Are you a registered nurse looking to level up your career? An RN-to-MSN program could be exactly what you need. These programs are designed to help nurses move from their current roles into advanced practice positions, like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Leader. Beyond better pay and higher responsibilities, an RN-to-MSN equips you with specialized skills, leadership training, and the expertise to make a real impact in healthcare.
Where you earn your degree matters just as much as earning it itself. Choosing a strong, reputable program ensures you’re learning from experienced instructors, gaining practical skills, and preparing to be invaluable in your field.
We’ve done the research for you and compiled the top ten ranking RN-to-MSN programs. In making our list, we looked at program quality, flexibility for working nurses, affordability, and overall support to help you succeed.
Best Online RN-to-MSN Programs
1. The University of Central Florida (UCF)
The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando offers a flexible and affordable online RN-to-MSN program designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers. The program is fully accredited by the CCNE and provides a credible pathway into leadership, education, or specialized nursing roles. Tuition is competitive, with in-state students paying around $370 per credit hour and out-of-state students about $1,276 per credit hour.
UCF allows students to choose concentrations that fit their career goals, including Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership and Management, and Nursing and Healthcare Simulation. The program combines online coursework with about 500 clinical hours, which can usually be completed locally, giving students hands-on experience without needing to relocate.
2. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University, part of the SUNY system in New York, offers a well-regarded online RN-to-MSN program designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers without pausing their professional lives.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high standards and industry recognition. Tuition is around $11,310 per year for in-state students and approximately $23,100 per year for out-of-state students, with financial aid options available.
The program is built with flexibility in mind, combining online coursework with occasional on-site immersions, so students can balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Students can choose from several concentrations, including Nurse Practitioner tracks such as Family Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nurse Midwifery, as well as leadership and nurse education-focused paths.
3. Georgia State University
Georgia State University in Atlanta offers a flexible online RN-to-MSN program designed for registered nurses who want to advance into leadership, education, or specialized clinical roles. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which ensures that graduates receive a respected and high-quality education. Tuition is competitive, and the university offers financial aid options to help make the program more accessible.
Students can choose from multiple concentrations, including Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatric, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks. The program combines online coursework with practical clinical experiences, allowing nurses to gain real-world skills while continuing to work.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC-Chapel Hill offers a fully online RN-to-MSN program designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers while balancing work and personal commitments. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring a high standard of education. Tuition rates vary based on residency status and other factors; prospective students are encouraged to consult the official tuition page for detailed information.
The program provides several concentrations, including Nurse Practitioner tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, as well as Nursing Leadership and Nurse Educator pathways. Courses are delivered online, offering flexibility for working professionals, and clinical hours are arranged locally, providing practical experience in students’ communities.
5. The University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa in Oklahoma offers a flexible online RN-to-MSN program designed for registered nurses who want to advance into leadership, education, or specialized roles in healthcare.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring it meets high academic and professional standards..
Students can choose from several concentrations, including Leadership and Innovation, Education and Elevation, Public Health Global Vision, and Informatics and Analytics, allowing them to tailor the program to their career goals. The curriculum blends online coursework with practical clinical experiences, providing hands-on learning opportunities while allowing students to continue working.
6. Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, offers an online RN-to-MSN program designed for registered nurses looking to advance their careers while balancing work and personal commitments.
The program features an accelerated RN-BSN-MSN pathway and doesn’t require the GRE, making it accessible for a wider range of applicants. Students can choose from specializations such as Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, allowing them to focus on the area that best fits their career goals.
The program is fully online, offering flexibility for working nurses, while clinical experiences are arranged locally to provide practical, hands-on learning in real healthcare settings. Sacred Heart University’s RN-to-MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
7. Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University offers a flexible online RN-to-MSN program that’s designed for registered nurses who want to advance their careers while continuing to work. The program provides multiple pathways, including RN-BSN to MSN and accelerated RN-to-MSN options, with a variety of specializations such as Nurse Practitioner tracks and non-clinical leadership or education roles.
The curriculum is fully online, with practical clinical experiences arranged locally, giving students the chance to gain hands-on skills without needing to relocate. Chamberlain is known for supporting working nurses with flexible scheduling and personalized guidance throughout the program.
Chamberlain University’s online RN-to-MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
8. Franklin University
Franklin University offers a flexible online RN-to-MSN program, perfect for registered nurses looking to advance their careers while balancing work and personal commitments. The program provides a streamlined pathway from RN to MSN, with specializations in Nursing Leadership and Education, allowing students to focus on areas that match their career goals.
The fully online format gives nurses the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace, while clinical experiences are arranged locally to provide practical, hands-on learning. Franklin University’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
9. The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona offers one of the best online RN-to-MSN programs. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to complete coursework fully online while arranging clinical experiences locally, so you can gain hands-on skills without relocating.
Students can choose from several concentrations, including Nurse Practitioner tracks, Nursing Leadership, and Education, letting you tailor your studies to fit your career goals.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the University of Arizona’s online RN-to-MSN program ensures you receive a respected, high-quality education that prepares you for advanced nursing roles in a variety of settings.
10. Duke University
Duke University located in Durham, North Carolina, offers one of the best online RN-to-MSN programs, perfect for registered nurses looking to advance their careers in clinical practice, leadership, or education. The program is designed to be flexible, with online coursework that fits around your work schedule, while clinical experiences are arranged locally so you can gain practical, hands-on skills close to home.
Students can choose from several specializations, including Nurse Practitioner tracks, Nursing Leadership, and Nurse Educator.
Duke’s online RN-to-MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Career Opportunities with an RN-to-MSN Degree
Earning one of the best online RN-to-MSN degrees can significantly boost your career. It opens doors to advanced nursing roles like Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Administrator.
With the right specialization, you can also move into areas such as mental health, pediatric care, or public health, giving you plenty of options to shape your career path.
Job Outlook and Demand for Advanced Practice Nurses
Advanced practice nurses are in high demand across the U.S., and RN-to-MSN graduates are especially sought after. Hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health organizations all need skilled nurses with leadership and clinical expertise.
Completing this program can increase your employability, open doors to leadership roles, and boost your earning potential over the long term.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest advantages of online RN-to-MSN programs is flexibility. You can complete coursework from home or anywhere with internet access, allowing you to continue working as a registered nurse while earning your advanced degree.
Many programs also let you tailor your schedule, so you can balance studies with family, shifts, and other personal commitments, making it easier to pursue career growth without putting your life on hold.
Conclusion
Thinking about taking your nursing career to the next level? One of the best online RN-to-MSN programs can help you do just that. These programs are flexible, offer a variety of specializations, and come with strong accreditation, so you can study at your own pace while gaining the skills needed for leadership or advanced clinical roles. Take a look at our list and find the program that fits your goals.