The RN to Master of Science in nursing with a nursing education concentration provides a unique pathway for associate degree-prepared nurses to pursue a master's in nursing without the requirement of completing a BSN first. This program is designed to offer advanced education and skills in leadership concepts, practices and principles, with a focus on improvement science for safe, effective and patient-centered health services.
As a nurse educator, your wisdom and insights can help the next generation of care providers thrive in their nursing careers, all while staying at the forefront of the latest medical advancements. You'll graduate equipped with the tools needed to build future nurses' skills, knowledge and compassion. These competencies include:
- Critical thinking.
- Curriculum development.
- Leadership.
- Patient safety.
- Research.
- Staff development.
- Teaching evaluation.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
The ideal candidate for this program is an associate degree-prepared nurse. You should also have a strong interest in educating other nurses, either in academic or clinical settings, on topics including best teaching practices, curriculum development and evaluation of educational effectiveness. If you’re not interested in specializing in nursing education, check out the general RN to Master of Science in nursing bridge program.
You can also register for an upcoming live, virtual information session to learn more about this program and other graduate nursing programs offered by the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
Do you need to be a registered nurse to apply to this program?
Yes. To be eligible for this RN to MS in nursing with a nursing education concentration bridge program, you must have an associate degree in nursing. You also must have a current, unencumbered RN license to apply. While you don’t need to be currently employed as an RN, it’s ideal if you are.
If you’re a BSN-prepared nurse, check out the non-bridge Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in nursing education option.
Arizona State University’s online RN to Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in nursing education program offers an accessible path for associate degree-prepared nurses to pursue a master's in nursing without first earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to empower nurses and shape the future of health care through education and leadership in nursing.
Courses in this program provide you with six credits of bridge courses and 18 credit hours of advanced nursing studies focused on patient- and evidence-based care. Additionally, you’ll complete 12 credit hours of nursing education-specific topics. The curriculum culminates with two practicum courses and one applied project capstone in which you’ll write an evidence-based proposal on a nursing issue of your choice.
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.
DNP program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
MSN 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 RN to Master of Science in nursing with a concentration in nursing education 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 must complete an applicable course prior to starting their second course in the program.
- Regulations vary state-by-state concerning distance education that occurs outside the state of Arizona. We recommend that students review the state authorization webpage for program exceptions in the state where they are located. Relocating to a different state after admission into a degree program may impact whether a student can remain in the degree program, meet a state’s licensure requirements and/or continue to receive financial aid funding. It’s the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in physical location.
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.”