BSN to MN Program

The BSN to MN Program prepares graduates with advanced leadership skills to be applied in the healthcare delivery system across a wide range of settings. Functions include; client advocacy, team manger, information manager, outcomes manager, systems analyst/risk anticipator, educator, and active professional. The Montana State Board of Nursing has identified a Master's in Nursing Degree as the minimum qualification for the registered nurse educator role.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. Students accepted to the program may begin their coursework any semester, based on the following application deadlines: July 15 for a Fall start, December 1 for a Spring start, & April 1 for a Summer start. 

As an MN degree graduate, you are eligible to take the certification examination as a Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNL). CNL certification exam info.

A Certificate in Nursing Education can be taken concurrently with the MN degree.

Distance Delivered Format:

All graduate courses are offered via distance delivery with video conference used to supplement content. Seeteaching methodsbelow for more information. Travel to Bozeman may be required for some coursework. Applications are limited to students from states: MT, UT, WY, ID, CO, or AK

How to apply: 

All graduate nursing program applications are conducted through MSU's application portal.  Please create an account to initiate the application process. 

 

The following elements are required for a complete application:

  • 3 personal essays (prompts can only be found on the first page of the application)​
  • 3 professional references that can speak to your nursing knowledge, motivation, work ethic, and writing ability.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where you completed coursework, even if a degree was not conferred.
    • Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for coursework completed at MSU-Bozeman​

 

 

More Details Below: 

Applicants must meet the following requirements:  

  • Be physically located in MT, UT, WY, ID, CO, or AK.
  • Undergraduate and graduate minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.
  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited upper division program which included supervised clinical practice in a variety of nursing settings, including nursing leadership/management.
  • Successful completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics. 
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse. 
  • If clinical education experiences are to be completed in Montana, RN licensure in Montana is required.
  • If applicable, English proficiency scores as outlined by the Graduate School.
  • Maximum number of transferable credits from prior nursing graduate work is limited to 9 credits from a non-conferred degree, and 30 credits from a conferred degree. Read more in our Graduate Program policy

Full details on Montana State University's graduate cost of attendance and estimated fees can be found on the MSU catalog.  

Read more details on expenses 

Computer proficiency and reliable Internet access is required for graduate students who are admitted to the program: refer to Technical Requirements

All Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing graduate courses are offered via 'Distance Delivery' which is defined as a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities.

 

Synchronous Intensive Classes: At the discretion of course faculty each semester, classes meet synchronously via video conference monthly.  Dates and times are announced at the beginning of each academic year.  Some exams/quizzes may also be held synchronously, and students will be given dates/times months in advance. 

 

Asynchronous: During a semester individual students log on to the digital learning management system (at their convenience) to participate in class discussions, submit assignments, take quizzes or exams, complete content modules, or other similar activities.  Courses will have published due dates for assignments and activities. 

 

Travel: Travel to Bozeman is typically not expected more than once per year, though this may vary across graduate program options. Travel to Bozeman may include in-person orientation for first year students, clinical skills weeks, and graduation. Travel to other campuses (Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, or Missoula) may be required once or twice per year for simulation, exams, or skills checkoffs. 

You will complete a MN Professional Project developed in collaboration with a faculty chairperson and committee. Examples of exciting and innovative student projects include: assessment of medical errors on a medical surgical unit, improving communication between patients and care team, and developing a cardiac services nurse residency program. 

Accreditation Info:

ACME Logo      CCNE Seal