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• Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN Program) – M.S.
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DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Master's Degrees in Nursing and Healthcare

Anna, M.S. Nursing – Education grad

Nursing Master's Degrees Online  (students must possess an active RN license to be eligible for all MSN programs at WGU)

Bsn-to-msn programs.

Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...

For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.

• Time:  61% of grads finish within 23 months
• Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term
• Courses : 15 total courses in this program

This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:

• Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
• Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

Compare degrees

This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have...

A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success a master's can bring:

• Time:   64% of grads finish within 24 months.
• Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 14 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

• Informatics System Analysis and Design
• Data Science and Analytics
• Leadership and Management

The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.

Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....

A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.

• Time: 62% of grads finish within 24 months.
• Tuition:  $5,035 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 15 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for RNs who already have their BSN and are ready to progress in their career.

• Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education

Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.

RN-to-MSN Programs

Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...

This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.

• Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
• Tuition:  $5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
• Courses : 32 total courses in this program.

If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.

Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN...

A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN component, allowing them to go from RN to MSN.

• Time:  63% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 36 months.
• Courses : 31 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for currently licensed RNs who are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace.

The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.

Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.

This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...

This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.

• Time:  60% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 38 months.
• Tuition and fees: $5,325   per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
• Courses: 32 total courses in this program.

This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.

• Value-Based Nursing Care Outcomes

Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

• Locations:  Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington.
• Time:  It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
• Tuition: $6,850 per six-month term.
• Courses : 16 total courses in this program.
• Adult Primary Care
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Special Populations Primary Care
• Advanced Health Assessment

Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more  state-specific information related to nursing licensure . Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More  about compact licenses .

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing

This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

• Locations:  Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• Time:  It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
• Tuition and fees : $6,955 per six-month term.
• Courses: 17 total courses in this program.

This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.

• Advanced Pathophysiology 
• Assessment and Diagnostics
• Behavioral health
• Advanced Pharmacology

Healthcare Master's Degrees Online

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...

A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.

• Time:  60% of grads finish within 21 months. 
• Tuition:  $4,995 per 6-month term.
• Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
• Collaborative Leadership
• Healthcare Models and Systems
• Healthcare Financial Management
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Healthcare Information Technology

Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.

This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for...

This online Master of Public Health degree program is a perfect fit for students who want to make a difference in their community.

• Time:  60% of students finish similar programs in 21 months.
• Tuition:  $4,995 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program
• Biostatistics and analysis
• Environmental health
• Epidemiology
• Global health
• Public health policy and advocacy
• Health education and promotion

This degree prepares you with relevant industry skills and experience that will help you move forward in your career.

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations....

Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.

• Time:  WGU lets you set a schedule so you can finish your MBA in just one year.
• Tuition:  $4,755 per 6-month term.
• Courses : 11 total courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include: 

• Regulatory compliance
• Patient care improvement
• Service line development
• Healthcare trends
• Health policy and legislation

Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy.  Steer your career with this specialty MBA.

Compare online business degrees

This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...

The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.

No teaching license required.

• Time: 62% of students finish this program in 10 months.
• Tuition:  $4,125 per 6-month term
• Courses:  12 total courses in this program.

This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:

• The K-12 pathway
• The Adult Learner pathway

Skills for your résumé included in this program:

• Learning Experience Design
• Assessment and Learning Analytics
• Learning Technology
• Research Methodology

Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.

Post-Master's Nursing Programs Online

Nursing Education – Post-Master's Certificate

A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs....

A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs.

This program will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.

• Time:  Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
• Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
• Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development
• Assessment of Student Learning
• Facilitation of Student-Centered Learning

Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers. This program will prepare you to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) exam.

Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...

A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.

• Time:  Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
• Tuition:  $5,035 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
• Courses : 8 total courses in this program.
• Strategic Planning
• Resource Management
• Business Case Analysis
• Evaluating Healthcare Improvements

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate

This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...

This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.

• Locations:  Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• Time:  This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set. 
• Tuition and fees : $6,955 per six-month term.
• Courses: 11 total courses in this program.

This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.

Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate

This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking...

This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking to now become a family nurse practitioner with a post-master's certificate program.

• Locations:  Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington.
• Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set. 
• Tuition: $6,850   per six-month term.
• Courses : 10 total courses in this program.
• Advanced Pathophysiology

Learn about MSN Programs

If you're a current RN with or without a BSN, WGU has program options to help you progress in your career. Learn more about Master of Science in Nursing degree programs and how they help your career.

Learn about Healthcare Master's Degrees

If you're interested in a leadership or management role in the healthcare field, a master's degree with a healthcare focus is an ideal choice. Learn more about these types of programs and how they can impact your career.

Learn about Post-Master's Certificates

If you already have an MSN and are interested in additional credentials to benefit your career, a post-master's certificate could be a great choice. Learn more about these certificates, who is eligible, and how they can impact your career.

HEALTH AND NURSING MASTER'S DEGREES

An Online Master's Degree in Healthcare That Helps You Influence Better Patient Outcomes

Leaders in nursing and healthcare are focused in creating better patient outcomes, influencing crucial decisions, and improving communities. A master's degree in nursing or a master's degree in healthcare can give you the skills and credentials you need to lead in the industry. Join the force of healthcare and nurse professionals who have taken the next step and are leading the industry to better patient outcomes and improved health. Advance your career with a master’s degree in nursing education, nursing leadership and management, nursing informatics, or health leadership and administration. WGU has options to get you to MSN whether you have your BSN already—or not!

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

WGU has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.  

WGU has partnered with The DAISY Foundation to honor WGU nursing faculty with The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty. 

Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.™

Experience + hard work could help you graduate ahead of schedule—and under budget.

Our unique approach to education is an ideal match for experienced nurse or healthcare professionals like you, who have extensive real-world experience. At WGU, you earn your master of nursing or healthcare by demonstrating skills and knowledge in career-relevant subject areas through a series of assessments. If you already know the material or study hard to learn it faster, you can complete your assessments more quickly. With the personalized guidance and instruction of knowledgeable faculty, you’ll be able to earn your MSN or healthcare degree online, on your schedule, and on your budget.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION

Competency:  Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

AT YOUR OWN PACE

At WGU, you are in charge of setting the pace. Spend time on areas where you need more understanding and accelerate in subjects where you already have knowledge.

Celebrating Nurse Leaders with a Special Scholarship

One thing the pandemic has shown us is just how much America needs nurses, especially nurse leaders. Named for Dr. Margaret McClure, the catalyst for today’s magnet hospital program, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one recipient each quarter who has demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes. 

Transfer Graduate Credits to Your WGU Degree

WGU offers students the unique opportunity to transfer graduate coursework to their degree program. You may transfer up to 17 competency units (47%) of your MSN courses taken at the graduate level at an accredited institution to a WGU BSN to MSN degree program.

See How Our Students Are Making a Difference

Students and graduates of the Leavitt School of Health are unified by their service to caring for others. One grad, Rhonda, was also driven by duty. She found a way to connect her duty to serve and her calling to care. Discover how you can join thousands of students like Rhonda, focused on making a difference in the lives of patients.

What Students Are Saying About WGU

Our students say it best. See why their WGU experience means so much to them, and what makes us different.

"Great experience—allowed me a career as a nursing professor, which in turn helped me discover that I'm happiest when I'm taking care of patients and mentoring new nurses. I wouldn't have figured that out had it not been for WGU."

—Mary Cox M.S. Nursing – Education

"At WGU there is no busy work. Everything is related to your degree and related to the work you'll be doing in your job."

—Natalie Hill M.S. Nursing – Education (RN to MSN) grad

"Not only did my degree at WGU help me advance my career—it also helped save a rural hospital and the community's access to local, quality healthcare."

—Sarah Aronack M.S. Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN)

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Health Professions Programs

What is the best master's degree to get in nursing.

The best MSN to get will really depend on your ultimate career goals. If you want to teach other nurses, a nursing education MSN is a great fit. If you want to move up in the ranks of nursing toward management positions, a nursing leadership MSN is a great fit. If you want to move into data analysis, a nursing informatics MSN is a good option. Start with determining what your dream career is, then find an MSN program that will help you be prepared to reach your goals.

How much does a nurse with an MSN make each year?

On average nurses with a master's degree earn about $86,000 per year , much higher than the RN national average of $74,000 per year.

What types of master's degrees in nursing are there?

• Nursing education program
• Nursing leadership and management program
• Nursing informatics program
• Nurse practitioner programs
• Bridge programs allowing for you to earn your BSN and MSN at the same time

What does a master's degree in nursing get you?

A master's degree in nursing can help you in many ways, including:

• Higher salary
• Preparation to move into a different job with different responsibilities
• Opportunity for promotion
• Benefit to your hospital moving toward magnet status
• Step towards even higher education, such as a doctorate degree

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