RN-MSN Bridge Program
Overview
Aspen University offers an online RN-to-MSN degree program for registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to pursue a graduate degree. Students do not receive a BSN degree, but instead progress toward graduating with the MSN degree in a specialty area. Built upon a liberal arts foundation, this “bridge” program begins with 21-credits of undergraduate nursing courses that are designed to prepare students for the rigor of a master's level nursing program. After the completion of core masters nursing courses, students select a focus in one specialty track, completing 36 credits of graduate-level course work. All courses in the RN-to-MSN degree program are completed online, and practicum experiences are mentored by a local preceptor, which eliminates travel.
Liberal Arts Foundation
The Aspen University MSN curriculum builds on a foundation comparable to baccalaureate- level nursing knowledge. A solid base in liberal education provides the distinguishing cornerstone for the study and practice of professional nursing. Liberal education enables the nurse to integrate knowledge, skills, and values from the arts and sciences to provide humanistic, safe quality care; to act as advocates for individuals, families, groups, communities, and/or populations; and to promote social justice (Baccalaureate Essentials, AACN, 2008, p. 12).
Students in the RN-to-MSN program are required to have completed a broad spectrum of liberal arts education course work, which includes both the sciences and the arts. Nursing courses are not considered as part of this requirement.