Dean, Nursing 

Director, Graduate Nursing 

Marla Erbin-Roesemann, Ph.D., R.N. 

P: 800.647.5500 or 402.552.3310 

E: roesemann@clarksoncollege.edu  

  

Curriculum Requirements 

The RN to MSN program at Clarkson College is designed to meet the needs of Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to complete accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in nursing. Students who are admitted into the RN to MSN program are initially listed as RN to BSN students; however, upon completion of the BSN requirements and RN to MSN progression requirements, students will automatically transition into the MSN program. Health Care Science Update Courses can be taken to validate knowledge in selected basic undergraduate science classes. Students may also elect to challenge one fourth-year BSN nursing theory/clinical course combination, with appropriate nursing background, and can enroll in up to 9 credit hours of graduate level nursing courses while completing requirements for their BSN. Exiting at the BSN level upon completion of all requirements is an option for students deciding not to pursue the MSN at that time. 

  

Prerequisites 

RN to BSN requirements must be met prior to admission to the MSN program: 

The RN to BSN curriculum combines theory in general education, support courses, and major courses. Forty-three semester hours are obtained through either completion of direct coursework or by validation credit (credit is granted after demonstration of equivalent knowledge). Nursing and general education courses completed in associate and baccalaure­ate degree programs will be transferred when the coursework is considered comparable. All RN students are required to complete the Clarkson College Core Curriculum courses as listed in their specific degree plan. Credit by examination is also available for specific general education courses. In order to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Clarkson College, students must successfully complete a total of 129 semester hours. 

  

Service-Learning and Community Service Graduation Requirements  

30 hours (23 Service-Learning)* of Clarkson College Service hours must be completed prior to graduation. Graduates who do not complete the required number of Service hours will not receive diplomas or transcripts, until the hours have been completed. *Note: Service hours accrued beyond the minimum number of required service hours can be applied toward the requirements for the Maltese Cross Certificate or Medal.  

  

Admission Criteria 

The following are required for admission to the RN to MSN program: 

• Completion of all general education and support course BSN requirements, with the exception of the courses that can be validated with the Health Care Update Classes (i.e., HC 200, HC 205, HC 210).
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Current unencumbered United States registered nurse license appropriate to the state where practicing and where clinical experience will occur.
• Completion of Clarkson College application for admission to the RN to MSN program.
• Essay outlining professional goals
• Two professional reference letters (e.g. from teachers, supervisors, or managers who have knowledge of your ability; do not provide references from co-workers and friends)
• Current resume
• Must have equivalent to one year of professional nursing work experience prior to enrollment in any MSN option course; however, may take core courses while obtaining experience.

  

Required Courses (click here) 

  

BSN Course Descriptions (click here)  

  

MSN Course Descriptions (click here)