Master's in Nursing Degree Programs in Rhode Island
Baccalaureate educated nurses straight out of a BSN program as well as veteran nurses with more than 10 years of nursing experience have found that a master's level education provides career opportunities and a renewed passion for nursing. Various areas of concentration are offered through online MSN programs as well as through colleges and universities based in Rhode Island. You can learn more about the schools and their program offerings by using the information provided below to contact them.
Most master's in nursing programs have made most of their curriculum available online except for clinical rotations. Janet Leigh, an FNP student, told us "I attend one class a month right now and my assignments are submitted online. My program was not considered an online program, but works out that I do the majority of my coursework online." The online master's in nursing programs found below are either CCNE accredited or NLNAC accredited and recognized by national certifying organizations, which signifies their attention to the strict curriculum standards set by these organizations to adequately prepare nursing professionals. An MSN program can often be completed in 18 to 28 months depending on the student, course load, concentration and other factors.
Rhode Island has a shortage of nurses. The Hospital Association of Rhode Island reported that between May and June of 2006 there were 800 vacancies for registered nurses. One cause of the nursing shortage has been a shortage of nursing faculty. There have not been enough faculty at nursing schools that offer entry to nursing programs in the state of Rhode Island. Nursing faculty in Rhode Island are required to hold a master's degree. What all this means is that the nurse educator concentration offers many promising career opportunities at colleges and universities with entry-level nursing programs. There are also a number of loan repayment plans available for those that pursue this area of specialization. This is not to say that opportunities are not there for other concentration areas.
In fact, advanced practice nurses are some of the highest paid nurses in the state of Rhode Island and Nursing Executives such as a Director of Nursing make salaries that average in the $80,000 range according to the Advance for Nurses 2008 Salary Survey. Really, the decision is up to you and what personal and professional goals you have. A master's education is a significant investment of time and money. Make sure you evaluate all options. Pursue an area of nursing you are interested in and that matches your strengths.
Online Master's Nursing Programs Offered in Rhode Island

University of Phoenix College of Health and Human Services
The University of Phoenix Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). They are designed for those nurses who want to take their careers to the next level and pursue more advanced positions in today's challenging health care environment. Request free information from University of Phoenix today.
Programs Offered: MSN - (Concentrations: Health Care Education (MSN/ED), Informatics, MSN/Health Care Administration, MSN/MBA/Health Care Management), Nursing Health Care Education Certificate, RN to BSN
Walden University School of Nursing
Graduates of the Walden Master of Science degree program in Nursing will be readily prepared to become leaders in their profession. They will be capable of contributing to positive social change in their own communities and throughout the world. Request free information from Walden University to learn more.
Capella University
Capella University offers a Master's in Nursing (MSN) degree program for registered nurses that are interested in pursuing careers as nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders.
Programs Offered: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Educator
- Click Here to request information from Capella University's MSN Program.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University offers a Master's of Science in Nursing program online with two different concentrations: Nurse Educator or Health Systems Leadership. Gonzaga University has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for their online MSN nursing programs. Request information below to learn more.
Programs Offered Online: MSN - Nurse Educator, MSN- Health Systems Leadership
- Click Here for information about Gonzaga University's Nursing programs.
Graceland University
All MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate nursing programs at Graceland University are CCNE and NLNAC accredited. Graceland University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. MSN program Practicums are completed in the student's community.
Online Programs Offered: MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Nurse Educator, Post-Graduate Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education
- Click Here to request information from Graceland University.
Liberty University - Department of Nursing
Liberty University's Online MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist Acute Care Track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Graduates are prepared for national certification as a CNS and work as practitioners and/or educators. This program is enrolling now. Request information today!
Program Offered: MSN - Acute Care Track Online
- Click Here to request information from the Liberty University Online MSN Program
Loyola University New Orleans - School of Nursing
The MSN - Health Care Systems Management program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Program Offered: MSN - Health Care Systems Management
- Click Here for information about the Loyola University Online MSN Program.
Norwich University - Nursing Programs
The e-learning MSN program can be completed in 18 - 24 months. This program is approved by the Vermont State Nursing Board and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Programs Offered: Online MSN - (Nurse Leader)
- Click Here for information about the Norwich University Online MSN Program.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
The Saint Joseph's College of Maine Online Nursing Programs are CCNE accredited.
Programs Offered: Online RN to BSN, Online MSN (Prepares leaders in Health Care Delivery Systems or Education)
- Click Here to request information from Saint Joseph's College of Maine.
South University - School of Health Professions
South University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The South University MSN program is CCNE accredited and graduates are prepared for careers in nursing education.
Programs Offered: Online MSN (Focus on Teaching and Research)
- Click Here for more information about the South University Online MSN.
University of Cincinnati - College of Nursing
The University of Cincinnati - College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The MSN - Nurse Midwifery online program is accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
Programs Offered Online: MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist (Nurse Educator), MSN - Nursing Administration, MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Adult Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, MSN - Nurse Midwifery
- Click Here for information about the University of Cincinnati Online MSN programs.
Vanderbilt University - School of Nursing
Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Programs Offered: Health Systems Management - MSN Online
- Click Here for more information about the Vanderbilt University Online MSN Program.
Colleges & Universities Based in Rhode Island Offering MSN Programs
School of Nursing at Rhode Island College
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited.
Programs Offered: BSN, second degree BSN, RN to BSN, MSN - (Concentrations: CNS - Public Health/Community Leadership, CNS - Acute care / Critical Care)
- Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908-1991, PH: 401-456-8000
University of Rhode Island College of Nursing
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited BSN and MSN programs.
Programs Offered: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN - (Concentrations: Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, Clinical Specialist in Gerontology, Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner), PhD, Post-Graduate Certificates
- University of Rhode Island, 2 Heathman Road, Kingston, RI 02881-2021, PH: 401-874-2766

