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From top accredited nurse practitioner online degree programs to a wealth of knowledge about the profession, Nurse Practitioner Degree.org serves as a database of information about how to become a nurse practitioner. Read More
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RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN programs are perfect for nursing students who want to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists, but who only have an associate’s degree. Typically, MSN programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree already, but with an RN to MSN program, you’ll earn this degree along the way.

My Degree and What It’s Good For

To start studying in an RN to MSN degree program, you must first become a registered nurse, which requires you to complete an accredited degree program, including hands-on clinical work. Some RN to MSN programs also require that you have work experience as a nurse before you apply. Either way, your classes will focus on first helping you earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and then move on to offering more advanced classes surrounding a specialty of your choosing, such as family nursing or geriatrics. Your classes will include both theoretical learning and clinical work to help you learn more about your specialty of choice. The benefit here is that you won’t have to repeat classes that you already took as part of your RN degree program.

My Earning Potential

There are several options for nurses who want to get an MSN: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists. Your education will program you for one of these fields, where your daily tasks will combine general nursing (taking patient history, checking vital signs, dressing minor wounds) with more advanced tasks, such as writing prescriptions and diagnosing diseases. The salary you can expect will depend on your specific specialty. RNs make an average salary of $69,110 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, and in states like California, Massachusetts, and Alaska, their salaries can reach over $80,000. As an NP, you’ll have more education, and eventually more experience, than a regular RN, and you’ll be able to earn even more.

The Best Online Nurse Practitioners Degrees

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who provides primary and specialty care to patients. A nurse practitioner is responsible for administering both nursing and wider healthcare services; and, they are licensed to prescribe medications. Becoming a nurse practitioner requires the completion of a master's degree program. Below are the most popular colleges offering online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.

RN to MSN: Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP RN to MSN: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP RN to MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health NP	Walden University - The Walden University Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program offers study in the advanced methods of practicing nursing throughout the healthcare industry. Registered nurses with bachelors in nursing are able to obtain their diploma in an accelerated format. Students can also specialize in various aspects of nursing, including Adult Gerontology, Adult Gerontology Acute Care, and Nurse Leadership.
MSN: Adult-Gerontology NP RN to MSN: Family NP RN to MSN: Nurse Education	South University - The South University Master of Science in Nursing program features a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization designed for Registered Nurses that wish to advance their skills, manage their patients care, and make critical decisions using evidence-based information. The program is conveniently offered online. For RNs looking to make a career jump, South University also offers an accelerated RN to MSN program with specialized tracks in adult health and nurse education.
MSN BSN to MSN MSN: Nurse Administration MSN: Nurse Education MSN: Nurse Informatics	Purdue University - The Purdue University MSN and BSN to MSN programs offers students the opportunity to explore nursing methods in a dynamic healthcare environment. Courses include Advanced Nursing Roles, Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing, and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in a Diverse Community. MSN specializations are offered in nurse administration, nurse education, and nurse informatics.
DNP	Liberty University - The Doctor of Nursing Practice specialization at the Liberty University is designed around a conceptual and clinical framework. Graduates learn advanced nursing methodologies, including clinical practice, teaching, research, and scholarship. The degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner RN to MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner	Simmons College - For students who want to advance their careers and quickly accomplish life goals, Simmons College offers two degrees to help students become nurse practitioners. The first allows students to specialize as Family Nurse Practitioner while the second program is an accelerated option for registered nurses interested in family nurse practice. Both degrees are accredited and through online courses, they can be accomplished in two years.
MSN: Midwifery and Women's Health MS: Family Nursing Practice MS: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Practice	Georgetown University - Graduates of the Georgetown University online MS of Nursing in Midwifery and Women's Health will have more than just a degree to their name upon completion. Students will have the skill and knowledge to help advance their profession, and medicine as a whole, while serving as sponsors of the well-being and overall health of each of their patients.
Doctor of Nursing Practice	Catholic University of America - At the Catholic University of America, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will participate in an online format that confers an advanced degree in the management of healthcare. Graduates leave CUA with the education and confidence to tackle the most pressing medical management challenges.
MSN: Nursing Education MSN in Nursing Leadership MSN/MBA in Leadership MSN in Nurse Informatics	Grand Canyon University - The Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides students with a variety of master's programs tailored to meet the students specific interests. Specializations include Education, Leadership in Health Care Systems (also available as an MBA).