Accelerate your nursing career with our industry-aligned curriculum enriched with Christian values and career connections.

Take the fast path to career advancement at Houston Christian University. Offered through the Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing, HCU’s accelerated RN to BSN to MSN program online program is designed for ADN prepared nurses who want to earn both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. Students can choose between two MSN degree tracks: Nurse Leadership or Nurse Education.

Enrolling in HCU’s 100% online RN to BSN to MSN program saves you time and money by letting you take six fewer credits than you would if you earned your degrees separately. You will advance straight into your MSN courses when you finish your BSN, enabling you to complete the program in as little as three years while working full time.

Unlike other institutions, HCU combines Christian values with progressive healthcare practices, generating uniquely skilled nurse educators and nurse leaders. HCU’s RN to BSN to MSN program graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact on the next generation of nurses.

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Tuition & Fees

RN to BSN to MSN Program Curriculum

Online RN to BSN to MSN Program at a Glance

  • 60 Credit Hours – Taken 100% Online
  • 2 Specializations – in Nurse Leadership and Nurse Education
  • 3 Years – to Complete While Working Full Time
  • Affordable Tuition

At HCU, our students come first. We understand that graduate school is a big commitment, so we offer personalized support to every student. We set you up for success as a nurse educator or nurse leader.

Students will earn their BSN after completing the undergraduate and bridge coursework. This allows them to enhance their resume and become eligible for job promotions before they have even finished the program.

As students grow closer to finishing their BSN degree, they can select the MSN track that is best for their career goals with guidance from a designated career coach.

Online RN to BSN to MSN Courses and Degree Plan

As a Christian university, HCU recognizes nursing as both an art and a science. Students are provided with a broad-based liberal arts foundation during the BSN level courses that is then built upon in the MSN courses. The holistic curriculum, taught by Christian faculty, prepares students to launch a successful career in nurse education or nurse leadership.

Students first complete the BSN-level curriculum, consisting of advanced nursing courses and foundational general education courses. Before finishing the BSN requirements, students take two 16-week bridge courses for six credits. Students earn their BSN degree after completing the bridge courses. Undergraduate credits earned prior to enrolling at HCU may also be eligible for transfer.

RN-MSN Nurse Educator degree plan
RN-MSN Nurse Leader degree plan

Course Summaries and Highlights

  • BSN Level Nursing Courses – 7 courses, 24 credit hours; 100% online 8-week terms; graduate quickly.
  • BSN Level General Education Courses – 46 credit hours; 100% online. At least 30 general education credit hours must be completed with HCU Once an undergraduate student has enrolled in the program, up to 18 credit hours may be accepted for transfer credit. Students will reach 60 credits from the BSN level, bridge, and MSN courses.
  • Bridge Courses – 2 courses; 6 credit hours 16-week terms; 100% online.
  • MSN Courses – 10 courses; 30 credit hours 16-week terms; 100% online.

 

MSN Program Benefits and Opportunities

Tight-Knit Community

At HCU, small class sizes foster connections with your professors and peers that extend beyond the walls of the classroom.

Personalized Support

We’ll match you with a success coach who will assist you with registration, organization, and academic guidance.

Mission-Driven

Our Christian values make up the heart of our institution. The RN to BSN to MSN program curriculum reflects our focus on community-based care with opportunities for service-based learning.

Affordable

Make the most of annual tuition reimbursement from employers to complete the program affordably.

BSN and MSN Career Outlook

HCU partners with numerous healthcare organizations, including the Texas Medical Center, to connect students with leading healthcare experts and top facilities so they can hone their clinical skills.

70%

The percentage of employers that strongly prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses over ADN-prepared nurses. – AACN

$94,000

BSN-prepared nurses earn$94,000 a year on average, while nurses with an ADN make roughly$77,000. – Payscale

$104,000

The median salary for nurse educators in Houston. – Glassdoor

$114,000

The median salary for nurse managers in Houston. – Glassdoor

What Our Students And Faculty Are Saying

Learn More About the MSN Degrees

You can choose a focus for the master's portion of your coursework. Review the different Master of Science in Nursing degrees to see which one is the best fit for you.

Admissions and Aid

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. They also need at least one year of professional nursing experience. Our admissions team works closely with each student to help them maximize transfer credits.

Take the next steps towards your nursing career:

Start your journey from an RN-BSN-MSN today

Join a community of future nurses who share your passion for compassionate healthcare at one of the most respected nursing schools in Houston, Texas. This program welcomes dedicated individuals ready to embrace the calling of nursing with both professional excellence and spiritual purpose.

Contact your program coordinator for specific questions related to nursing courses.
Carol Lavender, RN DNP, DNP
Carol Lavender, RN DNP, DNP
Professor of Nursing
Dean, Linda R. Dunham School of Nursing
(281) 649-3680
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.