How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s in Nursing?

In a world where health care is ever-changing, registered nurses (RNs) stand at the forefront by adapting to new challenges and being the bridge between patients and their path to recovery. By pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), RNs can gain the advanced knowledge and skills they need to take on leadership positions.

An MSN qualifies nurses to pursue advanced roles, which can be related to clinical care or another area, like education or administration. If you are currently pursuing a BSN degree or considering taking the next step by pursuing a graduate degree, you may be wondering how long it takes to get a master’s in nursing.

How Long Is an MSN Program?

Registered nurses with or without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can pursue an MSN degree. A BSN is an undergraduate degree, and an MSN is a graduate degree. There are other differences between a BSN and an MSN degree as well, including the number of credit hours they each require. A BSN program is typically a four-year program that requires completing 120 credit hours. An MSN program, like many graduate programs, generally takes two years to complete and requires between 30 and 60 credit hours.

Factors That Influence an MSN Program’s Length

Some factors that determine how long it will take to earn an MSN include the student’s enrollment status, their previous education, and the program type.

• Enrollment options: Many institutions offer flexible programs designed for working nurses, allowing them to pursue their MSN degrees at a pace that fits their schedules. These options ensure that aspiring MSN candidates can balance their education with their personal and professional commitments.

• Previous education: Depending on which undergraduate education RNs have completed, certain credits may transfer to their MSN degree program. For example, RNs with a BSN generally qualify for a traditional or online MSN program , whereas RNs without a BSN may want to pursue an RN to MSN pathway program , which allows them to earn both a BSN and MSN in one.

• Program type: Nurses can pursue a specialized MSN degree that focuses on a specific area of nursing or health care. The specific program a nurse chooses could determine how long it takes to complete the program.

While earning an MSN typically takes two years for most graduate students, the actual timeline for individuals can vary. Many working nurses opt for online programs that allow them the flexibility to learn online while continuing to work as RNs.

Types of MSN Programs

There are many types of MSN programs. Some MSN programs offer concentrations or specialty tracks that allow nurses to focus on a specific area, such as leadership, education, public health, or analytics.

This diversity in MSN programs allows nurses to tailor their education to align with their career aspirations and interests. By focusing on a specific area, students can be better prepared to tackle the unique challenges of their chosen field when they graduate.

Full-Time Versus Part-Time Studies

Another factor that could determine how long it takes to get a master’s in nursing is whether the student pursues graduate studies on a full-time or part-time basis. Many MSN programs offer both options as a means of accommodating the diverse needs of working nurses. Part-time studies often extend the timeline for graduation but make the process much more affordable and realistic for MSN students.

Benefits of Earning an MSN

A nurse with an MSN is qualified to fill advanced practice roles and leadership positions that other nurses are not qualified to fill. This includes clinical and nonclinical positions in other areas that improve the nursing field overall.

MSN graduates who qualify for APRN roles will likely have a higher earning potential than other nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports on the salaries for the roles MSN graduates can pursue.

Medical and health services managers, which includes high level nurse positions, earned a median annual salary of $110,680 as of May 2023 per the BLS. Postsecondary education administrators, which includes high level nurse education roles, earned a median annual salary of $102,610 as of May 2023. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, all APRNs, had a median annual salary of $129,480 as of May 2023. RNs, on the other hand, had a median annual salary of $86,070 as of May 2023, also per the BLS.

Expand Your Career Horizons With an MSN Degree

Earning an MSN can prepare you to take on leadership roles while furthering your skills in administration, education, public health, or another specialty area.

The University of Tulsa offers a pathway to earn your MSN online in as few as 24 months through our online MSN program . RNs who have not earned their BSN can earn their MSN through the online RN to MSN Pathway . The online eight-week format for our MSN programs led by our esteemed faculty is designed to accommodate working nurses.

Take the next step by applying today.

Recommended Readings

Clinic vs. Hospital Nursing: Which One Should You Choose?

Nursing Manager: Salary and Job Description

What Is Health Promotion in Nursing Practice?

Sources:

HealthLeaders, “Top 3 Trends in Nursing in 2024, So Far”

Indeed, “20 Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing”

Indeed, “Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses