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RN-to-MSN Program

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The RN-MSN program allows Registered Nurses to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing degree through a focused curriculum.

The RN-to-MSN degree option in the School of Nursing enables students who are registered nurses without a BSN to obtain an MSN degree within one of four specialty programs:

Students in the RN-to-MSN program take 13-17 credits of undergraduate nursing bridge courses and between 44-49 credits of graduate courses depending on their specialty area. Admitted students must successfully complete the Health Assessment exam prior to taking Health Across the Lifespan: Communities. If unsuccessful, Health Assessment must be completed prior to taking Across the Lifespan: Communities. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to admission.

Graduates have the competencies taught in their chosen specialty areas and are eligible to take the appropriate national certification exams. For graduates wishing to practice in states requiring a bachelor’s degree in addition to the MSN (e.g. West Virginia and Maryland), a BSN option is available.

We are currently not accepting applications for this program.
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Learn More About This Program

Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing‘s programs are challenging, but the rewards of completing your degree and entering this critical profession are many. We are committed to providing an outstanding education to nurses at all levels— from people entering the profession with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, to advanced practice nurses seeking doctoral-level training. Our programs are dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and the health care industry. Shenandoah Nursing offers classes in Winchester at the Health and Life Sciences Building, and in Fairfax at the Shenandoah Northern Virginia campus. We’re excited to share our programs with you.

The curricula for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs combine important knowledge and skills with a friendly and caring spirit. Students like you share diverse backgrounds and personal and professional experiences with seasoned teaching faculty and clinical preceptors, who contribute to robust classroom discussions and enriching and exciting clinical interactions. Our goal is to prepare and challenge you for that next step in your professional career.

Classes

Bridge Courses

After completing these 14 credits of bridge courses, all RN-to-MSN students complete the courses of study for their chosen specialty.

  • N 319 Ethics & Genomics in Nursing Practice—3 Credits
  • N 414 Leadership & Management in Professional Nursing Practice—3 Credits
  • N 306 Theory, Reasoning, & Research in Nursing—3 Credits
  • N 401 Human Health Across the Lifespan: Communities—5 Credits

The total bridge course credits will be 18 if Health Assessment course must be taken.  

Nursing N 201 Health Assessment Challenge RN-MSN

Shenandoah University’s School of Nursing offers to students admitted to the RN-MSN program the option to  challenge the N 201 Health Assessment course for credit. Students may take and pass the Health Assessment NLN Standardized exam for advanced placement. Students will pay the examination fee of $75 to the Shenandoah University Business Office and must also meet the 30 credit residency required to graduate from Shenandoah University. Purpose: Evaluates understanding of the general health assessment and physical examination techniques used to evaluate the health status of adults and children. Reflects nurse-client encounters in a variety of healthcare setting, using a body systems approach for evaluation physical data-gathering techniques. Includes items on interviewing , obtaining health history, general screening, and documentation. Health status and developmental stages of clients are also considered.  This examination is administered on site at the School of Nursing.  For more information about the exam and to register, please contact the Administrative Assistant for Graduate Programs at (540)678-4374.

RN-to-MSN Program Locations

There are a variety of locations where you may complete the RN-to-MSN program. Consult with your program director to find a location that works best for you.