Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Online

This accelerated RN to MSN online program offers two fast-track options for nurses who want to move straight into a master's degree program.

Apply by: 4/26/24
Start class: 5/20/24
Apply Now

Program Overview

See a snapshot of the UTA RN to MSN online program

The RN to MSN program tracks are designed for licensed registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN and continue their education immediately to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Administration, Education or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). In addition to a flexible online learning environment and expert instructors, students benefit from a curriculum that combines the latest nursing theory with hands-on practicum experience. Upon graduation, students are qualified for national FNP certification or prepared to launch a successful career as a nurse educator or nurse administrator.

The University of Texas at Arlington RN to MSN online program offers an expedited timetable at an excellent value. With two paths to choose from, the MSN Nurse Educator or the MSN Administration, this program equips you to be a leader in education or hospital nursing administration. This accelerated nursing program allows you to complete your MSN in less time—and save more money—than if you enrolled in the RN to BSN and MSN programs separately.

This CCNE-accredited nursing program advances your leadership skills in the growing field of nursing and prepares you for exciting roles, such as:

  • Nurse Researcher
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Administrator
  • Nurse Researcher
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Administrator

State Authorization

Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in all UTA accelerated online programs. See program map for details. Currently enrolled students who reside in ineligible states will need approval to continue uninterrupted in their programs in accordance with applicable state laws. Approval is not guaranteed.

Also available:

UTA offers a wide variety of nursing programs online. Check out all of our online nursing programs.

Total Tuition* $19,500
Duration As few as 36 months
Credit Hours Varies

Accreditation

CCNE accreditation logo

The baccalaureate, master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate program in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at The University of Texas at Arlington are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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Need more information?

Call 866-489-2810

Call 866-489-2810

"The UT Arlington program builds off your work experience already and that was the biggest factor of why I chose it."

Roberta Deutsch, Graduate of UTA's Online RN to MSN Program

Tuition

Pay for your online program by the course

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing students with a quality, affordable education. That's why this online program offers pay-by-the course options.

Tuition Guarantee

Did you know if you enroll now and complete your program without interruption, you can lock in your tuition rate? Read more

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $19,500*
UTA testimonial roberta deutsch

“...What I really liked about the program was the fact that I could be online, do the classes on my schedule...”

Roberta Deutsch

RN to MSN online graduate

Calendar

Know our application deadlines and class schedules

Our RN to MSN online program offers multiple start dates to accommodate your professional and personal schedule.

8-week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment Due
Spring II3/11/242/23/243/1/243/8/24
Spring III4/1/243/13/243/20/243/29/24
Summer I5/20/244/26/245/10/245/17/24
Summer II7/1/245/31/246/14/246/28/24
Fall I8/19/247/26/248/9/248/16/24
Fall I9/3/248/9/248/23/248/30/24
Fall II9/30/248/30/249/13/249/27/24
Fall III11/4/2410/4/2410/18/2411/1/24
Course StartRegistration DeadlineTuition DeadlineSession
3/11/243/6/243/8/24Spring II
4/1/243/27/243/29/24Spring III
5/20/245/15/245/17/24Summer I
7/1/246/26/246/28/24Summer II
8/19/248/14/248/16/24Fall I
9/3/248/28/248/30/24Fall I
9/30/249/25/249/27/24Fall II
11/4/2410/30/2411/1/24Fall III

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 4/26/24
Class Starts 5/20/24

Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?

Apply Now

Admissions

Read the details of our admission criteria for our RN to MSN online program

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation admission process is the first step toward changing your life and enriching the lives of others. Familiarize yourself with these admission requirements, along with information on required documentation.

Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Active RN license
  • Work experience*

Online Admission Requirements

  • Completed online application and application fee
  • Active and Unencumbered RN License verifiable via Nursys or State Boards of Nursing (BON)
    • If the license is unable to be verified, the student must send in a copy via email of the license for verification. Acceptance will be on hold until the license is verified. Use the RN License Upload Form to submit license.
    • Students that do not have a license but graduated within 1 year of completion of the ADN program will have the license checklist waived and accepted to the AO RN to BSN program. However, the license will be verified within NURS 3345. If the license is unable to be verified, students will be unable to progress.
  • 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) of all courses completed
  • TOEFL or TSI may apply.
    • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is satisfied by resident status, Associate's Degree, or completion of Composition I and II with a grade of C or better plus 24 additional transferrable hours at a college or university located in the U.S. Otherwise, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required if the applicant's native or first language is not English. Additional information is available here.
    • Completed Texas Success Initiative (TSI). This will NOT prevent admission, but the requirement must be satisfied during the first semester of enrollment.

*Applicants who meet all the admission requirements listed above but have fewer than 2 years of clinical experience may be granted provisional admission.

At this time, the program is only open to United States Citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), and individuals who hold an H1-B Visa or other valid U.S. work visa.

Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended should be submitted, along with required documents, from the granting institution(s) to:

Electronic Submission (faster processing)

utaadmissions@uta.edu

U.S. Postal Service

UTA Undergraduate Admissions
701 S. Nedderman Drive
Box 19114
Arlington, TX 76019-0114

Have a question? Call us at 866-489-2810.

Learn more about our admission requirements, review the nursing handbook and policies, and discover tips for success on the UTA College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) page.

Courses

Gain the knowledge you need in these online nursing courses

This program can be completed at an accelerated pace depending on which RN to MSN track is selected as well as meeting the requirements for the BSN.

Students begin the program as an undergraduate in the RN-BSN program and must meet all undergraduate requirements prior to transitioning into the MSN program of choice. Prior to completing the BSN requirement, two graduate-level courses must be completed. Those courses will be two of the last three courses needed to complete the undergraduate requirements. The courses will be applied to meet both BSN electives and MSN core requirements.

Once a student officially graduates with their BSN, the student must continue to the MSN program within one semester, excluding summer, to successfully transition. The estimated date of completion is dependent upon the successful completion of the undergraduate program and transition period, as well as the length of the program outline of the specific MSN program chosen.

Students in UTA's accelerated online program who have Technical Writing or an equivalent will not be required to enroll in Technical Writing (ENGL 2338). The equivalent courses for Technical Writing are any sophomore level (2000 level course) Literature, Philosophy, or Speech course. View course equivalency charts.

One of the literature courses (ENGL 2329, ENGL 2319, or ENGL 2309) must be completed to graduate from the AO RN-MSN program. If you have taken one of these courses in the past, they can be transferred into the AO RN-MSN program.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Intended to develop an understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of art in its many forms. Recommended as a fine arts elective for non-art majors.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Functional morphology of humans, cellular function, principles of support and movement, and neural and endocrine control systems. Laboratory exercises involve both anatomical and experimental aspects of principles introduced in the lecture. This class is designed for students in sport activities (EXSA), medical technology and nursing and health Prerequisite: BIOL 1345 or BIOL 1441 or equivalent, or approval of the department. May not be used for biology grade point calculation or biology credit toward a B.S. degree in biology or microbiology.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Functional morphology of humans, maintenance of the human body, and continuity of life. Topics will include the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises explore both anatomical and experimental aspects of principles introduced in the lecture. This class is designed for students in sport activities (EXSA), medical technology, and nursing and health. Prerequisite: BIOL 2457 or equivalent. May not be used for biology grade point calculation or biology credit toward a B.S. degree in biology or microbiology.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 4
The intention of this course is to present basic information, relevant to nursing practice, with the principles of microbiology and the nature of microbial disease. This course will give the student a fundamental background of knowledge that will be applicable to the care of infectious patients, to the control of microbial diseases, and an understanding of microorganisms. The laboratory will provide practice in aseptic techniques, the use of disinfectants and antimicrobial agents, and microscopic study of bacteria. This course cannot be applied for credit toward a degree in Biology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1345, or BIOL 1441 or equivalent.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The critical thinking about, and reading and writing of, referential/expository discourse. Introduction to inventional procedures. Writing assignments focusing on identification and development of a subject, on organization, audience analysis, style, and the revision process.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Continues ENGL 1301, but with an emphasis on critical thinking about, and reading and writing of, argumentative discourse. Introduction to inventional procedures such as types of proofs and claims and the Toulmin model. Writing assignments focusing on the identification, development, and support of propositions of fact, cause, value, and policy. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1301.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Processes of researching, drafting, editing, revising, and designing technical reports, proposals, manuals, resumes, and professional correspondence for specific audiences. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the United States prior to 1865. This course is designed to help students understand and evaluate their society, comprehend the historical experience, and further develop reading and writing competencies and critical skills. Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 1301.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of the United States since 1865. This course is designed to help students understand and evaluate their society, comprehend the historical experience, and further develop reading and writing competencies and critical skills. Prerequisite: completion of or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 1301.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is offered as a blended MATH 0311/MATH 1301 course. This course is designed for students whose placement scores or life experience indicate that they may need additional preparation in order to take a college credit-bearing mathematics course. This course provides foundational preparation for MATH 1301. Topics include basic numeric and algebraic operations, expressions, linear and quadratic equations, solving techniques, graphing, mathematical logic and reasoning, as well as a brief introduction to probability and statistics. Students will use mathematical software to master targeted areas and progress through a modified self-paced environment in order to achieve college readiness. Immediately following the successful completion of this foundational course, students should register for a credit-bearing mathematics course according to their degree plan, specifically MATH 1301. Credit in this course does not fulfill any degree requirements.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed for students whose placement scores or life experience indicate that they may need additional preparation in order to take a college credit-bearing mathematics course. This course provides foundational preparation for Math 1302 or Math 1315. Topics include basic numeric and algebraic operations and expressions, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, factoring, exponents and radicals, graphing, and quadratic equations. Students will use mathematical software to master targeted areas and progress through a modified self-paced environment in order to achieve college readiness. Immediately following the successful completion of this foundational course, students should register for a credit bearing mathematics course according to their degree plan, specifically MATH 1302 or MATH 1315. Credit in this course does not fulfill any degree requirements.
Duration: 8 & 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Topics include the study of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value, logarithmic, and exponential relations; functions and inequalities; graphs, basic characteristics, and operations on relations and functions; real and complex zeros of various functions; graphing techniques; systems of equations; and matrices. The use of mathematical software and a basic/scientific calculator is required. No graphing calculators are allowed. All exams will be proctored for a minimal fee using an online proctoring service requiring a webcam. See course syllabus and blackboard course site for specific details.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Topics may include collection, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, probability, relationships between variables and graphs, elementary statistical models, hypothesis testing, inference, estimation, correlation, regression and confidence intervals. The use of mathematical software and calculators is required. See course syllabus for details.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The constitution and government of the United States. The organization, procedures, and duties of the branches of the government, together with their accomplishments and defects.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The principles and organization of American state, county, and municipal government, together with current problems and the constitution and government of Texas.
Duration: 8 & 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The fundamental methods and content of scientific psychology. Concentration on the understanding of basic principles.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Human development and growth from conception through old age, concerned with the physical, behavioral, and social aspects.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A scientific approach to the analysis and explanation of culture, personality, and social organization. The social processes and mechanisms of interaction involved in the natural process of cultural development, dissemination, assimilation, and the institutions of the group.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Consideration of significant American works with a focus on ideas and the ways in which they reflect cultural and aesthetic values; emphasis on critical methods of reading, writing, and thinking; at least three genres and six authors considered.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Consideration of significant British works with emphasis on ideas and the ways in which they reflect cultural and aesthetic values; emphasis on critical methods of reading, writing, and thinking; at least three genres and six authors considered.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Consideration of significant works of world literature with emphasis on ideas and the ways in which they reflect cultural and aesthetic values; emphasis on critical methods of reading, writing, and thinking. Examines at least three genres and six authors.
NURS 3345 must be completed before enrolling in additional nursing courses.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and practice of holistic health assessment of individuals and families across the lifespan designed for the Registered Nurse. An application-based practice experience is required and can be completed in the workplace.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction of concepts and issues related to the holistic care of older adults and the impact on society and healthcare. An application-based practice experience is required and can be completed in the community.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Health promotion for individuals and families. Opportunities to gain knowledge about primary prevention in healthcare. Importance of the role of the nurse in disease prevention and health promotion. RN-MSN students only. Previously NURSU 3435. Prerequisite: NURSU 3345.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course addresses the role transition to Professional Nursing, nursing theory, ethics, decision making, critical thinking/clinical judgment, introduction to evidence-based practice, and informatics/technology in practice. Identifies strategies for personal and professional empowerment.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Course addresses health policy, legislative and political concerns, nurse practice act, legal and ethical aspects that impact the practice of professional nursing in contemporary healthcare.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts, processes, and applications of nursing research. Research role of the nurse in decision making and clinical practice. RN-BSN students only. Prerequisite: Math 1308, or equivalent and NURS 3345. (Previously offered as NURS 4321.)
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Exploration of organizational strategies, leadership theories and societal trends with implications for decision making in healthcare. Introduction to management and leadership skills needed by professional nurses with clinical application in diverse settings. An application-based practice experience is required and can be completed in the workplace.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Integrates knowledge from nursing theory and public health science in assessing healthcare needs of aggregates, communities, and society for the Registered Nurse. An application-based practice experience is required and can be completed in the community.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 6
Synthesis of theories and concepts for professional nursing practice. Focuses on evolution and transition of professional nursing practice in diverse settings within a context of emerging societal issues and trends. The student will pick one of three areas (management, clinical or education) of interest for concentrated study.
A transition form is required before starting MSN courses.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Integration of theoretical and empirical principles of nursing research to generate evidence for nursing practice.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A critical examination of the philosophical and theoretical bases for nursing science.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on preparation to implement an evidence-based change in practice.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on application of computer technology that supports the dissemination of healthcare data, information and knowledge. Selected software packages/applications are presented and used.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Considers development of management and organizational theories as applied to healthcare organizations and their environment.
Duration: 10 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examine and implement administrative and managerial roles in healthcare organizations. Prerequisite: NURS 5311; NURS 5328 or concurrent enrollment.
Duration: 10 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Synthesize management, organizational and leadership concepts and theories in selected healthcare settings.
Duration: 10 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyze and apply financial management concepts to financial planning, budgeting, and reimbursement systems in healthcare.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examine strategic planning for healthcare systems.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyze leadership strategies in current and predicted healthcare systems including dimensions of workforce and workplace issues, leadership, and evidence-based decision making.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyze historical, current, and predicted national, state, and local healthcare policy processes.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explore the nature of nursing education. Focus on the curriculum process and its application to nursing education programs.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on application of computer technology that supports the dissemination of healthcare data, information and knowledge. Selected software packages/applications are presented and used.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Apply theoretical foundations and clinical skills in comprehensive health assessment across the lifespan.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Teaching/Learning theories, strategies, and evaluation for educators.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Integration of concepts of assessment and evaluation into a nursing evaluation framework.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Investigation of the roles and functions of the nurse educator.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on developing an advanced knowledge base of pathophysiology. Principles of advanced physiology and pathophysiology and are applied to disease processes.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of clinical pharmacological therapeutics for nurse educators. Prerequisite: NURS 5318
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Conduct comprehensive advanced health assessment of a client population and provide a teaching intervention of a priority health need.
Duration: 5 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Application of simulation and active learning strategies in nursing education.
Duration: 10 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Nursing education preceptorship in selected healthcare sites with opportunities to apply clinical and educational knowledge, skills, and concepts in a guided, progressive context of nursing education. Prerequisites: All program courses

Additional Information

Prior to completing the BSN requirement, two graduate-level courses must be completed. Those courses will be two of the last three courses needed to complete the undergraduate requirements. The courses will be applied to meet both BSN electives and MSN core requirements.

UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation has designed its online RN to MSN program to include all the courses you need to graduate with your MSN, including general courses, in a flexible format that enables you to continue working as you pursue your MSN.

You can apply by clicking the Apply Now button. This unique online delivery format is cost-effective and an efficient way to earn an MSN degree.

When you are accepted to any of our online nursing programs, we'll give you access to your nursing degree plan, which indicates which courses you satisfied and which courses you still need to complete, via the MyMav Self Service Student Center.

View upcoming start dates and courses.

*Cost is a combination of discounts and scholarships. Additional fees may apply, and students may be required to complete additional non-nursing courses, which could increase the total cost of the program. University reserves the right to increase prices at any time.


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