Accelerated BSN to MSN Online
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Accelerated BSN to MSN in Nursing Education Overview
The University of West Florida’s Accelerated BSN to MSN Nursing Education online program is designed for registered nurses who have completed an RN program at a community college and are ready to continue their education with advanced credentials. It allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on your way to completing your master’s, saving time and money.
By completing the BSN program, you will earn 12 credit hours at the undergraduate rate which will be applied toward your Master of Science in Nursing. This is more than $1,700 in savings!
Emphasizing key topics like community nursing, advanced pharmacology and more, the BSN to MSN online degree incorporates adult learning theory that builds on your previous nursing education and experience. It features evidence-based coursework at the BSN and MSN level to prepare you for a broader scope of practice. The MSN portion of the program includes the Nursing Education track, so you can learn instructional strategies and curriculum design skills that will help you gain a competitive advantage when seeking high-demand teaching opportunities in nursing in an academic, community, hospital or agency environment.
The 100% online curriculum blends professional-level skill development with clinical practice opportunities in your local community. The Accelerated BSN to MSN online program, designed for those who have previously completed an RN program and are ready to pursue advanced credentials, accepts up to 92 transfer credits and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Please refer to the requirements section for full details on how to gain admittance into the Accelerated BSN-MSN.
Note: This online degree may not be available in all states. If you are not a Florida resident, please review our State Authorization Status to confirm that the program is available in your state.
You will study topics like:
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Public health and community nursing
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Population health promotion
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master’s degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Registered nurses
- Nursing professionals who are seeking career advancement
- Nurses who are looking to complete an accelerated MSN program
Learning Outcomes
- Implement research- and evidence-based nursing approaches
- Prepare for a successful career with an MSN
- Demonstrate advanced professional knowledge of nursing practice
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s Accelerated BSN-MSN online degree includes a total of 59 credit hours, including 20 credit hours* of BSN coursework, 12 credit hours of crossover education and 27 credit hours of MSN track coursework. Students in this program choose the MSN Nursing Education track after completing core requirements of the BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a 3.25 GPA overall. Coursework may be completed in a full- or part-time capacity.
*This amount is based on the specific program and maximum credit transfer. The BSN program requires 124 credit hours.
- NUR 3081 - Professional Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Professional Nursing Practice
This introductory course for the RN-BSN student provides educational based guidance in progressing into the role of the baccalaureate nurse through exploration of nursing theories, healthcare policy and the core healthcare professional competencies. Co-requisite: NSP 3845.
- NUR 4165 - Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course introduces the baccalaureate nursing student to evidence-based nursing practice. Students will explore quality care initiatives through the integration of theory, evidence, clinical judgment and patient preferences. Meets Gordon Rule writing requirement. Prerequisite: STA 2023. Co-requisite: NSP 4846.
- NUR 4286 - Gerontological Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Gerontological Nursing
For the RN-BSN student, this course explores holistic nursing strategies for health promotion and risk reduction in the older adult.
- NUR 4636 - Population-Based Public Health Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Population-Based Public Health Nursing
This RN-BSN course emphasizes practice of public health and community-based nursing. The course emphasizes systems-level health promotion and disease prevention, using the public health sciences of epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and community assessment. Meets multicultural requirement.
- NUR 4826 - Law & Ethics in Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Law & Ethics in Nursing
For the RN-BSN student to explore legal concepts and regulations that guide professional nursing practice. Examines ethical decision-making related to nursing practice and healthcare.
- NUR 4895 - Health Education in the Community
3 Credit Hours
Health Education in the Community
This capstone course focuses on the role of nurse as health educator. The student will design and implement an evidence based teaching plan for a vulnerable population in the community setting.
- NSP 3845 - Academic Writing in Nursing I
1 Credit Hours
Academic Writing in Nursing I
Provides an introduction to the academic reading and writing characteristics of higher education for the RN-BSN student. Within the context of the nursing profession the student will demonstrate the ability to read critically, write effective arguments and practice the writing process using APA style format. Co-requisite NUR 3081.
- NSP 4846 - Academic Writing in Nursing II
1 Credit Hours
Academic Writing in Nursing II
Continues the foundation for the academic reading and writing characteristics of higher education for the RN-BSN student. Within the context of evidence-based nursing practice the student will conduct a scholarly literature review, write extended arguments and further develop writing expertise using APA style format. Co-requisite NUR 4165.
- NUR 3081 - Professional Nursing Practice
These credit hours count toward the MSN.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Health Assessment
This course will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse's basic education program. The theoretical and clinical basis for assessment in advanced nursing practice will be developed. The process whereby the advanced nurse utilizes comprehensive physical, psychological and cultural assessment across the life span to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated.
- NGR 6140 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course is designed to present an orientation to disease as disordered physiology. It is intended to enable those in advanced nursing practice to understand how and why the symptoms and signs of various conditions appear. In approaching disease as disordered physiology, this course analyzes the mechanism(s) of production of the symptoms and signs of different disease states. In doing so, it recognizes that those in advanced nursing practice need to understand the mechanism(s) underlying the disease and its clinical manifestations so that rational therapies can be devised. Thus, appropriate screening and diagnostic laboratory evaluation methods will also be included.
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pharmacology
This course is designed to expand the advanced practice student's knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics. Broad categories of pharmacological agents are examined. Skills to assess, diagnose and manage a client's common health problems in a safe, high quality and cost-effective manner are emphasized.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course assists the learner to synthesize organizational theory and leadership to influence health policy within the context of current complex healthcare systems. The learner will analyze policy from a socio-economic, ideological, political, historical and technological perspective while integrating clinical management processes and utilization of community resources. Content will focus on the organizational structure of healthcare systems, healthcare financing and economic implications and the role of the provider in policy making.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing Science
The course includes the synthesis of concepts, principles and theories of nursing and related disciplines as applied to the role of the nurse in advanced practice.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
The purpose of this course is to involve the learner in recognizing diverse influences of varying global populations and issues surrounding access to healthcare. It will distinguish between health, wellness, illness, disease and disability while examining relevant ethical issues and health disparities in current practice regulations. The content will compare levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) for health consumers across the lifespan. The student will analyze the Healthy People 2020 Initiative to determine its status and impact on the health status of vulnerable populations.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course explores complex concepts and theories including rapid critical appraisal of evidence in preparation for translation to nursing practice. The course includes the evidence-based practice process and steps in evidence-based quality improvement project implemention. The course prepares the nurse to function as a catalyst for change.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6710 - Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
This course builds on prior knowledge in the development of the nurse for advanced practice in the community. The student will begin to explore advanced nursing practice, population health in the delivery continuum, and educational resources appropriate for the community based environment. Healthcare of communities is analyzed in the context of education to improve health outcomes and equity. Principles and theories of education are incorporated into the understanding of the advanced practice nurse role as a part of the interdisciplinary team.
- NGR 6710L - Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum
This initial practicum course prepares the student to integrate additional knowledge and skills to promote the advancement of professional clinical nursing practice. The course will focus on the application of evidence-based practice to develop advanced clinical competency in population health. The student will explore areas of interest with practice partners in communities to improve population health outcomes.
- NGR 6715 - Nursing Education Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar I
This course continues the analysis and synthesis of teaching learning and related theories in classroom and clinical settings for the emerging nurse educator. The focus of the course is the application of theories in the development of courses and curricula that reflect the mission, vision and values of the parent organization, current and emerging standards and regulations, as well as issues and trends in nursing education. Emphasis is on institutional purposes, goals, nursing curricula, and designing instruction for classroom and clinical settings. Prerequisite: NGR 6710. Co-requisite: NGR 6715L.
- NGR 6715L - Nursing Education Practicum I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum I
This practicum course continues to immerse the learner in the nurse educator role in clinical and classroom settings. Learners will focus on instructional planning, teaching strategies and curricula development. Learners will have the opportunity to facilitate a learning session in the clinical or classroom environment. Prerequisite: NGR 6710/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6715.
- NGR 6718 - Nursing Education Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar II
This final seminar course focuses on programmatic evaluation, accreditation of nursing education and scholarship of the nurse educator. Synthesis of curriculum, evaluation, accreditation and the nurse educator role are primary course components. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718L.
- NGR 6718L - Nursing Education Practicum II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum II
The final nurse educator practicum course prepares the learner to synthesize the role of the nurse educator. Learners will focus on programmatic evaluation, accreditation of nursing education and scholarship of the nurse educator. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718.
- NGR 6710 - Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
Admission Requirements
In addition to the University’s general admission requirements, students pursuing the Accelerated BSN-MSN online program must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
- Associate of Science in Nursing degree from a community college
- Minimum overall GPA 3.25 on 4.0 scale
- STA 2023 Elements of Statistics completed with a minimum grade of C
- No more than 12 credit hours of non-major coursework outstanding
- Current, unencumbered U.S. RN license in the state(s) student will reside while completing any portion of the nursing coursework
- Military spouses with a valid U.S. registered nurse license and stationed at an overseas U.S. military base may be considered for admission
- Completion of level 2 criminal background check, VECHS fingerprint and drug screen through the selected provider
Minimum requirements for admission into master’s coursework include:
- Student is expected to progress up to a GPA of 3.25 throughout undergraduate program
- Completion of all BSN major core requirements
- A grade of B (3.0) in all BSN major core classes
- One letter of recommendation from a Department of Nursing faculty member
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission to the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit a copy of your RN license
For the Accelerated BSN-MSN program, we offer a rolling admissions process. You don’t have to wait to find out if you’ve been accepted as we continually review applications. We also offer six start dates throughout the year, so you can begin your program at a time that’s convenient for you.
Have questions about this program or the admission process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| BSN Program (with max transfer credits) | $218.98 per credit hour | $7,007.36 |
| MSN Program | $425 per credit hour | $11,475 |
| RN to MSN Program Total | $18,482.36 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. The UWF BSN to MSN online program takes up to 12 semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of the accelerated Accelerated BSN to MSN online degree, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field:
* Salary and job information from PayScale.
Nurse Case Managers
Generally employed at a hospital or nursing home, nurse case managers collaborate with patients and their providers to decide on the type of required care. Sometimes, they may assess the patient and perform exams. The average annual salary for nurse case managers is $70,153.
Nurse Educators
By pursing an MSN in Nursing Education, you can become a nurse educator. Typically collaborating with hospital administrators, nurse educators manage the continuing educator for an organization’s nursing staff. They develop and implement programs at their institution and perform evaluations of staff. Nurse educators also may have to create educational materials such as training guides and manuals. The average salary for the role is $73,619 per year.
Clinical Educators
Clinical educators are licensed healthcare professionals who teach others in a specific field, such as nursing. They work with other instructors within the field to develop curricula to provide continuing education for other clinical or nursing staff. Clinical educators earn an average salary of $74,394 per year.