MSN Program

Broaden your career options with an accredited online MSN

You’re a registered nurse with a financially rewarding and personally fulfilling career, but you’re still looking for more. Earning your M.S. in Nursing (MSN) is your gateway to more career opportunities - advanced practice, administration or even teaching. While the average salary for an MSN varies with specialization and work environment, the demand for advanced practice nurses remains high as a result of the aging population and a greater focus on preventative care. 

Finish Faster

Earn your MSN quickly with our accelerated programs.

Accredited

The master's degree program in nursing at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with being an RN.

Contemporary MSN

Get the most current insight and elevate your nursing practice.

Available MSN Tracks

Designed to meet the demands of busy registered nurses, Franklin’s M.S. in Nursing (MSN) tracks enable you to gain the relevant knowledge to advance your career in a flexible, online format that works with your schedule. 

M.S. in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP)

Assume a leadership role in patient care with the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - AGPCNP that lets you specialize in the well-being of adolescents and older adults.

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M.S. in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)

Manage the care of individuals and families within a primary care setting. Franklin’s 27-month M.S. in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) track blends online coursework with on-site clinicals to equip you to sit for certification exams.

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M.S. in Nursing - Generalist (MSN-Generalist)

Excel in a variety of healthcare or education settings with Franklin’s M.S. in Nursing - Generalist (MSN) track. The MSN-Generalist prepares you for leadership roles, advanced practice or nursing education. Complete your degree in as few as 18 months.
 

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M.S. in Nursing - Nurse Administrator (MSN-ADM)

Lead strategic change and manage teams with Franklin’s M.S. in Nursing-Nurse Administrator track (MSN-ADM). The MSN-ADM prepares you for leadership roles or nursing education. Complete your degree in as few as 16 months.

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RN to MSN Pathway

Build on your associate degree or nursing diploma with a 12-week bridge course as your pathway into the M.S. in Nursing (MSN) program. Acceptance in the MSN requires a final grade of B or better in the course.  
 

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Find Your Nursing Program

Advance your education, impact and future with an affordable, online nursing degree from Franklin University. Our nursing programs and nurse certificate options for RNs are created by real working nurses and nurse educators who value the same thing you do: delivering excellence in the nursing profession.

Whether you want to help people at all stages of life, advance the practice of nursing, or train and lead the next generation of nurse professionals, we have a nursing program that’s right for you. 

Program Minimum Credentials
RN to BSN ADN/Diploma + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
The BSN (B.S. in Nursing) degree-completion program is for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a current license and have earned an associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma.

What will I learn?
This program covers beginning nursing theory, practice and research.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
The capstone course (NURS 498) requires a practice application project, however, there is no clinical component to the 100% online RN to BSN program.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
12 months
RN to MSN Pathway ADN/Diploma + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
This degree pathway is for registered nurses (RNs) who have earned an associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma and want to earn an M.S. in Nursing (MSN) degree.

What will I learn?
This program covers advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on administration, education and informatics.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. While the bridge course does not have clinical hours, the MSN does. The number of required clinical hours for the MSN depends on which track you choose when customizing your degree.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
In just 12 weeks you’ll complete an online bridge course as a gateway to the MSN program. The time to complete the MSN degree program depends on which track you choose to follow once you start the program.
MSN BSN + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
The MSN (M.S. in Nursing) program is for registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a B.S. in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses who hold an associate degree or nursing diploma may qualify for the RN to MSN pathway.

What will I learn?
This program covers advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on administration, education and informatics.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes. The number of clinical hours depends on which track you choose.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
Depending on the track you select, you can finish in 16-28 months. Talk with an academic advisor to learn more.
BSN to DNP Pathway BSN + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
The BSN to DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree pathway is for registered nurses (RNs) who have earned a B.S. in Nursing (BSN). This program also may be for you if you’re an RN who holds both an BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree.

What will I learn?
This program is a clinically focused practice doctorate that lets you customize your degree by pursuing a leadership track with focus areas in (public administration, healthcare administration or health informatics or the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes – with good news! Franklin’s DNP program features a built-in practicum so you can apply what you learn while you learn it. The number of practicum hours depends on which track you select.

How quickly can I complete this nursing program?
You’ll need to start with two bridge courses. Upon successful completion of the bridge courses, you’ll be on your way to full enrollment in the BSN to DNP program. Choose the Leadership track with focus areas in healthcare administration, health informatics and public administration and finish your DNP in 3 years. Opt for the Family Nurse Practitioner track to deliver evidence-based, compassionate patient care and finish in 4 years.
DNP MSN + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program is for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a current license and a M.S. in Nursing (MSN) degree. Nurses who hold a B.S. in Nursing may also qualify for the BSN to DNP pathway.

What will I learn?
This program is a clinically focused practice doctorate that lets you customize your degree by pursuing a leadership track with a focus area in public administration, healthcare administration or health informatics or the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes – with good news! Franklin’s DNP program features built-in practicum hours so you can apply what you learn while you learn it. The number of practicum hours required depends on which track you select.

How quickly can I complete the program?
Depending on how you choose to customize your degree, you could finish Franklin’s DNP degree program in 2-3 years.
FNP Certificate MSN + RN

What is it and how do I get started? 
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Post-Graduate Certificate is an earned designation for registered nurses (RNs) who also hold an MSN (M.S. in Nursing) degree, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing.

What will I learn?
This certificate covers advanced nursing theory, practice and research with an emphasis on primary care.

Is there a clinical/capstone or practicum?
Yes – with good news! Franklin’s FNP Post-Graduate Certificate nursing program features 600 built-in clinical practice hours so you can apply what you learn while you learn it.

How quickly can I complete this post-graduate nursing certificate program?
6 trimesters (18 months)