Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs in Rhode Island

Baccalaureate educated nurses straight out of a BSN program as well as veteran nurses with more than 10 years of nursing experience have found that a master’s level education provides career opportunities and a renewed passion for nursing. Various areas of concentration are offered through online MSN programs as well as through colleges and universities based in Rhode Island. You can learn more about the schools and their program offerings by using the information provided below to contact them.

Online Master’s Nursing Programs Offered in Rhode Island

Most master’s in nursing programs have made most of their curriculum available online except for clinical rotations. Janet Leigh, an FNP student, told us “I attend one class a month right now and my assignments are submitted online. My program was not considered an online program, but works out that I do the majority of my coursework online.” The online master’s in nursing programs found below are either CCNE accredited or NLNAC accredited and recognized by national certifying organizations, which signifies their attention to the strict curriculum standards set by these organizations to adequately prepare nursing professionals. An MSN program can often be completed in 18 to 28 months depending on the student, course load, concentration and other factors.

Rhode Island has a shortage of nurses. The Hospital Association of Rhode Island reported that between May and June of 2006 there were 800 vacancies for registered nurses. One cause of the nursing shortage has been a shortage of nursing faculty. There have not been enough faculty at nursing schools that offer entry to nursing programs in the state of Rhode Island. Nursing faculty in Rhode Island are required to hold a master’s degree. What all this means is that the nurse educator concentration offers many promising career opportunities at colleges and universities with entry-level nursing programs. There are also a number of loan repayment plans available for those that pursue this area of specialization. This is not to say that opportunities are not there for other concentration areas.

In fact, advanced practice nurses are some of the highest paid nurses in the state of Rhode Island and Nursing Executives such as a Director of Nursing make salaries that average in the $80,000 range according to the Advance for Nurses 2008 Salary Survey. Really, the decision is up to you and what personal and professional goals you have. A master’s education is a significant investment of time and money. Make sure you evaluate all options. Pursue an area of nursing you are interested in and that matches your strengths.

Colleges & Universities Based in Rhode Island Offering MSN Programs

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