Distance Learning for RN to MSN
Registered nurses (RNs) who have a graduate degree, such as the master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctorate in nursing (DNP, DrNP) are in demand in multiple segments of the health-care industry. An MSN-qualified RN can be employed in fields outside direct patient care itself, such as nursing education, administration, management and leadership. Thousands of different distance-learning RN to MSN programs are available, however the majority are offered as online programs.
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Program Aims
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MSN programs are designed to provide the experienced RN with formal graduate-level education in direct patient care and associated areas such as nursing management and education. By offering the "distance" classes, either by self-study and/or online teaching, the student is able to continue full-time employment without compromising education factors such as consistency of teaching quality, level of interaction with teachers and other students, and course content. Most programs also aim to prepare their graduates to take certification examinations offered by accreditation organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Nurses Association (ANA) or specialty-specific organizations.
Program Accreditation
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Most programs do not have to be approved by the State Board of Nursing, however the majority will have acquired accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Such programs include the online MSN in Nursing Education or Nursing Administration offered by Jacksonville University in Florida, American Sentinel University's RN to MSN, and Drexel University's online RN-MSN Bridge Program, which prepares the student for other MSN specialties.
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MSN Program Options
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Nursing Education, Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership, Case Management and Nursing Informatics are some of the potential specialties that the MSN student will be allowed to take. The availability of such options depend entirely on the nursing school chosen. For example, students at Drexel University can also choose to study to become a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner or Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, or to complete an MSN in Clinical Trials Research, Innovation and Intra/Entrepreneurship in Advanced Nursing Practice or Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management. Given the variety and choice available, the nurse should bear in mind his current nursing experience and career preferences when applying for such programs.
MSN Program Selection Critera
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Admissions criteria vary between schools. American Sentinel University's RN to MSN program is offered to associate's degree holders who have a minimum of 2 years experience working as a registered nurse. Eighteen baccalaureate nursing course credits must be achieved, as well as three credits in Professional Communication, with no lower than a 3.0 score in each of these, or a cumulative GPA score of 2.5. The Jesuit Education Network at Spring Hill College admits currently licensed and actively practicing RNs with at least one year of nursing experience and requires that students maintain access to clinical facilities for portions of their online RN-MSN course which require hands-on work. Students must also satisfy other admissions criteria, such as a minimum 2.5 overall GPA and completion of general education courses such as English Composition, Microbiology and Chemistry. Nursing courses such as Advanced Pharmacology, Community Nursing and Health Policy are also required.
Method of Delivery
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Distance courses are often offered in a web-based, online format. Students must therefore be competent with the use of computers and the Internet. Students should also be familiar with using browsers, including Internet Explorer and Netscape, email programs such as Microsoft Outlook, and word processing packages such as Microsoft Word. Jacksonville University has a unique multimedia tool which allows students to keep connected via online chat rooms and lectures by streamed video feeds.
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