Author: Adam Birch / Reviewed By: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / First covered: November 2016 / Updates: 3
Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an accelerated online master’s in nursing degree program is the University of Nevada, followed by Florida Atlantic University.
- Accelerated online MSN programs cater to registered nurses, offering quick completion to minimize career disruption.
- These programs focus on affordability, reduced completion times, and CCNE accreditation, aiming for high job market relevance.
If you’re looking for the best accelerated online master’s in nursing programs, this list profiles the top 10 options for 2024. With the growing demand for skilled nurses, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are becoming increasingly popular. These programs allow registered nurses to earn an MSN degree quickly without sacrificing valuable work experience. We’ve researched the fastest online MSN programs to help you find the right path to advance your career in nursing.
Featured Programs
Methodology for Fast MSN Online
We reviewed approximately 50 accredited colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources that offered affordable online MSN programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria:
- Institution and/or program accreditation (such as CCNE accreditation)
- Institution and/or program rankings with major publications
- Affordable graduate tuition and fees of less than $18,000 per year
Our focus was primarily on the completion time for the MSN online degree. We selected the shortest MSN program offerings, including one-year online MSN programs, and ranked our findings according to raw affordability. Tuition and fees for these graduate programs are based on the NCES College Navigator’s Average Graduate Student Tuition and Fees for the Academic Year.
Degree Programs Featured in this Ranking:
- Master of Science in Nursing Online
- Online MSN in Nursing Education
- Online MSN in Nursing Leadership
- Master’s in Nursing Online
- Online Accelerated Master’s in Nursing
Note: This ranking/article was initially published in November 2016 and was last updated in December 2023. The 2023 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has not been re-ordered.
Below are the top 10 accelerated MSN programs online.
Reviewing Your Shortest MSN Program Options
#1 – University of Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Online MS in Nursing
Website
Graduate Tuition: $5,976
One of the shortest Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees on our list is the online MSN program at the University of Nevada. It is ideal for those seeking a 12-month FNP program degree. There are several available study tracks. They include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Core MSN courses cover topics like:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Genetics
- Health and Public Policy for Advanced Practice of Nursing
- Nursing Theory and Research
UNLV is fully accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #269 in best national universities, #145 in top public schools, and #10 in best online master’s in nursing programs.
Pros:
- Top-ranked in online nursing
- Customizable curriculum
- One-year completion
Cons:
- More competitive
#2 – Florida Atlantic University
Online Master of Science in Nursing
Boca Raton, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition: $5,467
Florida Atlantic University offers one of our list’s fastest nurse practitioner programs. The 12-month FNP program is flexible, consisting of 49 credit hours. The program follows a part-time format for studying online and requires a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice. Graduates of the FNP program are eligible to sit for the FNP Certification Examination. The American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners offers the exam. Several other online graduate nursing programs are available at FAU, including:
- Online MSN in Clinical Nurse Leader
- Advanced Holistic Nursing
Major publications, including U.S. News and World Report rank FAU’s shortest online nurse practitioner program.
Pros:
- Highly ranked in online nursing
- One-year completion
- Exam preparation
- Robust tech support
Cons:
- More competitive
#3 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online MS in Nursing
Website
Graduate Tuition: $5,328
Kennesaw State University offers tracks in:
- Nursing Administration
- Transformational Leadership
The programs are accelerated MSN programs and are available online. They prepare students for full-time work in the field. Kennesaw’s online MSN program can be completed in just 15 months. Students will gain knowledge in advanced topics like:
- Conflict Management and Ethical Decision-Making
- Leadership Strategies in Development and Implementation
- Safety and Quality in Healthcare
Kennesaw State is ranked among major publications, such as U.S. News and World Report, as the 394th-435th best national university. It also ranked 211th- 227th among the top public schools.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 100% acceptance rate
- High graduation rate
Cons:
- Uncertified course design
- Minimal tech support
#4 – Charleston Southern University
Online MS in Nursing
Charleston, South Carolina
Website
Graduate Tuition: $5,085
Charleston Southern University offers affordable and accelerated nursing degrees. In fact, for less than $8,000 per year, qualifying students may earn an online MSN in 16 months. The online Charleston MSN is fully accredited by the ACEN. It is also recognized by major publications, such as U.S. News and World Report. Charleston Southern ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 59th best regional university in the South. It also ranked as the 59th top performer on social mobility. To qualify for admission to the accredited online master’s in nursing programs at Charleston, official transcripts, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and an active, unrestricted nursing license are required.
Pros:
- Affordable
- ACEN-accredited
Cons:
- Less reputable online nursing programs
#5 – Ferris State University
Online MS in Nursing
Big Rapids, Michigan
Website
Graduate Tuition: $8,532
Whether you’re searching for a 12-month FNP program or an online MSN program, Ferris State University has options. The online RN to MSN program offers an accelerated track for qualifying students. Only 20 students are admitted per year in the fall and spring semesters. Once admitted, students take advanced online courses that serve as preparation for:
- Further study
- FNP programs
- Roles in Nursing Leadership
The online Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Ferris State’s online master’s in nursing programs rank #102 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
Pros:
- ACEN-accredited
- Top-ranked
Cons:
- Less diverse
- Minimal career services
#6 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Master’s in Nursing Online
Website
Graduate Tuition: $7,765
Western Governors University offers one of the shortest advanced practice nursing online programs. Additionally, there are advanced, accredited online master’s programs in nursing. The online MSN programs at WGU are accelerated. This allows nursing students to finish their degree in approximately 11-24 months. Upon graduation, students may be qualified to pursue positions in various settings, including agencies, hospitals, schools, and more. WGU is proud to be CCNE-accredited and is also ranked by major publications, such as U.S. News and World Report. The online MSN programs are available at WGU for less than $8,500 annually.
Pros:
- Affordable
- CCNE-accredited
Cons:
- Less reputable online nursing programs
#7 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online MS in Nursing
Website
Graduate Tuition: $7,893
Liberty University offers accelerated Master of Science in Nursing programs online for those seeking a CCNE-accredited degree. The affordable online MSN program offers five specializations in areas like:
- Community Health
- Health Policy
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Informatics
Two dual-degree programs enable nursing students to earn their MSN alongside an MBA or MSHA. Admission to a graduate nursing program at Liberty requires:
- A minimum of one year of nursing practice as a registered nurse
- A current license to practice as an RN
- Official college transcripts
- A statement of essential attributes
Also, Liberty ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
Pros:
- Customizable curriculum
- Dual degree options
Cons:
- Less diverse
- Minimal tech support
#8 – Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online MSN in Nursing Leadership
Website
Graduate Tuition: $9,216
The online MSN in Nursing Leadership at Wilmington University is one of the shortest programs. The online program consists of 36 credits and can be completed in approximately one year. Specialization options are available in several areas. These specializations make nurses more marketable in areas of interest like:
- Education
- Executive
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Public Health
Core courses cover topics like:
- Advanced Physical Assessment for Nurse Leaders
- Contemporary Concepts in Advanced Practice Roles
- Evidence-Based Practice in the Health Professions
- Politics and Policy in the Healthcare System
Wilmington University ranks as a top national university with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
Pros:
- Numerous concentration options
- Smaller class sizes
- One-year completion time
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
#9 – Union University
Jackson, Tennessee
Online MS in Nursing
Website
Graduate Tuition: $12,360
Affordable, accelerated nursing programs online are available at Union University for less than $10,000 annually. Union offers several online Master of Science in Nursing programs specializing in:
- Administration
- Education
- Nurse Practitioner
The FNP program is full-time only and comprises a hybrid mix of online and traditional courses. This is one of the shortest online nurse practitioner programs on our list. In addition to these online selections, Union offers an MSN/MBA dual degree option, also available online. Union University ranks among major publications, such as U.S. News, as the 249th-best national university in the country.
Pros:
- Small class sizes
- Highly accelerated
Cons:
- On-campus orientation
- Less diverse
#10 – The University of Alabama in Huntsville
Online Accelerated Master’s in Nursing
Huntsville, Alabama
Website
Graduate Tuition: $10,632
The University of Alabama at Huntsville offers one of the shortest, most affordable online MSN programs on our list. It consists of 33-39 credits and can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. You must be a licensed RN for admission to this program. Having these credentials cuts completion time to less than one year. The UAH online MSN program is designed to improve the career trajectory. It offers a concentration in nursing administration. Courses cover advanced nursing topics like:
- Health Policy and Finance
- Informatics in Healthcare
- Population Health
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Roles and Leadership in Nursing Administration
In addition to being a fully accredited institution, UAH is ranked among the top institutions by U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include #227 in best national universities and #123 in top public schools.
Pros:
- Customizable curriculum
- Flexible scheduling
Cons:
- Lower graduation rate
- More competitive
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of an accelerated master’s in nursing online degree?
Generally speaking, receiving a more formal education will lead to better career outcomes in a wide range of healthcare systems. Within the realm of healthcare, this is especially true for nurses who pursue a master’s degree. And it’s not just the increased pay (although that’s a big one). Several other tangible benefits include better working hours, increased career longevity, expanded career options, and enhanced knowledge acquisition. Let’s take a look at some of these in detail.
Ask any nurse, and they will tell you that working 12-hour shifts and holidays can be brutal. With a master’s degree, nurses can transition into administrative positions that offer traditional 9-to-5 work schedules, making it easier for them and their families. Moreover, nurses who work only with patients often suffer from high-stress levels and physical issues such as back and leg problems. Having the option to work an administrative position that’s less taxing on the body can add years to a career.
An online MSN provides numerous career options. Administrative roles come in various forms and settings. Many online MSN programs allow students to choose a specialty track within administration that enables them to work with diverse populations across multiple healthcare settings. Additionally, many nurses choose to become nurse educators, spending their time teaching and training the next generation of nurses.
Q: Are the shortest MSN programs easier than traditional MSN degrees?
While this is a relative question, MSN programs are generally considered easier because they take a shorter amount of time to complete, and the tuition is typically less expensive. The shortest accelerated programs tend to be geared towards working nurses who must balance their current career and other personal obligations, such as family, friends, and recreation. As a result, most individuals find that accelerated programs fit their lifestyles much better than traditional programs. Moreover, the top MSN accelerated programs are designed for efficiency. The programmatic red tape and administrative bloat have been removed and replaced with efficient models of delivery as well as streamlined course content. Students can get a quality education that is rigorous yet lean and purposeful. Administrators in these programs know their students do not want to waste time.
Outside of tuition costs, there are what economists refer to as “hidden costs.” Within higher education, these expenses can include dining out, commuting, parking fees, vehicle repairs, childcare, and other similar costs. In addition to lower tuition rates, accelerated online MSN degrees have minimal or no hidden costs, which saves both money and time for working professionals.
Q: Can I earn an accelerated MSN degree online with a bachelor’s degree in a different field?
Yes. Earning an accelerated MSN degree online with a bachelor’s degree in a different field is possible. These programs are referred to as second-degree nursing programs that do not require prerequisites.
There are three different types of MSN programs. The first option is an RN-to-MSN track for individuals holding an associate degree in nursing or a short-term nursing diploma or certificate. The second type of program is known as a BSN to MSN program, designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who are seeking a master’s degree in nursing. The last degree is known as a second-degree master’s in nursing for non-nursing majors. While some of these programs do not have prerequisites because they are built into the program, some programs do require students to complete prerequisite courses, such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
Second-degree nursing programs are excellent for those seeking to enter the nursing profession but do not have a nursing or healthcare background and hold a bachelor’s degree. The advantage of having a bachelor’s degree is that the applicant has already completed all of the general education courses and can use them for credit toward the master’s nursing degree without having to repeat them.
Q: How do colleges cut the completion time for accelerated MSN online degree programs?
There are several ways institutions and departments can reduce the completion time of an accelerated MSN online degree without negatively impacting rigor and learning outcomes.
Many accelerated online MSN programs have broken away from traditional 16-week semesters and run courses for just 6-8 weeks. Students cover the same amount of material, making it very intensive, but they can move quickly and efficiently through the content.
Another method programs use to shorten the timeline to degree completion is through generous credit transfer-in policies and credit for applied work experience. New students who have previously taken college-level coursework can get credit for it by having their transcript evaluated at the new institution. Similarly, students with relevant healthcare experience can earn credit based on their work history.
The final method that programs use to hasten completion time is reducing clinical hours. This is done by requiring fewer clinical hours than traditional programs or eliminating them for specific MSN nursing specialties.
Prospective students should thoroughly vet programs to see which accelerated format works best for them. Making sure the program is accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a crucial step in ensuring the program meets educational standards.
Q: What is the job outlook for individuals who have completed accelerated MSN programs online?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for registered nurses is relatively strong through 2032. The occupation is expected to increase by 6%, with an additional 177,400 job openings yearly from 2022 to 2032. Compared to the average increase of 5% for all other occupations, nursing compares favorably. The demand will be driven by society’s increasing healthcare needs and the retirement of existing nurses, resulting in a shortage of nurses in the system.
Those with master’s degrees can expect even greater job opportunities in various fields of professional nursing practice. According to BLS data, Nurse anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners can expect an occupational growth rate of 38% through 2032. This growth rate represents a staggering 7-fold increase compared to the average growth rate of all other occupations tracked by the BLS.
In addition to the accelerated growth rate, MSN holders can also expect a $11,000 annual wage premium due to their increased education, according to PayScale. BSN holders earn an average salary of $92,000 compared to master’s degree holders, who earn an average annual income of $103,000. This data indicates that obtaining an accelerated online MSN in nursing is a worthwhile investment.
Sources
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- PayScale.com
- MSN
- Health Informatics (Master’s)
- Health Administration (Master’s)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Gerontology (Graduate)
- Nursing Administration (MSN)
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CVO Staff