will help you find and secure your clinical site. And, when it comes to research, you’ll have a nursing-specific librarian to work with through all our available resources.

"My favorite part of online teaching is the ability to reach students who otherwise may not have gone back to school because of their work schedules or other life commitments. I love being part of their journey!"

Mary Englert, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CNE
Program Curriculum Chair, School of Nursing, Rasmussen University

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MSN Degree Specializations at a Glance

MSN

Finish quickly, in as few as 18 months4

Online curriculum with practicum experience

Starting at $16,338 total estimated program cost5

Specializations:

Nursing Leadership and Administration
Nursing Education
Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics

View More MSN Specializations Details

MSN Nurse Practitioner

Finish quickly, in as few as 27 months4

Online curriculum with practicum experience

Specializations starting around $49,8936

Specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

View More MSN Nurse Practitioner Details

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MSN program have required practicums?

Practicum experiences are required in all CCNE-accredited programs, and ours have been designed to be completely manageable—even with your work and personal life responsibilities.1
How do practicums work in an online program?

Your practicum experiences are personalized for you—they’re in your community and possibly at your own organization. Under the supervision of a Master’s or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse preceptor, you’ll apply newly-acquired advanced skills and enhance your nursing network. If needed, we can help you identify your practicum experience locations.
My life is super busy. Do I have time to do my work AND earn a degree?

The MSN degree program is built for working professionals like you with online Empowered Learning courses, which allow you to learn by doing, manage your pace and stay connected to faculty and peers. You can participate in live sessions or listen to the recorded sessions when it's convenient. Our model allows for flexibility in each course. No weekly deadlines mean you have the ability to manage your schedule within each term while also striving to complete your degree as quickly as possible.
There are so many medical tech advancements. Does the MSN program keep me up to speed?

Rasmussen University has a commitment to being at the forefront of current trends. No matter what specialization you pursue, you’ll be familiar with and ready for the future state of healthcare.
Do I have to pursue a specialization?
Yes, we offer these MSN specializations:
We also offer these advanced MSN nurse practitioner specializations:
How will an online program expand my professional network?

In our MSN program, you’ll build meaningful relationships through community and peer-to-peer mentorships. Connect with faculty and nursing students not only in your specific field, but also in other specializations. As you practice on-site, you’ll work alongside other nurses who understand what it takes to succeed in their roles.
Where is the MSN program offered?

Our MSN degree program is offered online with practicum experiences in your own community. This program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor to determine your eligibility for enrollment.
Is this MSN degree program aligned with advanced nursing standards?

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Our MSN degree curriculum is aligned with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Nursing Programs, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Competencies, and the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing, a set of standards designed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Can I advance my degree further after my MSN?

Yes, our MSN program offers a seamless pathway to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree when you’re ready to take that next step. Our DNP program is ideal for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy.

Don't See Your Question Here?

Our dedicated team of admissions advisors can help answer your questions related to tuition, financial aid, admissions requirements and more.

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Call: 877-308-9946

Accreditation and Licensing Information

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The master‘s degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Logo: CCNE accreditation Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791

The master's degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
GRE^® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service.
As of July 14, 2021, Rasmussen University had 8,524 students enrolled in School of Nursing programs. As of June 30, 2021, Rasmussen University had 19,539 nursing alumni. This number represents the total number of those who graduated from a School of Nursing program between March 20, 2006, and June 30, 2021. For the spring quarter of 2021 (April - June), Rasmussen University had 603 full-time and adjunct nursing faculty.
Completion time is dependent on the number of courses completed each term.
Tuition for the MSN program is $276 per credit; excludes MSN Nurse Practitioner specializations. Students in all programs must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible for the tuition pricing of $276 per credit. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. MSN (Leadership & Administration and Healthcare Technology, Simulation & Informatics specializations) program cost breakdown: $13,248 in tuition + $3,090 in fees = $16,338 in program cost. MSN Nursing Education specialization cost breakdown: $13,248 in tuition + 3,285 in fees = $16,533 in estimated program cost. Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Estimated program cost breakdown for PMHNP specialization: 28 core MSN credits at $276 per credit ($7,728) plus 41 Nurse Practitioner specialization credits at $915 per credit ($37,515) and $4,650 in fees = $49,893 estimated total program cost. Program availability varies by state. Please see Rasmussen University catalog for details.
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)