The Top RN-to-MSN Programs in Maryland

Best Maryland RN-to-MSN Programs and Schools

Bowie State University

Location: Bowie, MD

At Bowie State University, graduates of the MSN program emerge as true experts in their field, equipped with advanced and specialized knowledge in caring for both entire populations and individual patients. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, positioning graduates for roles in research, health policy development, and management. Notably, graduates often engage with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive healthcare.

– Campus: Bowie, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: ACEN
– Tuition: $426.66 per credit hour for in-state students, $732.66 for out-of-state students
– Minimum time commitment: Less than five years
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, one year of experience, minimum GPA of 2.75, RN license, three letters of recommendation, resume, personal statement, CPR certification
– Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Notre Dame University of Maryland

Location: Baltimore, MD

Notre Dame University of Maryland offers accelerated MSN degree programs with a focus on nursing administration and nursing education. These programs feature weekly meetings among students, combining distance learning and individual study approaches. The institution prepares nursing professionals for leadership roles, emphasizing the administration and educational aspects of the field.

– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: ACEN
– Tuition: $620 per credit
– Minimum time commitment: 38 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: Transcripts, RN license, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, minimum GPA of 3.0
– Programs: MSN Leadership in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Coppin State University

Location: Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University’s MSN degree program seamlessly follows the BSN program, providing students with advanced practice skills to become direct care professionals with specific clinical specializations. The curriculum integrates advanced theory, research skills, and responsibilities for assessing, promoting, managing, and diagnosing health issues in urban communities. The focus is particularly on the health needs and trends seen in Baltimore City.

– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $292 per credit hour for residents, $536 for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 48 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, elementary statistics, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE, RN license, three professional recommendations, personal interview
– Programs: MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Johns Hopkins University

Location: Baltimore, MD

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing prepares MSN program students to become managers, leaders, and advanced practice nurses in a patient-centric healthcare delivery setting. The program encourages the development of a broader perspective and innovative approaches to interdisciplinary healthcare issues.

– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $1,451 per credit
– Minimum time commitment: 36 to 37 credits
– Online availability: Yes (for Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Systems Management)
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN, TOEFL if applicable
– Programs: MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management, Public Health Nursing, Dual Degree (MSN/MPH)
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Morgan State University

Location: Baltimore, MD

At Morgan State University, MSN students continue their studies from the bachelor’s degree, covering advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, healthcare contexts, pharmacology, health policy, law, epidemiology, leadership, management, information management, evidence-based practice, and nursing research. Graduates are prepared to work in community health settings, engaging with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

– Campus: Baltimore, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $447 per credit for residents, $802 for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 45 credits
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, two years of work experience, minimum GPA of 3.0, statistics course
– Programs: MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Salisbury University

Location: Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University sets high expectations for its MSN students, offering a highly scientific program that produces graduates with advanced knowledge and skills for leadership, management, or nursing education positions. The faculty, composed of full-time distinguished members, fosters strong relationships with students through interactive learning environments, including flexible formats like distance learning, face-to-face meetings, and evening classes. Each student develops an individual progression plan aligned with their goals and personal interests.

– Campus: Salisbury, MD
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $358 per credit hour for residents, $647 per credit hour for non-residents
– Minimum time commitment: 2 years
– Online availability: No
– Degree requirements: BSN, RN license, transcripts, CPR certificate, resume, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, TOEFL if applicable
– Programs: MSN Nurse Educator
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

Stevenson University

Location: Stevenson, MD

Stevenson University offers online, accelerated MSN degree programs designed for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Recognizing the high demand for qualified nurses on state and national levels, the programs are delivered in blocks of eight weeks for student convenience. The curriculum encompasses analytical and theoretical knowledge essential for making meaningful contributions to the nursing profession. A practicum, led by experienced nurses in the specialty of interest, ensures hands-on experience.

– Campus: Stevenson, MD
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: CCNE
– Tuition: $610 per credit hour
– Minimum time commitment: Varies by program (all courses delivered in blocks of eight weeks)
– Online availability: Yes
– Degree requirements: BSN, transcripts, writing samples, letters of recommendation, resume, GRE
– Programs: MSN Nurse Education, MSN Leadership & Management, MSN Population Based Care Coordination
– School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

RN-to-MSN Courses and Curriculum

RN-to-MSN programs offer nurses without a BSN the opportunity to complete both a BSN and an MSN degree within a single program. These accelerated programs cover material more rapidly than traditional BSN programs, acknowledging that RNs possess practical experience in many BSN topics.

The curriculum initiates with advanced BSN topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental nursing principles. Clinical experience is an integral component of the initial phase, ensuring practical application.

As the program progresses, the curriculum delves into advanced topics essential for an MSN, including health assessment, advanced physiology, pharmacology, quality improvement, policy and population health, nursing theory and practice, and nursing research.

1. Advanced Health Assessment:

This course equips students with the skills to diagnose health conditions, identify symptoms, order diagnostic tests, and perform differential diagnoses.

2. Community and Population Health:

Focusing on the theory of population health, this course explores strategies to promote health across entire communities. It includes elements of epidemiology and health education within a community context.

3. Nursing Leadership:

This topic reviews various leadership theories and their application in nursing settings. Case studies are a key component, illustrating effective and ineffective nursing leadership.

4. Health Informatics:

Health informatics involves understanding and applying information and data to support evidence-based care. Students learn to collect, analyze, and present data to drive quality improvement.

5. Advanced Pharmacology:

Covering the mechanisms of medications in the human body, this course addresses the ethical and legal aspects of prescribing medications. Students gain the knowledge needed to prescribe medications safely.

6. Population-Specific Topics:

MSN programs offer courses focused on specific populations, such as family, pediatric, nurse midwifery, or adult-gerontology. These courses tailor content to address the unique needs of each population.

By completing an RN-to-MSN program, nurses enhance their knowledge, skills, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of nursing.