Program Overview

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RN to MSN Online Nursing Bridge Program

The RN to MSN Online Nursing Bridge Program is designed for RNs who want to pursue an MSN but have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, or a BSN equivalent degree.

Overview

Drexel's online MSN bridge program is a 100% online course, convenient and accessible for at-work nurses, and is offered in all of their 10-week, quarter term sessions. The required "bridge course" is NURS 341: Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery (4.5 quarter credits).

Program Details

• Average duration: 2-4 years
• Format: Fully Online
• Quarter credits: Varies
• Tuition: $1169 per credit
• Accreditation: CCNE-accredited

RN to MSN Bridge Program at a Glance

• Online lectures feature a highly interactive synchronous e-learning method which challenges and engages students
• Drexel's master's degree in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Students will learn from an experienced and board-certified faculty from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions

Can You Earn an MSN without a BSN?

Yes, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree without first obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Current nurses with their RN licensure but a bachelor's degree in an alternative field may be eligible to bridge into one of Drexel's online MSN Advanced Role tracks.

How Long is the RN to MSN Bridge Program?

Drexel's MSN bridge program consists of one course, which can be completed in one 10-week term. Upon completion of the bridge course, students will begin their graduate-level MSN classes in the MSN Advanced Role track of their choice. While the timeframes can vary depending upon the track chosen, the average completion time is 2-3 years.

Eligible MSN Degrees for Nursing Bridge Programs

• MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management
• MSN: Nursing Education
• MSN: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management in Healthcare
• MSN: Undeclared
• Nurse Practitioner programs are not eligible

Curriculum

NURS 341

Course	Description	Credits
NURS 341	Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery	4.5

This course focuses on current issues in genetics, genomics, and pharmacogenomics and healthcare. Genetic and genomic influences across the healthcare continuum (health prevention, health promotion, disease management, and personalized medicine) are addressed.

Admissions Process

To apply, please complete the admission process to the MSN program of your choice:

• MSN: Nursing Education
• MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management
• MSN: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management
• MSN: Undeclared

Once admitted, students will be required to take a required "bridge course", NURS 335: Genetics and Genomics: Application to Nursing Practice. After successful completion of the bridge course, students will progress directly into graduate-level courses. The BSN is not awarded in this program.

Admissions Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • If the GPA is lower, students are still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on their resume. They must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to their clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
• While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make the application more competitive.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
• Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to the student's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
  • If the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
• Personal statement describing the student's interest in the program and particular specialty
• Resume
• Copy of the United States RN license
• Additional requirements for International Students

An admissions interview may be required.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1169 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1298 per credit)

For the academic year, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

Academic Calendar

Academic Year 2025-2026

Term	Classes Begin	Classes End	Exams Begin	Exams End
Fall 2025	September 22, 2025	December 6, 2025	December 8, 2025	December 13, 2025
Winter 2026	January 5, 2026	March 14, 2026	March 16, 2026	March 21, 2026
Spring 2026	March 30, 2026	June 6, 2026	June 8, 2026	June 13, 2026
Summer 2026	June 22, 2026	August 29, 2026	August 31, 2026	September 5, 2026