Online BSN to MSN Degree Program

Advancing your nursing education by enrolling in a BSN to MSN degree program typically takes 2-3 years (6-9 trimesters) to complete at USAHS.Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. Depending on the chosen specialty, BSN to MSN students will have to complete between 36-55 credit hours and 225-630 practicum hours. Acceleration options are available for those looking to advance more quickly while pursuing their BSN to MSN.

Yes, you can pursue an MSN without a BSN through two main pathways:

1. RN-to-MSN programs: For registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing.
2. Direct entry master’s programs: For individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

These accelerated options allow you to earn an MSN without first completing a separate BSN program.

Yes, MSN-prepared nurses typically earn more than those with a BSN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses who are at BSN-level earn a median salary of $86,070 annually, while advanced practice registered nurses earn a median of $129,480 per year. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Registered Nurses: Summary,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, April 17 2024. Although this number represents the national median annual salary of advanced practice nurses, USAHS makes no guarantee that its graduates will earn this amount. Advancing your nursing education by earning your BSN to MSN degree through USAHS can help you achieve this higher earning potential in your nursing career.

An MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree holder is not always an NP (Nurse Practitioner). While some MSN programs, like those offered at USAHS, prepare students for NP roles, an MSN can lead to various career paths. BSN to MSN graduates may become NPs, but they can also pursue administrative, educational, or specialized clinical roles depending on their chosen focus within the program.