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School of Health Sciences

RN to MSN

Online Master of Science in RN to MSN: Community and Public Health Nursing Concentration

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About This Online RN to MSN Program

This RN to MSN online program from American Military University (AMU) offers a streamlined path for licensed registered nurses pursuing BSN and MSN degrees. You are awarded a BSN degree upon successful completion of 120 credit hours. In addition, you’ll take three MSN courses in place of three BSN courses to accelerate your studies and earn your master’s degree faster.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program combines online courses with a 16-week practicum. You’ll learn from experienced nurse educators while examining strategies to address health disparities in our society.

Community and public health nursing focuses on health promotion and disease prevention efforts. Your studies will deepen your knowledge of the many ways nurses in these fields actively work to improve patient outcomes.

This program is open to nurses who hold a current, unencumbered RN license and either a diploma or an associate degree. Build your leadership, management, and communication skills, while gaining relevant insight on:

  • Population-based healthcare
  • Research- and evidence-based practice
  • Health policy
  • Grant writing

The mission of the program is to deliver quality, affordable, and accessible higher education to registered nurses. Coursework helps foster a spirit of inquiry in order to help prepare students for service and leadership roles.

Community and Public Health is one of three concentrations available through AMU’s RN to MSN program. Other specializations include the Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader concentration tracks.

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements and is not currently open to residents of Washington, D.C., or Washington state.

What You Will Do

  1. Apply the principles of ethical decision-making to the practice of the master’s-prepared nurse
  2. Demonstrate leadership skills to support safe nursing practices and continually improve patient-centered care
  3. Advocate for healthcare policies that improve healthcare outcomes across the lifespan
  4. Translate theoretical knowledge, research and evidence-based practice to influence the delivery of high-quality, safe care to vulnerable populations in a variety of settings
  5. Apply data management principles in the delivery of cost-effective care to improve health outcomes
  6. Analyze how healthcare policy and health care economics affect change within the healthcare system
  7. Demonstrate effective inter-professional communication and collaboration to support safe and efficient coordination of care
  8. Reflect on personal commitment to lifelong learning to gain the competencies needed to lead the provision of care in a complex and changing healthcare environment 

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
CCNE Accredited
Number of Credits
147
Transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits1
Cost Per Credit
First 120 Credits
$360 | $250*
$324**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Remaining Credits
$470 | $250*
$399.50**
$423***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
This program is not eligible for military Tuition Assistance
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 4894

|
This is an introductory statistics course designed to help students achieve a basic understanding of the statistical methods available to analyze and solve the wide variety of problems encountered in the workplace. This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The emphasis of the course will be on the proper use and interpretation of statistical techniques. MATH120 is the recommended mathematics general education course for students who will be required to take additional statistics courses such as MATH302 Statistics as part of their program of study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4109

|
This course is only open to students admitted and enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. In this course, students examine the role of the baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse as a leader and change agent in various practice settings. Students determine the impact and effectiveness of informatics, cultures of safety, levels of professionalism and ethics in their healthcare settings. Students will conduct a self-assessment of professionalism, identify areas for growth and write a Professional Development Plan. Principles of critical thinking and scholarly writing are applied throughout the course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4202

|
This course explores assessment of the individual and families across the lifespan. The concepts of genetics and health maintenance/health promotion will guide the student to develop plans of care focused on clinical prevention. Students will cultivate professional assessment skills by completing a health interview, a health risk assessment and a discharge teaching plan. All evidence-based plans of care reflect an understanding of the relationship between assessed risk factors and genetic predisposition toward illness with the goal of achieving quality patient outcomes. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5347

|
This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course explores the connections between pharmacological interventions and pathophysiology across the life span. The study of genetics/genomics, culture, and integrative health provides a theoretical context for the delivery of patient-centered care. An understanding of the dynamic relationship between comorbidities and medication interactions facilitates the development of an individual plan of care. An analysis of human responses to pharmacological interventions will be explored through case studies, evidence-based research, and group projects. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4205

|
This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course reviews evidence-based practice, the history of this movement, and the challenges to implementation in the practice setting. Students will further develop their skills with efficiently finding, reading, and comprehending published research and determine applicability to clinical practice. Students continue to explore means to assess, monitor, and develop cultures of safety in their own organizations and will become familiar with several national safety initiatives. (Prerequisites: NURS300 and MATH120)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4207

|
This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. Students explore the rapid evolution of current nursing practice and examine historical and contemporary issues germane to their practice. Students examine changes in technology and its impact on access, cost, quality, and knowledge development. Global health and nursing workforce issues are evaluated and discussed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4453

|
This course addresses the unique healthcare issues facing today's veterans. Emphasis is on physical and psychosocial needs of veterans and the delivery of patient/family centered care. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other health issues of veterans will be explored through evidence-based literature and research. Students will examine the veteran culture, identify health risks, analyze health issues and trends in healthcare systems, and explore best practices.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4841

|
This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. In this course, the student will focus on the community as client with an emphasis on specific vulnerable populations and related topics, such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, women’s and men’s issues, and environmental health. The student will gain knowledge of underserved populations as well as how communities are affected by cultural diversity and natural and man-made disasters. Clinical experiences will allow for the implementation of a teaching project for a designated vulnerable population. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4789

|
This course examines how population-based theories and practice inform community/public nursing practice. An emphasis is placed on the ecology of health and the interconnectedness of the biological, behavioral, physical, and socio environmental domains. Students will analyze root causes of health disparities including cultural, political, social, racial, class, gender and economic factors and examine the role of social justice to improving population health. Strategies for collaboration and advocacy with diverse population and groups will be explored.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4791

|
Rapidly changing healthcare systems demand that advanced degree nurses possess knowledge of the effective use of informatics and technology to enhance patient care in a variety of settings. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve patient outcomes through effective use of these technological resources. Topics include electronic medical records, data analysis, safe management of patient care technology, health literacy, and related ethical issues. (Prerequisite: NURS502)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5052

|
Today’s nurse leaders must possess the essential communication, critical-thinking and decision-making skills required to effectively manage teams providing high quality healthcare to various populations. This course addresses issues related to inter-professional collaboration, quality improvement initiatives, data-driven decision making, leadership and communication styles and their effect on interaction with members of healthcare teams.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
Current active, unencumbered registered nursing license 30
Total Semester Hours 30
Current active, unencumbered registered nursing license.
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4211

|
This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course is organized around individual student research papers and project development and serves as a capstone and culminating experience where students integrate knowledge and apply professional skills to improve the quality of health in the workplace. Students prepare formal written and poster presentations of the project. A final evaluation of progress toward meeting goals is completed. (Prerequisite: NURS300, NURS310, NURS315, NURS340, and NURS350.) NOTE: Students must earn a grade of B or higher to pass this course
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

The community/public health nursing concentration prepares nurses to serve, protect, and promote the health of communities locally and globally through the application of three core functions of public health: assessment, policy development, and assurance. Students are prepared to serve as change agents practicing with a justice approach that is collaborative, promotes health and equity, and engages community gatekeepers and stakeholders. Graduates are equipped to analyze determinants of health using epidemiological data and other evidence. They are also prepared to apply social and behavioral science theories, models, and principles to develop or improve programs to address public health issues and to promote public health policies, programs, and resources that improve health outcomes.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Analyze social determinants of health that affect the health of a community.
  • Evaluate prevention strategies of communities to identify opportunities for improvement in health and disease prevention of vulnerable populations.
  • Enhance the health of a vulnerable population through interprofessional coordination, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of a public health nursing intervention for a selected community

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4788

|
Advanced degree nurses must integrate evidence-based principles into their daily practice, and promote research-based decision-making in themselves and others. This course focuses on the critical analysis of research and its application to current nursing practice. Ethical issues in the design and conduct of research are addressed. (Prerequisite: NURS502)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4792

|
Today’s healthcare providers must promote health, influence the health delivery system, and participate in policy advocacy to improve the healthcare outcomes of populations. In this course, students will examine the effects of legal and regulatory processes on healthcare delivery at institutional, local, state, and federal levels. Topics covered in this course will include healthcare policy development, accrediting agencies, quality improvement, and patient quality and safety. (Prerequisite: NURS502)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5349

|
This is a practicum course supporting community and public health nurses practicing at an advanced level. The practicum allows students to build on their previous knowledge in learning to design public health programs to improve health outcomes. Topics include assessing community and public health needs along with planning programs to meet those needs. Students work with the practicum coordinator and faculty to identify a qualified preceptor and select a practicum site. Students will complete 40 of the 160 hours of clinical practice required for completion of the program. (Prerequisites: PBHE520, PBHE527, PBHE550, and PBHE607)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4507

|
Biostatistics is a fundamental course in public health. This course will prepare the students to collect, analyze and present the data through the understanding of basic concepts, principles, and techniques/methods of statistics as applied to public health. Major topics will include descriptive statistics, statistical models, probability, probability distribution, point and confidence interval estimation, sampling, hypothesis testing, general principles of study design, and comparison of discrete and continuous data such as t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. The lab portion of the course will focus on the application of Biostatistics by using statistical software. The students will learn to apply the concepts learned in the course (PBHE 520, Biostatistics with Lab.) Major topics will include descriptive statistics, probability, probability distribution, point and confidence interval estimation, sampling, hypothesis testing, and comparison of discrete and continuous data such as t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. Students will develop advanced skills in SPSS to run statistical procedures and interpret output. Students will ask questions of data sets, write-up results in briefs, and develop the skills to critique analysis & findings in peer-reviewed literature. NOTE: Students are required to purchase and use the statistical software, SPSS, to successfully complete this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3884

|
This course reviews the conceptual, empirical, and theoretical contributions of the Social and Behavioral Sciences as they contribute to an understanding of health and illness.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 3628

|
This course teaches the student to design their own empirical research, and evaluate the research of others, in any of the sub-fields of public health. The course begins with an introduction to the field of public health. It introduces the philosophy of social science and several theoretical approaches used in public health. The course then concentrates on teaching the details of public health research design. The course takes the student step-by-step through qualitative, comparative, and quantitative research design and analysis methods. (Prerequisite: PBHE520)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2831

|
This course provides a graduate level study of epidemiologic concepts and approaches to population problems in public health. It covers a wide spectrum of topics, to include outbreak investigation, test properties, and study design. The course will provide understanding of disease and disease transmission, rates and proportions associated with different forms of outbreak, and epidemiological risk management methods and measures. Students are required to utilize Epi info software to complete their assignments. (Prerequisite: PBHE550)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5350

|
This practicum provides community and public health nursing students the opportunity to implement population health programs. The emphasis is on working in the community setting to improve the health of communities and populations. The final 120 hours of clinical practice are required for completion of this practicum. The students will also focus on examining the implications of implementing population health programs. Students will evaluate personal leadership skills utilized to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practices, quality improvement methods, outcomes measurement, and systems knowledge. All core and specialty courses must be completed before taking this course. (Prerequisites: PBHE520, PBHE527, PBHE550, and PBHE607)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/26/26 - 07/03/26 07/06/26 - 10/25/26 Summer 2026 Session A 16 Week session
03/30/26 - 09/04/26 09/07/26 - 12/27/26 Summer 2026 Session C 16 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 02/21/27 Fall 2026 Session K 16 Week session

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
nursing masters degree

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.

…We saw with the pandemic that, not only is there a shortage of nurses, there's also a shortage of public health professionals across the country. And, to handle all of the public health needs that have come out [since 2020], and to prepare for the next pandemic—which will happen at some point—we really are needing more health care providers who are knowledgeable about the intricacies of working in the public health space.
Dr. Stacey Malinowski
DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN/K, PCCN, CNE
Associate Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator, School of Health Sciences
AMU’s Nursing Program is Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at American Public University System are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Both the BSN program and MSN program comprise AMU’s RN to MSN program. 

American Military University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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. 

We have a course, Caring for Today's Veterans, that really delves deep into the veteran health care system… We know our veterans are everywhere. They're not just in military hospitals; they're in our communities. They're in our clinics. [This course] helps our students understand some of the very unique cultural perspectives that need to be taken into consideration, as well as some of the unique health problems that we're seeing with our veterans… Our veterans are younger and younger, and [they’re] having new health problems as a result of more recent wars and conflicts than what we would have seen in Vietnam and World War II.
Dr. Stacey Malinowski,
Associate Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator in the School of Health Sciences.

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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

AMU accepts those who hold a diploma from an accredited or board-approved institution in nursing if you are a registered nurse with a current, unencumbered RN license. AMU also accepts those holding an associate degree.

Please review the program admission requirements for more information.

You must hold a current, unencumbered RN license for acceptance into this program.

Some RN to MSN programs include undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, but do not award a separate bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

AMU’s RN to MSN online program enables students to earn both a BSN and MSN degree. AMU students also have up to seven years from the start of their first nursing courses (NURS) to complete this program. Students enrolled in this program, therefore, may earn their BSN degree and take a break from their studies, if needed, before completing the remaining graduate-level courses.

Yes, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you may qualify for acceptance into a master of science in nursing program.

If you are a registered nurse and do not have a bachelor’s degree yet, but would like to pursue your MSN, then you may wish to consider an RN to MSN degree program.

No. AMU is a military-friendly institution that welcomes non-military learners as well. Our flexible, online courses make higher education accessible to active-duty servicemembers and military spouses, as well as working professionals.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

This program has specific admission requirements.This program is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington, D.C., or Washington state.

To apply to this program, you must hold the following:

  • Associate degree or diploma from an accredited or board approved institution in nursing
  • Current, active, unencumbered U.S. registered nursing (RN) license in a state where practicums will be conducted.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Signed statement of understanding
  • Current resume/CV
  • 500-600 word statement of purpose and goals for graduate education*

*Writing style should be scholarly and coherent with no grammatical errors. Provide in 500-600 words a description of relevant work experience, clearly articulated reasons for applying to the master’s program, and long-term goals or professional career aspirations.

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

A university admissions representative will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your nursing license and documentation, and notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Note: You must complete this program within 7 years of starting your first nursing (NURS) course.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at American Public University System are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Materials Cost

Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal out-of-pocket costs associated with earning this degree. Additionally, thanks to the University Book Grant, all undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students will receive no-cost ebooks. A hard-copy textbook is provided if an ebook is not available.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.