Loyola University – Online RN to MSN Degree Program

Program Overview

According to Loyola University:

“Loyola University New Orleans strives to provide convenient options for RNs looking to further their career in nursing. That’s why it offers two RN to MSN options, depending on your educational background: a traditional RN to MSN or a RN to MSN Bridge option. The RN to MSN option is available to students who hold associate’s degrees in nursing. The MSN Bridge option is available to students who hold associate’s degrees in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.”

At a Glance

URL	https://online.loyno.edu/master-science-nursing/
Total credit hours	Traditional RN-MSN: The BSN degree is a total of 120 hours (6 credit hours at the graduate level apply to both the BSN and MSN degree). You then move directly into the remainder of graduate-level coursework in your intended MSN specialization: Nursing Leadership – 36 credit hours Nurse Educator – 39 credit hours BLEND (Bridge to Leadership Education in Nursing at a Distance) An option for entry into the master’s program for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Completion of 6 credits of undergraduate nursing and then direct entry into the graduate level coursework in your intended MSN specialization Family Nurse Practitioner – 48 credit hours Nursing Leadership – 36 credit hours Nurse Educator – 39 credit hours
Tuition per credit	Tuition and fees
Accreditation	Loyola University New Orleans is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; the School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Practicum, internship and/or on-campus intensive	MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Four (4) FNP clinical courses with practicum (720 clock hours). Must attend two (2) on-campus intensives sessions of 2-3 days in length throughout the program. MSN Nursing Leadership One (1) Health Care Systems Practicum (180 clock hours) No on-campus intensive requirement MSN Nurse Edcuator One (1) Nurse Educator Practicum (180 clock hours) No on-campus intensive requirement
Concentrations	Loyola University’s MSN program features three concentrations, each with a unique curriculum designed for success in a rewarding career. Each MSN concentration features a robust practicum component where you will be able to put your ideas into action in one or more professional health care settings. Family Nurse Practitioner: The online FNP concentration of Loyola’s MSN program is focused on the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in primary care positions in a variety of health care settings. Nursing Leadership: The Nursing Leadership (formerly Health Care Systems Management) specialization of Loyola’s online MSN degree is focused on the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of nursing leadership positions in health care organizations. Nurse Educator: The curriculum offered in the Nurse Educator concentration of Loyola University’s online MSN program is specifically tailored to become the best educator you can be.
Full-time/part-time/accelerated	Full-time/part-time
Admission requirements	According to Loyola University, to be eligible for admission to the RN-MSN program, applicants must fulfill the following requirements: Complete the free online application Typed goal statement, approximately one page in length, describing your career goals and interest in graduate education. Family Nurse Practitioner applicants should address why they want to be a nurse practitioner. Copy of your current and unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States If transferring credits, evidence of associate’s and bachelor’s degree coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university, or the equivalent from an international college/university, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (even if you did not receive credit) Resume indicating professional work experience Three recommendations (on the form provided by Loyola) from persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s aptitude for graduate school such as former Professors or Nursing Supervisors Certified Background Check: Upon admission into the program and at least 60 days prior to enrollment, you are required to apply for a certified background review at your expense with the results reported to Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing. Family Nurse Practitioner program has a $500 deposit (upon acceptance).