online msn programs for non nurses

Affordability is a key concern for many students who apply to and enroll in online master of science innursing (MSN) programs. It’s important, however, to look beyond the cheapest online MSN programs in terms of tuition and fees. There are many affordable online MSN programs available that will provide true value and a return on the investment of time and money.

Accredited online programs are designed to prepare graduates to work as managers, policy experts, or educators in the field. An MSN degree is also a required prerequisite for some doctoral programs in nursing education. Many graduate-level nursing students are registered nurses (RNs). Some MSN programs, however, admit students with undergraduate degrees in other fields. These students from other backgrounds are usually required to take additional entry-level nursing courses.

What Are the Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing Programs of 2021? Here Are Our Top 10:

Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.

How We Rank Schools

Coursework in online MSN programs covers a variety of topics, including healthcare ethics, health care policy, advanced practice nursing, biochemistry, and pharmacology. Additionally, online MSN students pick a specialty in the field, such as health care leadership, nurse-midwifery, gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatry. The flexibility of online coursework allows students to continue working as RNs or as full-time professionals while they earn their degree.

In the interest of helping students evaluate the most affordable online MSN programs, we use our College Affordability Score methodology to rank programs based on several factors, including financial aid opportunities, the number of students who take out loans, graduation rates, and loan default rates for graduates. The list below is not a ranking of schools by lowest tuition rate; that is, they’re not necessarily the “cheapest” online MSN programs. Instead, our rankings reflect the overall economic value these colleges offer online MSN students.

2021 Most Affordable Accredited Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.SORT BY

• DEFAULT
• COST
• A-Z

EXPAND ALL

What Else Can I Expect From a Master’s in Nursing Program?

Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Nursing

To enter an online master’s program in nursing, you must hold a bachelor’s degree. Most programs require an undergraduate degree in nursing from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or a similar body. Some schools also require a valid license as a registered nurse.

Professional experience requirements vary from program to program. Some schools cater to recent graduates, while others prefer applicants with at least three years of relevant work experience. Even when not required, experience as a nurse can improve your chances of earning admission into a master’s program.

Academic requirements also vary. Generally speaking, graduate schools of nursing look for candidates who maintain an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, though some programs conditionally admit students with a slightly lower average. Schools may also ask that you submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. GRE scores remain valid for five years.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

EXPAND ALLNurse PractitionerPublic Health NursingLeadership and ManagementNursing EducationNursing Informatics

Sample Courses for an Online Master’s in Nursing Program

Your exact course of study in an online master’s in nursing program varies depending on the electives and concentration you choose. However, five courses commonly offered in these programs appear below.

• Biostatistics: This course introduces students to the principles and practices of collecting and analyzing data for use in health-related contexts. Topics covered include probability theory, hypothesis testing, probability theory, confidence interval testing, and multivariable methods. This course helps lay a foundation for students pursuing a thesis option or who plan to continue their education and earn a doctorate in nursing.
• Healthcare Quality and Improvement: In this class, students explore the current healthcare environment in the United States, including its evolution over time, the impact of shifting demographics in the country, and potential solutions to pressing issues. The course also looks at how healthcare technologies can promote quality at the organizational and systemic levels.
• Advanced Nursing Concepts: Students in this course analyze the history of the nursing profession and various conceptual models and theories related to it. They apply these theories to real-world nursing situations through communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. They may also collect quantitative and qualitative data in a healthcare setting, aiding in future research projects.
• Advanced Pathophysiology: Building on undergraduate coursework in pathophysiology, this course explores the relationship between normal physiology and the changes caused by disease and injury, helping to enhance clinical reasoning skills. The course focuses on topics like pathogenesis, environmental influences, and the clinical manifestations of major health problems.
• Global Health and Diversity: Students in this class examine issues related to global healthcare delivery systems. They analyze political, financial, and social constraints on those systems and learn how to both work within those constraints and press for change when needed. This elective provides invaluable training for nurses who plan to work internationally.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Nursing?

Most full-time students earn their online master’s in nursing in about two years. However, several factors can affect the amount of time it takes to earn your degree.

For example, if you did not earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, programs require that you complete this coursework before you enroll in graduate-level classes. If you plan to study on a part-time basis so that you can remain in your current job, you may need up to four years to complete your program’s graduation requirements.

Some self-paced programs do allow you to earn your degree in less than two years. On these accelerated tracks, students can advance through their course material as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the core concepts. While graduating sooner appeals to working professionals, remember that self-paced programs do not offer the same level of support as more traditional, cohort-based master’s program.

Skills and Competencies Gained in an Online Master’s in Nursing Program

Nursing requires a wide range of skills and deep expertise in a variety of content areas. To succeed as a nursing professional, you need to hone all of the skills listed below.EXPAND ALLCritical-Thinking SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational SkillsDiagnostic SkillsLife-Saving Skills

Additional Requirements for an Online Master’s in Nursing

Most master’s in nursing programs do not require an internship or practicum, as students have already completed one during their undergraduate studies. Instead, students can complete either a research-based thesis or a more practice-oriented capstone project as a culmination of their graduate program.

On a thesis track, students collect and analyze data from a healthcare setting and document their findings in a research paper. While some students conduct original research, others may use an existing data set or combine data from multiple sources. Students often work closely with a faculty adviser when writing their thesis.

On a capstone track, students take a course near the end of their studies that allows them to apply their learning to an actual issue in nursing. For example, they may partner with a local hospital to examine its nurse staffing policy and make a recommendation for how to meet the needs of patients.

Certifications and Licenses a Master’s in Nursing Prepares For

• Registered Nurse License: Registered nurses must hold a license to practice. To receive a license, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. Additional requirements vary from state to state, but often include a criminal background check and an application to a state board of nursing.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Nursing Certification: Dozens of voluntary certifications exist within the field of nursing. Neonatal resuscitation certification ensures that a nurse possess the skills necessary to provide emergency care to infants, especially premature babies. This certification can help you qualify for jobs in obstetrics and requires passing both a training course and an exam.
• Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Certification: This certification signals expertise in caring for patients with various forms of cancer. Many healthcare employers look for an oncology certification when hiring nurses for both home and hospital care positions. To qualify, you must complete 1000 hours of work in a field related to oncology, pass an exam, and earn continuing-education credits to remain certified.