Registered nurses who seek to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree can consider the RN to Master of Science in Nursing Program offered by Kaplan University. A bachelor’s degree qualifies a registered nurse for many nursing positions but leadership positions usually require a master’s degree. Through this program, students are able to complete the dual degree at a much faster pace and lower cost. Accreditation is provided by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Prospective students include associate or diploma-level nurses as well as nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field. Students will have to satisfy specific core requirements for the master’s degree program while completing the bachelor’s degree requirements. Upon satisfaction of eligibility requirements, students will be given access to the condensed version of the master’s degree program.

Minimum credit hour requirement for the bachelor’s degree is ninety (90) while the master’s degree requires a minimum of forty-three (43) credits. Required Courses for associate or diploma-level nurses include BSN Major Courses, BSN Electives, BSN Core Courses, and MSN Core and Specialization Courses. Bachelor-level nurses are required to complete a lesser number of courses. Applicants must have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in at least one US state.

BSN Major Courses include Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing, Ethical and Legal Perspectives of the Healthcare System, Professional Leadership Transitions, Health / Wellness Assessment and Strategies, Nursing Research, Leadership and Management in the Changing Healthcare Environment, Leadership Concepts in Population-Focused Nursing, and the Bachelor’s Capstone in Nursing. MSN Core and Specialization Courses include Advanced Statistics for the Health Science, Inquiry and Evidence-Based Practice, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in a Diverse Community, and Health Policy/ Financing and Organization of Healthcare Delivery Systems. Specialization Courses constitute twenty-eight (28) credits.

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