Nursing RN to BSN
What is the RN-BSN Completion Program?
Are you a licensed registered nurse looking to advance your education and career? The RN-BSN Completion Program at Montana State University-Northern provides a flexible, seamless pathway for RNs who have completed an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
This fully ACEN-accredited program prepares graduates for expanded roles in nursing leadership, community health, and advanced clinical practice. With courses delivered online, you can balance your professional responsibilities and personal commitments while furthering your education.
Whether you choose a full-time path (three semesters) or a part-time option (up to five years), the RN-BSN program accommodates your schedule, empowering you to grow in your career without disrupting your current job.
Why Choose the RN-BSN Completion Program?
The RN-BSN Completion Program at MSU-Northern builds on your existing nursing skills and knowledge, offering a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the evolving demands of the healthcare field.
- Flexibility: Fully online coursework with a two-credit clinical component completed in your local area.
- Accredited Excellence: Fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
- Career Advancement: Prepares graduates for leadership roles, community health positions, and graduate-level education.
- Seamless Transition: Designed for ASN graduates, eliminating redundant coursework and focusing on advanced nursing concepts.
The ASN program at MSU-Northern provides the foundational skills and knowledge required to become an RN, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
The RN-BSN program, however, expands on this foundation, focusing on advanced topics such as:
- Nursing leadership and management
- Community health and population-based care
- Clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice
- Healthcare policy and informatics
Unlike the face-to-face ASN program, the RN-BSN program is primarily online, allowing you to continue working while earning your degree.
Curriculum Focus:
- ASN: Foundational nursing skills and entry-level clinical practice.
- RN-BSN: Advanced nursing concepts, leadership, and specialized clinical practice.
Delivery Format:
- ASN: Predominantly face-to-face instruction.
- RN-BSN: Primarily online with localized clinical requirements.
Career Outcomes:
- ASN: Prepares graduates for entry-level RN roles.
- RN-BSN: Expands career opportunities in leadership, public health, and graduate education.
- Accredited Excellence: Fully accredited by ACEN and approved by the Montana State Board of Nursing.
- Flexible Learning: Full-time (three semesters) and part-time (up to five years) options available.
- Online Accessibility: Courses are 100% online, allowing you to maintain employment and complete your clinicals in your local area.
- Career Preparation: Focuses on leadership, critical thinking, and advanced clinical skills.
Graduates of the RN-BSN Completion Program are prepared for diverse roles in nursing, including leadership, education, and specialized clinical practice. Many also use this degree as a stepping stone to graduate studies in advanced nursing practice.
| Career | Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
|
Nurse Manager |
Oversees a team of nurses, managing schedules, training, and patient care standards to ensure efficient and effective healthcare delivery. | $87,000 - $150,000 |
| Community Health Nurse | Works within communities to improve overall health by providing education, preventive care, and direct health services, often focusing on underserved populations. | $64,930 |
| Clinical Nurse Educator | Provides training and education to nursing staff and students, developing curricula, and ensuring that clinical practices meet current standards and guidelines. | $87,310 |
| Case Manager | Coordinates comprehensive care plans for patients, ensuring efficient utilization of healthcare resources and facilitating communication among healthcare providers, patients, and families. | $97,098 |
| Clinical Nurse Leader | Oversees the integration of care for a specific set of patients, evaluates patient outcomes, and implements evidence-based practices to improve care quality. | $128,283 |
*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.
The Academic Map provides a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of the courses required to complete the program.
Example Courses :
- Developmental Psychology
- Family Nursing
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Nursing Ethics
Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities. Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.
For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
BSN Program Mission Statement
The MSU-Northern RN-BSN Program assists the RN to build on prior experiences, knowledge
and skills in order to grow personally and professionally into a leadership role to
address complex healthcare issues in a diverse and evolving world of healthcare.
Montana State University-Northern Department of Nursing Associate of Science Degree
in Nursing (ASN) is fully approved by:
Montana State Board of Nursing (MT BON)
301 South Park
PO Box 2000513
Helena MT 59620-0513
406-841-2300
nurse.mt.gov
The RN-BSN Completion Program follows the Rules and Statutes of the Montana State Board of Nursing.
The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) Program at MSU-Northern located in Havre, Montana and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN Completion) program is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404-975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by ACEN regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
Dr. Jaime Duke DNP, RN, Director of Nursing
Office: Hagener Science Center 109
Phone: (406) 265-3582
Kasthuri Udayakumar DNP, RN
Office: Hagener Science Center 107
Phone: (406) 265-3529
Dr. Frank Zuccala DNP, FNP-BC, FAWM
Office: Hagener Science Center 110
Phone: (406) 265-3591
Jenni Pula BSN, RN
Office: Hagener Science Center 106
Phone: (406) 265-3748
Mary Pappas Ed.D, RN, CNE
Professor Emeritus
Phone: (406) 265-4796
Adjunct Faculty:
Carmen Salveson MSN, RN