BSN-prepared RNs provide and coordinate direct patient care within their licensed scope of practice and employer policies. In a master’s in nursing program, nurses can build on their RN or BSN education through graduate-level courses that focus on leadership and advanced nursing knowledge, depending on the program track. Online MSN program pathways may prepare nurses for additional or more specialized responsibilities, depending on the role, certification or licensure, employer requirements, and state laws.  

Key distinctions of an MSN-prepared nurse include:

• Advanced clinical responsibilities (depending on MSN track): Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), like nurse practitioners, need a graduate degree, certification, and state licensure. Depending on the state, APRNs may diagnose and treat patients, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications.
• Greater autonomy (depending on state and role): For APRN roles, the level of authority—including prescribing medication—depends on state laws. Some states require physician collaboration or have other requirements based on local regulations and employer policies.
• Organizational leadership (depending on MSN track): Some MSN degree pathways include leadership, quality improvement, and healthcare systems courses. This coursework may prepare nurses for leadership or administrative roles, depending on the position and employer requirements.
• Specialized expertise: A master’s in nursing allows for specialized roles in nursing education, informatics, or public health, enabling nurses to influence healthcare systems and train the next generation of nurses.

In short, a BSN prepares nurses to provide and coordinate direct patient care, while an MSN degree offers graduate-level coursework that may support roles involving advanced practice, leadership, or healthcare systems improvement, depending on the pathway. 
 

MSN-prepared nurses who complete a nurse practitioner specialization are academically prepared to pursue certification as a nurse practitioner (NP) in a variety of healthcare specialties. Nurses with an MSN degree focused on specialty practice may qualify to pursue roles like nurse educator, case manager, clinical supervisor, and consultant. 

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

An online nursing master’s program is designed to be flexible for working professionals, with completion times primarily depending on your starting point and preferred pace. If you choose Walden’s Tempo Learning® competency-based option, you can progress as soon as you master a subject, potentially speeding up your degree based on your existing workplace experience.

Additionally, if you have prior graduate-level nursing credits, you may be able to transfer them, further reducing both the time and cost required to finish your MSN degree.

To be considered for Walden’s nursing master’s program, you must have:

• A registered nurse (RN) license in the U.S. or its territories that is current, active, and in good standing through the start date of your program
• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in bachelor’s degree coursework or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in master’s degree coursework. For RN entry tracks, you must have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing from an accredited U.S. school.

A completed online application and official transcripts must be submitted, along with the Technical Standards Policy Form (a statement showing you understand the MSN NP practicum requirements). 

To help streamline the admission process for our online MSN program, Walden has no essay or SAT/ACT/GRE requirements.

See full list of admission requirements. 

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program often marks a defining moment in a nurse’s career; it’s when they decide how to focus their ambitions and whether to pursue direct or indirect patient care. With a number of specializations to choose from at Walden, you can learn how to:

• Positively influence the quality of patient care.
• Develop innovations and apply them to healthcare practices.
• Use education to lead other nurses.
• Improve the overall health of patients and communities.

Choosing an online MSN specialization allows you to align your coursework with your personal and professional goals. Walden’s MSN specializations are Public Health Nursing, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Executive, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

If you’re looking to earn your master’s degree in nursing (MSN) online, you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right program for you. However, five key factors should always be considered before deciding:

1. Accreditation: First, look for an MSN online program that is accredited. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation affirms the quality of a university’s MSN program and support services, as well as the university’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement.
2. Specializations: As you search for the best online MSN program, be sure to look for one that offers a number of specializations, allowing you to match your education to your career goals.
3. Flexibility: Flexible scheduling is important as well, which is why Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online programs can be a good choice for working professionals.
4. Diversity: It’s also important to be able to connect with other professionals who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This can greatly enhance your master’s in nursing (MSN) online experience.
5. Support: Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong and accessible support team that is invested in helping you succeed in your program.

We think you’ll discover that Walden University meets the above criteria and more.

Accreditation is an important factor to consider when researching MSN programs. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

CCNE is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Programs that are CCNE-accredited must meet rigorous academic and professional standards, with the ultimate goal of preparing effective nurses who make an impact in their field. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations—45% from 2022 to 2032. Nurse educators are also needed, with jobs expected to grow by 18% from 2022 through 2032, according to BLS. ²

Depending on your specialization, an MSN from Walden can pave the way to a number of career options, including:

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this master’s in nursing (MSN) online program.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs differ from university to university. For example, more nurses graduate from Walden with their master's than any other university in the U.S. Didactic coursework in Walden’s MSN program is 100% online, which allows you to earn your degree on a schedule that works for you. Walden does not require travel for health assessments like other universities often do, and students can attend on a part-time or full-time basis. In addition, you can choose from a variety of specializations, benefit from small class sizes, and receive support throughout your program and beyond.

All of our MSN students can benefit from the Walden University Practicum Pledge™. If you can’t identify a nursing practicum site and preceptor, register for Practicum Pledge^{® (after meeting other requirements1). Our dedicated Field Placement Team will then partner with you to secure your site and preceptor. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN journey.}

Transform Your Life—and the Lives of Others 

From telemedicine to data analytics, the healthcare landscape is changing fast. Walden’s MSN online program prepares you with the skills and confidence to find your unique place in this exciting evolution. It’s not just about what’s next in healthcare; it’s about what’s next for you. Become a next-generation nursing innovator and a catalyst for positive social change.

Choose from nine online MSN specializations to align your program with your goals, whether you want to treat patients or serve in the boardroom. With a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), you can open the door to more autonomy and greater personal reward while positively impacting your patients and community.

Answering this question starts with knowing which patient populations you want to work with, where you prefer to work, and what role you want to play within the healthcare system. Registered nurses who want to continue to work directly with patients may decide to seek certification as a nurse practitioner (NP). Nurses who aspire to teach other nurses or seek executive-level roles can pursue a specialty practice degree in areas such as education, leadership, or informatics.

Walden offers frequent start dates for its MSN degree program, though the timing depends on which learning format you choose:

• Tempo Learning® (Competency-Based): This format offers the most flexibility, with new start dates on the first Monday of every month. This allows you to begin your studies as soon as you are ready, without waiting for a traditional academic term to start.
• Course-based learning: This traditional format follows a quarterly schedule, with new start dates occurring four times per year (fall, winter, spring, and summer).

This mix of monthly and quarterly options is designed to support the busy schedules of working nursing professionals who seek an MSN degree.