What Are the Benefits of an RN to MSN Bridge Pathway?

For registered nurses who are interested in earning a Master of Science in Nursing, but don’t have their BSN, GCU offers a bridge pathway that prepares students to enter and successfully complete their master’s degree. An MSN bridge pathway is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a health-related area. By taking only 24 credits of bridge coursework, you could be on your way to earning your MSN:

Why Take an MSN Bridge Pathway?

GCU’s nursing bridge pathway will prepare you to seamlessly transition into one of our Master of Science in Nursing programs. The bridge is designed to allow those who want an MSN to accelerate their way to the degree instead of having to earn a BSN beforehand. Our RN to MSN bridge pathway focuses on coursework from the BSN program, including community and public health, nursing research, leadership and much more.

What Is an RN to MSN? Exploring Bridge Pathway Options

An RN to MSN bridge pathway offers registered nurses a streamlined route to graduate-level nursing education without first earning a BSN. This pathway can help nurses take the next step in advancing their knowledge and expanding their professional opportunities.

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GCE Editorial Team

Published on Jun 9, 2025

An RN to MSN bridge pathway prepares registered nurses (RNs) for later enrollment in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. It’s a way for RNs without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to move on to graduate-level education without first completing the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The bridge pathway isn’t a degree program; rather, it serves as a series of prerequisite courses that pave the way toward applying to a master’s degree program in nursing.

There are many options to consider as you think about what might be next in your nursing career. Many nurses decide to return to school in pursuit of potentially enhancing their career qualifications. Before submitting your application, however, you’ll want to take a closer look at the answers to common questions, such as, What is an MSN and how could it help me? and What is an RN to MSN bridge pathway like?

What Is an MSN Degree?

A Master of Science in Nursing or MSN degree is a graduate-level degree that teaches advanced nursing knowledge. Earning an MSN degree can help prepare nurses to position themselves to potentially pursue career growth opportunities.

MSN degrees are typically offered with an emphasis in a particular nursing area, which allows nurses to dive deep into their chosen specialty. This can also be a good choice for nurses who are thinking of moving to a different specialty.

What Is a Bridge Pathway?

An MSN bridge pathway is designed for registered nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but do not currently have a BSN. This non-degree pathway helps RNs transition into an MSN program by bridging the educational gap and preparing them for graduate-level coursework.

What is an RN to MSN bridge pathway like? Since a bridge pathway is not a full degree program itself, it doesn’t require as many courses for completion compared to a full MSN program. Rather, it consists of courses designed to round out your nursing education, enabling you to take a closer look at topics like applied statistics and their application to healthcare.

Depending on the specific bridge pathway you enroll in, you may also be taught topics such as:

The pathophysiological processes of disease, along with related nutritional and pharmacological concepts
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
Health assessment process and skills
Health promotion strategies

Why Pursue an RN to MSN Education With a Bridge Pathway?

GCU’s nursing bridge pathway is designed to help you prepare to transition into one of our MSN programs. The bridge pathway is a smart next step for nurses ready to grow professionally without starting over. It offers several key benefits that can make it a valuable option:

Time efficiency: It can help streamline your educational journey, potentially saving time by bypassing a second bachelor’s degree.
Expanded scope of practice: Typically, students who enroll in a bridge pathway have experience working in the field as an RN, so they are able to dive into new concepts easily and apply them to their work. It can help you gain the qualifications needed to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or other advanced practice roles.
Focused coursework from the BSN program: It teaches community and public health, nursing research, leadership and much more.
Pathway to doctoral studies: It can position you for potential future enrollment in a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD program. While an MSN isn't always required before a DNP, it may be necessary for nurses without a BSN.

RN to BSN to MSN Fast-Track Option

If you are still interested in earning your BSN, GCU can work with you to help you earn both your BSN and MSN in less time. GCU allows you to potentially transfer a significant number of credits toward earning your BSN, which may also shorten your time to completion.

Talk to your university counselor about enrolling in a fast-track program and managing your time efficiently. You can also use the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation tool to obtain an unofficial estimate of how many of your credits might transfer to your degree.

Choosing an MSN Emphasis

You can choose from a variety of MSN emphases at GCU. For example, if you want to combine your passion for healthcare and information technology, you can enroll in the MSN bridge pathway with an emphasis in health informatics.

If you wish to educate and help prepare the next generation of nursing professionals, you might choose an emphasis in nursing education. Or maybe select our emphasis in nursing leadership in healthcare systems if you want to become a leader in nursing. An MSN bridge pathway with an emphasis in public health or family care may be ideal for individuals who want to examine fundamental competencies in caring for the health of entire populations. RNs who want to earn their MSN and work with the growing adult patient population can choose to specialize in adult-gerontology.

Interested in the business side of healthcare? Consider earning a dual MBA and MSN degree, which teaches general business knowledge as well as advanced nursing competencies.

Determining If the MSN Bridge Pathway Is Right for You

Enrolling in an MSN bridge pathway requires strong self-motivation and commitment. You should be prepared to put in consistent effort and stay focused throughout the journey. It's also essential to carefully choose a bridge pathway that aligns with your goals to remain dedicated to the time and energy needed to complete the required coursework.

Ultimately, an MSN bridge pathway can be a great opportunity for those who are considering options to potentially position themselves to take their career to the next level. With the many emphases available to choose from at GCU, you can complete your RN to MSN education conveniently (with online classes) and pursue a nursing career you are passionate about.

Job Opportunities With an RN to MSN Education

A bridge pathway can help you prepare for an MSN and an MSN can help you gain the skills to position yourself to potentially advance your career and become a leader in your field. You may seek a position in nursing leadership, management, clinical education or research upon earning your degree.

Our emphasis programs can provide opportunities to examine emerging nursing research, explore advanced competencies and sharpen clinical skills. What you’re taught in the classroom will be immediately applicable in your work as an RN.

GCU promotes academic excellence and student support in our nursing degrees. In addition to our BSN degree options, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions offers a diverse range of RN to MSN bridge pathway options and MSN degree programs. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about the opportunities that await you at GCU.

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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on May 28, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.