Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of Tulsa's Online RN to MSN Pathway

The University of Tulsa offers a comprehensive online RN to MSN pathway designed for motivated nurses seeking to advance their leadership skills and become more specialized in their practice. This pathway combines the university's 35-credit RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with the 30-credit Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, allowing students to earn a graduate-level nursing education in as few as 24 to 36 months.

Program Overview

The online RN to MSN pathway is designed to accommodate the working nurse, featuring a flexible eight-week course format. The program introduces key concepts and competencies to level up leadership skills, with the MSN curriculum offering four specialty tracks:

• Leadership and Innovation: Emphasizes key leadership competencies such as cross-disciplinary communication, budgeting, staffing, and performance measurement.
• Education and Elevation: Prepares nurse educators with pedagogical theories and strategies, assessment and evaluation tools, and curriculum development tools.
• Public Health Global Vision: Develops expertise in population health and wellness, public health promotion, and disease prevention — both locally and globally.
• Informatics and Analytics: Guides nurses in the practice of informatics, data and information management, healthcare information workflows, and project management.

Career Outcomes

Pursuing education beyond a BSN can amplify leadership influence and prepare nurses for roles with more independence and higher salaries. Potential career outcomes for BSN- and MSN-educated nurses include:

BSN Careers

• Charge Nurse: Median Annual Salary: $80,533
• Nurse Case Manager: Median Annual Salary: $77,054
• Unit Manager: Median Annual Salary: $73,512
• Hospice Nurse: Median Annual Salary: $73,353

MSN Careers

• Medical Director, Community Health: Median Annual Salary: $212,589
• Chief Nursing Officer: Median Annual Salary: $140,246
• Chief Nursing Informatics Officer: Median Annual Salary: $135,931
• Nursing Curriculum Developer: Median Annual Salary: $85,000

Curriculum and Courses

The online RN to MSN pathway combines TU's 35-credit BSN program with the 30-credit MSN program. The curriculum includes:

Online RN to BSN Courses

• TU Core Curriculum (25 credit hours)
• Pre-Requisites and Nursing Foundation Courses (23 hours)
• Nursing Electives (37 hours)
• Nursing Core (35 hours)

Online MSN Courses

• NSG 7113 Advanced Theoretical Frameworks of Nursing (3 credits)
• NSG 7123 Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• NSG 7133 Health Care Policy (3 credits)
• NSG 7143 Health Promotion (3 credits)
• NSG 7153 Pathophysiology (3 credits)
• NSG 7163 Pharmacology (3 credits)
• Specialty track courses (e.g., Leadership and Innovation, Education and Elevation, Public Health Global Vision, Informatics and Analytics)

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the online RN to MSN pathway, applicants must:

• Complete an application for admission
• Provide documentation of an active, unencumbered registered nurse license
• Submit unofficial college transcripts
• Hold an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution

Transfer Credit Guidelines

The RN to BSN program requires a total of 125 credit hours. Students must complete at least 35 credit hours at TU. Transfer credits may be accepted as follows:

• Up to 90 credits may be transferred, including 50 credits towards general education requirements and 22 credits towards foundational nursing courses.
• Up to 18 additional transfer credits may be awarded upon submission and review of a professional portfolio.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

The online RN to MSN pathway is affordably priced, with textbooks included in the cost of tuition. The total program cost is based on 65 total credits at $458 per credit hour. Financial assistance and payment plans are available to support students in achieving their educational goals.

About The University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa is known for its long-standing legacy of producing skilled and hard-working nurses. The university's online programs are designed to prepare a new generation of future-ready nurses, compassionate caregivers, and nursing leaders to thrive in their field. With a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to growth-minded education, The University of Tulsa is an ideal institution for nurses seeking to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.