Master of Science in Nursing

Castleton's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) allows working nurses to advance their careers in a clinical setting or prepare them to become nurse educators. Enrollment is now open for our first cohort, beginning in spring 2021. 

Highlights of the Master of Science in Nursing at Castleton 

• Concentrations in Clinical Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator. Required clinical hours can be completed in your area. IF needed, our clinical coordinator can help you find a placement.
• Our "Online-plus" approach delivers the flexibility of an online program within Castleton's signature relationship-based education. You will have direct access to professors with real-world experience through in-person or virtual office hours while completing online coursework at your own pace. 
• Convenient and Flexible: Eight-week modules allow you to enroll when you're ready and complete the program at your own pace. By taking two courses per semester, you can earn your MSN in 24 months. 

Reasons to Pursue an MSN at Castleton 

• Gain more skills: The Castleton MSN can increase your professional skill set by helping you master clinical leadership and education competencies that go beyond your undergraduate education. 
• Choose a concentration: The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) concentration equips graduates for leadership positions in clinical settings and qualifies you to sit for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) certification examination for CNLs. The Nurse Educator (NE) concentration prepares graduates to teach nursing students in the academic setting and/or staff in the clinical settings and qualifies you to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) certification examination for either Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE-cl).  
• Higher entry-level earnings: MSN-holders have significantly higher earning potential than their peers with a bachelor's degree. The average salary for nursing professionals with a master's degree amounts to about $94,000 annually, according to PayScale, compared to $84,000 yearly earnings for those who hold a bachelor's degree. 
• More job opportunities: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of advanced practice nurses may increase by 26% from 2018-28. In comparison, it projects the job outlook for registered nurses to grow by 12% during that same period. 
• Potential for leadership roles: The Castleton MSN can make you a stronger candidate for administrative or managerial positions in nursing. 
• Funding opportunities: Employers sometimes offer financial assistance for nurses who want to continue their education with an advanced degree. Check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or other incentives to seek further education. 
• Continue your education: The Castleton MSN positions graduates for further studies, such as a doctorate, which can lead to even more advanced positions, academic jobs, or careers in research. 
• Expand your professional network: Make connections with other people in your industry through courses and conferences. 

Accreditation 

Castleton University's BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Vermont Board of Nursing (BON) has approved the MSN program. Students must be enrolled for one full academic year prior to CCNE coming to conduct an on-site accreditation visit, which is expected around January 2022.