RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Louisiana

Associate’s and Diploma educated registered nurses in Louisiana are eligible to apply to RN to MSN programs. RN to MSN bridge programs include the prerequisite baccalaureate courses as well as the clinical and didactic courses to meet BSN and MSN graduation requirements. Some programs present both the BSN and MSN diploma upon graduation and others will just present the MSN. The Louisiana Nursing Education Articulation Model and other credit transfer policies allow students to complete the RN to MSN program within three years. The RN to MSN programs listed below include specialization and accreditation information.

RN to MSN Online Programs in Louisiana – No Residency Restrictions

RN to MSN programs are few and far between in most states including Louisiana, however online programs have made accessible the RN to MSN degree in almost every state. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is a proponent of the distance learning RN to MSN format due to the accessibility to higher education it brings to the rurally located nurses as well as working nurses and others that need flexibility in their schedule in order to pursue higher education.

Nursing education, administration and informatics are the most common specializations for RN to MSN programs, but advanced practice specializations are offered by some nursing schools. The RN to MSN educator track has proven to be an efficient route for bringing younger nurses into the nursing faculty at colleges and universities around the country. The master’s level education is enough to become nursing faculty at schools offering entry-level nursing education and is the necessary education needed for entry to doctorate programs.

Registered nurses with an MSN or MN degree made an average hourly rate of $43.00 according to the Advance for Nurses 2009 Salary Survey. Hourly rates will vary significantly based on location, facility, experience and other factors. This is great incentive to pursue an MSN based on the salary survey’s finding that ADN educated nurses made an hourly rate of $28.50 and diploma educated nurses made an hourly rate of $19.00. RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months, if you are interested in a shorter program, read about the RN to BSN programs in Louisiana.

(Sources: AACN website, Advance for Nurses website)

Schools Based in Louisiana Offering RN to MSN Programs

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