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Work Toward Your MSN as You Complete Your BSN

It’s never been more possible to go from an RN to MSN.

If you’re a registered nurse, you likely know the benefits of earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It’s the pathway to becoming a nurse leader, a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, an expert in healthcare informatics, and more. In other words, it’s a great way to take your nursing career to the highest level. But if you don’t currently hold a bachelor’s degree, earning an MSN degree might seem daunting. The good news is, there’s a path to explore.

Some top nursing schools now offer an accelerated option in BSN programs, such as Walden University’s RN-BSN-MSN Accelerate Into Master’s (AIM) track. Through this nursing program option, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while working toward your Master of Science in Nursing. To qualify, you must have a current, active nursing license and hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing.

Work Toward Your MSN as You Complete Your BSN

What Are the Benefits of an RN to BSN to MSN Accelerated Path?

A recent study found that nearly 75% of RNs who enroll in a BSN degree program plan to go on to graduate school.1 But until recently, nurses moving from RN to MSN had to first enroll in and complete a BSN program and then enroll in and complete a full MSN program. Now, with the RN to BSN to MSN accelerated options, you can streamline the process.

Through most RN to BSN to MSN programs, once you earn the BSN degree, you can enroll in the master’s program having already earned credits toward your MSN. Those transfer credits make it possible for you to complete your MSN program up to 6 months sooner than if you entered a non-accelerated program. And spending less time in school can mean spending less money, too.

Where Can You Find the Right Accelerated Program for You?

While an accelerated RN to BSN to MSN track can make moving from an RN to MSN more possible than ever before, earning a bachelor’s and then a Master of Science in Nursing still takes time. This likely has you asking, “Can I find that time while continuing to work as a nurse?” Thanks to the online education options at Walden University, you can.

No other school graduates more MSN nursing students than Walden.2 Whether you enroll in Walden’s online MSN program, online BSN program, or choose the online RN to BSN AIM option, you can complete your coursework from home or anywhere else you have internet access, using Walden’s innovative online learning platform. Plus, when you earn your bachelor’s and master’s in nursing online at Walden, you’ll be able to choose when in the day you attend class, allowing you to fit your school schedule around your shift schedule.

Whether you want to become a nurse practitioner or any other type of nurse leader, completing a master’s in nursing program is an important step. And thanks to the online nursing degree programs and RN to BSN AIM option at Walden, you can make earning your MSN a reality.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program with an AIM track online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1557308717301889
2Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Retrieved July 2017, using CIP code 51.3801 (Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse). Includes 2016 preliminary data.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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