RN to MSN Bridge Program at Moorhead
Efficient. Flexible. 100% Online
Advance your nursing career with the RN to MSN Bridge Program track at Minnesota State Moorhead! Designed specifically for associate degree RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or higher, this innovative program offers a streamlined pathway to earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Why Choose Moorhead’s RN to MSN Bridge Program Track?
- Flexible and Online: Complete your coursework from anywhere with our fully online program, designed to fit the busy lives of working nurses.
- Efficient Pathway: Earn your MSN in as few as 43 credits by building on your existing education and experience.
- Customizable Focus: Flexible, stackable certificates that align with your evolving nursing career.
Program Details
Bridge courses serve as preparatory coursework for the MSN program and must be completed during the first two semesters before beginning MSN-level courses.
Preparatory RN-MSN Bridge Courses (12 Credits)
- NURS 301: Transitions (4 credits) – Strengthen your foundation for advanced nursing roles with a focus on professional transitions.
- NURS 348: Public Health (4 credits) – Explore the principles of population health and community nursing practice. Become eligible for the Minnesota Public Health Nurse (PHN) Registration Certificate!!
- NURS 303: Holistic Family Nursing (4 credits) – Develop family-centered, holistic care strategies across diverse populations.
MSN Curriculum (31 Credits)
After completing the RN to MSN Bridge courses, you will progress directly into the MSN program. The curriculum includes core MSN coursework.
Total Program Credits: 43
- RN-MSN Bridge Courses: 12 credits
- MSN Core: 31 credits
RN-MSN Bridge Program Online Degree Pathway Sample Course Sequencing
The sample plan below is just one example of how you can complete the RN-MSN Bridge Program pathway in an efficient manner. The program progression is completely customizable to what works for you. Just work with your faculty advisor on your individual needs.
- Program: RN to MSN Bridge Program
- Total Credits: 43 credits total
- Catalog: 2025-2026
First Year
| Curriculum | Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (1st Fall) | |||
| Bridge Core Course: | NURS 301 | Transitions | 4 |
| Bridge Core Course: | NURS 303 | Holistic Family Nursing | 4 |
| Total Credits: 8 | |||
| Spring (1st Spring) | |||
| Bridge Core Course: | NURS 348 | Public Health Nursing | 4 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 615 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Total Credits: 7 | |||
| Summer (1st Summer) | |||
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 600 | Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories | 3 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 610 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| Total Credits: 6 | |||
Second Year
| Curriculum | Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (2nd Fall) | |||
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 605 | Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management | 3 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 628 | Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement | 3 |
| Total Credits: 6 | |||
| Spring (2nd Spring) | |||
| MSN Core Course | NURS 638 | Health Information Systems | 3 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 662 | Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals | 3 |
| Total Credits: 6 | |||
| Summer (2nd Summer) | |||
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 650 | Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| MSN Optional Course: | NURS 637P | Practicum Early Start (Optional) | 2 |
| Total Credits: 3-5 | |||
Third Year
| Curriculum | Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (3rd Fall) | |||
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 629 | Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies | 3 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 640P | MSN Capstone Practicum | 3 |
| MSN Core Course: | NURS 695 | Professional Portfolio | 1 |
| Total Credits:7 | |||
| *Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully. | |||
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Notes: Please note. You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding.
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Apply Today!
Take the next step in your nursing journey and apply to the Bridge to MSN Program at Moorhead. With flexible scheduling, an efficient progression plan, and opportunities to customize your learning experience, this program is designed to help you succeed in advancing your career. Not ready to apply, but want more information?
Your future as an advanced nursing professional starts here!
Questions? Contact Us
If you want more information or have questions, please contact the program coordinator below.
