Program Overview
The RN to MSN program tracks are designed for licensed registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN and continue their education immediately to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Administration, Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). In addition to a flexible online learning environment and expert instructors, students benefit from a curriculum that combines the latest nursing theory with hands on practicum experience. Upon graduation, students are qualified for national FNP certification or prepared to launch a successful career as a nurse educator or nurse administrator.
Curriculum: The program can be completed in as little 36 months depending on which RN to MSN track is selected as well as meeting the requirements for the BSN.
Students begin the program as an undergraduate in the RN-BSN program and must meet all undergraduate requirements prior to transitioning into the MSN program of choice. Prior to completing the BSN requirement, two graduate-level courses must be completed. Those courses will be 2 of the last 3 courses needed to complete the undergraduate requirements. The courses will be applied to meet both BSN electives and MSN core requirements.
Once a student officially graduates with their BSN, the student must continue to the MSN program within one semester, excluding summer, to successfully transition. The estimated date of completion is dependent upon the successful completion of the undergraduate program and transition period, as well as the length of the program outline of the specific MSN program chosen.
Admission Requirements
Basic admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted. Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts to the UT Arlington’s Admission’s Office. The Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) must be completed prior to progressing in the application process.
After admission to the University, a College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) Undergraduate Academic Advisor will review the application file for nursing specific requirements. Students should review the CONHI undergraduate program specific requirements. Specific program requirements can be found in the University Catalog - Nursing, Undergraduate Programs
Applicants must have proof of an active and Unencumbered RN License verifiable via Nursys or State Boards of Nursing (BON)
Applicants to the University and students who have already been admitted to UTA, but not enrolled, who want to switch to the RN-MSN program must complete the supplemental questions form (click or tap here).
Applicants requesting to change their major should submit the Undergraduate Change of Major Form
* Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in all UTA accelerated online programs. See our state authorizations page for details. Currently enrolled students who reside in ineligible states will need approval to continue uninterrupted in their programs in accordance with applicable state laws. Approval is not guaranteed.
Prerequisites
Applicants with transfer coursework from non-regionally accredited institutions are encouraged to submit their courses early to prevent delays in registration. Course materials can be submitted through the Non-Regionally Accredited Transfer Credit Request portal.
See Course List here.
Orientation
New students are encouraged to attend an online orientation session before beginning the program. The orientation session is held daily at 4pm. In this session, students will meet their advisors and obtain more information about the program. Students should check their UTA student emails for instructions on how to join a session.
Tuition Costs
Total Tuition: Varies
Program Duration: As few as 36 months
Credit Hours: 68-71
Resources
Policies
Course Load
Undergraduate education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the nursing program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with undergraduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.
Study Time Recommendations
In general, for every-one semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 3 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 9 hours of study time, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.
Employment Recommendations
It is recommended that a student’s employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters. Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program.
Scholarship/Aid
Students seeking financial aid assistance, should contact the Financial Aid, Scholarships and MAV ScholarShop resources.
Academic Calendar
Students should review the academic calendar prior to enrolling and prepare accordingly.
Tutoring
E-tutoring is available for all undergraduate students experiencing academic difficulty. Please visit Online Tutoring - Division of Student Success - The University of Texas at Arlington for more information.
Students Success
Success Tips
Top Five Tips from Students to be Successful in Nursing
- You must manage your time well, stay organized, and use a calendar.
- Limit the number of hours you work to 16 per week. This will allow you to complete the assignments and really learn the information.
- Study EVERY day. Plan to study a minimum of 20-30 minutes EACH day for EACH course. Daily studying will help you retain the information.
- Use the resources available to you. This includes clinical faculty, lead teacher, peer mentors, student success, family, and friends. They can support and encourage you.
- And, to be successful in nursing school and in nursing, stay positive, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself!
Test Taking Skills
To be the most successful on nursing school tests, you must know the material and understand how to apply the information on a test. Good test taking strategies DO NOT replace knowledge, but they can enhance your ability to do well on tests when you are well informed. Review some test taking tips you can use.