Uncover Top Online RN to MSN Programs in TX

Profiles of Online RN to MSN Degrees in Texas

There are many reasons why getting a MSN is appealing. For one, it gives you the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of nursing, providing more job opportunities and access to leadership roles. Another major benefit to earning a graduate degree in nursing is the increase in your earning power. On average, nurse practitioners earn around $34,000 more per year than registered nurses. Plus, Texas employs the highest number of nurse practitioners in the country.

But what if you don’t possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)? How can you earn an MSN without having a BSN? That is where RN to MSN bridge programs come into play. These programs allow RNs with an associate degree level education to skip the BSN and directly earn their MSN. Bridge programs count your years of experience as an RN as credit towards an MSN, which immensely shortens the duration of your education. The expedited education is designed with the working RN in mind, offering practical curriculums and more flexible study schedules than traditional MSN programs. To give you a better idea of the different program formats, check out the three spotlighted schools below.

Student Resources: FAQs About RN to MSN Online Programs

The spotlights above provide a birds-eye view of what a RN to MSN program looks like, but they don’t get into the nitty gritty details, like financial aid options or if programs are truly online. To help fill in some of those important details, check out the answers below.

What can you do with an MSN in Texas?

An MSN degree opens a wealth of opportunities that aren’t available to you as a registered nurse. An RN to MSN program in Texas prepares you for roles as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, among others. You also can pursue a leadership or highly specialized role. An MSN might lead you to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), an advanced degree that equips you with research skills and can prepare you for a leadership role in healthcare.

Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?

Some Texas RN to MSN programs allow you to earn your BSN degree in the process. Doubling up credits allows you to earn both degrees cost-effectively and efficiently. UT Arlington’s accelerated program is an example of a dual-degree program. If you want to become an advanced practice registered nurse, these programs will help you get there as quickly as possible. Some bridge programs do not grant a BSN degree in the RN to MSN program. Be sure to check the specific details of your school and the process for earning your degree.

What will I learn in an RN to MSN program in Texas?

RN to MSN students in Texas complete nursing topics focusing on theory and practice. In most RN to MSN programs in Texas, you’ll study key foundations, such as biostatistics, pharmacology, and ethics. Your degree will be broken into sections. You’ll likely encounter RN-BSN classes, like Nursing Research and Holistic Care of Older Adults, and MSN common courses, like Principles of Research in Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice. On top of core courses, most MSN students choose a specialized track, with the most popular being nursing education and nursing administration.

How much do RN to MSN programs in Texas cost?

Tuition costs can run high, with some RN to MSN programs in Texas costing over $20,000. That said, there are options that are more affordable, plus many schools offer financial aid. Financial aid options include nursing scholarships, grants, and fellowship programs. Students pursuing MSN degrees also may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, a low-interest loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government through select Texas state universities.

Can I get my RN to MSN online in Texas?

Many Texas nursing schools offer an online or hybrid-learning path to earning an MSN degree. That’s because much of the core curriculum in an MSN program can be taught virtually and in-person clinical hours aren’t always a requirement.

Online RN to MSN programs in Texas offer several learning benefits for students. The biggest advantage is that it gives you time and flexibility to complete your studies, allowing you to juggle other work and family commitments. You’ll communicate with your instructors, connect with fellow classmates, and work through course content using sophisticated online learning platforms.

Ranking the Top Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Texas

At EduMed, our data scientists evaluate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves to rank post-secondary programs of all levels and subjects. We specifically evaluate each program’s flexibility, affordability, and quality to give you a well-rounded picture of what you will potentially encounter in each program. Keep reading to review programs that truly stand out.

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