A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can provide plenty of opportunities. With this degree, you can pursue advanced nursing roles in leadership and management, technology, education and patient care.
Many nurses wonder about the time commitment required to earn an MSN degree. How many years it takes depends on factors like your current education level and chosen specialty.
How long does it take to get a master’s in nursing? At many universities across the U.S., it can take two to three years, but time to completion can vary based on a student’s course load and preferences.*
Read on for specifics about how long an MSN program typically takes—whether RN to MSN or BSN entry—at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS). We’ll also explain how to choose the right program.
Master’s in Nursing Program Entries
USAHS has several role specialty options that allow you to earn an advanced nursing degree and specialize in an area of expertise. These specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP),Nurse Executive (NE) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The Nurse Executive program is BSN-entry only, but the other programs offer both BSN- and RN to MSN-entry options.
How Long Is an MSN Program for RNs?
| Role Specialty | Credit Hours | Practicum Hours | Trimesters | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FNP | 59 | 585 | 10 | 3.3* |
| PMHNP | 64 | 630 | 11 | 3.7* |
| AGNP | 64 | 630 | 10 | 3.3* |
Registered nurses can pursue several USAHS MSN role specialties. How long does it take to get a master’s in nursing as an RN? At USAHS, the role specialty you select can determine the length of your program, from 3.3 to 3.7 years.*
The different role specialties USAHS offers include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
How Long Does It Take to Get Your MSN After BSN?
| Role Specialty | Credit Hours | Practicum Hours | Trimesters | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FNP | 50 | 585 | 8 | 2.7* |
| PMHNP | 55 | 630 | 9 | 3* |
| AGNP | 55 | 630 | 8 | 2.7* |
| Nurse Executive | 36 | 225 | 6 | 2* |
How long does it take to get your MSN after BSN? These programs are slightly shorter than the RN-entry programs. At USAHS, they typically take between two to three years to complete.*
The BSN entry is for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), for which USAHS offers four different role specialty programs. In addition to the RN to MSN entry programs, the BSN-entry route offers a Nurse Executive role specialty.
USAHS MSN Admission Requirements
To begin your path to an MSN, consider the different admission requirements. These requirements vary between RN and BSN entries and must be submitted by candidates to be considered for admission. Whether you’re coming in as an RN or with a BSN, both programs require the following:
- Official transcripts from previous college or university
- Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered RN license in the state of residence
- Comprehensive background checks
- Two professional references
- An interview, if requested
If you’re entering as an RN, you will need an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. As an RN, you will also need a CV or professional resume with one full-time year of experience.
For BSN entry, you will need your BSN and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also have one full-time year of experience as an RN before starting their first practicum course. This program entry requires a 500-word essay discussing short- and long-term goals and a plan to achieve them.
How to Choose an MSN Program
The cost of an MSN degree can range from $28,738.00 to $57,718.00. How long is an MSN program? At USAHS, an MSN can take two to 3.7 years to complete.*
Discover the qualities to look for in an MSN program to help you make an informed decision before applying. Here are three things you can consider:
- Search for accredited programs that match your education level: Accreditation shows that the university meets a certain level of quality.1 The MSN program should list its accreditation clearly on its website. You can find USAHS’ information on our accreditation page.
- Determine your preferred program length: Universities may have different timelines for how long it takes to get your MSN. Some universities, like USAHS, offer accelerated programs to shorten the program length.
- Decide on your specialty: Before choosing an MSN program, see what types of role specialties they offer and if they fit your career goals.
Pursue Your MSN and More at USAHS
Whether you’re an RN or have a BSN, USAHS has flexible programs to help you earn an advanced education. We have both RN- and BSN-entry MSN programs at our five campuses across the U.S.. We also offer online courses.
If you want to continue your education after earning your MSN, USAHS offers post-graduate nursing certificate programs to advance your career. If you’re weighing alternatives beyond an MSN, consider our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. To get started, apply today.
*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Education, “Accreditation in the United States,” U.S. Department of Education, July 10, 2024, https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html.
