• This program is offered online.

  • While a bachelor's degree may qualify you for many nursing positions, some career paths require a master's degree—especially for leadership positions that offer higher income potential.* If you are an RN and your career goals require earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing AND a Master of Science in Nursing, consider the RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option. This accelerated option, which allows you to complete graduate-level courses in place of open electives in the bachelor’s degree program, is a convenient route to earning a master’s degree in nursing.

    The Fast Track to Earning a Master of Science in Nursing

    The RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option offers associate’s-, diploma-, and certificate-level nurses the opportunity to satisfy specific core requirements for Kaplan University’s Master of Science in Nursing program while completing their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students then have the opportunity to enter Kaplan University’s Master of Science in Nursing program in a condensed format. Students completing this accelerated program will earn their Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degrees at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately.

    The RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option can shorten the time it takes to earn a Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing degree. Bachelor’s-level students who complete 3 graduate-level courses can then earn a master’s degree by completing as few as 10 additional courses.
     

    The RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option begins with undergraduate courses designed to build a foundation for future success in advanced nursing roles. Students then move on to complete graduate-level courses in place of undergraduate open electives. Finally, students enter Kaplan University’s Master of Science in Nursing program in a condensed format. This innovative curriculum aims to encourage critical thinking, enhance communication techniques, and address the managerial and technical competencies required by health care employers today. It features:

    • A strong focus on professional leadership with courses in management, informatics, research, emerging trends in health care therapies, health assessment, and community nursing
    • An emphasis on health promotion, health care information, professional ethics, diversity, and health care management
    • A capstone in nursing, completed in your community with the guidance of expert faculty, designed to improve the delivery of patient care by allowing you to apply the knowledge and skills you learn online in a real-world setting
    • Graduate-level courses in advanced nursing theory, and ethical and legal perspectives of the health care system with a direct track to completing a Kaplan University master’s degree in nursing
    • A dedicated faculty of practicing professionals who have attained high levels of achievement in their respective fields. 

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    Registered nurses with a master's in nursing degree may find career opportunities in management or administration in various health care organizations, small businesses, nursing education programs, or as a nursing consultant.† A Master of Science in Nursing is also a foundation for future doctoral studies.‡ 

    Specialization in a particular area of nursing could help you build your niche in today's competitive health care field. Our master's degree specializations are designed to provide you with specific knowledge and skills to help advance your nursing career.†

    Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Explore how to promote holistic health care to the adult population while diagnosing and managing their acute and chronic health problems. Prepare to serve as an advocate for clients as they interface with the health care system. Complete a clinical practice experience and apply theoretical knowledge while working with a qualified preceptor.

    At this time, the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialization is available only in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.** Please note: International Students are not eligible to enroll for this program. 

    Family Nurse Practitioner: Explore how to promote holistic health care to adults and children in a family context, while diagnosing and managing their acute and chronic health problems. Prepare to serve as advocates for clients as they interface with the health care system. Complete a clinical practice experience and apply theoretical knowledge while working with a qualified preceptor.

    At this time, the family nurse practitioner specialization is available only in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.**  Please note: International Students are not eligible to enroll for this program. 

    Nurse Administrator: Focus on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the use of information technology in advanced nursing roles. Complete a practicum experience during which you will work closely with an administrator mentor in a selected health care setting. Study to prepare for administrative or managerial positions and leadership roles in hospitals, community centers, and long-term care facilities.

    Nurse Educator: Focus on developing courses and programs that integrate nursing philosophy. Examine the applications and ethical and legal issues related to the use of technology in teaching. Analyze assessment, measurement, and evaluation methods used in nursing education. Prepare for a faculty or educator role in colleges or schools of nursing, continuing education programs, staff development, clinical education, and patient and community education. Explore strategies for developing effective educational experiences.

    Informatics: Prepare to meet the clinical, educational, research, and administrative challenges associated with working in a technology-rich environment. Focus on the representation of health care data and information and examine computer, information literacy, and management competencies. Explore the use of technology and information systems to advance evidence-based research. Graduates may pursue informatics leadership roles in health care, corporate, and education settings.†

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 05

    Online Start Date
    Jun 05, 2013

    Jul 03

    Online Start Date
    Jul 03, 2013

    Jul 31

    Online Start Date
    Jul 31, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Sequence of Study

    Students who are interested in pursuing the RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option will complete the courses outlined below; starting with the bachelor's degree plan and then continuing on to the master's degree plan. Bachelor’s-level students can elect to take up to three of the designated graduate-level courses in place of open electives. Upon entering the Master of Science in Nursing program, students will complete as few as four additional core courses and the required specialization courses to earn a master’s degree.

    Keep in mind that you have to meet all prerequisite requirements and, based on the transferability or your previously earned credits, you may need to take more than the minimum number of credits listed here. Please contact and Admissions Advisor for additional information.

    To view a sample sequence of study in the RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing option, click here. 

  • Curriculum: Bachelor's Courses

    Bachelor's Degree Core

    CS 204: PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE (3 Credits)

    This course introduces students to multidisciplinary techniques and concepts pertinent to lifelong career development and professionalism. Students explore career planning as a strategy and professionalism as a method in order to pursue employment interests and career goals. Concepts include various professional communication skills appropriate for the global workplace, interpersonal relationship management, professional behavior, financial decision making, marketability, and using proper technologies to manage professional identities. 

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    HU 280: BIOETHICS (5 Credits)

    In this course, students develop and apply sound ethical reasoning and judgment to important issues in health care. Topics studied include access to health care, medical privacy, end-of-life care, genetic screening, and emerging genetic technologies. Emphasis is on practical applications of ethical principles and analytic methods.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I course

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    MM 207: STATISTICS (5 Credits)

    This course serves as an introduction to collecting, organizing and summarizing, and analyzing data using statistical software. Topics include basic terminology, measurement, sampling procedures, graphical and numerical descriptions of data, basic probability, and making inferences from a sample to the population. Statistical software is provided in the course and extensive use of that software is required. The course focuses on “thinking with” statistics rather than “computing” statistics.

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    SC 246: FUNDAMENTALS OF MICROBIOLOGY (5 Credits)

    Fundamentals of Microbiology will review basic microbial cell structure, function, and genetics. The role of microorganisms and their affect on humans and the environment will also be explained. Aspects of medical and public health will be emphasized, as will bacterial and viral diseases, parasites, immunology, and epidemiology. Course material and labs are directly relevant to studies in health sciences, biological sciences, nursing, and genetics.

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    SC 435: GENETICS (6 Credits)

    This course explores the molecular basis of genetics as applied to human health, including developmental genetics, immunogenetics, and cancer genetics. Using case studies, students learn the role of dominant and recessive genes in various diseases and the importance of genetic counseling. In addition, students will discuss gene-mapping methodologies and ethical issues in the context of clinical genetics.

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    SS 236: PEOPLE, POWER, AND POLITICS-AN INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (5 Credits)

    The purpose of this introductory-level American government course is to provide students with crucial knowledge about how government works and about how they, as individual citizens, fit within that system. Focus is on the rights and obligations of citizens under the democratic political system established under the U.S. Constitution; the branches and levels of government; and the role of the media. This fundamental knowledge combined with critical thinking skills will be valuable personally and professionally.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I course

    SS 211: THE 1960S—RESHAPING THE AMERICAN DREAM (5 Credits)

    This course will take an in-depth look at the 1960s as a significant era in American history. Adopting multiple perspectives, we will explore the societal impact of such issues as the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the Countercultural, Civil Rights, and Feminist Movements, the advent of the birth control pill, and many others. Through exploring the music, political climate, and advancements in technology and medicine of this historical era, we will discover how our individual lives and society as a whole were forever changed.

    Prerequisites Required: Any college composition course

    SS 250: THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION—A SOCIAL SCIENTIFIC APPROACH (5 Credits)

    This is a social science survey course that will examine science and technology from a variety of social science disciplines including sociology, psychology, history, political science, anthropology, and economics. The use of science and technology has been a driving force behind all of human history, and even more so today. This course will take an interactive approach to study the relationship between humanity and technology throughout time and across the globe.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition I Course

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    HU 200: CRITICAL EVALUATION IN THE HUMANITIES (5 Credits)

    In this course, students will explore the impact of creative expression on cultures from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. By studying examples from the arts and humanities, students investigate how humans have the potential to shape history. Students develop skills to evaluate and analyze forms of creative expression, and discover how to apply these skills to their career goals, community, and daily experience.

    Prerequisites Required: Any College Composition course

    HU 245: ETHICS (5 Credits)

    In this course, students develop sound ethical reasoning and judgment through the study of practical applications of ethical theories. Topics studied include ethics as it relates to business, health care, society, and the environment. Emphasis is on practical applications of ethical principles and analytical methods.

    Prerequisites Required: CM  220

    HU 250: HUMANITIES AND CULTURE (5 Credits)

    This course is a survey of human social and cultural life through an introduction to humanist theories and historical subject matter. Beginning with village settlement and the rise of cities and ending with the development of modern nations, students study the expression of human ideas and traditions through material and nonmaterial culture. Through readings and discussions, students are introduced to humanist studies and learn to appreciate cultural continuity and change as defining characteristics of the human experience.

    Total Bachelor's Degree Core Credits: 34
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Major

    NU 300: PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS (6 Credits)

    This course will facilitate the transition of the registered nurse into a professional nursing leadership role and introduce the major components of leadership that are part of the Kaplan University School of Nursing program. This course builds upon the previous knowledge and experience of the RN and is required prior to the student's enrollment in any other nursing course. The student will examine personal values and goals along with professional roles to explore nursing leadership and create a professional development plan. Topics covered in the course include professional nursing roles, culture and values for community care, leadership, and research.

    Prerequisites Required: Admission to the program

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 310: NURSING RESEARCH (6 Credits)

    This course applies the steps of the research process in order to critique a research article and to provide the knowledge for students to become proficient at producing research. Students will also construct a viable research question. They will gain the necessary skills to identify and critique the research articles from research literature and develop a plan for application to clinical practice. Students are given the opportunity to understand ethical principles by becoming a participant in a scenario that might occur when conducting research. The highlight of the course is placed on producing and evaluating nursing research.

    Prerequisites Required: MM 207 and HU 280 or equivalent, Corequisite: NU 307 or NU 333

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 333: PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROFESSIONAL NURSE (5 Credits)

    Physical Assessment for the Professional Nurse builds on previous knowledge and skills from the sciences, humanities, and nursing. Students learn approaches to a holistic assessment of health, focusing primarily on physical assessment. Interviewing techniques required in the collection of a health history are learned. Assessment techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation are applied to each body system. Students learn to differentiate normal from abnormal assessment findings based on age, gender, and ethnicity. Proper documentation of subjective and objective assessment findings is learned.

    Prerequisites Required:

    NU 300

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 416: NURSING CARE OF THE OLDER ADULT (6 Credits)

    This course builds on previous knowledge and skills from the sciences, humanities, and nursing. Students learn to adapt nursing interventions to the elderly patient who might have several chronic, comorbid health conditions. Students learn to assess the impact of physical, mental, functional, and social situations on the quality of life of the elderly person. Common medical conditions are explored in depth, focusing specifically on the risks to the elderly and interventions to prevent negative geriatric syndromes and promote quality outcomes. Interdisciplinary models of care are discussed as a means to provide seamless geriatric care.

    Prerequisites Required: NU 300

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 420: LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN THE CHANGING HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT (6 Credits)

    Nurses must be able to apply leadership concepts and skills and decision making in the provision of high-quality nursing care in an ever-changing, global health care environment. This course will prepare students to understand organizational and systems leadership, quality improvement, a culture of safety, and how these impact patient outcomes. A focus will be on the development of leadership skills that emphasize ethical and critical decision making, effective communication and intradisciplinary collaboration, and the promotion of a professional practice environment.

    Prerequisites Required:

    NU 300

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 450: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING—POPULATION-CENTERED HEALTH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY (6 Credits)

    This course integrates and applies the major concepts of previous nursing courses by investigating the differences between the delivery of nursing care to individuals and nursing care directed toward communities and populations. Topics include the public health principles of epidemiology, genomic theory, chronic disease, drug and alcohol abuse, and communicable diseases. The ways in which nursing informatics plays a role regarding the types of records kept in community and public health agencies will also be explored. In addition, students will study the career options open to the public health nurse such as home health, hospice, occupational health nurse, forensics, disaster management, case management, school nursing, and community nurse leader.

    Prerequisites Required:

    NU 420

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    NU 499: BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN NURSING (6 Credits)

    This course represents the culmination of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned over the course of study. Students will apply the nursing process in a health care setting and, in the process of doing so, integrate essential concepts from each course in the program. The goal of each capstone project is to improve patient care delivery or leadership/management activity at the health care setting.

    Prerequisites Required: NU 450 or concurrent enrollment in NU 450 and HU 280 or concurrent enrollment in HU 280; last term or permission of the Dean

    Total Major Credits: 41
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Electives

    MN 501: ADVANCED NURSING ROLES (5 Credits)

    This course explores skills and strategies essential to successful advanced nursing role implementation, as well as graduate program completion. Analysis of existing and emerging roles provides a foundation for selection of an individual advanced role specialization and an individual career development plan.

    Total Electives Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Students enrolled in the BS in Nursing's prior diploma or certificate track will need to complete additional elective courses to satisfy the necessary number of credits required for completion of the bachelor's degree.

    MN 502: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF ADVANCED NURSING (5 Credits)

    This course explores the evolution of nursing theory and its contribution to advanced nursing science. There is an emphasis on the historical and philosophical foundation of theory development and its impact on nursing practice. Conceptual models are explored relative to nursing adminis­tration, education, and practice.

    Total Electives Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Students enrolled in the BS in Nursing's prior diploma or certificate track will need to complete additional elective courses to satisfy the necessary number of credits required for completion of the bachelor's degree.

    MN 503: ADVANCED STATISTICS FOR THE HEALTH SCIENCES (5 Credits)

    This course explores the application of statistical methods in research related to nursing and the health professions and serves as a foundation for research and evidence-based practice. The purpose, assumptions, selection, and interpretation of selected statistical procedures will be explored. Techniques include exploratory, descriptive, comparative, correlational, and inferential statistics. Parametric and nonparametric techniques are presented. Statistical methods in selected research studies will be critiqued.

    Total Electives Credits: 15
    Total Program Credits: 90

    Students enrolled in the BS in Nursing's prior diploma or certificate track will need to complete additional elective courses to satisfy the necessary number of credits required for completion of the bachelor's degree.

    Master's Degree Core

    MN 504: INQUIRY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (5 Credits)

    This course focuses on using an evidence-based approach to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve nursing practice by nurses in advanced roles. The focus is on assessing current and relevant research for delineating issues, translating research, developing competencies in analysis and evaluation of relevant research, practice innovations, and evidence-based practice. Qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry are explored.

    Total Master's Degree Core Credits: 20
    Total Program Credits: 50

    Note: Students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must apply for admission to the Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing program. This sample degree plan is based on a student who completes the maximum number of courses (3) in place of open electives; requirements will vary for individuals who choose to complete less than 3 courses.

    MN 505: HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY (5 Credits)

    This course incorporates theoretical and empirical concepts related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction of diverse populations. Principles from the Healthy People 2010 initiative, epidemiology, biostatistics, and cultural competence guide comparisons of groups and inference development. Strategies and benefits of health promotion interventions are emphasized.

    Total Master's Degree Core Credits: 20
    Total Program Credits: 50

    Note: Students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must apply for admission to the Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing program. This sample degree plan is based on a student who completes the maximum number of courses (3) in place of open electives; requirements will vary for individuals who choose to complete less than 3 courses.

    MN 506: ETHICAL AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (5 Credits)

    This course introduces major ethical theories and provides an opportunity to analyze the ethical principles underlying nursing administration, education, informatics, and advanced practice health care. Students examine selected concepts, principles, and cases involving ethics and law within a framework of critical decision making for advanced nursing roles.

    Total Master's Degree Core Credits: 20
    Total Program Credits: 50

    Note: Students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must apply for admission to the Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing program. This sample degree plan is based on a student who completes the maximum number of courses (3) in place of open electives; requirements will vary for individuals who choose to complete less than 3 courses.

    MN 507: HEALTH POLICY, FINANCING, AND ORGANIZATION OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS (5 Credits)

    This course provides students with an understanding of health care policy formation and evaluation, facilitated by opportunities to investigate public policy and politics. The organization and delivery of health care is explored, including financial aspects of health care systems and pertinent issues in the relationship between policy and health care system change. Specific focus is placed on the leadership role of the nurse in current system dilemmas and issues.

    Total Master's Degree Core Credits: 20
    Total Program Credits: 50

    Note: Students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must apply for admission to the Kaplan University Master of Science in Nursing program. This sample degree plan is based on a student who completes the maximum number of courses (3) in place of open electives; requirements will vary for individuals who choose to complete less than 3 courses.

    Specialization Courses

    SPECIALIZATION COURSES (30 Credits)

    Total Specialization Courses Credits: 30
    Total Program Credits: 50

    Students who choose the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner specialization will complete 55 or 65 credits of specialization courses, respectfully.

    Tuition & Fees: Bachelor's Courses

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    Bachelor's Courses Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
    Number of Credits / Terms  
    Total Tuition Cost

    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • * Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012–2013 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm (accessed April, 2012).

    † Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

    ‡ While many of Kaplan University's degree programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued bachelor-, graduate- or doctorate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any programs. 

    § Please note that most states require nurses to be nationally certified in order to obtain licensure as a nurse practitioner. Students are responsible for determining whether they will be eligible for state Board of Nursing approval and certification as a nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse in their state. Students can obtain additional information from their state’s Board of Nursing, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN), and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

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