School of Nursing

Online BSN to MSN Degree Program

A graduate degree in nursing can help you take your nursing career to the next level. At USAHS, we’ve designed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that accepts students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) online. Pursuing an online BSN to MSN degree at our School of Nursing can open doors to advanced career opportunities and expanded employment options in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, while providing the flexibility you need as a working nurse. You’ll be supported by a dedicated community of nursing faculty committed to your success throughout the entire program as you advance your nursing education by earning your BSN to MSN. Learn more about how our MSN program is customized for BSN-prepared nurses like you.

See MSN Program Requirements & Program Details

Apply Now

Request Information

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program

Format: Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive

Start Dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

Duration: Typically, 2-3 years* (6-9 trimesters), with acceleration options available

Role Specialties (BSN Entry)**: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, Nurse Educator

*Time to completion may vary by student depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. **Sometimes our available role specialties change. Please call for availability.

BSN to MSN Role Specialties

Have you completed your BSN degree and are looking to further your professional development? Advance your nursing education with an online BSN to MSN program at USAHS. Our programs are designed with prerequisites and requirements for nurses like you who are seeking to advance their careers. Choose from one of our BSN to MSN role specialties to prepare for innovative leadership roles in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Expand your BSN to MSN degree with clinical practice beyond hospital settings
Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
50 credit hours, 585 practicum hours
Complete in 8 trimesters Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. (2.7 years), acceleration options available
Flexible start dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

FNP Details

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

As you pursue your BSN to MSN degree, master specialized mental health and psychiatric care
Online coursework + one required virtual clinical intensive
55 credit hours, 630 practicum contact hours
9 trimesters Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. (3 years), acceleration options available
Multiple start dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

PMHNP Details

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner*

This BSN to MSN role specialty specializes in care for young adults through seniors
Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
55 credit hours, 630 practicum contact hours
8 trimesters Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. (2.7 years), acceleration options available
Program starts: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

AGNP Details

Nurse Executive and Nurse Educator*

Develop healthcare leadership and management skills in this BSN to MSN role specialty
Online coursework + optional on-campus immersions
36 credit hours, 225 practicum contact hours
6 trimesters Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. (2 years), acceleration options available
Flexible starts: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

Nurse Executive Details
Nurse Educator Details

Nursing Program Grants

Nurse Practitioner Advance Tuition Grant

USAHS can assist you as you pursue a BSN to MSN degree with Special Grant Tuition savings.

MSN PMHNP: BSN entry $2,500
MSN FNP: BSN entry $7,500
DNP FNP: BSN entry $15,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

BSN to MSN Program Information

BSN to MSN FAQs

How long does it take to go from BSN to MSN?

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.

Close

Can you skip a BSN and go to MSN?

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

RN-to-MSN programs: For registered nurses with an associate’s degree.
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.

Close

Does an MSN pay more than BSN?

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 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.

Close

Is MSN the same as NP?

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.

Close

Learn More About
Our MSN Program

For more information on the USAHS MSN program, including admission requirements, curriculum, tuition and more, see the MSN program page.

See MSN Program Details

Why USAHS?

Personalized Support Throughout Your Journey

Advancing your nursing education with an online BSN to MSN program can be challenging. At USAHS, we offer you one-on-one faculty mentorship and a personalized approach to learning, ensuring your success as you pursue your BSN to MSN degree.

Clinical Placement Assistance

We provide dedicated support to secure practica placements aligned with your career goals. Our placement concierges will help you as you pursue your BSN to MSN degree.

Play Video

Innovative Learning Experiences

Earning your BSN to MSN degree requires a different level of engagement. Our MSN program features cutting-edge online learning, including virtual simulations and case-based teaching, with one required on-campus clinical intensive for select specialties.

Play Video

Options for Acceleration

Our MSN program offers customizable study plans, which includes self-paced courses and credit transfer options. These options will allow you to accelerate your completion of your BSN to MSN degree. While USAHS does not offer Title IV for any term in which an accelerated learning course is taken without a full term “Anchor” course, other financing alternatives may be available. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.

Tailored Study Plans

The MSN program at USAHS provides students with a flexible format combining online coursework with one required clinical intensive for NP role specialties. For non-NP roles such as Executive and Educator, no intensive is required. This allows you to balance your nursing studies with other commitments. Choose a role specialty and start date that works for you.

Play Video

Diverse Role Specialties

From family to psychiatric mental health, choose from various nurse practitioner specialties or non-clinical roles in our MSN degree program. Tailor your education to your career aspirations as you pursue your BSN to MSN degree.

Learn More

A Lifelong Professional Community

Join our strong alumni network at USAHS. It will offer you ongoing support, professional development, and continued education opportunities beyond your online BSN to MSN program.

Learn More

Getting Started

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Whether you’re considering an MSN or DNP, we’re here to help you get started!

Get More
Information

Join our informative webinars or take a virtual campus tour to learn more about our programs and make an informed decision.

Sign Up for a Webinar
See MSN Program Details

1-on-1 BSN to MSN Consultation

Our dedicated enrollment advisors are available to discuss your goals and help you navigate your BSN to MSN program online.

Get in Touch

Start Your Application

Why wait? Start your application and take the first step toward advancing your nursing career.

Apply Now

MSN Student Perspectives

“The MSN program gave me the push I needed in various aspects of my life. It improved my confidence and helped me truly believe in myself. To network and be around other nurses who are looking to improve the nursing profession is inspiring, and I’m truly honored to be a part of it.”

Tina B.

MSN Student

Online BSN to MSN Degree Program

MSN Resources