Online RN to MSN Bridge Pathways
What Is an RN to MSN Bridge Pathway?
GCU’s online RN to MSN bridge pathways are designed for registered nurses who hold an active RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field. These nursing bridge programs allow eligible students to complete prerequisite nursing coursework and move into a selected Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) emphasis without first earning a separate BSN.
Each RN to MSN bridge program builds on your previous education and nursing experience while preparing you for graduate-level nursing study. Review the eligibility and emphasis-specific requirements before choosing a pathway.
New Online Undergraduate Nursing Student Scholarship
Save 5% on tuition when you start your program, if you qualify.(See disclaimer ¤)
Explore RN to MSN Bridge Program Emphases
At GCU, you can prepare for advanced nursing education by choosing an RN to MSN bridge pathway that aligns with your interests and nursing career goals. Each emphasis can transition to a specific MSN program, so review the curriculum and experiential requirements for the pathway you are considering.
Explore our various emphasis options below to learn more about what you will be taught in your MSN program after completing your bridge courses.
Health Care Quality and Patient Safety
Health Informatics
Nursing Education
Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Public Health Nursing
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (MBA and MSN)
RN to MSN Bridge Pathway Coursework
The curriculum for each RN to MSN bridge pathway combines the nursing foundations you would gain from BSN-level studies with courses designed to prepare you for your MSN emphasis of choice.
Common course topics you will cover in your pathway include:
Nursing leadership
Health assessment
Nursing research
Healthcare statistics
Pathophysiology
Health promotion
RN to MSN Bridge Pathway FAQs
Review these frequently asked questions about GCU’s RN to MSN bridge pathways, including eligibility, online study and how the bridge coursework can prepare students for graduate nursing education.
What is an RN to MSN Bridge pathway?
Is a nursing bridge pathway right for me?
Can you complete an RN to MSN bridge pathway online?
Benefits of GCU’s Online RN to MSN Bridge Pathways
GCU is dedicated to providing quality nursing education that can prepare you for continued graduate study. Online RN to MSN bridge pathways can provide flexibility for working nurses while helping eligible students build the prerequisite nursing foundation required for their selected MSN emphasis.
Nurses looking to move into graduate programs can grow both academically and spiritually at GCU. We instill important aspects of a Christian worldview in our programs, emphasizing the necessity of ethical treatment, compassion and human flourishing.
All our master’s nursing bridge pathways require the completion of a practicum course, where you will apply your new knowledge and advanced skills through an evidence-based project.
Study Nursing at an Accredited University
GCU is an institutionally accredited university, proudly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Our accreditation validates our commitment to offering quality programs and adheres to established academic standards.
For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
Admission Requirements
To gain entry into any of our bridge pathways, you must first fulfill certain admission criteria. To learn more and determine your eligibility, review our admission requirements and fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
Nursing Student Resources
As a student in a College of Nursing and Health Care Professions' bridge pathway, you have access to numerous specialized resources to assist you as you pursue an advanced nursing education. Discover our online resources and find out why our nursing college is the perfect place for your studies.
Bridge your nursing experience to the graduate level.
(See disclaimer ¤) MOU 10524: The New Undergraduate Nursing Student Scholarship is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program. If you enroll in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing pathway, we will award you 5% off the tuition per course for your program. Scholarship applies to the undergraduate courses in the Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Oct. 19, 2026.