RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Massachusetts

The RN to MSN bridge program has gained popularity throughout the country due to the streamlined approach to earning a master's in nursing. Registered nurses with a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing schools can complete their MSN in about three years, which often is much less time than the BSN then MSN route. There are 8 RN to MSN programs offered at schools based in Massachusetts and some online RN to MSN options. There are quite an assortment of specializations to choose from, so finding a program listed below that fits your strengths and goals should be rather simple.

RN to MSN programs are intense. They will focus on the BSN curriculum and clinical requirements and then proceed or bridge to the core MSN curriculum and specialization courses and clinical requirements. Most programs will incorporate and expand on the students knowledge of nursing theory, research and their application to evidenced based practice with the ultimate goal of graduating nurses prepared for advanced nursing roles in many different areas of nursing as well as entry to doctorate level programs.

Many nurses considering an MSN program do not have a clear picture of what they will specialize in and it creates some anxiety and concern. The truth is that you do not have to commit to becoming an advanced practice nurse or nurse faculty member. Many registered nurses select a nursing administration or dual MSN/MBA program which offers a more broad range of opportunities. Post-master's certificate programs can be completed later once a field has been decided on, for example nursing education or advanced practice.

Salary and career opportunities often increase with higher education.The Advance for Nurses 2008 Salary Survey took a look at some positions commonly held by nurses with a master's degree in Massachusetts. According to the 2008 salary survey, Directors of Nursing made an annual salary of $78,240, Nurse Educators made $74,274, Chief Nursing Officers made $98,000, Clinical Nurse Specialists made $73,667, Nurse Managers (MSN is not required, but useful) made $75,709, Case Managers (MSN not required, but useful) made $63,228, Legal Nurse Consultants (MSN not Required, but training is recommended) made $129,384. According to the Advance for Nurse Practitioners 2007 Salary Survey, Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts made an average annual salary of $85,433. These salary numbers will vary significantly based on location, experience, facility and other factors, but they offer a picture of potential earnings.

A 3 year commitment to an RN to MSN program may be too much to take on at this point for some registered nurses, so an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts may be a good alternative. RN to BSN online programs can often be completed in as little as 1 year. Other nursing career mobility options are certificate programs designed for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing, like a Legal Nurse Consultant program or a Nursing Case Management program. Certificate programs can be completed in a short amount of time as well and have potential to open some lucrative career opportunities.

Explore your RN to MSN program options in Massachusetts listed below. Use the provided contact methods to learn more about the programs and schools.

RN to MSN Online Programs Offered in Massachusetts

Walden University School of Nursing

The Walden University RN - M.S. programs are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited.

Programs Offered: RN - M.S. (Leadership and Management, Informatics, and Education)

Capella University

Capella University offers a Master's in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator Bridge program for registered nurses that have a bachelor's degree in another area and a current RN license. This program is ideal for those that are interested in becoming nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders.

Programs Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Educator Bridge Program

Click Here to request information from Capella University's MSN Bridge Program.

American Sentinel University - School of Nursing

The RN to MSN completion program is offered online and accepts RN's with current licenses and either a community college degree or a nursing diploma. Courses are open for enrollment once a month. Get more information today.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN Online (Tracks: Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership, Case Management, Nursing Education, and Nursing Informatics), RN to BSN

Click Here to request information from the American Sentinel University's Online RN to MSN Completion Program

Frontier School of Midwifery & Family Nursing - Distance Education

The Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools.

Programs Offered: ADN - MSN Bridge Nurse Midwifery (accredited by ACME), ADN - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (accredited by the NLNAC), and ADN - MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (accredited by the NLNAC). FSMFN also offers an online DNP program accredited by the AACN.

Click Here for more information about the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing distance education programs.

Graceland University

All nursing programs at Graceland University are CCNE accredited. Practicums are completed in the student's community. The FNP specialization requires a four day on-campus focus session during the BSN portion and two more on-campus focus sessions to during the MSN portion.

Online Programs Offered: RN to MSN - (Specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator/Clinical Nurse Specialist) Applicants specify their specialization interest after contacting the schools and during the application process.

Click Here to request information from Graceland University about the RN to BSN/MSN programs.

Loyola University New Orleans - School of Nursing

The MSN - Blend and MSN program are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The Blend program is designed for registered nurses with bachelor's degree in another field who wish to pursue a master's of science in nursing degree.

Program Offered: MSN - Health Care Systems Management, MSN - BLEND Health Care Systems Management

Click Here for information about the Loyola University Online MSN Programs.

Western Governors University - Nursing

Western Governors University offers an online RN to MSN degree program for registered nurses with an associate's degree. WGU is Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as well as Nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council.

All of the Western Governors University nursing programs are Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited. The Online RN to MSN programs are currently accepting applications. Request information today.

Programs Offered: RN to BSN, RN to MSN - (Tracks: Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership & Management)

Click Here to request information from WGU's Online RN to MSN Programs

Colleges and Universities Based in Massachusetts Offering RN to MSN Programs

Elms College

The MSN program is in the application phase for CCNE approval in Fall, 2009

Programs Offered: RN to MSN - (Tracks: Nursing Education or Health Services Management)

Elms College, 291 Springfield Street Chicopee, MA 01013-2839, PH: 413-594-2761

MGH Institute of Health Professions

The School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN

MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129-4557, PH: 617-726-2947

Regis College

Regis College School of Nursing is recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Programs Offered: RN to BSN to MSN

Regis College, 235 Wellesley St # 1, Weston, MA 02493-1571, PH: 781-768-7000

Salem State College

NLNAC and CCNE accredited programs.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN

Salem State College, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970, PH: 978-542-6000

Simmons College

CCNE accredited programs.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN - (Concentration: NP Track)

Simmons School of Health Sciences, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115-5898, PH: 617-521-2605

University of Massachusetts - Worcester

CCNE accredited programs.

Programs Offered: RN to MSN - (for RNs with a BSN in another field)

University of Massachusetts Worcester, 55 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01604, PH: 508-856-8989

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

CCNE accredited programs.

Programs Offered: RN to BS to MS

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Nursing, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300, PH: 508-999-8251