Accelerated online MSN programs allow registered nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in as little as 12–18 months, opening the door to leadership roles, six-figure salaries, and specialized clinical careers.

This guide ranks the best accelerated online MSN programs based on cost, flexibility, accreditation, and career outcomes.

Related:

• Top Traditional MSN Degree Programs
• Best Scholarships for Nurse Practitioners
• Top Online MSN Degree Programs
• Most Affordable Online MSN Degree Programs
• What Can I Do with a Master’s of Science in Nursing?
• Shortest Online RN to BSN Program

Our Method: Ranking the Best Accelerated BSN to MSN Programs

Accelerated MSN programs online are a challenge to compare. But, to rank the best online MSN programs, Best Health Degree’s editors sought out accredited colleges and universities offering a quicker way to get a master’s in nursing education.

Along with speed, though, our analysts ranked programs according to 5 criteria: Cost, Graduation Rate, Job Placement, Student Reviews, and also Salary Potential. We use accurate data from IPEDS, Niche, and also College Scorecard. So, students can trust their accelerated BSN to MSN programs to provide a real return on investment.

Our editors first ranked accredited accelerated BSN to MSN programs in July 2022. This ranking was updated March 2026.

Based on the provided page, here is a comparison of the accelerated online MSN programs. These programs are designed for working nurses and vary in length, cost, and specialization.

Accelerated Online MSN Programs

1. Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis Medical Center’s College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an accelerated academic path.

The MSN program from SFMC is for nursing professionals who hold an associate’s degree or a diploma in nursing with a significant amount of experience and a baccalaureate degree from a different discipline than nursing. Degree candidates must enter the program with a minimum of 59 pre-nursing education credits. Then, the core curriculum includes the completion of 33 semester hours.

Saint Francis Medical Center opened in 1876. It is the teaching hospital within the University of Illinois’s College of Medicine. Additionally, the medical center is among the top hospitals in Illinois for the recovery of organs. Saint Francis Medical Center is a level I trauma center and is also the largest hospital in the Peoria regional area.

Degree: Accelerated MSN

2. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Master of Science of Nursing (MSN) degree program. Furthermore, this is one of the fastest BSN to MSN programs students can complete entirely online.

Vandy’s accelerated BSN to MSN programs offers nursing professionals an opportunity to add a master’s specialty degree in just a year. This online MSN program prepares graduates for careers in many nursing health care professions. They find employment as Midwives, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Practitioners, and also Psychiatric Nurses. Students complete 40 credit units over 4 consecutive semesters. However, students who choose dual specialties may take one extra semester.

Vanderbilt University started in 1873 as Central University. Cornelius Vanderbilt was a shipping magnate who provided the university’s first endowment of $1,000,000, which is approximately $20,000,000 in current dollars. So, the school changed its name to honor him. The school’s 325+-acre campus is home to nearly 13,000 students. Additionally, more than 4,000 academic staff members operate its ten colleges.

Degree: BSN to MSN

3. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University’s Accelerated MSN Option stands out primarily because of its speed and flexibility, tailored specifically for busy, working nurses. While traditional master’s programs can drag on for two or more years, Chamberlain allows BSN-prepared students to complete their MSN in as few as 10 to 12 months for non-clinical tracks like Nursing Education or Healthcare Policy. By utilizing 8-week sessions and allowing students to take two or three courses at a time, the program minimizes “down time” and helps nurses jump into leadership or educator roles significantly faster than their peers at traditional institutions.

Beyond the rapid timeline, the program is a top choice because of its seamless integration with professional life. Chamberlain is CCNE-accredited and offers 100% online coursework with no mandatory sign-on times. You can finish your degree without sacrificing your current nursing shifts. They also provide extensive “student success” resources. This includes 24/7 library access and dedicated advisors who help manage the heavy workload of an accelerated pace. This combination of academic rigor, national recognition, and a “student-first” schedule makes it one of the most practical paths for career advancement in the nursing field.

Degree: Accelerated MSN Online

4. Wilmington University

Wilmington University (WilmU) is a top choice for speed and flexibility. Most students can finish the Nursing Leadership track in just 12 months. The program uses 7-week blocks instead of long semesters. This allows you to focus on one or two subjects at a time. With rolling admissions, you can start your degree as soon as you are ready.

The program also offers a unique Dual-Credit Advantage™. This lets you earn credits toward a Doctorate (DNP) while finishing your MSN. At roughly $551 per credit, it is one of the most affordable private options available. The curriculum is built by active healthcare experts to ensure high job placement. Graduates are well-prepared for executive roles with salaries often exceeding $115,000.

Degree: RN to MSN

5. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an MSN accelerated academic track to earn a degree in Nursing Administration. Students must finish at least 42 credit units through LU’s distance learning platform.

LU’s MSN in Nursing Administration has accreditation from the CCNE. Liberty University provides a generous transfer credit policy of up to 50% of the degree’s total credit requirements. On average, students complete Liberty University’s MSN program in about two years.

Liberty University started in 1974. Furthermore, Liberty is one of the largest private institutions of higher education that has affiliations with the Christian Church. The Lynchburg campus is home to more than 15,000 students; however, other 90,000+ students study online. Liberty University’s Freedom Tower is 275 feet tall and the largest standing structure in Lynchburg, VA.

Degree: Accelerated MSN

6. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida (UWF) stands out for its exceptional value. It combines low tuition with high academic standards. The program is CCNE-accredited and consistently earns top rankings from U.S. News & World Report. At roughly $425 per credit hour, it is one of the most affordable options in the country. This allows nurses to earn an MSN without taking on massive student debt.

UWF also delivers proven career results. Their Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduates maintain a 93% certification pass rate. The curriculum is built for busy professionals using 8-week courses. Students get personalized support and high-level clinical training. This preparation leads to high-paying roles in leadership and primary care. Most graduates see their salary potential jump to over $120,000.

Degree: Online MSN (3)- Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an accelerated RN to MSN degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program prepares students for roles as educators and administrators.

Degree candidates take classes online using a sophisticated distance-learning platform that is easily accessible and available every day. Coursework includes Patient Assessment, Population Health, Legal & Ethical Considerations in Health Care, and a final capstone at the end of all coursework. Graduates find rewarding work as Nurse Leaders and Nurse Educators, among other options. SUNY graduate nursing degrees are:

• MSN – Nursing Education
• MSN – Population Healthcare

SNHU started in 1932. However, much of its recent impressive growth is due to its distance learning divisions. The school operates with six colleges and schools, with the College of Online & Continuing Education headquartered in Manchester, NH. The school’s press release noted that online enrollment in 2001 grew to more than 80,000 students.

Degree: MSN – accelerated

8. Herzing University

Herzing University offers an online accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with three academic concentrations. Herzing’s MSN sampling includes an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, an MSN Nurse Educator, and an MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration.

Each online master’s in nursing concentration takes about 24 months to complete. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits all three of Herzing University’s graduate nursing degree academic tracks. These accelerated BSN to MSN programs offer working nurses great flexibility and convenience in light of a nursing professional’s busy schedules.

Herzing University opened in 1965 as a private higher learning institution specializing in computer training. Currently, the university operates with nine campuses across 7 different states. The school offers healthcare, nursing, business, legal studies, and technology programs. Herzing University has received accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Degree: 3 concentrations – less than 2 years

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program that is entirely online. Accelerated BSN to MSN programs, like Western Governors University’s, take approximately eleven months to complete.

To be eligible for WGU’s graduate program online, degree applicants must already have earned their baccalaureate nursing degree. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Western Governors University’s graduate nursing degree distance-learning degree programs. Students graduate prepared to work in varied health care settings like schools, agencies, hospitals, and also businesses.

Western Governors University started in 1997 as a private online institution of education. The online school’s administration has headquarters in Utah, and its current student population exceeds 110,000 students. WGU offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of:

• Health Professions
• Information Technology
• Education
• Business

Degree: MSN – 11 months

10. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers an accelerated online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program which a special emphasis on Leadership in Nursing. KSU’s online graduate nursing degree program is entirely online, and students can complete it in as little as fifteen months.

KSU’s distance learning graduate degree program focuses on nursing issues like ethical decision-making, Conflict Management, Healthcare Policy, and also Leadership Strategies. Students must complete a minimum of 40 credit units to graduate with their MSN in Leadership in Nursing.

Kennesaw State University started in 1963. It is a member school of the University of Georgia. The university operates with two campuses in Georgia cities of Kennesaw and Marietta. Annual enrollment exceeds 35,000, which makes KSU the 3rd largest school in the Peach State. KSU’s campus is also home to a sculpture that weighs more than 345,000 pounds, entitled Spaceship Earth.

Degree: MSN – Leadership in Nursing – 15 months

1-Year Online MSN Programs

For registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a 1-year online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program can be one of the fastest ways to move into leadership, education, or advanced healthcare roles. Accelerated MSN programs are designed for working nurses and often use short course terms, year-round scheduling, and competency-based learning to shorten the time required to complete graduate nursing education.

While some clinical specialties such as nurse practitioner programs may take longer, many nursing leadership, nurse educator, and healthcare administration tracks can be completed in approximately 12 months to 18 months.

Below are three well-known universities offering fast-track or accelerated MSN options.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a competency-based online MSN program designed for working nurses who want flexibility and the ability to accelerate their progress.

Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University offers several accelerated online MSN programs designed for nurses who want to advance their careers while continuing to work.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers one of the most well-known accelerated graduate nursing programs in the United States.

Why Nurses Choose Accelerated MSN Programs

There are several reasons many nurses pursue 1-year MSN programs online:

Career advancement

An MSN can qualify nurses for leadership roles such as nurse manager, clinical educator, or healthcare administrator.

Higher salary potential

Many MSN-level positions earn significantly higher salaries than registered nursing roles.

Expanded career options

Graduate nursing education opens the door to careers in healthcare management, education, research, and informatics.

Flexible learning

Online MSN programs allow nurses to continue working while completing graduate coursework.

Careers You Can Pursue With a 1-Year MSN

Graduates of accelerated MSN programs often move into roles such as:

• Nurse educator
• Nursing manager or supervisor
• Healthcare administrator
• Clinical program director
• Health informatics specialist

Many of these roles are among the fastest-growing healthcare careers due to increasing demand for healthcare services and improved healthcare systems management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you complete an MSN in one year?

Yes. Some accelerated online MSN programs can be completed in about 12 months, particularly programs focused on nursing leadership, education, or administration. Programs that include extensive clinical training may take longer.

Do you need a BSN to enroll in a 1-year MSN program?

Most accelerated MSN programs require applicants to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active RN license before applying.

Are online MSN programs respected?

Yes. Online MSN programs from accredited universities are widely respected in healthcare. Employers generally focus on whether the program is accredited by organizations such as CCNE or ACEN.

What is the fastest MSN specialization?

Specializations with fewer clinical requirements tend to be the fastest, including:

• Nursing leadership
• Nurse education
• Healthcare administration
• Nursing informatics

Is an MSN worth it financially?

For many nurses, earning an MSN can lead to higher salaries, leadership positions, and expanded career opportunities, making it a strong return on investment over time.

Are Online MSN Programs Easier than On-Campus?

Do you want to know the easiest online nurse practitioner program available? Great question, but quite challenging to answer.

While some online MSN programs, in general, are challenging to attain, however, there are schools with easier MSN programs. The easiest online nurse practitioner program is the MSN degree program that meets your career objectives, with tuition expenses that land within your budget,

What are the Admission Requirements for Accelerated MSN Online Programs?

Admission requirements for accelerated online MSN programs vary by institution and type of program. However, general requirements for most schools include the list below.

• official transcripts
• a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or grade point average
• an active and unrestricted nursing license/unrestricted RN license

What are Nurse Specializations?

In an MSN program, nurses can choose a specialized area of practice. Online MSN degrees or an RN to MSN program typically offer these areas of concentration.

Examples are Midwifery, Advanced Holistic Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Public Health Nursing, Advanced Nursing Practice, Legal Nurse Consultant, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Research, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Executive, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, and Anesthesia.

• Nurse Anesthetist learn more
• Nurse-Midwife learn more
• Nurse Practitioner learn more
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner learn more
• Nurse Informatics learn more

What is the Job Outlook with an Accelerated MSN?

Are career prospects and salaries for MSN program graduates good? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall job outlook for individuals with an accelerated MSN degree is great! For the ten-year period covering 2020 to 2030, the employment of nurse practitioners will grow 52%. This growth far outpaces all occupations’ overall average growth rate of 8%.

Can I Get an Accelerated MSN if I Have a Bachelor’s in Another Field?

There are generally three general categories of online MSN programs. For the most part, most Master of Science in Nursing degree programs offered as a fast track option fall into one of the following online degree program formats:

• BSN to MSN fast-track online degree program
• RN to MSN accelerated track online degree program
• Second-degree nursing programs without prerequisites

Prerequisites for Most MSN Programs

Those schools and universities offering an RN to MSN with bachelor’s in another field allow MSN degree candidates to avoid re-taking prerequisites they have already successfully passed. Second-degree nursing programs without prerequisites programs are a great transition degree that allows working professionals to easily transfer to the nursing profession from another industry.

This transition-type MSN degree program helps the nursing industry stay on top of the many nursing shortages faced in many geographic areas across the country. An alternative degree some choose is an affordable online MHA degree.

MSN degree candidates should remember to keep their eye on the prize. Tremendous job opportunities often bring rewarding responsibilities and more lucrative salaries and compensation packages.

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