Build Your Complete Nursing Career with the Online RN to MSN
Turn your RN into a BSN and then an MSN with the accelerated, 100 percent online program at American College of Education. It’s the best overall value at ACE for students who plan to get both degrees. You’ll earn a BS in Nursing first, learning about population health and nursing informatics, then move on to the MS in Nursing. As an MSN candidate, you’ll build advanced core competencies while choosing your path as a nurse administrator or educator. Throughout the entire program, you’ll access the high-quality faculty and state-of-the-art technology that sets ACE apart.
#4
in the nation for most master's degrees awarded in education*.
How you'll get there.
- Students complete a total of 55 credits at ACE, starting with 30 for the BSN, including relevant classes such as Transition to Professional Nursing, Community Health and Vulnerable Populations and Nursing Informatics. Our ACE team will work closely with you on transferring additional credits so you find the quickest and most economical path.
- The BSN ends with a 10-week, in-depth capstone experience designed for candidates to demonstrate the expertise and knowledge gained through the program. This is a practical experience, under the guidance of a mentor and a faculty member, where you are able to show how you’ll be a change leader in improving people’s health.
- The MSN focus of study areas (16 credits) reflect the most in-demand areas of nursing: leadership and education. Leadership students will focus on applying leadership and strategic management theories to guide their actions and take evidence into practice. The nurse educator focus will teach strategies for working with students and teaching the content and competencies they need to become excellent nurses.
- The MSN closes with a 10-week capstone practicum that provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the program and focus of study outcomes. You’ll work with a nurse-mentor to demonstrate the competencies essential to your chosen focus.
What you can expect along the way.
- Forward-Thinking Format ACE’s nursing program uses the latest technology for a complete educational experience. You’ll learn with high-tech simulation that makes maximum use of avatars, patient conditions and treatment options to mimic real-life situations. You will also experience a virtual global public health project that many of our students say is among their favorite parts of the entire program.
- Built Around Your Life Earn two degrees, all on your own time. ACE is fully asynchronous so you plan your coursework around your week. Almost all courses are 5 weeks long, with a week off in between, and your full pathway will be laid out before you even begin a class.
- Support at every step We’re connected 24/7. You’ll always have faculty support as you navigate your courses. Nursing students have town hall meetings each term and a Student Success Coach who is with you from enrollment to graduation. You’ll have access to free online tutoring and writing help, Office 365 tools and a library for research.
Start Smart and Save
Apply by August 11 and we’ll credit $50-$100 back to you for the August 23 term.
What it costs
Our tuition and fees have nothing to hide. The total cost you see is your all-in price, without hidden fees, add-ons, and even textbooks. See if you can say the same about other institutions. Go ahead — we’ll wait.
Total Tuition
55 semester credits
x
$355 per credit
$19,525
Fees
$50 Application Fee
$200 Program Conferral Fee
$250
Total Program Cost1
$19,775
Partnerships save you more.
ACE has more than 1,750 education partners that provide a discounted rate and other partner benefits.
A degree you can count on.
We are, and have always been, accredited by The Higher Learning Commission— a federally-recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures that an institution’s academic program meets or exceeds acceptable levels of quality and is the most recognized accreditation status for higher education entities. To receive and maintain HLC accreditation and affiliation approval, we must continuously undergo routine peer review cycles and provide proof that our programs meet or exceed HLC accreditation criteria and expectations of quality.
Courses
RN to MSN
Explore the classes you'll take to fulfill this program's 55 semester credit requirement. For more information, a complete list of requirements, and course options, see the College Catalog.
Undergraduate Courses (30 semester credits - must be completed to earn bsn)
3 semester credits
This course develops knowledge related to the profession of nursing, current issues in nursing, and the role of nursing in transforming health outcomes. The ethical and scientific basis for nursing practice are discussed.
Nursing's paradigm is defined. Students explore key nursing theories and theories from other disciplines as a foundation for care. Students utilize the concepts from theories, Professional Nursing Standards (ANA), Code of Ethics, Institute of Medicine Report (IOM), Competencies from the Quality, Safety, and Education in Nursing (QSEN) to analyze their practice and to clarify their role as a member of a profession.
3 semester credits
Building upon the student's previous health assessment knowledge, this course develops the advanced knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) needed to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive health assessments of individuals and families throughout the lifespan to include physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual health assessments; risk assessments, functional assessments, health history and genetic issues. Students will learn to use advanced communication and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns from acute to chronic problems found in diverse populations.
3 semester credits
This course focuses on health promotion, disease, and injury prevention across the lifespan. Health of communities, vulnerable populations and principles of social justice and health policy are discussed within a global context. Students learn to incorporate epidemiological, biostatistical data through knowledge of healthcare informatics to assess factors related to community health. Genetic considerations, culture, health disparities, factors that are determinates of population health, and equity in patient care are explored. Practice experience is part of this course.
Pre-requisite: NUR4033. Note: A practice experience component is present in this course.
3 semester credits
This course is an introduction to scholarship which includes identification of practice issues; appraisal and integration of evidence; and evaluation of outcomes. The focus is on the identification of research designs within the hierarchy of evidence and accurate interpretation of evidence from individual studies. Students will apply principles of evidence-based practice, identify appropriate researchable questions, and review research-based evidence to improve practice.
3 semester credits
Knowledge and skills in leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety are necessary to provide high quality healthcare. In this course, learners explore leadership and change theory and strategies necessary to lead in evolving, contemporary healthcare systems. Students will be prepared to contribute to safety initiatives, quality improvement, policy development, resource management, and strategic planning. An emphasis is placed on professionalism, principles of ethics, decision-making, communication, collaboration, and working within inter-professional teams to facilitate quality care and promote health outcomes.
3 semester credits
Health and wellness promotion continues to become more of the primary emphasis in healthcare as compared to previous years. This course introduces students to dimensions of wellness, focusing on a holistic approach to patient care, clinical prevention and population focused care. Culture, socioeconomic factors, and health promotion across diverse populations are discussed. Use of technology and nursing principles are applied to help guide life choices. The practice of integrative medicine is explored.
3 semester credits
Knowledge and skills in information management and patient care technology are the focus of this course. Throughout the course, learners explore the roles, theories, and standards of nursing informatics. Informatics-based health applications that support communication, care coordination, quality improvement, and data- based decision making across healthcare systems are examined.
3 semester credits
In this course, the student examines multiple theories from nursing and related fields to explore value and application to research and evidence based practice. Specifically, the course explores the use of theory in the design of research and development of nursing knowledge.
Knowledge and skills to critique quantitative research studies are developed. Emphasis is placed on applying four criteria for critique: construct validity, internal validity, statistical conclusion validity, and external validity. Students focus on principles of evidence-based practice and synthesize the evidence from studies and arrive at a conclusion.
3 semester credits
This course focuses on qualitative research traditions and the critique of qualitative studies for trustworthiness. Criteria for evaluating qualitative research include credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. The purposes for qualitative research approaches, to include theory development, are explored. Students are introduced to the interpretation and critique of mixed-methods research as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Students integrate evidence from both quantitative and qualitative studies for evidence-based practice and developing patient- centered care guidelines. The relationships between evidence, quality, and outcomes are analyzed. The impact of health policy is explored.
3 semester credits
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout the professional nursing program.
Graduate Courses (must be completed to earn MSN)
Nursing courses (15 semester credits - 6 taken as part of the BSN)
3 semester credits
In this course, the student examines multiple theories from nursing and related fields to explore value and application to research and evidence based practice. Specifically, the course explores the use of theory in the design of research and development of nursing knowledge.
Knowledge and skills to critique quantitative research studies are developed. Emphasis is placed on applying four criteria for critique: construct validity, internal validity, statistical conclusion validity, and external validity. Students focus on principles of evidence-based practice and synthesize the evidence from studies and arrive at a conclusion.
3 semester credits
This course focuses on qualitative research traditions and the critique of qualitative studies for trustworthiness. Criteria for evaluating qualitative research include credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. The purposes for qualitative research approaches, to include theory development, are explored. Students are introduced to the interpretation and critique of mixed-methods research as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Students integrate evidence from both quantitative and qualitative studies for evidence-based practice and developing patient- centered care guidelines. The relationships between evidence, quality, and outcomes are analyzed. The impact of health policy is explored.
3 semester credits
Focusing on leadership and management theory, students prepare to lead organizations from a systems perspective.
Systems of care and organizational behavior are examined. Students learn to base practice on evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost effectiveness of patient care. Students analyze leadership to effectively apply ethical and critical decision- making skills to lead healthcare teams.
Students will explore practice issue or concern and plan for intervention. Practice experience is part of this course 50 hours required.
Note: Practice experience part of this course.
3 semester credits
The focus of this course includes information, skills and processes required to improve quality and patient safety utilizing the Graduate QSEN competencies. Students learn to use health informatics and to base practice on research and evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost effectiveness of patient care. Students acquire the skills to select the methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality and apply quality principles within an organization to improve outcomes.
3 semester credits
This course focuses on knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to design, implement, and evaluate patient- centered, culturally appropriate care for individuals or populations. Students analyze the multiple dimensions of patient-centered care to include patient/family/community preferences, values, culture, communication, and health literacy.
Students are prepared to intervene at the systems level through policy development and advocacy to influence healthcare. Additionally, students will evaluate use of information systems and technology in nursing practice.
Focus of Study
Nurse Administration Focus of Study
3 semester credits
Effective nurse leaders learn and apply leadership and strategic management theories to guide their actions and transform evidence into quality practice. This course prepares students to serve in key positions to participate in decision making, advocacy, strategic planning, and to manage change that affects patient care. Operations, marketing, informatics, and decision-making strategies are explored to increase understanding of the strategic business aspect of nursing.
3 semester credits
In this course, students connect caring and quality patient care delivery with efficiency and effective financial strategies. They learn to apply evidence-based decision making as it relates to the financial responsibility of the healthcare facility, utilizing resources available to them through the private and public sector and related to the development, delivery and evaluation of patient-centered care. Students learn to apply financial principles to budget forecasting and managerial oversight, capital budgeting and variance analysis. The economics of the US healthcare system will be considered.
3 semester credits
This course teaches students how to build relationships in the community, in a clinical setting, and in an academic environment through effective oral and written communication. Students acquire conflict resolution skills and behavior management techniques by translating data-driven research into practical communication strategies. Emphasis is placed on inter-professional communication, cultural competency, and communication with diverse populations. The course is based on human resource principles, including hiring, separation, and conflict management, team building.
3 semester credits
In this course, students demonstrate understanding of the healthcare system and the environment in which healthcare administrators function and serve. The use of strategy management tools to create operational goals and objectives and to identify and leverage marketing opportunities is emphasized. Students investigate transformational thinking as it refers to the changing healthcare environment. They also apply technology as an innovation that impacts practice.
4 semester credits
The Capstone/Practicum course is a culminating experience that provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of program and focus of study outcomes. This course emphasizes the application of leadership and management theories and concepts in the role of nurse executive. The student will demonstrate the competencies essential to a nurse leader. The role will be applied and analyzed in a healthcare organizational setting, in collaboration with a nurse-leader mentor. Evidence-based leadership and management strategies will be developed and implemented in the selected organizational environment. Practice experience of 150 hours is required.Note: A practice experience component is present in this course.
Nurse Educator Focus of Study
3 semester credits
This course provides an intensive and comprehensive foundation of advanced pathophysiological knowledge and physical assessment skills. Students will learn to apply this knowledge and skill in working with students and teaching the content and competencies required for effective practice. Students will learn to discern between normal and abnormal findings, develop treatment plans, and develop teaching plans to promote health and education. Informatics and use of technology will be discussed.
3 semester credits
This course focuses on advanced pharmacotherapeutics and effective teaching methods for nurse educators in this content area. Pharmacological mechanisms, medication management, treatment of side effects and drug reactions are studied. Drug interventions and nurses' role in educating patients about medications will be covered. Technology related to safety, delivery and education will be explored.
3 semester credits
Guided by theoretical foundations of learning, students examine the tenets of andragogy modeled in practice. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying principles of teaching and effective instructional strategies, ways to establish an effective learning environment, and reflective practices as a means to advance professional nursing skills. Strategies to support the learning environment in both face to face and online classrooms will be considered. The course will integrate ethical and professional collaboration with colleagues to promote patient outcome attainment.
3 semester credits
By surveying various curricular designs and assessment models, this course integrates aspects of theoretical frameworks with differentiated curriculum, instructional and evaluation strategies delivered in academic and clinical settings. Students analyze assessment and evaluation data to determine effective approaches for supporting effective educational programming and patient-centered health while developing skills as nurse professionals and nurse educators. Use of technology in program assessment and evaluation is discussed.
4 semester credits
The Capstone Practicum course is a culminating experience that provides students the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of program and focus of study outcomes. This course emphasizes the application of teaching and learning theories and concepts in implementation of the nurse educator role. The student will demonstrate the competencies essential to the nurse educator. The role will be implemented, applied, and analyzed in an academic or clinical practice setting, in collaboration with a nurse educator mentor. Students must complete a scholarly project which synthesizes advanced knowledge and skills to address an area of relevance to professional nursing in education. Practice experience of 150 hours is required.
Bachelor's Completion Information
Students are required to complete ninety (90) semester credits in addition to the credits listed in ACE course list for satisfactory completion of the program. Inclusive of the ninety (90) semester credits, a required thirty* (30) semester credits of general education must align with the Indiana College Core as defined in the College's General Education Requirements policy. These credits can be acquired prior to program enrollment or while enrolled in the program.
*RN to MSN and RN to BSN students are required to have 3 credits in statistics.
Admission Requirements
RN to MSN
ACE General Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, including the enrollment agreement, and payment agreement.
- Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
- Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**
*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.
**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.
Program Admission Requirements
- Associate degree or 90 undergraduate semester credits
- Minimum Grade Point Average cumulative 2.75 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission
- Minimum Grade Point Average cumulative 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for provisional admission
- Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 credits is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the program
- Applicants for the above program must provide documentation of active unencumbered RN license
- Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements
- Acknowledgment of access to a practice environment
- All general education courses must be completed prior to awarding a bachelor's degree and matriculaton to the graduate portion of the program.
1This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program credit hours, the receipt of, or eligibility for, institutional or non-institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, and adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing offered by American College of Education are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF)
It is a state of California requirement that a student who pays his or her tuition is required to pay a state-imposed assessment fifty cents ($0.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, for the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund. For more information and to see if you must pay the state-imposed assessment for Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) click here.
For information on international transcript requirements, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.
For English as a second language applicant information, see the Admissions Information section of the College Catalog.