Why Choose the RN to MSN Accelerated Track?
This track is a hybrid option that combines the RN to Bachelor of Science (BSN) Completion and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs to allow a Registered Nurse (RN) prepared at the associate degree level to earn both the BSN and MSN degrees in a shorter timeframe.
Students begin by entering the RN to BSN completion program to complete required BSN bridging coursework that serves as the foundation for the MSN program. The bridging coursework includes 16 nursing credits and completion of all general education (liberal arts) coursework required for the BS degree. Once these courses are complete and the student has an overall GPA of 3.0, the student can apply for an accelerated admission to the MSN program, bypassing 10 nursing credits. Students then have the opportunity to demonstrte competency for those 10 credits at a higher level in the MSN coursework.
Students can earn both degrees fully online (note that some MISM courses in the informatics concentration of the MSN may require some face to face class meetings.) Upon completion of the MSN program, graduates are granted both the BSN degree and the MSN degree.
Both the BSN and MSN programs are fully accredited by the National League of Nursing Accreditation Council (NLNAC.)
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The BSN degree is quickly becoming the desired level of preparation for all registered nurses and provides many opportunities for career mobility in both acute care and community health practice settings. See the RN to BSN Completion Program catalog page for more information about this degree.
The MSN degree at Ferris prepares graduates for advanced specialty leadership roles in the areas of nursing administration, nursing informatics and nursing education. See the MSN Program catalog page for more information about this degree.
Admission Requirements
To enter the RN to MSN completion program, the student must have an RN license and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in the basic nursing degree program. Other prerequisites include the general education requirements for the AAS degree at Ferris.
To apply for the MSN program, the RN to BSN student must complete all of the BSN Bridging coursework, General Education coursework for the BS degree to demonstrate competency at the BSN level. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the coursework completed at the BS level. In addition, students must submit a writing sample, three letters of reference, a curriculum vitae or resume, and a completed application form for the MSN program.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Students must earn a grade of 2.0 or better in each MSN program course (no more than 2 courses with "C" or lower.) Completion of all coursework and successfully passing a comprehensive exam is required within a 5-year time limit from the start of the MSN coursework.
More Information
Debby Buck, Off Campus Student Support
College of Health Professions
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-591-2094
buckd@ferris.edu
Both the RN to BSN and MSN programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN.)
http://www.acenursing.org
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) publishes a variety of nursing and nursing education materials, including a list of nursing programs and information on student financial aid. For a complete list of NLN/NLNAC publications, please direct your request to:
Communications Department
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
FAX: 404-975-5020
www.acenursing.org
