Nursing, RN to Master of Science Degree in Nursing for Registered Nurses, Accelerated Graduate Pathway (MSN)

USM’s RN to MSN Accelerated Graduate Pathway is designed for associate degree registered nurses interested in earning their Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. This pathway allows students to begin taking graduate-level courses while completing the Nursing, RN to Bachelor of Science Degree, B.S. Additionally, students who meet undergraduate progress standards will have their graduate application fee waived and will be admitted to the MSN program automatically.

Students can select the ‘Accelerated Graduate Pathway’ when they enroll at USM or by filling out an electronic ‘change of major’ form at any time prior to the start of their second semester of enrollment. Once students declare their interest in the RN-MSN, they will be advised to take two nursing graduate courses (NUR 603 and NUR 624) instead of two undergraduate courses (NUR 370 and NUR 356 ). After completing all undergraduate requirements, students will be awarded a BS degree and matriculate into one of the MSN programs. The six credits (two graduate courses) that students completed during the BS coursework are applied to the master’s portion of the program.

Format

All nursing courses are delivered online over 7 weeks, and both full-time and part-time studies are available. The RN-MSN can be completed in as few as 24 months, depending on credits and previous learning transferred into the program. Clinical and practicum courses are conducted at a healthcare facility or educational institution in the state where the student holds an RN license*.

* Not all states approve online study. See the NC-SARA guidelines before applying.

Program Requirements

All RNs must fulfill the University’s 30-credit residency requirement (6 credits earned at another UMS campus may be applied toward residency).

The School of Nursing recognizes a maximum of 30 nursing credits (RN credit options) transferred from an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program as basic nursing credits required in the baccalaureate program. Nursing credits earned in the ADN program beyond the basic 30 credits may be used as undergraduate elective credit. RNs graduating from a diploma program will be awarded the basic nursing credits (30 credits) upon successful completion of NUR 308 - Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice . Additional information may be obtained through the Office for Prior Learning Assessment.

Unless approved by the School of Nursing through the prior approval process, students must take all required NUR courses at USM.

Minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University’s Core Curriculum) required for the Nursing, RN to Bachelor of Science major: 23.
Minimum grade requirement for major courses listed below: C+.
Minimum GPA requirement for major courses listed below: 2.5.

RN-MSN Program Options

The Nursing Education accelerated online program prepares students to teach in entry-level didactic, clinical, and experiential learning nursing courses. The program meets the educational criteria for the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Academic Nurse Educator Certificate.

The Nursing Administration and Leadership accelerated online program provides students with advanced skills and knowledge in healthcare leadership, nursing practice, and business management. The program prepares students to join the next generation of healthcare leaders in positions such as nurse manager, director of nursing, chief clinical officer, and clinical supervisor. This program is based on the competencies put forth by the American Organization of Nursing Leaders (AONL) and prepares students to sit for the AONL Nurse Leader Certification.