A nursing degree can transform your career and improve healthcare. Not only improving your skills—improve patient care and change lives.

One of the most common ways to start a nursing career is to obtain an associate degree in Nursing (ADN), which prepares students to pursue licensure and work as Registered Nurses (RNs) in just a few years’ time. Registered Nurses provide fundamental care for patients who are sick, injured, and disabled. They conduct patient examinations, coordinate treatment plans, and provide support to both patients and their families. They can work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and various corners of the healthcare field.

For many, though, a career as a Registered Nurse is just the beginning. Many choose to pursue further education with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Obtaining an MSN allows nurses to advance into more specialized and lucrative roles. An MSN can help nurses become nurse practitioners, educators, clinical nurse leaders, or healthcare administrators, among other high-demand jobs. These roles provide higher pay, autonomy, and the chance to shape patient care.

And here’s the good news! There is a way to navigate your professional transition from an ADN to an MSN, sometimes without leaving your job or home. Online and hybrid options make anything possible.

So settle in to explore how to take your career from entry-level to expert-level, and take your ADN to an MSN.

Can you go from an ADN to MSN, and how?

The short answer is ABSOLUTELY! But it won’t happen overnight. You’ve got two significant steps to complete. First, you’ll need to complete your bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN). Only then can you dive into higher-level coursework and research.

Since you’ve completed your associate degree already, your future education will be flexible. You can wrap up a bachelor’s in Nursing in 12 months, or some programs can be further individualized to meet your needs. For example, Goodwin’s RN-to-BSN program can be completed online, in a part-time format, in just 12 months. BSN candidates can pursue their BSN degree while still maintaining and growing in their nursing career.

After graduation from this program, you’re prepared to practice more advanced nursing careers in multiple care and leadership settings.

Learn how to take take your ADN to a BSN degree.

Congrats! Bachelor’s complete. Now, it’s time to turn your attention to a master’s in Nursing program.

Why get a master’s degree in Nursing?

Getting an MSN can help you reach your career goals, whether those are to become a leader, specialize in a specific area of nursing, or earn more money.

But everyone takes a slightly different approach. There are many ways to navigate the career of a licensed Registered Nurse. Most RNs will have earned at least an associate degree in Nursing before passing the NCLEX-RN to become licensed. The ADN to MSN pathway is an excellent option for those wishing to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and stay working in the field along the way.

Are online programs available for ADN holders looking to earn an MSN?

Thanks to the internet, you can get a degree from almost anywhere. For example, certain nursing schools offer flexibility for RNs who have already earned an associate degree and experience in the field. At Goodwin, both RN-to-BSN and MSN courses are available entirely online.

Whether you want to specialize or broaden your knowledge, online programs are designed to meet the demands of working nurses. This flexibility enables students to manage their studies with employment, family, and other responsibilities. Online learning systems provide a supportive environment, such as virtual access to teachers, online libraries, and peer discussion groups, improving the learning experience and increasing academic engagement. ​

What are the benefits of starting your nursing career with an associate degree?

There are plenty! The main benefit of an associate degree in Nursing is that it can quickly prepare you for the workforce. You can become a nurse with just two years of nursing school.

An associate degree in Nursing is perhaps the quickest pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse as the minimum degree required to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a board examination that grants licensure to RNs in the United States.

The benefits of an associate degree in Nursing are that it…

• Prepares you to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam
• Allows you to earn a substantial income after only two years of study
• Gets you into the workforce quickly, giving you experience that BSN graduates might have to wait for
• Qualifies you to specialize in areas like ambulatory care
• Positions you to pursue a Bachelor’s in Nursing when you’re ready
• Is typically more affordable than a traditional BSN program

Why should nurses consider an MSN after an associate degree?

Truth be told, while an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree are both excellent choices for those looking to start their nursing career, many nurses come to the point of career stagnation. Perhaps they need a new challenge or are curious about another branch of specialized nursing after spending a few years in the field. Turning to an MSN degree as a career accelerator can propel you toward more advanced career opportunities with higher earning potential in specialized areas or leadership roles after graduation.

For example, you may be interested in focusing on public and community health, offering training in policy and politics, or promoting social justice in healthcare. In a Master of Science in Nursing program, you can explore all these avenues.

Learn more about the nursing programs at Goodwin University, or call 800-889-3282 to speak with an admissions specialist.