Advance Your Nursing Education

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree For 147 Total Credits

Traditional BSN degree programs require 120 credit hours. MSN programs may vary in length, but generally, a master of science in nursing degree requires at least 36 credits.

American Military University’s RN to MSN online program is structured to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to progress toward their educational goals at an accelerated pace.

Upon admission to this nursing program, learners will complete undergraduate-level coursework. As students progress through their undergraduate studies, three master’s-level courses will be taken in place of three bachelor’s-level courses. These graduate courses are charged at the undergraduate tuition rate, allowing students to save time and money on their nursing education programs.

Once enrolled, students are granted up to seven years from the start of their first nursing courses (NURS) to complete the program. A bachelor of science in nursing is conferred upon successful completion of 120 credits. This makes it possible for students to receive their BSN and take a break from their studies, if needed, before pursuing an MSN graduate degree.

Flexible, Online Education For Registered Nurses

AMU’s online classes are designed with professional nursing schedules in mind. Although some assignments may require in-person participation, most nursing classes are fully online and have no set login times. General education courses and electives required for this nursing program may be completed entirely online as well.

Online nursing courses at AMU engage students in weekly discussions with their classmates and nurse educators. Nursing students will also complete various weekly assignments, some of which may include:

• Research papers
  
• Windshield surveys
  
• Conducting interviews with local health care professionals
  

Your RN License & Military Service Equate to Academic Credit

As a registered nurse, your educational journey may already be underway. 

AMU awards 30 transfer credits for a current active, unencumbered RN license—one of the requirements that must be met for acceptance into this RN-MSN program. 

In addition, as a military-friendly institution, AMU awards academic credit to veterans and servicemembers with qualifying experience, which may include professional military education and training.

Learn more about military credits on our policy page.

Other Transfer Credit Opportunities

Up to 90 total transfer credits may be applied toward this RN to MSN degree program. This includes the 30 credits AMU awards for a current, unencumbered RN license.

Additionally, qualifying students may receive transfer credit for the following:

• Previously earned academic credit (including credit by examination)
  
• Professional training and certification
  
• Government training
  
• Public safety training
• Community college coursework

Learn more about transferring credits and our $0 transfer credit evaluation fee.

Become a Champion For Quality, Accessible Patient Care

Focus Your Studies With a Community and Public Health Nursing Concentration

Community health nurses and public health nurses apply their advanced education to support the well-being of populations. Both play a crucial role in health promotion, general wellness, and preventative care throughout their communities. They commonly work for public schools, health departments (local, state, and federal), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Graduate-level courses in this RN to MSN program explore the advanced health assessment strategies employed in each nursing practice. As you progress through your studies, you’ll consider social justice advocacy applications for nursing and health innovation. This concentration track shines a light on the cultural, environmental, and social determinants of health care.

Curriculum Highlights

This accelerated RN to MSN degree program at AMU prioritizes practical, real-world knowledge for today’s licensed registered nurse. Online nursing courses help equip students with critical-thinking and comprehensive health assessment skills. Assignments help foster personal and professional development. 

You’ll discuss the far-reaching impact of individual patient care on entire communities’ health and well-being. Coursework strengthens your knowledge of nursing science, not just as a discipline, but as the essential component of society it is.

Graduate-level nursing courses challenge you to draw from both your studies and your own clinical experience. You’ll investigate the relationship between nursing research, nursing informatics, and advanced nursing practice. 

Zero in on Veteran Care 

As an institution with roots in the military, AMU proudly incorporates veteran care into our nursing curriculum. 

Veteran care is a branch of patient care unto itself. Healthcare organizations cannot properly provide physical and mental health care services to veterans without first recognizing this. 

Prepare to Become an Agent of Change

To conclude this program, you’ll complete a Community and Public Health Nursing practicum and capstone project. This will include assessing public health initiatives and programs in your area. In addition, you’ll work to identify new solutions to further improve health outcomes among communities and larger populations.

As part of your hands-on education, you’ll work with a mentor to complete 120 hours of clinical practice. During this time, you’ll evaluate your own leadership skills, systems knowledge, and your ability to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. Because our students are all over the globe, we allow the students to pick a practicum location and a mentor that works with their schedule and their specialty area.