Shortest RN to MSN Programs Online - Fast Accelerated Programs

If you're already working as a registered nurse (RN), you may know that earning a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) can help you take your career to new heights. Perhaps you'd like to pursue this career advancement quickly, and you're wondering about the fastest online training programs available.

Keep reading as we look at some of the shortest online RN to MSN programs available. We'll also talk about what all goes into an RN to MSN program and answer some related questions you may have.

What Is an RN to MSN Program?

An RN to MSN program is a type of degree designed for nurses holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It allows students to leverage past training and experience to earn advanced nursing credentials in a shorter-than-average timeframe.

Some RN to MSN programs allow students to bypass earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and go straight to earning a master's degree. Other programs enable learners to earn a BSN degree while working toward their MSN degree.

RN to MSN programs may be offered online or in-person, though even online programs often have some in-person components (e.g., clinical experiences and skills practice). Coursework is often highly flexible and designed to fit around the work schedules of busy nurses.

How Long Does an RN to MSN Program Take?

Students who enroll in a traditional or part-time RN to MSN program can expect to spend at least two to three years earning their degrees. However, many schools offer accelerated options that can be completed in as little as a year.

Schools offering self-paced MSN programs make it possible for highly motivated students to earn their degrees quickly as well. Though there are no set study times or deadlines, this makes it possible for students to graduate within a year or even less.

Fastest RN to MSN Programs Online

If you're ready to enroll in one of the fastest RN to MSN programs available, you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we look at some of the best online nursing programs providing accelerated or self-paced coursework options.

1. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit school focused on nursing and healthcare. It offers a couple of RN to MSN degree options for those with active RN licenses, including an accelerated pathway that can be completed in just 10 months.

Students can opt to earn a bachelor's degree along the way or go straight for the MSN-only option to graduate sooner. Both programs provide structured flexibility to help busy students and affordable private school tuition rates to help students succeed.

• Estimated cost: $14,050 per year
• Program length: 10 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online school based in Millcreek, UT. Students can complete RN to MSN programs with the following specializations:

• nursing education
• leadership and management
• nursing informatics

The school uses a competency-based education model, enabling students to study year-round and progress quickly through classes they are more familiar with. Self-paced courses and a generous transfer policy make it possible for students to earn their degrees within one year.

• Estimated cost: $8,842 per year
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Capella University

Capella University is a for-profit school headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. This private online university offers flexible RN to MSN programs in four specializations to help students reach their specific career goals.

The school's FlexPath learning option lets students progress at their own pace, and students can gain transfer credit for prior learning experiences. Many students complete their chosen MSN nursing programs in just over one year.

• Estimated cost: Under $15,000 total
• Program length: 14 months
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Walden University

Walden University is another private, for-profit school headquartered in Minnesota. It offers various MSN programs for students with both associate degrees and bachelor's degrees.

Programs help prepare students for careers as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, adult gerontology acute care nurses, and more. The school's Tempo Learning format can help learners fast-track their education, potentially graduating in as little as 14 months.

• Estimated cost: As low as $13,000 total
• Program length: 14 months
• Accreditation: HLC

5. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is a public school in Wayne, NJ. It offers an online MSN degree with a specialization in nursing education that students can complete within 18 months.

Graduate-level nursing courses prepare students to teach the next generation of nursing students. Courses cover various professional nursing topics such as advanced pharmacology, curriculum development, clinical teaching strategies, and theoretical foundations for nursing.

• Estimated cost: $26,058.05 total
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University is a private Baptist school located in North Charleston, SC. It offers an online nursing degree in which students can choose between two MSN tracks: nursing education and nursing leadership and healthcare administration.

The RN to MSN degree option comprises 51 credit hours and takes 19 months of full-time study to complete. Depending on the specialization chosen, students learn about subjects such as nursing management, healthcare policy, and teaching strategies.

• Estimated cost: $625 per credit hour
• Program length: 19 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Franklin University

Franklin University is a private university headquartered in Columbus, OH, serving primarily online learners. Students can enroll in an RN to MSN program that prepares them to become nurse leaders in as little as 19 months.

The program helps students develop their patient care and leadership skills to prepare them for success in many healthcare settings. Students can choose from several tracks, including adult gerontology primary care, nurse administrator, and family nurse practitioner (FNP).

• Estimated cost: $12,060 per year
• Program length: 19 months
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private school with campus locations throughout the U.S. Its college of nursing provides an online accelerated RN to MSN degree that students can complete in as little as 20 months.

Students in this nurse practitioner program can choose from a variety of specializations, including pediatric, public health, and women's health. Students complete all coursework online and gain real-world clinical practice at healthcare systems in their local communities.

• Estimated cost: $8,280 per year
• Program length: 20 months
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco is a private Jesuit school in California. It offers an online RN to MSN program that students can complete in two years.

Online courses prepare students to provide evidence-based practice as nurse practitioners. The program helps students gain hands-on experience through 400 hours of practicums.

• Estimated cost: $29,880 per year
• Program length: 24 months
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian school in Lynchburg, VA. It offers a flexible online RN to BSN to MSN program for students holding current RN licensure.

The program features five specializations, including community health, health policy, and nursing informatics. Each program takes about two years to complete. Learners benefit from affordable tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and a generous transfer policy.

• Estimated cost: $330 per credit hour
• Program length: 24 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Chose These Programs

We endeavor to choose top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the degree programs featured above:

• Shortest program lengths: The programs offer some of the fastest advanced practice nursing master's degrees with completion times of two years or less.
• Accreditation: Each of the schools is institutionally accredited and maintains specialized accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Online coursework: Each master's in nursing program offers online or hybrid coursework to help students work through their education programs on a schedule that works for them.

FAQs About Accelerated Online RN to MSN Programs

If you still have questions about earning a fast online master's degree in nursing, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some top questions you may be curious about.

Can You Go From RN to MSN Without a BSN?

While many students complete an RN to BSN program before going on to their MSN, it is possible to skip the BSN stage altogether. Though RN to MSN programs that bypass the BSN can be intensive, they can also help students earn advanced credentials more quickly and efficiently, helping them reach their career goals sooner and more affordably.

Will I Earn a BSN Along the Way?

Each RN to MSN program is designed differently; while some programs allow nursing students to skip the BSN stage, others enable learners to earn their BSN as they work toward the MSN. Check with your program of choice to find out whether or not it bypasses or includes a BSN as part of the process.

What's the Fastest RN to MSN Program Available?

One of the fastest RN to MSN programs available is offered through Concordia University, as described above. This program can be completed in as little as 10 months.

Do RN to MSN Programs Include Clinical Hours?

Yes, many RN to MSN programs require students to complete clinical experiences as part of their training. Working clinical hours helps students gain hands-on experience in advanced nursing practice skills, preparing them to excel as family nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and other advanced healthcare professionals.

Are Accelerated RN to MSN Programs Harder?

Accelerated RN to MSN programs often require full-time commitment and intensive study schedules, so they can be quite challenging. Plus, they often have strict admission requirements and admit only small cohorts of students each year. Consider applying to nursing schools with high acceptance rates to give yourself a better chance of being accepted.

Explore Nursing Education Online

If you're ready to begin a rewarding career in nursing leadership, explore the schools with CCNE-accredited MSN degrees featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges to learn more about their programs, specialties, and scholarship opportunities to choose the best options for you.