Home > Frequently Asked Questions > FAQ: How long is a BSN to MSN program?
Answer: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, often referred to as a Traditional MSN program, typically requires 15 to 24 months of full-time study. Part-time options are also available at many schools, and may take students anywhere from 24 to 48 months to complete. The actual length of a BSN to MSN program will vary depending on the school, program structure, and degree specialization students choose to pursue.
In order to qualify for a BSN to MSN program, students must possess both an active registered nurse (RN) license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an institution accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Other admission requirements may include meeting a minimum overall GPA threshold, and/or having a certain amount of professional nursing experience (typically one to two years). Some degree specializations may have additional requirements for enrollment, such as certifications or work experience in a particular specialty area. Students should carefully review the admissions criteria of any BSN to MSN program before applying to make sure they meet the necessary qualifications.
To learn more about the structure and length of BSN to MSN programs, as well as the different degree concentrations available to post-baccalaureate students, read through the sections below.
Along with this core coursework, and the specialty courses associated with their degree concentration, BSN to MSN students must complete a set number of clinical practice hours during their program in order to graduate. These typically take place at a local health care facility, under the supervision of a trained preceptor. For BSN to MSN students, the number of required clinical hours generally ranges from 500 to 1000; however, this varies by school and specialty. Multiple rotations in different clinical settings may also be required, depending on the program.
Post-baccalaureate students can choose to pursue their MSN on either a full- or part-time basis. Many schools offer both options; however, some only offer one or the other, which students should take into consideration when deciding where to apply. While full-time BSN to MSN programs take less semesters overall to complete, they generally require a larger time commitment on a weekly basis. Part-time programs, on the other hand, allow students to take fewer courses each term, so they can continue to work full time or manage other work/life obligations while earning their degree. Although these types of programs offer increased flexibility, they do, for the most part, take longer to complete than a full-time course of study.
As mentioned earlier, a full-time BSN to MSN program takes approximately 15 to 24 months to complete. Students enrolled in a part-time program might finish in anywhere from 24 to 48 months, depending on the number of courses they take each semester. Typically, schools recommend that MSN students who intend to maintain full-time employment during their degree program enroll part time, in order to provide enough time for coursework and clinical hours each week.
For more information about Traditional MSN programs, including the degree specializations mentioned above, check out our Complete Guide to MSN Programs.