Loyola University > School of Nursing > Academics > Degree Programs > Graduate Degrees > Master of Science in Nursing > RN-to-MSN
RN-to-MSN
Leaders never stop learning. Become a nurse leader and shape the future of nursing and health care.
We are currently not accepting applications for the RN-to-MSN program. Please contact Lee Schmidt for more information.
There is no better time to advance your nursing career. Take your nursing career to the next level by enrolling in the online RN-to-MSN program at Loyola University Chicago's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. Designed for nurses who have completed their associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in Nursing, our online RN-to-MSN program with a concentration in Nursing and Health Care Administration track provides an accelerated pathway to earning both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees within a minimum of two and a half to three years. This degree program develops nurse leaders to assume key roles in a variety of health care settings. As a graduate of the MSN in Nursing & Health Care Administration, you will be poised to become a leader in health care with expertise in leadership best practices, health care policy, resource utilization, and budget management.
Our Commitment to You
Graduates with an MSN in Nursing & Health Care Administration will gain knowledge, competencies, and professional values in the following aspects to address the needs of an evolving health care marketplace:
KNOWLEDGE
- Integrate evidence-based research into clinical practice
- Promote health and quality of life in the community
- Use awareness of health policy issues in advocacy
Competencies
- Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care to patients
- Work effectively with health care teams to contribute to positive patient outcomes.
- Evaluate research-based evidence for planning, implementing, and evaluating patient outcomes
- Apply ethical principles to decision-making
PROFESSIONAL VALUES
- Maintain lasting practice of critical thinking, leadership, learning, and service
- Demonstrate a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, care for the whole person
- Focus on communities and community-wide outcomes
- Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism
- Celebrate diversity and respect the rights, dignity and worth of individuals
Curriculum
The RN-to-MSN program puts you on an accelerated and seamless path to obtain your master’s degree in Nursing and Healthcare Administration. Students are admitted in Fall and Spring semesters. Courses are taught online and in an asynchronous format thus providing the flexbility you need while continuing your professional life. Part-time and full-time study options are available.
Students need 120 credits to receive BSN degree before transitioning to the MSN part of the program. Students benefit from 84 credits completed outside of Loyola. These include 66 transfer credits and 18 proficiency (e-portfolio) credits. The director of the program will personally advise each student on how to best fulfill these requirements.
Practicum sites are sought out and secured by the School of Nursing at one of over 300 healthcare organization partners including hospitals, outpatient clinics, healthcare accreditation bodies, consulting firms and professional associations.
Students will complete a comprehensive examination project in the last fall and spring semesters of the program. There will be a written component as well as presentation. Students will present their project during Day of Scholarship event held at the health sciences campus.
Immersion Learning
The Nursing and Healthcare Administration program includes an on-site immersion weekend. There will be one weekend dedicated for the immersion during spring semesters of the MSN component of the program. Immersion weekends typically begin a Saturday morning and conclude by Sunday afternoon. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow students, faculty and network with nursing leaders.
Students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA by the start of the second semester
BSN Courses
Students will complete 21 BSN level credits (seven 3-credit hour courses) and 9* MSN-level credits (three 3-credit hour courses) towards BSN completion. These courses are:
- CMAN 375: Community Health
- GNUR 338A: Health Assessment
- GNUR 360: Nursing Research: For Evidence-based Practice
- GNUR 361: Nursing Ethics
- GNUR 363: Health Care Transitions
- GNUR 383: Leadership for Professional Nursing Practice
- GNUR 390: Integrative Clinical Practicum
- GNUR 404: Theories and Concepts for Advanced Clinical Practice *
- CMAN 407: Population Health Informatics *
- CMAN 425: Advanced Quality and Safety in Health Care *
MSN Courses
Students will complete 30 MSN level credits (then 3-credit hour courses) after transitioning from the BSN program completion. The courses are:
- GNUR 407: Social Justice and Ethics in Health Care
- GNUR 408: Research for Advanced Clinical Practice
- CMAN 403: Healthcare Delivery and Organization
- CMAN 430: Leadership and Administration in Health Care
- CMAN 445: Healthcare Outcomes
- CMAN 448: Program Planning and Marketing in Healthcare
- CMAN 460: Healthcare Policy
- CMAN 533: Fiscal Management in Healthcare Organizations
- CMAN 417: Nursing and Healthcare Administration Practicum (six credits)
Immersion Learning
The Nursing and Healthcare Administration program includes an on-site immersion weekend. There will be one weekend dedicated for the immersion during spring semesters of the MSN component of the program. Immersion weekends typically begin a Saturday morning and conclude by Sunday afternoon. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow students, faculty and network with nursing leaders.
Students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA by the start of the second semester
Admission
We are currently not accepting applications for the RN-to-MSN program. Please contact Lee Schmidt for more information.
Admission requirements
- Must hold an active RN license from a U.S. state
- Cumulative GPA of a 2.5 on a four-point scale
- Official transcripts of the programs completed
- Please check the State Authorization Information
- Complete the online application
INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Prospective students seeking admission in the RN-to-MSN program (Nursing and Health Care Administration track) are encouraged to attend our information session prior to applying. Information sessions are held online through zoom. All times are Central Standard Time (CST).
