As the healthcare industry becomes more complex and the demand for highly skilled nurses grows, online MSN programs have become an increasingly popular choice for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career opportunities. However, with the variety of online MSN programs available, it can take time to determine which programs will provide the quality education and practical experience necessary to succeed in this field.
In this article, we will explore the importance of accreditation in ensuring the legitimacy of online MSN programs. We will also list the top online MSN programs based on their accreditation, reputation, program offerings, and clinical experience requirements. Whether you’re a registered nurse looking to take the next step in your career or a healthcare professional considering a career change, this article will help you make an informed decision about your educational options.
How to Find a Respectable Online MSN Program
Online MSN degrees are becoming progressively respected in the healthcare industry. For example, a recent survey found that 61% of HR professionals now approve of online degrees, while 71% have personally hired individuals who have earned their degrees online. This shift in perception is mainly due to the high-quality education and rigorous standards of online MSN programs, often designed and taught by expert nursing faculty.
Additionally, online MSN programs offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals who want to further their education while continuing to work in their current roles. As a result, online MSN degrees are widely recognized as valuable credentials for nurses seeking to advance their careers in the field.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the process of evaluating and recognizing the quality of an educational institution or program. When selecting an online degree program for an MSN degree, accreditation is essential because it ensures that it meets the academic standards and requirements set by independent accrediting agencies.
Employers value accreditation because it demonstrates that the degree program has been rigorously evaluated and found to meet specific quality standards. Accreditation also ensures that the degree program curriculum and faculty are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and practices and that the degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen field.
It is important to note that not all accreditation is created equal. Regional accreditation is the highest standard and is generally considered the most prestigious. Programmatic accreditation, which evaluates specific programs within an institution, is also essential for MSN degree programs.
Regional Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a non-profit organization that recognizes accrediting bodies meeting specific quality assurance and academic rigor criteria. CHEA-approved regional accreditation is considered the gold accreditation standard in the United States, and CHEA has approved several accrediting agencies.
Here are some examples of CHEA-approved regional accrediting agencies and the regions they cover:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): This agency accredits institutions in 19 states in the central United States.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): This agency accredits institutions in 11 southern states.
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): This agency accredits institutions in seven eastern states, including schools in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): This agency accredits institutions in six New England states.
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC): This agency accredits institutions in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation is also important for nursing programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is one of the principal accrediting bodies for nursing programs in the United States. ACEN accredits both practical and registered nursing programs at the certificate, diploma, and degree levels.
Other programmatic accreditation bodies for nursing include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
Top Online MSN Programs
As the demand for highly skilled nurses continues to grow, online MSN programs are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to provide the flexibility and convenience needed to balance work, family, and education. Here is a list of the top five online MSN programs available, ranked on their reputation, program offerings, clinical experience requirements, and affordability.
1. Johns Hopkins University
The online MSN program at Johns Hopkins University is an excellent option for nurses looking to advance their careers and gain specialized knowledge and skills. While the program has some drawbacks, including the cost of tuition and time commitment, the reputation of the institution and the quality of education make it a worthwhile investment for many nurses.
| Admissions Requirements | Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a valid RN license. |
| Concentration Options | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health |
| Clinical Hours Requirements | 500-700 hours |
| Tuition | $1,826 per credit hour |
2. Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a prestigious institution with a strong reputation in healthcare education. This university offers an online MSN program with various concentration options to meet the needs of different nursing specialties, focusing on flexibility for working nurses who want to pursue advanced education. However, the cost of tuition is relatively high, which may be a barrier for some students.
| Admissions Requirements | Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a valid RN license. Additionally, applicants must have completed prerequisite statistics, health assessment, and research methods courses. |
| Concentration Options | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health, and Women’s Health |
| Clinical Hours Requirements | 500-700 hours |
| Tuition | $2,358 per credit hour |
3. Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers an online MSN degree program to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles in various healthcare settings. While students must find their own clinical placements, this program features relatively affordable tuition while providing aspiring nurse practitioners with a high-quality healthcare education in various concentrations.
| Admissions Requirements | Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a valid RN license. Additionally, applicants must have completed prerequisite statistics, health assessment, and research methods courses. |
| Concentration Options | Family Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Neonatal |
| Clinical Hours Requirements | 500-700 hours |
| Tuition | $844 per credit hour |
4. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) online MSN program is popular for nurses furthering their education. It is known for its flexible admissions and affordability for in-state students. While this program may not be as well-known as other institutions, it allows for educational perks, such as completing clinical hours in the student’s community and various concentration options.
| Admissions Requirements | Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a valid RN license. Additionally, applicants must have completed prerequisite statistics, health assessment, and research methods courses. |
| Concentration Options | Nursing and Healthcare Simulation, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Leadership and Management |
| Clinical Hours Requirements | 500-700 hours |
| Tuition | In-State: $327 per credit hour
Out-of-State: $1,151 per credit hour |
5. George Washington University
George Washington University provides a flexible and confident option for registered nurses looking to advance their careers by earning their MSN degree in a hybrid learning environment. Students benefit from in-person training in on-campus simulation centers by working with faculty hands-on while still learning in a primarily online environment. With several concentration options and a strong reputation in the nursing community, this program can be a solid choice for nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
| Admissions Requirements | Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a valid RN license. A minimum GPA is not listed on their website. |
| Concentration Options | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Primary Care, Nursing Leadership Management, Nurse-Midwifery, and Psychiatric Mental Health |
| Clinical Hours Requirements | 500-700 hours |
| Tuition | $1,395 per credit hour |
Interested in another degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.