This RN to MSN online puts you on a streamlined path to leadership, in addition to roles in education, research, quality and informatics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing profession is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Upon graduation, you’ll enter this growing field prepared to face health care reform, advances in technology and discoveries in evidence-based practice. Emphasizing leadership and innovation in the nursing profession, you’ll gain skills that are critical to enacting system change, improving patient outcomes and creating effective teams, including:
- Addressing practice and policy issues within organizations.
- Building a personal leadership style.
- Exemplifying the role of a nurse leader.
- Increasing team collaboration.
- Responding to complex situations.
- Understanding the interrelationship between nursing practice and research.
These skills equip you to pursue nurse leadership roles or continue your education in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
The benefits of an RN to MSN program
This Master of Science in nursing bridge option allows ADN-prepared nurses to earn a graduate degree without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other bachelor’s degree. You’ll graduate with a combination of nursing skills and advanced knowledge needed to improve health care, including:
- Coordinated, safe and effective care.
- Patient-centered health services.
- Reduced costs.
The curriculum features two bridge courses at the beginning of the program, developed as a link to graduate-level nursing courses. These courses don’t lead to a BSN, but rather bridge the gap between your ADN and the Master of Science in nursing. You’ll also participate in two practicums which are customizable to fit your career aspirations.
Are you interested in learning more about this program and other graduate nursing programs offered by the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation? Register now for an upcoming live, virtual information session.
Do you need to be a registered nurse to apply to this program?
Yes. To be eligible to apply for this Master of Science in nursing bridge, you must have a current, unencumbered RN license. While you don’t need to be currently employed as an RN, it’s ideal if you are.
This program is for ADN-prepared nurses. If you’re a BSN-prepared nurse, check out our non-bridge Master of Science in nursing.
Complex patient needs and rising health care costs create demand for nurses with advanced education. Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in nursing bridge option allows registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to earn a graduate-level education. Gain knowledge in evidence-based practice and innovative leadership to address the nation’s urgent health care challenges.
Courses in this Master of Science in nursing program provide you with an advanced nursing education, with a focus on innovation, leadership and interprofessional team collaboration. The RN to MSN curriculum covers the essential topics identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, ensuring you’re prepared to deliver patient-focused, evidence-based care.
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned and award-winning faculty members. Our faculty’s accomplishments include, but aren’t limited to:
- Fulbright Senior Scholar.
- National faculty nursing awards.
- Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving.
- Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.
ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a world-class education to students across various health disciplines. We distinguish ourselves by delivering excellent programs and challenging courses led by high-quality instructors.
best online master’s in nursing programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
DNP program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award for a partnership with Mayo Clinic.
Applicants to the Master of Science in nursing bridge option must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they've earned an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have completed at least 72 credit hours, transferable to ASU.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in their associate degree nursing program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Proof of an unencumbered RN license.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
- Interview – Applicants must participate in an interview with faculty.
- Licensure requirements – Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a current unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student plans to do clinical practicums.
- An applicant’s RN license – for practice and planned practicum location – may not be for a restricted state. See the state authorization web page for more information.
- Statistics – Applicants must complete a statistics course with a "C" or better. Applicants admitted with a deficiency in statistics will take an applicable course during their program.
- We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure page.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”