MSN Degree Programs in Washington, DC

The District of Columbia is an area of the country with a high demand for nurses. That means there is plenty of career choices for both new and long-term nursing professionals. That’s why every year, nurses re-enter education to study a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These graduate programs open more doors and come in two different types – those for Associate’s Degree graduates, and for Bachelor’s Degree graduates.

Nursing schools in Washington DC offer full campus and fully online programs while some are flexibly offering hybrid study with elements of both.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs

There are two ways to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in Washington District of Columbia. The first pathway is for those with an Associate's Degree. This is more involved as you didn't get the full experience that a bachelor's degree confers. The second is for nursing bachelor's graduates – a more academic route. This type will naturally not take as long as ADN/RN to type. However, at the end of study, each type will lead to a full Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Check each school's listing as some may offer both types of programs for the greatest flexibility for you.

Typical Program Length

• Anything between 12-15 months over four semester full-time
• Anything between 24-30 months over six semesters part-time

Typical Admission Requirements

• A current RN license in good standing
• ADN or BSN from a regionally accredited college or university
• GPA of 3.0 for most programs, though more prestigious schools may ask for a higher score
• A resume detailing clinical experiences or three recommendation letters
• CPR certification
• Mandatory prerequisite courses graded with at least minimum entry requirements

Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs

ANMP's (Accelerated Nursing Master's Programs), or MENP (Master's Entry Nursing Program) are graduate programs for individuals with bachelor's degrees in subjects that did not include nursing. They are faster than a full master's for graduates due to the intensity of fast-tracking graduates in other disciplines. In Washington DC, Sentara College of Health Sciences offers a great MENP. You can work as a nurse on completion regardless of your past bachelor's degree.

Typical Program Length:

Sentara College of Health Science MENP takes around two years to complete, working through the summer. Part-time study will take longer depending on your pace.

Typical Admissions Requirements:

• Only 30 candidates are accepted in any given year
• A relevant degree from an accredited college
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Supporting academic transcripts proving past grades
• Interview may be required in some circumstances
• Minimum grade B in all prerequisite courses
• Students for whom English is a second language will be asked to provide evidence of proficiency