Nurses are on the front lines of the health care field, and demand for trained workers is expected to remain high. To qualify for more interesting and lucrative positions, you will need to complete an advanced degree. Consider one of the offerings from this list of the Best Online Masters in Nursing degrees. All of them can be completed remotely, which means you can schedule assignments around work and family responsibilities.
Ranking the Top Master's in Nursing Online (MSN)
#1 University of San Francisco
Executive Summary
The University of San Francisco's School of Nursing's program are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. They are accredited by the commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It has been recognized as one of the Best Nursing Grad Schools for 2012 by US News & World Report.
Tuition
Nursing students pay $1,130.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MSN online program can be completed in as little as two years. It is open to applicants who hold an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
#2 University of Mary
Executive Summary
The University of Mary is a private Catholic school. It has been welcoming students since 1959 and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition is $750.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
MSN students can graduate in as little as 15 months. Class sizes are small to encourage collaborative learning between students.
Concentrations
Nurse Administrator BSN to MSN
Nurse Educator BSN to MSN
Nurse Administrator MSN/MBA Dual Degree
#3 Georgetown University
Executive Summary
Georgetown University's School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. Its online Master's degree programs are also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition
The cost of tuition and fees for this degree is $42,916.00.
Unique Features
The online MSN degree can be completed in 18 months of full-time study or 24 months on a part-time basis. Courses are presented on the Web in a live seminar environment. The program includes a clinical placement.
Concentrations
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult Gerontology Clinical Care Specialist
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator
Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP
#4 Capella University
Executive Summary
Capella University is a private school that is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The University's nursing programs are accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Capella University was founded in 1993. It is operated by Strategic Education, Inc. and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Unique Features
Each course is 10 weeks in length. Classes are taught by instructors who have academic and professional experience in nursing and public service fields.
Specializations
MSN in Care Coordination
MSN in Nursing Education
MSN in Nursing Informatics
MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration
RN-to-MSN Care Coordination
RN-to-MSN Nursing Education
RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics
RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration
#5 Southern New Hampshire University
Executive Summary
SNHU is a private school that operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition
Graduate programs cost $627.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
MSN students take courses in project management, advanced nursing concepts, nursing informatics, and healthcare policy and financing. They also complete a capstone project as one of the requirements to graduate. This degree can be completed in 18 months.
Concentrations
Clinical Nurse Leader
Patient Quality and Safety
#6 Benedictine University
Executive Summary
Benedictine University has been offering high quality education programs for working nurses for over a quarter of a century. Its online MSN degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition
Students at Benedictine pay $570.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The 18-semester hour program includes courses in health promotion and interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based nursing practice, health care policy and advocacy, and health care informatics.
Concentrations
Nurse Educator
Nurse Executive Leader
#7 Sacred Heart University
Executive Summary
Sacred Heart University's MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It was named one of the 30 Top Master's level colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report in 2010.
Tuition
Graduate nursing students pay $600.00 per credit.
Unique Features
Classes are taught by award-winning faculty members. The Patient Care Administration and Nursing Education concentrations require students to complete a 120-hour clinical practicum.
Concentrations
Clinical Nurse Leader
Patient Care Services Administration
Nursing Education
#8 Grand Canyon University
Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949. This Christian university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition
The cost of tuition is $495.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
MSN programs include a practicum or clinical hours. Students will be required to complete anywhere from 150-650 hours to graduate, depending on the concentration. All applicants to these programs have completed a BSN degree hold an unrestricted RN license.
Concentrations
Health Care Informatics
Nursing Education
Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Public Health
Family Nurse Practitioner
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult Clinical Care Nurse Specialist
#9 South University
Executive Summary
South University was established in 1899. It is a respected school that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Nursing students pay $436.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants to the online MSN program must hold a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and have obtained a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their studies.
Concentrations
Nurse Educator
Nurse Informatics
Nurse Administrator