Nursing Accelerated Graduate Pathway – RN to MSN | Accelerated Online
- Accelerated Graduate Pathway
Advance your nursing career with the fully online RN to MSN Nursing Accelerated Graduate program at USM!
Designed for licensed Registered Nurses who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree, this RN to MSN Accelerated Graduate Pathway (AGP) allows you to earn both your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and your Master of Science in Nursing through one streamlined, integrated pathway. Built specifically for working professionals, the program combines academic rigor with the flexibility of 100% nursing online coursework.
You will select a concentration in either Nursing Education or Administration and Leadership, preparing yourself for high-demand roles in healthcare systems, academic settings, and organizational leadership. Earning your MSN can expand your career opportunities, strengthen your clinical and leadership competencies, and increase your earning potential.
Through this online RN to MSN pathway, you can begin taking graduate-level nursing courses during your final year of undergraduate study, providing that you have met all required standards. Up to six graduate-level credits count towards both your BS in Nursing and your MSN, reducing your completion time and allowing you to achieve your career goals more quickly. Once you’ve earned your BS in nursing, you’ll transition seamlessly into the remaining MSN coursework.
If you’re ready to fast-track your nursing education through a flexible, fully online RN to MSN program, USM offers a cost-effective, career-focused pathway designed to help you advance with confidence.
Academic catalog
USM’s accelerated and fully online curriculum sets working RNs up for success. Browse your future courses & requirements to enroll.
View requirements
Eligible majors
Only students eligible for this AGP are those that are RN to BSN/MSN students.
Program Duration
Depending on your incoming credit load and motivation to take courses year-round, you could earn your RN and MSN in as few as two years. However, many students average completion at four years.
School
Admissions
Current or anticipated Associate Degree in Nursing and a RN licensure – unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed is required.
Choose from two MSN concentrations in the RN to MSN program
Nursing Education Concentration
If you select a concentration in Nursing Education for your MSN, you will be building your qualifications to teach entry-level nursing courses. You’ll be qualified to teach classroom lessons, train nursing students as they complete their clinicals, and use lecture-based teaching to help students understand the fundamentals of nursing and how it applies to their future career. In turn, you’ll be the educator helping to shape the next generation of nurses who will be caring for patients.
Nursing Administration and Leadership
If you select a concentration in Nursing Administration and Leadership, you’ll become familiar with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in healthcare settings, nursing practice, and business management. After completing this concentration for your RN to MSN, you’ll be prepared to take on advanced roles like director of nursing, manager of nurses, being a chief clinical officer, or a clinical supervisor.
Why should you consider USM’s Accelerated Graduate Pathway in Nursing?
Expected Career Outcomes
How far can your RN to MSN take you?
Choosing to take your education to the next level by getting both your BS and MSN in nursing allows for greater career mobility, higher earning potential, and expanded leadership opportunities in today’s high-demand healthcare job market.
Nurses who earn their MSN often choose to be in nursing education and leadership roles that help the community around them. This may include being a hospital administrator, unit director, or working as a clinical instructor and teaching the next generation of nurses.
We’re here to help answer questions about costs
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Degree Program, Job Title
Welcome, transfer students!
If you’re at a community college in Maine and working toward your Associate Degree in Nursing, this purpose-built program is designed for you. Transfer in to accelerate your path from RN to BS, and continue seamlessly to an MSN through our flexible online program at USM – perfectly suited for working nurses.
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Search Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.
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Accredited in Maine & Nationally
Proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
More about CCNE Accreditation
To apply for this program, you must have a current or anticipated Associate Degree in Nursing and an RN licensure – unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which your practicum will be completed. Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have about the admissions process, academic programs, and student support services. When it’s time to transition to the graduate program, your academic advisor will guide you on the next steps while you complete the BS portion of the program.