SYLVANIA—Lourdes College has announced the launch of its Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

For more than 20 years, Lourdes has offered the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

The new RN to MSN meets the needs of nurses who have multiple demands on their time by allowing them to bypass the baccalaureate program to earn their graduate degree. According to the 2009 Fact Sheet of American Colleges of Nursing, Lourdes’ RN to MSN program is one of only 160 available nationwide. RNs who pursue this route realize a 25 credit hour reduction in required coursework, saving students more than $11,000 in overall tuition.

“Registered Nurses with the associate degrees are one of the fastest growing groups of nurses. However, there is a high demand for master’s prepared nurse leaders and educators who are essential to the rapidly changing healthcare environment,” says Dr. Judy Didion, dean of the School of Nursing. “Nurses who want to advance their career opportunities and improve their practice realize that getting an advanced degree such as an MSN will open doors for them professionally.” 

Lourdes RN to MSN can be completed within four to five years depending on full or part-time status. Classes are held one night a week. Students accepted into the RN to MSN will receive a conditional admission until they complete nine pre-requisite undergraduate courses with an average grade point of 3.0.

For more details about the program and eligibility requirements, contact Pat Yancy-Felton, advising and enrollment management coordinator for Lourdes School of Nursing, at 419-517-8919.