An online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that equips registered nurses with the theoretical and clinical knowledge for advanced practice and other specialty nursing roles. By completing an online MSN, nurses build on their prior academic study and clinical experience to strengthen clinical decision-making and leadership skills.
At Arkansas State University (A-State), the online MSN programs allow working nurses to further their qualifications while maintaining their careers. Learn more about MSN program requirements, nursing concentration options and career opportunities.
What Is a Master of Science in Nursing?
An MSN prepares registered nurses (RNs) with the advanced knowledge and skills to move into more specialized or senior roles. Required for advanced practice registered nursing positions, an MSN builds on the foundation of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and further develops competencies in pharmacology, pathophysiology and health assessment while also focusing on advanced study in clinical practice and research.
Many MSN programs offer different focuses or concentrations, such as healthcare systems management, education, leadership or advanced practice specialties. These concentrations allow students to tailor their graduate study to their long-term career goals and the various settings, patient populations or responsibilities that interest them most.
MSN Program Requirements and Admission Criteria
Most MSN programs follow similar requirements and admissions criteria to ensure students enter the program prepared for advanced study. Applicants generally need a BSN from a regionally accredited institution and must meet the minimum GPA requirements, which range from 3.0 to 4.0. Some programs require applicants to have completed additional coursework in areas such as health assessment, research or statistics.
In addition to educational prerequisites, applicants must usually have an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where they practice. Since graduate coursework and practicums assume familiarity with contemporary healthcare environments, many online MSN programs prefer or require one to two years or 1,500 or more hours of recent clinical nursing experience. Depending on the concentration, MSN programs may also require applicants to have completed clinical hours in relevant areas, such as acute care, to demonstrate readiness for graduate-level coursework.
Requirements for supporting admissions materials vary, but most schools follow similar guidelines. Additional supporting materials to apply for an online MSN program may include:
- Admissions fee
- A personal statement
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Admissions interview
- Current resume
- Proof of English proficiency or a passing TOEFL score
- GRE test scores
What Are the Core Components of an Online MSN Curriculum?
An online MSN curriculum aims to deepen students’ clinical reasoning, strengthen leadership and other professional skills, and develop advanced knowledge in theory and research. Throughout the curriculum’s coursework and practical application, students learn to analyze and address complex patient needs, evaluate research, influence healthcare policies, and impact outcomes at the patient and systems levels.
Core coursework in an online MSN usually includes advanced clinical content in pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, assessment and diagnostic evaluation, preparing students for clinical decision-making and intervention management in patient care settings. Students also study nursing theory, research design, methodology and theory development, examining and connecting theoretical frameworks to policy initiatives, and patient care decisions. Leadership and healthcare systems courses examine policy, health care issues, organizational behavior and professional development within complex health systems, equipping students with the knowledge to manage nursing teams and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
While coursework takes place virtually, students in online MSN programs must also complete practicum hours under a clinical preceptorship at healthcare facilities. Practicum requirements vary by program and concentration. Educator or administration concentrations require 180 to 500 practicum hours, while advanced practice programs may require 500 to 750 or more.
What Are the Types of MSN Specializations?
MSN students can choose from a range of specializations that support professional advancement and align with their career goals. While core coursework is consistent across MSN specializations, each track varies in program outcomes and clinical experiences.
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializations expand clinical capabilities, preparing graduates to assume greater responsibilities in healthcare settings where they manage patient care, either independently or with physician supervision, depending on regulations in their licensing state. Common APRN specializations include:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP): Develops a broad knowledge base and skillset for providing primary care across the lifespan
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP): Concentrates on assessing and treating chronic, acute and critical illnesses in adolescent, adult and geriatric patient populations
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): Focuses on psychiatric assessment and treatment for cognitive disorders, mental health needs, substance use and trauma
Beyond advanced practice, many nurses pursue a nurse educator track to gain expertise in curriculum design, teaching strategies, learner assessment and clinical instruction. Nurse education careers include teaching in nursing programs, facilitating professional development in health systems or providing patient and family education. A nurse administration track focuses on operations, information systems, finance, human resources and organizational behavior in healthcare settings. It prepares graduates for roles in management, policy development and healthcare delivery improvement.
To choose the right specialization, nurses must consider their long-term career aspirations. Reviewing factors such as their preferred work environments and interests in direct care, systems management, teaching and various patient populations helps nurses match their education to their goals.
What Are the Benefits of Earning Your MSN Online?
Online MSN programs offer flexible yet rigorous education that aligns with the schedules of working nurses. Asynchronous lectures, discussion boards and digital assignments allow students to complete self-paced study between shifts and personal responsibilities while still meeting coursework deadlines. With this flexibility, nurses in MSN programs can apply advanced practice concepts within their current healthcare workplaces.
Online MSN programs also offer affordable tuition, sometimes with a pay-by-the-course option for greater financial flexibility. The online format can also reduce indirect educational expenses, since students do not commute regularly to a physical campus or relocate to attend a specific school.
Throughout the curriculum, expert faculty with real-world experience mentor students, guiding their academic and professional paths. Upon graduating from an online MSN program, nurses can use their skills and credentials to advance in their careers and increase their earning potential.
Career Opportunities After Earning Your MSN
An online MSN offers a wide range of opportunities across clinical and specialty nursing careers. Graduates may move into leadership positions in hospitals and clinics, educate future nurses, start their own NP practices, lead clinical teams or move between roles throughout their career.
NPs and other nursing professionals are in high demand due to an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic conditions and advances in healthcare technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that NPs have among the highest rates of employment growth, estimating a 40% increase by 2034.
Nurse leadership careers
MSN-prepared nurses in leadership often manage healthcare units or departments as nurse managers, directors of nursing or chief nursing officers. In these leadership roles, nurses oversee staffing, budgets, quality initiatives and regulatory compliance, and they often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and operations teams.
The BLS reports that nurse managers earn a median annual wage of about $117,960, with employment projected to grow 23% through 2034. This growth reflects ongoing demand for MSN-educated professionals who can coordinate care, manage resources and lead systemic improvement initiatives.
Nurse education careers
A nurse educator specialization prepares MSN graduates to teach in academic settings, clinical education departments or community programs. These professionals design curricula, lead classroom and clinical instruction, mentor students and assess learning outcomes, often bridging academic concepts with real clinical practice. Nurse educators earn approximately $80,780 annually.
Advanced practice nurse careers
MSN-educated nurses can become nationally certified in their chosen specialty and obtain a state license to practice as an APRN. There are many APRN specialties, such as:
- Family NP
- Women’s health NP
- Psychiatric-mental health NP
- Adult-gerontology NP
- Acute care NP
- Oncology NP
- Emergency NP
- Pediatric NP
Specific responsibilities or authority depend on nursing specialties and state regulations, but NPs generally assess and diagnose patients, interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and coordinate care with other professionals. Salaries also vary by workplace setting and practice specialty, with NPs earning a median annual wage of $132,050.
How to Choose the Right Online MSN Program
Selecting the right online MSN program impacts academic and professional outcomes. Consider these factors to help choose an MSN program that best supports your goals:
- Accreditation: Recognized nursing accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), verify that MSN programs adhere to educational standards.
- Program length and credit requirements: MSN programs vary in credit requirements and completion timelines, which help prospective students plan start dates and course loads.
- Clinical placement support: How online MSN programs manage clinical placements can affect students’ access to practicums that align with their specializations and career goals.
- Program cost and financial aid: Researching tuition, financial assistance and long-term earning potential helps students gauge their return on investment.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
With the knowledge and clinical skills gained from an MSN online degree at A-State, nurses strengthen their abilities to improve patient outcomes, lead in clinical settings and contribute to nursing education and policy development. These qualifications also position nurses to advance their careers, whether as nurse practitioners, educators or administrators.
A-State offers MSN concentration options that align with workforce demands, featuring ACEN-accredited curricula and flexible learning formats. Explore different pathways available through an online MSN, and apply today to start your advanced nursing education.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSN programs.