Are you considering a career as an Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Educator in Ohio? Are you thinking of eventually earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or a PhD in Nursing degree? If you are a diploma, ADN, or BSN prepared nurse and are considering any of the above then a Master of Science in Nursing program is typically the first step to achieving those goals. We have assembled a list of colleges and universities in Ohio that offer nationally accredited MSN programs to assist you in your search.
Capital University School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Health
The School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Health at Capital University offers several pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. They offer an RN to MSN “Fast Track” pathway for RNs who have never completed any Bachelor’s degree. They offer an ADN to MSN pathway for Associate’s prepared RNs who also hold a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing discipline. And of course, they also offer a traditional BSN to MSN pathway for RNs who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Those pursuing their MSN via the RN to MSN “Fast Track” pathway will first complete the BSN Completion Program. Some of the courses that make up the BSN Completion Program will transfer for graduate credit towards their MSN. Students in this program earn both a BSN and an MSN degree.
Those entering the MSN program via the ADN to MSN pathway will be required to take 3 BSN bridge course prior to beginning their graduate level coursework. It should be noted that no BSN degree will be conferred as a result of completing this program.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles/specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Administration
- Legal Studies
- Theology
Applicants entering the MSN program via the RN to MSN “Fast Track” pathway must hold an Associate’s degree or diploma in nursing from a nationally accredited program. They must have completed courses N315 and N402 with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Candidates should hold a current license as an RN in Ohio.
Applicants entering via the accelerated ADN to MSN pathway or the BSN to MSN pathway must hold either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, respectively. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must have successfully completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research. They must hold a current, unencumbered, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1 Capital and Main
Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 236-6703
Case Western Reserve UniversityFrances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a Direct Entry pathway (their Graduate Entry Nursing Program) as well as a BSN to MSN pathway.
The Graduate Entry Nursing Program is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline with a desire to become a Registered Nurse. Those entering the program are automatically admitted into the MSN and DNP programs. There are three states to the program:
- The pre-licensing stage leading to the generalist Master of Nursing (MN) degree and preparing the student for the RN licensure exam and practice as an RN
- The Advance Practice Nursing stage leading to the MSN degree and preparing the RN in an advanced practice specialization area
- The practice doctorate stage leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
During the pre-licensure stage, students take up to 15 credit hours of coursework that can be applied to both their MN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are available in a variety of roles/specializations. Programs are offered in the following:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Concentrations available in Flight Nursing and Cardiovascular Nursing)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Cardiovascular Nursing)
- Adult-Gerontology Oncology and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Cardiovascular Nursing)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Cardiovascular Nursing)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Midwifery
- Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator with Population Focus
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry (Graduate Entry) nursing program are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 2.75 natural science GPA, and 2.75 behavioral science GPA. A grade of “C” or higher is required for all individual prerequisite coursework. Students must submit acceptable GRE or MAT test scores.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. Applicants must submit acceptable GRE or MAT scores. They must hold a license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio and may be required to have specific work experience for certain specialties.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2000
Cleveland State University School of Nursing
Cleveland State University’s School of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in several roles/specializations including:
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Forensic Nursing
- Nursing Education
- Specialized Populations
They also offer a MSN/MBA dual degree option.
Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must have completed an undergraduate or graduate level Statistics course within the last five years. Candidates should hold a valid, active license as an RN in the U.S.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
2121 Euclid Avenue
Julka Hall, Room 238
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 687-3598
College of Mount St. Joseph Department of Nursing
Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the Department of Nursing at College of Mount St. Joseph. They offer both a Direct Entry pathway which they call MAGELIN as well as a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
MAGELIN is designed for those who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree who have a desire to enter the nursing field. The program prepares students for licensure as a Registered Nurse. It can be completed within 15 months over four consecutive semesters.
MSN programs are offered in two specializations: They include:
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
The programs are offered on a part-time basis in a blended format. They take six semesters to complete with summers off.
Applicants entering via the MAGELIN Direct Entry pathway are required to hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must have successfully completed a series of prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher grade prior to taking the first MSN class (Chemistry with lab, one year of Anatomy and Physiology with lab, Microbiology with lab, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Statistics, Lifespan Development, and Nutrition).
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a generalist entry level Master’s degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. They must have completed courses in Statistics, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology with grades of “C” or higher. Candidates must have an active, unrestricted license as an RN with at least two years of clinical nursing experience.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
5701 Delhi Road
Cincinnati, OH 45233
(513) 244-4503
Franciscan University of SteubenvilleNursing Department
Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Nursing Department offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree via multiple pathways. They offer MSNs via an RN to MSN pathway and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN programs are designed for diploma and Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses who would like to earn their MSN. Up to 10 credit hours of coursework can apply towards both the BSN and MSN degrees. The RN will be awarded their BSN once all BSN coursework has been completed and sufficient number of credits have been earned.
MSN programs are offered in two areas of specialization:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Education Specialist
Students in both programs take 22 credit hours of core nursing curriculum, 9 credit hours of Advanced Practice Nursing core curriculum, and 15-17 credit hours of curriculum in their specialization.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing.
Applicants to the BSN to MSN programs are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA on all previous college work. They must hold an active, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio and any state where clinical practice occurs during the program.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
1235 University Boulevard
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 283-3771
Kent State University College of Nursing
Kent State University’s College of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing programs in a variety of specializations. Those specialty areas include:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Mental Health Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Healthcare management
They also offer dual MSN degree programs with either a Master of Business Administration or Master of Public Administration.
Applicants to the MSN programs are required to hold a Bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing. Those RNs with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline will also be considered. An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. However, those with GPAs less than 3.0 will be considered with acceptable GRE or MAT scores. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. They must hold an active, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio or the state where they practice.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
113 Henderson Hall
Box 5190
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930
Lourdes University College of Nursing
Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by Lourdes University’s College of Nursing. They offer both a traditional BSN to MSN pathway as well as an RN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN option is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses. The program has both an undergraduate and graduate component. No BSN is conferred by this program.
MSN programs offered in three specializations:
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Leader
Those entering via the RN to MSN pathway can gain conditional admission to the Graduate School once they have 75 undergraduate semester credit hours excluding the required undergraduate prerequisites with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. Full admission can be gained into the MSN program once all prerequisite undergraduate courses have been completed with a “C-” or higher grade in each course and a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
6832 Convent Boulevard
Sylvania, OH 43560
(419) 517-8905
Malone University School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Malone University’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing program. The MSN program prepares participants to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Applicants to the MSN program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Those with a GPA lower than 3.0 will be considered for conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
2600 Cleveland Avenue, NW
Canton, OH 44709
(330) 471-8406
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing programs are offered at Mount Carmel College of Nursing. MSN programs are offered in the following specialization areas:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Applicants to the MSN program are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a a nationally (NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE) accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must have completed courses in Statistics and Nursing Research with grades of “C” or better. Candidates are required to hold a current, unrestricted license as an RN in Ohio or eligibility for Ohio RN licensure.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
127 South Davis Avenue
Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 234-5800
Ohio University School of Nursing
Ohio University’s School of Nursing offers both an RN to MSN pathway and BSN to MSN pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
MSN programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Administrator
Applicants to the MSN programs should have graduated from a nationally accredited pre-licensure program in nursing. This can be a diploma, Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. If diploma or Associate’s prepared then the candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required. They must have completed courses in Management, Statistics, Nursing Research, and Accounting prior to beginning MSN coursework. They must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Ohio.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Grover Center E365
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-4494
Otterbein University Department of Nursing
Otterbein University Department of Nursing offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: an ADN (RN) to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.
The ADN to MSN pathway provides students with an Associate’s degree in nursing the opportunity to pursue a an MSN in several roles/specializations including the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway can pursue the same roles/specializations as ADN to MSN students as well that of a Nurse Anesthetist. Students may also pursue an MSN/MBA dual degree program regardless of entry pathway.
Applicants entering via the ADN to MSN pathway must:
- Hold an Associate’s degree in nursing (or be enrolled in such a program) from a regionally accredited institution and an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited program
- Have successfully completed a specific set of undergraduate prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better
- Hold a current, unencumbered license as an RN in Ohio
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited program
- Hold a current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. If not already licensed in Ohio, students must hold a active RN license in Ohio by the time of matriculation.
All applicants regardless of pathway must:
- Have a blended cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work
- Have one year of full-time nursing practice experience (or the part-time equivalent) within the last five years if pursing either the Clinical Nurse Leader or Nursing Services Administration specialization. Two years of full-time nursing practice experience (or the part-time equivalent) within the last five years are required for those pursing the Family Nurse Practitioner program. One year of full-time experience as a registered nurse in a critical care unit within the last five years is required for those pursing the Nurse Anesthesia program.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 823-1614
The Ohio State UniversityCollege of Nursing
Three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered through the College of Nursing at Ohio State University. They offer an RN to MSN pathway and BSN to MSN pathway to those who are already registered nurses. They also offer a Direct Entry pathway to non-nurses seeking to enter the nursing field via a graduate degree.
The Direct Entry pathway at Ohio State University is called their “Graduate Entry” program. Its goal is to prepare students who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree with a desire to become a nurse with all pre-licensure coursework and clinical practice required to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. It should be noted that while much of the coursework is similar to that of BSN students, no BSN degree is conferred. Students in the Graduate Entry program are awarded only an MSN.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles/specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Health and Illness Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Nursing and Health Systems Management
- Nursing Science
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Applicants to the Direct (Graduate) Entry program are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Generally, a combined undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required. Those with lower GPAs can submit GRE scores and will be considered on an individual basis. Candidates must have completed five prerequisite courses: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Human Nutrition. They must also have completed a Nurse Assistant, STNA, or PCA course (or receive approval based on demonstrating the equivalent experience).
All applicants to the traditional MSN programs must hold either a BSN from an accredited program (i.e. BSN to MSN pathway) or be a licensed diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field (RN to MSN pathway). They should have a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previous undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1585 Neil Avenue
Newton Hall
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-4041
The University of AkronSchool of Nursing
The University of Akron’s School of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer an RN to MSN pathway and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
Those entering the MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway will take courses that meet the requirements of the BSN as well as the MSN degrees. The BSN degree will be awarded once all required BSN coursework has been completed. It generally takes 7-8 full-time semesters to complete the RN to MSN programs once all prerequisite coursework has been completed. They also offer the programs on a part-time basis.
MSN Programs are offered in the following roles/specializations:
- Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Child/Adolescent Primary Care (Pediatric) Nurse Practitioner
- Child/Adolescent Primary/Acute Care (Pediatric) Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nursing Services Administration
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a valid Ohio license as an RN. All prerequisite courses must be completed with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required on all transfer work combined with those credits earned at The University of Akron.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE or NLNAC/ACEN accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Those entering the MSN Nurse Anesthesia program are also required to take the GRE. Candidates must hold a current Ohio State license as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
209 Carroll Street
Mary Gladwin Hall 101A
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7551
University of Cincinnati College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a Direct Entry pathway (called their “Accelerated Pathway”) and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway is designed for those who hold a degree in a discipline other than nursing would are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse. There are three phases to the program:
- Phase I – Undergraduate Prerequisite Phase: Completed by transferring credits, testing out of courses, and/or completing additional coursework.
- Phase II – Cohort Phase: Students are placed into a cohort comprised of about 40 students. This phase is the RN pre-licensure phase and lasts four semesters. Students are awarded their BSN at the end of this phase.
- Phase III – Master’s Phase: Students specialize in a particular area of Advanced Practice Nursing.
Note that most MSN specializations in Phase III require work experience. So most in the program enroll part-time once they have completed Phase II so that they can gain clinical experience required.
The following MSN roles/specialization areas are offered:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Midwifery
- Nursing Administration
- Occupational Health
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry “Accelerated” pathway are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the last degree earned. They must also submit GRE scores.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and an NLNAC/ACEN or CCEN accredited program with a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA on a scale of 4.0. Candidates must hold an active, unrestricted license as an RN in the state where they are practicing nursing, and if admitted they will be required to obtain an Ohio RN license. Those entering the Nurse Anesthesia program must submit GRE scores.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
3110 Vine Street
PO Box 210038
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 558-3600
University of Toledo College of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered through the College of Nursing at University of Toledo. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway at University of Toledo is called the “Graduate Entry Clinical Nurse Leader” program. It is designed for individuals who desire to become a Registered Nurse who also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. The 66 semester hour program is designed to be a full-time program. It prepares students for a career as a Registered Nurse generalist.
RNs with a diploma or Associate’s in nursing from an accredited program who also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution can enter the MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway. They may choose from any of the Advanced Practice and Nurse Educator programs. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, however, is required to enter the Clinical Nurse Leader program.
Those entering via the RN to MSN or BSN to MSN pathways may choose from the following roles/specializations except where otherwise noted:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Clinical Nurse Leader (Available ONLY to those with a BSN)
Applicants entering the Graduate Entry Clinical Nurse Leader program must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. They are required to submit competitive GRE scores.
All other applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Their nursing diploma, ADN, or BSN degree must be from a nationally (NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE) accredited program. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. They must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must hold an active, unrestricted, unencumbered Ohio license as a Registered Nurse (except for those pursing a MSN in Nursing Education which only requires such a license in the state in which the applicant practices).
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Collier Building, Room 4405
3000 Arlington Avenue, Mail Stop 1026
Toledo, OH 43614
(419) 383-5858
Urbana University College of Nursing and Allied Health
Urbana University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.
MSN students entering via either pathway can choose from two roles/specializations:
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree from state-approved, nationally accredited program with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale as well as a 3.5 or higher GPA in the basic RN program. They must hold a current, unrestricted, and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in Ohio.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a state approved and nationally accredited nursing program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. They must hold a current, unrestricted license as an RN in Ohio.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
579 College Way
Losch Hall
Urbana, OH 43078
(937) 484-1347
Ursuline College The Breen School of Nursing
The Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline College offers a Master of Science degree to RNs who hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students can choose from the following roles/specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Palliative Care)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Concentration available in Palliative Care)
- Nursing Education
Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA. They must currently be licensed as an RN in Ohio or be eligible for licensure as an RN in Ohio. Candidates must have at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
2550 Lander Road
Pepper Pike, OH 44124
(440) 449-3425
Wright State University College of Nursing and Health
Wright State University’s College of Nursing and Health offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a RN to MSN Bridge pathway and an BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge option is offered to those RNs with a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing as well as a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing from a regionally accredited institution. Students are required to take a series of upper division nursing “bridge” coursework before beginning the r graduate level coursework.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles/specializations:
- Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontological Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- School Nursing
- Health Care Administration
- Nursing Education
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN Bridge pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program as well as a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline from a regionally accredited institution. They must have a 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework. Candidates should be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Ohio.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse. Depending on the specialization, applicants may be required to have one or two years of work experience as an RN post-BSN, and may be required to have experience in specific types of settings.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
160 University Hall
Dayton, OH 45435
(937) 775-3132
Xavier University School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Xavier University offers three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing. They offer a Direct Entry pathway (called MSN Direct Entry as Second Degree or MIDAS), two RN to MSN pathways, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The MSN Direct Entry as Second Degree pathway is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who would like to become a Registered Nurse. It is a 20 month, full-time program that prepares individuals not only to sit for the National Council Licensing Exam – Registered Nurse, but also to sit for certifications as a Clinical Nurse Leader and Holistic Nurse.
The MSN for Registered Nurses programs at Xavier encompass both their RN to MSN pathways and their BSN to MSN pathway. Diploma and Associate’s prepared RNs with a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field are accepted directly into the MSN program similar to BSN prepared RNs. RNs without a Bachelor’s degree of any kind who have two or more years of full-time work experience as an RN can still be accepted into the MSN program by completing certain prerequisite courses and a series of RN to MSN bridge courses.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles/specializations to all students entering via the RN to MSN or BSN to MSN pathways unless otherwise noted:
- Nursing Administration
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nursing Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Only available to those entering with a BSN)
- Forensic Nursing
- Health Care Law
- Informatics
Students can also create a customized MSN program by choosing the General Studies track and completing the 26 semester hours of MSN core, synthesis, and application courses as well as 10 hours of electives. An MSN/MBA dual degree program is also available.
Applicants entering via the MSN Direct Entry as Second Degree (direct) pathway are required to hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. They must also have completed 2 semesters (or 3 quarters) of Anatomy and Physiology courses with labs, a 1 semester (or 1 quarter) of Microbiology course with lab, and a 1 semester (or 1 quarter) Statistics course.
Applicants to the MSN for Registered Nurses programs must hold a nursing diploma or hold an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Candidates must be a licensed Registered Nurse in the U.S. and be licensed in the state where they will perform all graduate practicum experiences.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207
(513) 745-3815
Youngstown State UniversityDepartment of Nursing
Youngstown State University’s Department of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing designed for BSN prepared Registered Nurses. The program offers three options for specialization in clinical nursing:
- Chronic Illness Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
- School Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Anesthetist
Applicants to the MSN programs must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must have successfully completed undergraduate courses in Health Assessment, Statistics, and Nursing Research. Candidates must be eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Ohio. All Nurse Anesthetist applicants must submit GRE scores completed within the last five years. Applicants to the Chronic Illness Care and School Nursing programs with a GPA less than 3.0 must submit GRE scores completed in the last five years to be considered for provisional admission.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
(330) 941-3000