Make an impact on healthcare and advance into a leadership role in nursing administration or nursing education.  Salem’s master’s of nursing program combines the highest quality instruction with distance-learning technologies and the convenience of a 100% online experience for you to build the confidence and expertise you need to succeed as a nurse administrator or nurse educator.

The RN-BSN program at Salem helped to open me up to higher-level positions. At Salem University, they made the enrollment process easy. They work with you and help you complete all the necessary steps for enrollment. I liked Salem University so much that I went back to earn my Master of Science of Nursing Administration. This has allowed me to advance in my career in the nursing field. The accessible online format and small class sizes accommodated my challenging nursing schedules, while providing individual attention taught by highly qualified, and caring faculty. I loved the MSN program at Salem University.” -Savana Ross

About Salem’s Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Specialize in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education

  • Nursing Administration: A master’s degree in nursing administration prepares you to meet the complex and evolving challenges facing administrators in the healthcare industry. Nurse administrators combine business knowledge with compassion for patients. They help ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care while managing and coordinating nursing care. Depending on the healthcare facility, nurse administrators may oversee a small group of nurses, several nursing units, or an entire department or health system.
  • Nursing Education: Make a difference in the lives of tomorrow’s nurses. A degree in nursing education prepares you to impact the future of nursing and teach a new generation of nurses. Nurse educators teach in classrooms and online or drive change in hospitals or health systems in communities. A nurse educator is a compassionate caregiver and a dedicated teacher.  Prepare to teach the art of caregiving.

Designed by Nurses for Nurses:

Salem offers an accelerated, flexible, and convenient MSN online program designed for nurses to take the next leap forward in their careers.  Focused on the needs of working nurses, experiential learning activities are woven throughout the master’s of nursing program and can be accomplished on the job, at your workplace, or in your community.

Fully Online & On Your Schedule:

With 100% BSN to MSN online courses in an asynchronous format – students have the flexibility and convenience they need to earn their degree while working as a practicing nurse. There are no mandatory login times. Access course materials when it is most convenient for you.

Complete in as Few as 10 Months:

Salem’s master’s of nursing program can be completed in as few as 10 months.  The curriculum consists of 30 credits (10 courses that are four weeks in duration).  Our one-course-per-month delivery allows students to focus on completing their courses without having simultaneous competing course demands on their time.

All master’s of nursing program students complete the core courses consisting of 18 credit hours (6 courses).  Students will focus on their chosen specialization in either nursing administration or nursing education, each of which require the successful completion of 12 credit hours (4 courses) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduation from the BSN to MSN online program.

The MSN Curriculum

Core master’s of nursing program Courses (All Students Must Complete)

  • Theoretical Basis & Role Development for Advanced Nursing
  • Advanced Research, Inquiry, and EBP
  • Health Care Policy, Law and Ethics
  • Leadership in Health Care Environments
  • Health Care Informatics and Technology
  • Nursing Capstone

Nursing Administration Specialization

  • Organizational Behavior & Workforce Management
  • Finance and Economics for Nursing Leadership
  • Complex Health Systems Planning and Resource Management
  • Population Health Management, Quality Improvement and Safety

Nursing Education Specialization

  • Curriculum and Program Development
  • Instructional Methods and Strategies in Teaching & Learning
  • Assessment, Evaluation, and Accreditation in Nursing Education
  • Educational Technology

The final capstone project allows you to apply the concepts learned from coursework and your years of nursing experience. The portfolio of activities that you complete throughout the master’s of nursing program will showcase your professional role development, values, competence, and critical thinking skills – enhancing your professional advancement.

Accessible & Engaged Faculty

Experienced nurse educators that are ready to help you bring your practice into the classroom and the classroom into your practice.

Engaged faculty are available to you in every course, with their contact information available for personalized attention during each of your master’s of nursing program courses.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

No Courses Required Prior to Enrollment:

All that is required to begin the master’s of nursing program coursework is:

  • A BSN degree from an accredited institution recognized by the US Department of Education.
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • A current, unrestricted RN license to practice nursing in the United States.

Transcripts

Students applying to one of Salem’s nursing programs must have their official transcripts sent to Salem from each post-secondary academic institution they have previously attended, regardless of whether or not they want to transfer any courses. All official transcripts must be received by the end of the student’s first course or the student will be administratively dropped from the nursing program.

Resources for Adult Learners

A support advisor who is focused on helping you reach your educational goals and dedicated to adding MSN after your name.

Go to Class from Anywhere on Any Device

Salem’s online learning platform is mobile-friendly. All you need is an Internet connection to access your courses, student portal, & learning resources from anywhere.

Tutoring Services

Should you need additional assistance.

Your Support Team

To advise you academically and financially throughout the program.

Online Library

With 24-hour access and the ability to contact a librarian for support.

You will have access to the Student Advancement & Success strategies such as information on success in online courses, time management, scholarly writing, ways to reduce stress, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN)?

A Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level program that provides advanced education and specialization in nursing practice, leadership, education, or administration.

What career opportunities are available with an MSN?

Graduates can pursue roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse administrator, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife.

Can I specialize in a specific area within an MSN program?

Yes, MSN programs often offer various specialties such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and more.

Is work experience required before enrolling in an MSN program?

Some MSN programs prefer applicants with nursing experience, while others may accept individuals with a strong academic background and a commitment to nursing.

What subjects are covered in the curriculum of an MSN program?

The curriculum typically includes courses related to advanced nursing practice, clinical skills, healthcare leadership, research, and evidence-based practice.

Are there practical components like clinical rotations in the program?

Yes, many MSN programs include clinical rotations or practicum experiences to provide hands-on training and real-world application of skills.

Can I work while pursuing an MSN?

Yes, many MSN programs offer flexible scheduling options, including part-time or online formats, to accommodate working nurses.

How long does it take to complete an MSN program?

The duration varies depending on the program and specialty. Full-time programs typically take about 1.5 to 2 years, while part-time options may extend the duration.

Why Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Accreditation

NLN CNEA logo

Salem University’s Master of Science in Nursing program (delivered via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.

Read More About Our Online Nursing Programs

If you’re interested in getting started on your Master of Science in Nursing degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.

While many important factors exist when choosing a nursing education program, national accreditation should be crucial when pursuing any nursing degree. Below are the main reasons it is important to enroll in a nationally accredited nursing program.

National Accreditation of Nursing Programs:

Is a process that evaluates the quality of nursing programs to determine if they are meeting specific state and national standards. Nursing programs that are nationally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education, such as CNEA, ensure the public that their program is held to a common set of standards of quality across the United States. This process improves the quality of nursing education, creates a culture of continuous improvement of academic quality, keeps the curriculum up to date on current trends and advances in nursing and healthcare, and greatly enhances the overall quality of care administered by nurses who graduate from a nationally accredited program.

Attending a National Accredited Nursing School:

  • Enables students to be eligible for funding support from federal and state agencies and foundations.
  • Is required by many nursing programs for admission to graduate programs.
  • Is required by some state regulatory agencies for their nursing employees.
  • Assists employers seeking graduates who are competent practitioners.
  • Facilitates the transfer of credit using the following considerations:
    • The educational quality of the institution from which the student transfers;
    • The comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned from the programs offered by the receiving college or program;
    • The appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned from the programs offered by the receiving college or program.
male and female nurses in scrubs and lab coats

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If you’re interested in getting started on your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or start a live chat with us today!