RN to BSN to MSN Pathway at Minnesota State Moorhead
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Academics
Undergraduate Majors & Minors
Nursing
RN to BSN
Accelerated RN-BSN to MSN Pathway
Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Online Degree Pathway
Accelerated Online Degree Pathway for Nursing Students
The Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Pathway at Minnesota State Moorhead offers a streamlined and flexible way for associate degree registered nurses to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This innovative program is designed to help you achieve your academic and career goals efficiently while maintaining the flexibility to meet your individual needs.
Prefer a hybrid format? Explore the
Hybrid Degree Plan
for a mix of online and scheduled in-person coursework.
RN to BSN to MSN Online Degree Pathway Program Highlights
Efficient Pathway:
Earn both your BSN and MSN degrees in a streamlined program that saves time and money.
Flexible Options:
Choose to complete your BSN and continue seamlessly into the MSN program or stop at the BSN if it meets your career goals.
100% Online Coursework:
Study from anywhere with fully online classes designed to accommodate working professionals.
Personalized Support:
Benefit from dedicated faculty and advisors who are committed to your success.
Accredited Excellence:
Minnesota State Moorhead’s nursing programs are fully accredited, ensuring high-quality education and recognized credentials.
Who Should Apply for the RN to BSN to MSN Program?
This pathway is designed for:
Registered Nurses with an associate degree looking to advance their education and career.
Professionals seeking a flexible, online program tailored to their busy schedules.
RNs who want the option to pursue advanced nursing roles, such as leadership, education, or specialized care.
RN-BSN-MSN Program Structure
Phase 1: RN to BSN:
Complete the
RN-BSN application
process and degree.
Be eligible for the Minnesota Public Health Nurse (PHN) Registration Certificate!!
Phase 2: MSN:
In the final semester of the BSN degree completion, seamlessly transition into the MSN program – by completing the MSN
application process
Total Program Credits
RN-BSN Core:
21 credits
Dual Credit Courses:
10 credits
count toward both your BSN and MSN degree completion
Remaining MSN Core:
22 credits
*120 credits total to earn a bachelor’s degree and follow the
Undergraduate Graduation Requirements Policy
. Prior coursework must be evaluated to determine the exact credits needed to be awarded the bachelor's degree. Students will work with their assigned academic advisor to determine a progression plan that is best for them.
Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Online Degree Pathway
Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN Online Degree Pathway Sample Course Sequencing
The sample plan below is just one example of how you can complete the accelerated RN-BSN-MSN pathway in an efficient manner. If you have already fulfilled some requirements your individualized plan may be shorter. The program progression is completely customizable to what works for you. Just work with your faculty advisor on your individual needs.
The four-year RN-BSN degree available from Minnesota State Moorhead (MSUM) include requires the satisfactory completion of 120 credits of college courses and includes
42 credits in the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum (LASC)
, from 32-64 credits in a major area, and the remainder in electives.
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing & Master of Science in Nursing
Total Credits:
142 credits total (depending on prior coursework)
Catalog:
2024-2025
First Year
Curriculum
Course
Course Title
Credits
Fall
(1st Fall)
RN-BSN Core Course: WI
NURS 301
Transitions
RN-BSN Core Course:
NURS 303
Holistic Family Nursing
Total Credits: 8
You are required to follow the
Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students Policy
requirements and complete the
Request for MSUM Undergraduate to Register for Graduate Credit at MSUM form
to register for the BSN and MSN dual courses in your 1st Summer.
Spring
(1st Spring)
RN-BSN Core Course:
NURS 348
Public Health Nursing
BSN and MSN Dual Course:
NURS 615
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Total Credits: 7
Summer
(1st Summer)
RN-BSN Core Course:
NURS 420
Gerontological Nursing
BSN and MSN Dual Course:
NURS 610
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Total Credits: 6
Second Year
Curriculum
Course
Course Title
Credits
Fall
(2nd Fall)
RN-BSN Core Course:
NURS 472
Leadership and Professional Development
RN-BSN Core Course: WI for major
NURS 473
Professional Pathways
Total Credits: 6
*Apply to
MSN graduate admission
provisional admission choose Generalist emphasis.
Spring
(2nd Spring)
MSN Core Course
NURS 638
Health Information Systems
BSN and MSN Dual Course:
NURS 662
Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals
*Confer BSN degree and formally admitted to the MSN graduate program.
Total Credits: 6
Summer
(2nd Summer)
MSN Core Course:
NURS 600
Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories
MSN Core Course:
NURS 650
Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership
Total Credits: 6
Third Year
Curriculum
Course
Course Title
Credits
Fall
(3rd Fall)
MSN Core Course:
NURS 605
Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management
MSN Core Course:
NURS 628
Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement
MSN Core Course:
NURS 629
Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies
Total Credits: 9
Spring
(3rd Spring)
MSN Core Course:
NURS 640P
MSN Capstone Practicum
MSN Core Course:
NURS 695
Professional Portfolio
Total Credits: 4
*Confer MSN graduate degree
if NURS 695 is completed successfully.
Notes:
Please note.
You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.
MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than
RN to BSN credits
MSN tuition and fees
MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
MSUM’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of MSUM.
*Official degree requirements can only be found in the
Minnesota State Moorhead Bulletin/Catalog
. The information on this webpage is a high-level overview of the degree. Please refer to the bulletin for up-to-date requirements.
Why Choose MSUM?
Career Advancement:
Graduates of the RN-BSN-MSN Pathway are well-prepared to take on leadership roles, educator positions, and specialized nursing opportunities.
Affordable Tuition:
MSUM offers competitive tuition rates with financial aid and scholarships available.
Supportive Environment:
Our faculty are experienced, accessible, and invested in your academic and professional success.
Take the Next Step
Advance your nursing career with MSUM’s Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Pathway. Whether you’re looking to broaden your impact in healthcare or achieve your dream of becoming a nurse leader or educator, this pathway is designed to help you succeed.
Start Your Journey Today!
Apply Now
Embark on your path to excellence with MSUM's Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN Pathway!
Questions? Contact Us
If you want more information or have questions, please contact one of the program coordinators below.
Amber Reed,
DNP, RN, PHN
Professor of Nursing | RN-BSN Program Coordinator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email
Phone:
218.477.2100
218.477.2100
HA
Kerri Spiering
Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Admissions
Send Email
Alicia Swanson,
EdD, MSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC
Professor of Nursing | Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator | Chief Academic Nursing Administrator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email
Phone:
218.477.2418
218.477.2418
HA 213G
Associate Professor, Nursing | EdD, MSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC | Online & On Campus
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