Best Dual-Degree Nursing Programs

Samford, a top-ranked Christian school in Birmingham, Alabama, aims to provide an affordable education at all levels. Samford's Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing offers a BSN-to-MSN with a family nurse practitioner specialty. This dual-degree nursing program meets standards set by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Graduates regularly excel on certification exams. Most courses run online, though students must commute to campus three times during the program. Samford offers two entry dates during the spring and fall.

Applicants must submit three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a professional resume. Samford does not require any amount of professional nursing experience. The program takes 5-6 semesters to complete depending on whether students start in the fall or spring.

A private Jesuit school in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga offers several online degrees and dual nursing degree programs. Learners can choose from three online master of science in nursing (MSN) options: family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership in healthcare, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

All three tracks allow learners to complete courses online, though students must complete clinicals onsite and attend at least one on-campus immersion. Gonzaga requires 30 credits for the nursing leadership in healthcare MSN and 47 credits for both nurse practitioner routes. All three options are available part time and take 6-9 semesters to complete.

Before applying, nurses must complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and hold an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license. Those without a BSN must complete foundational courses before gaining admission. Applicants must also maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Based in New York's state capital, UB leads public education in the state. The university offers over 140 undergraduate and 55 combined degree programs, including dual degree nursing programs.

UB's BS-to-RN track, an online program designed for registered nurses (RNs) with an associate degree or hospital-based diploma, takes 12-24 months to complete, depending on students' chosen route. Nurses complete courses asynchronously and may continue working while earning their bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes affordability and flexibility.

UB chooses applicants on a case-by-case basis, though all applicants need an unencumbered RN license and a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses. The school accepts transfer students, and those with previous college credit could reduce the time and cost of the online program.

A private Catholic school in Cincinnati, Ohio, Xavier educates roughly 6,500 students, about 2,000 of whom pursue graduate degrees. Although Xavier is a private school, it maintains affordability through financial aid and a low per-credit rate for online learners.

Xavier's online master of science in nursing (MSN) dual degree nursing program features tracks in forensics or education. Learners in both tracks must complete 36 credits, including two practicums and a scholarly project. Xavier uses both synchronous and asynchronous courses, so students receive some flexibility. Aside from practicum courses, learners complete the entire MSN online. Most students complete the program in 2-3 years.

Applicants need an unencumbered registered nurse license and a bachelor of science in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. Nurses also submit a resume, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and previous transcripts. During the application process, Xavier faculty interview candidates.

Based in Fort Worth, Texas, TCU enrolls over 10,000 students and features an average class size of just 27 learners. The private school also offers many of its degrees online, including a master of science in nursing.

TCU's graduate nursing program features four majors: nursing education, clinical nurse leader, clinical nurse specialist, and nursing administration and leadership. All four options use online courses, though learners must complete clinical requirements onsite. TCU allows students to complete clinicals in their respective areas, though learners with no adequate local residency program must attend clinicals in Fort Worth. Degree requirements range from 29-38 credits, and TCU requires just 5-9 clinical hours. Some majors also feature optional specializations.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a registered nurse license in Texas. Nurses also submit transcripts, work history, a personal essay, and three recommendation letters.

For more than 140 years, Duquesne has served learners in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. One of the country's top Catholic universities, Duquesene maintains a low 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and most classes host less than 20 students.

Duquesne's online graduate nursing programs provide master of science in nursing learners with six routes of study: forensic nursing, nursing education, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and executive nurse leadership. Nurses may also select a concentration in nursing education, forensic nursing, and transcultural nursing. Requirements vary based on degree selection, but students usually need 2-3 years to complete the program.

All of Duquesne's online nursing programs use online courses, with some onsite requirements for clinicals. Each route offers three start dates during the year. Graduates typically excel on certification exams related to their field of study. Duquesne does not require GRE scores.

Founded as a private academy in 1743, UD is the state's leader in education. The private university enrolls over 24,000 learners and ranks among the best in the nation for healthcare programs.

UD's RN-to-BSN, a dual degree nursing program, allows current registered nurses (RNs) to earn their bachelor's degree entirely online. The program requires 120 credits, though nurses can waive most of the credits through transfer credits, an associate degree, or an active RN license. Learners take as little as one year to complete the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), though program length depends on individual experience. Nursing students take courses year-round, including during the summer and winter terms.

Applicants need an RN diploma or an associate degree in nursing. Students also need a 2.5 GPA on all prerequisite courses. UD accepts applicants during the fall and spring semesters.

The state's leader in public education, UW ranks among the nation's best public research universities. The large university enrolls over 31,000 undergraduate students and awards over 10,000 degrees each year.

Created for working adults, UW's online RN-to-BSN helps nurses continue their education and increase their salaries. Applicants need an active registered nurse (RN) license and either an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. The program runs entirely online, and most learners complete the degree in just over one year. Students complete 25-28 credits over a maximum of five semesters.

The innovative RN-to-BSN program comes as a collaborative degree between six of UW's campuses. Upon admission, students select their home institution which determines where learners earn their degree. Each institution sets its own admission and degree requirements.

Founded in 1787 as Pittsburgh Academy, Pitt is now a national leader in research. The esteemed public school enrolls over 30,000 learners, many of whom choose to study part time.

Pitt's master of science in nursing (MSN) program offers a nursing informatics or clinical nurse leader specialization. The nursing informatics route requires 38.5 credits that students complete over two years and culminates with a comprehensive exam. The clinical nurse leader route requires 42 credits over four terms and includes seminars and onsite practicums. Both options are available in full-time and part-time formats. Aside from seminars and practicums, learners complete both routes entirely online.

To qualify for the master's degree, applicants need a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution and program. Applicants also need an unencumbered registered nurse license and a 3.0 GPA or higher. A 3.5 GPA or higher waives any GRE requirements.

UConn, a public research university located in Storrs, educates more than 32,000 students. Perhaps best known for its athletics, UConn also offers some of the region's best healthcare programs, including graduate-level nursing degrees.

Nurses interested in a graduate-level dual degree nursing program can pursue UConn's online master of science in nursing (MSN). The MSN also allows for a specialization in various fields, including neonatal nursing. The neonatal nursing specialization requires two years of full-time study. Applicants need professional experience working in a level three neonatal intensive care unit. Students complete the 44-credit program entirely online. However, learners must visit UConn on three occasions and complete clinicals onsite in healthcare facilities.

During the application process, nurses submit three professional letters of reference, a resume, transcripts, and a written response to several questions. Applicants should also demonstrate a 3.0 GPA on undergraduate transcripts.

A private liberal arts school in Salt Lake City, Utah, Westminster prides itself on preparing graduates for successful careers. The small school educates just 1,740 undergraduate students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1.

Westminster's online RN-to-BSN program provides current nurses with an affordable way to earn their bachelor's degree. The program reports a 98% completion rate due in part to the 11-student cap for each course. The degree requires 124 credits, though registered nurses (RNs) can transfer in most required credits. Westminster estimates that RNs typically take three semesters to complete the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.

Applicants need an unrestricted RN license in Utah. Other application requirements include a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing, a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA, and an interview with a Westminster counselor.

One of the country's oldest institutions of higher education, Mercer attracts students from around the world with its storied history and excellent academic programs. Most learners attend the university's main campus in Macon, Georgia. Other students attend courses at campuses in Columbus, Savannah, Atlanta, or online.

The top dual nursing degree program for undergraduate learners, the online RN-to-BSN, takes just 12 months to finish. Created for current nurses with an associate degree and a registered nurse (RN) license in Georgia, the online program runs asynchronously, allowing working students to keep their jobs. Aside from two orientation days in Macon, learners complete the entire degree online.

Applicants must submit proof of an unencumbered Georgia RN license, two professional references, and previous college transcripts. Applicants then complete an interview with Mercer's RN-to-BSN coordinator.

IU, the flagship institution in the extensive IU system, consistently ranks among the top schools for various fields. The large public school teaches over 32,500 students each year, many of whom study online.

IU's RN-to-BSN program, an entirely online degree-completion program for current registered nurses (RNs), takes full-time learners 12 months to complete and 18-24 months for part-time students. The degree requires 120 credits, though most applicants transfer in their associate degree and qualify for 64 credits. Learners with previous bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) experience at a different institution can transfer in up to 90 credits. Online learners receive access to a 24/7 contact center, career services, a digital library, and a full suite of software and programs.

Applicants must first complete an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma and hold an active RN license. IU requires a cumulative 2.5 GPA on previous transcripts.

A private Jesuit school in downtown Chicago, Illinois, Loyola reports a 99% graduate success rate with nearly all students securing a position or continuing their education within three months of graduating. Graduates also enjoy an extensive alumni network of over 85,000 in Chicago.

A dual degree nursing program created for current registered nurses (RNs), Loyola's online RN-to-BSN program lets current nurses complete their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in as little as one year. The degree-completion program requires a minimum of 33 credits. Loyola uses accelerated 6-8 week courses, letting students complete courses quickly. Many working students continue on at their jobs.

Applicants need a current RN license and must submit a transcript proving a 2.5 GPA or better in previous programs.

Baylor, a top-ranked research institution in Waco, Texas, educates learners with leadership, service, and academic excellence in mind. The private Christian university predates the state of Texas, a testament to its growth.

Instead of offering online master of science in nursing dual degree nursing programs to current bachelor's degree-holders, Baylor offers online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs. Available to learners who only hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), the DNP degrees run online, though some routes require nurses to complete clinical rotations onsite. Some nursing specialization options include executive nurse leadership, family nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner. Recent graduates enjoyed a perfect certification exam pass rate, and all graduates found a clinical position near their home.

Admission requirements vary by program. Baylor does not require GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants need at least a BSN from an accredited nursing school with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Other requirements include an unencumbered RN license and 1-2 years of professional nursing experience.