BSN to MSN Bridge Programs

There are many great things about being a registered nurse (RN). Chief among them is the ability to choose so many different career paths. Throughout your career, you'll always have the option to return to school to earn a more advanced degree. If you are interested in earning your master of science in nursing, or MSN, to become an advanced practice nurse or to move into an administrative or managerial role, you should look into BSN-to-MSN bridge programs. Learn more about them by reading on below.

What are the Benefits of Earning an MSN?

Why should you bother completing a BSN-to-MSN bridge program? By doing so, you will possess a master's degree that will open up many exciting doors. If you are interested in advanced practice nursing, you must complete an MSN program in your preferred area of specialization. Similarly, if you would like to become a nurse educator, a nurse manager, or another administrative nursing professional, a master's degree is required. If you aren't sure either way, earning your MSN now leaves the option open for you later.

How Do BSN-to-MSN Bridge Programs Work?

By completing a BSN-to-MSN bridge program, you can earn your MSN more quickly and, many times, more affordably than you otherwise would. These programs typically start with around 25 hours of bridge work, which includes credits that help to bridge the gap in knowledge between a BSN and an MSN. Once that is out of the way, you progress into completing the advanced master's degree requirements. This may involve selecting a specialization if you are going into advanced practice nursing.

How Long Does It Take?

It typically takes around three years to complete the requirements of a standard master of science in nursing program. By opting for the bridge route, however, you may be able to shave about a year off of the total time that is needed. Therefore, you may be able to earn your MSN in as little as two years through a BSN-to-MSN bridge program. This largely depends on the nature of your previous nursing credits as well as on your work experience.

How Much Does It Cost?

As you already know from investigating and applying to other schools during your nursing career, the cost to earn any given degree varies based on a number of factors. The average price to complete a BSN-to-MSN bridge program is between $10,000 and $15,000. However, the cost may be much higher or lower depending on whether you are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, for example, or on whether the school is a private or public university. Financial aid is sometimes available and is always worth looking into as well.

Do I Have to Select a Specialization?

When completing a master of science in nursing program to pursue a role in advanced practice nursing, students must select an area of specialization. This is just as true with BSN-to-MSN bridge programs as it is with standard MSN programs. Options for advanced practice nurses include family nurse practitioner, acute care practitioner, and midwife nurse practitioner. There are also areas of specialization for managerial and administrative roles, including nurse manager and nurse educator. In your bridge program, you will have to select an area of specialization, and this may affect the cost and length.

What are Common Requirements of BSN-to-MSN Bridge Programs?

To be accepted into most BSN-to-MSN bridge programs, you have to possess a valid RN license. Some programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, but it isn't very common. You will have to provide transcripts from your BSN to demonstrate that you maintained a certain grade point average, which varies by program. Additional tests may be required, and some programs require students to undergo criminal background checks as well.

Will I Have to Complete Clinical Training?

Clinical training, which sometimes consists of an internship, is required for some bridge programs. If you will be pursuing an advanced practice RN, or APRN, role, you will have to complete a certain number of clinical hours to graduate from the program and obtain your degree. Different programs handle this requirement differently, but students usually have to make the arrangements themselves. Always ask about this requirement before enrolling to ensure that it works for you. You may even be able to count your regular work toward this requirement.

Are Online BSN-to-MSN Bridge Programs Available?

The vast majority of people who pursue MSN degrees already work full time and typically have many other responsibilities. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering how you are going to be able to handle the extra work. One option to consider is an online BSN-to-MSN bridge program. Such programs are offered by many colleges and universities, and they provide a lot more flexibility for busy, working adults. If you are going into advanced practice nursing, however, you'll still have to complete clinical training at a local facility.

Is Accreditation Important?

Given the doors that open up with an MSN, it makes sense that the degree needs to come from a fully accredited program. One of the first things that you should ask any program, then, is what kinds of accreditations they hold. There are two main accreditation bodies that matter in this context: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or CCNE, and the American Commission on Education in Nursing, or ACEN. Make absolutely certain that the program that you sign up for is properly accredited, or your resulting degree may be practically worthless.

BSN-to-MSN bridge programs simplify and streamline the process of earning a master of science in nursing if you already possess a bachelor of science in nursing. The benefits and opportunities that go along with earning an MSN are considerable, so the extra work is sure to more than pay off before very long.