Requirements
and Restrictions
Learning Work?
or Live Event
RN to MSN Online Nursing Bridge Program
Classes Begin: January 5, 20262-4 years
Fully Online
Varies
CCNE-accredited
Drexel's online MSN 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. The required "bridge course" is NURS 341: Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery (4.5 quarter credits). As a 100% online course, it is convenient and accessible for at-work nurses, and is offered in all of our 10-week, quarter term sessions.
Once you complete all the application requirements and are offered admission to the MSN program, you will begin graduate-level nursing courses. The BSN degree is not awarded in this program. Learn more about earning your BSN and MSN in a combined program.
RN to MSN Bridge Program at a Glance
- Online lectures feature a highly interactive synchronous e-learning method which challenges and engages you
- Drexel’s master's degree in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- You will learn from an experienced and board-certified faculty from Drexel’s acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
Questions? We're here to help!
College of Nursing and Health Professions Program Team
CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
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, you will begin your graduate-level MSN classes in the MSN Advanced Role track of your 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
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
The RN-to-MSN Bridge program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Curriculum
| NURS 341 | Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery | 4.5 |
| Total Credits | 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, you'll be required to take a required “bridge course”, NURS 335: Genetics and Genomics: Application to Nursing Practice. After successful completion of the bridge course, you'll 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 your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume. You must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
- While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make your application more competitive.
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- 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 your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
- If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
- Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
- Resume
- Copy of your United States RN license
- Additional requirements for International Students
An admissions interview may be required.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $1169 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1298 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
Academic Calendar
2025-2026 Academic Year
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
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