As the U.S. population ages and the need for healthcare services grows, the strong demand for registered nurses is likely to intensify. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor market should create around 195,000 job openings annually for RNs through 2033. If you want to become an RN or currently hold an RN position and would like to broaden your skills to take on more senior roles, an online nursing degree can help you reach your goal without relocating or relinquishing your current job.
If you’re considering studying nursing online, you likely have many questions, including: What will your classes entail? How will you complete your practicum? How long will it take to earn your degree? This article addresses these questions (and more) in the context of Houston Christian University’s (HCU’s) online nursing degrees.
The HCU Online Learning Experience
HCU offers two online nursing programs: an RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN-MSN) and an MSN degree with four available specializations. Regardless of the program you choose, your learning experience at HCU will include:
- Flexibility: HCU’s online nursing programs accommodate working nurses, prioritizing flexibility to ensure students with demanding work schedules can succeed. Courses follow an asynchronous format (with no live class meetings, you can study when it best suits you) that takes place 100 percent online.
- Personalized support: While studying independently, you will have access to a dedicated faculty mentor throughout the program to provide quick, customized feedback when needed. Each student also works with a success coach who assists them with registration, time management, and encouragement.
- Community spirit: Online nursing students join the diverse HCU nursing community and build connections with professors and peers beyond the online classroom.
- Industry-aligned curriculum: HCU’s online nursing degrees feature industry-aligned coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, helping students prepare to succeed in real-world healthcare scenarios.
- Faith-based education: Christian values form the foundation of HCU. The university’s online nursing programs focus on developing passionate nurses who serve their communities.
Your Journey Through the Program
HCU’s online nursing programs both comprise 100 percent online, asynchronous courses supplemented by an in-person practicum. Read on to learn more about each degree.
RN to MSN
ADN-prepared nurses can achieve both their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and MSN degree through the HCU online RN-MSN program. The program enables students to complete both degrees faster than if they pursued them independently. On average, students complete the program in as little as three years while working full-time.
RN-MSN students start by completing a BSN-level curriculum, including advanced nursing and general education courses. Next, they complete two 16-week bridge courses. After completing these courses, they earn their BSN and advance to the MSN curriculum. RN-MSN students can choose between two MSN degree tracks: Nurse Leadership or Nurse Education.
In addition to online coursework, students must also complete a clinical practicum. You can complete your clinical hours at your current facility. Alternatively, HCU will match you with a medical facility in your local area.
MSN
The HCU online MSN program caters to nurses interested in qualifying for specialized or senior positions. Students can choose from four specialization options:
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): The MSN-PNP program focuses on nurses who want to specialize in caring for patients from birth to adolescence. The program takes seven semesters and requires 571 clinical practice hours, which students complete in person in their local area.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): If you have a passion for family-focused healthcare and want to gain the skills to manage, diagnose, and treat patients across the lifespan, this specialization may be for you. The HCU MSN-FNP program generally takes 24 to 26 months; students must complete 733 clinical hours at a local healthcare facility.
- Nurse Education: The HCU MSN in Nurse Education trains nurses to take on education roles in community colleges and hospitals. This program takes 24 months to complete. Nurse education students complete a residency at a local healthcare facility, where they can practice what they have learned under a mentor’s supervision.
- Nurse Leadership: If you aspire to top-level, nonclinical leadership positions in the healthcare industry, the MSN in Nurse Leadership can help you develop the skills you need. This program takes 24 months to complete and requires 200 practicum hours.
Earn an Online MSN at HCU
Now is a great time to consider earning an MSN. Nurses are in high demand, with a 40 percent growth rate in the job market for many advanced practice nursing specializations. With an MSN, you can qualify to work as a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, or a senior leader. These specialized positions enable you to do more impactful work and often come with higher salaries.
At HCU, you can earn your MSN while working full-time. HCU’s online nursing programs prioritize flexibility, offering 100 percent online, asynchronous coursework and the ability to complete your clinical hours at your current employer or another facility in your area.
Contact an enrollment advisor to learn more about the programs and the application process. If you’re ready, start your application today.