5 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Michigan – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you an RN in Michigan with an Associate Degree in Nursing pondering what your smartest career move might be? Enrolling in one of the RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan will improve your access to employment opportunities and raise your earning potential. With an MSN in the Wolverine State, you can become a nurse executive or a nurse educator. You can also become a nurse practitioner with an enormous amount of clinical autonomy. Your salary will see a significant bump: On average, graduates of RN-to-MSN programs in the Wolverine State make $110,300 a year. Sound good? You’ll learn much more by reading the guide below to the 5 best RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan for 2025.


WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN MICHIGAN (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 5 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Michigan (Online & Campus).)

1. University of Michigan-Flint - Flint


Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: If you are keen on advancing your nursing career and are looking for one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan, then the University of Michigan-Flint’s RN-to-MSN program can be a befitting choice. An online program that allows you to juggle a job and studies, you’ll be empowered with the professional skills to pursue an advanced practice career either in adult gerontology health care, family health, or psychiatric mental health.

This RN to MSN program is offered full-time and part-time, making it feasible for you to choose a schedule based on your convenience. The MSN curriculum, depending on the advanced practice area you choose consists of 55 to 53 credits. The core courses that are common to all the RN to MSN tracks train you in key competencies of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, advanced assessment, informatics, and healthcare research. Furthermore, you’ll complete specialty-specific courses that prepare you for the role of an advanced practice nurse.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission, you must foremost have an active RN license in the U.S. Further, this RN-to-MSN program in Michigan requires you to have completed a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The program is also open to RNs having a non-nursing bachelor's degree. To fulfill the application requirements, you must be prepared to submit your resume, a personal goal statement, and all your transcripts.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Michigan-Flint RN-to-MSN Students

• University of Michigan-Flint’s RN-to-MSN program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the national NP certification exams. This is because the program prepares graduates through rigorous didactic and clinical training.
• University of Michigan-Flint’s faculty members actively engages in research and scholarly activities. RN to MSN students can gain valuable clinical insights by getting involved in a research project that aligns with their goals and interests.
• University of Michigan-Flint’s RN-to-MSN program is quite affordable compared to other RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan. In addition, the nursing school offers many funding opportunities such as scholarships, financial aid, loans, and grants.
• University of Michigan-Flint nursing school offers RN to MSN students the chance of earning a DNP by completing as little as 15 to 18 additional credits.


2. Ferris State University - Big Rapids


Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Administration


Program Details: Ferris State University prepares you to meet the growing healthcare needs of Michigan’s diverse communities. With three in-demand non-clinical fields of nursing education, nursing informatics, and nursing administration, you can graduate with an MSN in your preferred area of interest. Being offered online, this RN-to-MSN program in Michigan can be completed without putting your current life on hold.

Regardless of the RN to MSN track you choose, you’ll complete 37 credits in nursing core and concentration-specific courses. Also, the coursework includes practicum experiences in a healthcare setting close to you. The nursing core teaches you about organizational & systems leadership, healthcare systems, policy & advocacy, quality improvement & safety, and clinical prevention & population health.

If you choose the nursing education track, you’ll focus on curriculum design, teaching methods, and advanced physical assessment, pathophysiology & pharmacotherapeutics. While the RN to MSN in nursing administration prepares you for leadership roles in healthcare, the nursing informatics track mainly equips you with skills in data management & analytics.

As a graduate of this RN to MSN program regardless of the track you choose, you’ll be well prepared to work as part of an interprofessional healthcare team where you’ll utilize evidence-based knowledge to enhance health outcomes.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into this RN-to-MSN program in Michigan, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in Michigan. To fulfill the admission requirements, you’ll require submitting two professional letters, a resume, official transcripts, and a personal essay.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Ferris State University RN-to-MSN Students

• Ferris State University’RN to MSN program comes with affordable tuition costs. No wonder the nursing school has earned the recognition of being one of the best value schools.
• Ferris State University’s online RN to MSN program has been ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Ferris State University has more than 20 years of experience in training competent nursing graduates through the online platform. Over the years the nursing school has refined its teaching pedagogy to offer the most effective online graduate nursing education.


3. Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti


Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Research Nursing


Program Details: Are you seeking to advance your nursing career in the Great Lake State? If so, Eastern Michigan University can offer you several options in advanced nursing practice. Counted among the best RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan, here you can choose from three career paths, including nursing education, nursing research, or adult gerontology advanced nursing practice. Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll complete the program within two years.

The RN to MSN in nursing education is completely online, whereas the clinical research nursing track requires you to attend on-campus classes. If you choose to complete your RN to MSN either with the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, or the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track, you’ll complete your coursework through the hybrid format.

Regardless of the RN to MSN track you choose, to graduate, you’ll require to complete 35 to 43 credits, with the nursing research track having the least number whereas the advanced practice tracks comprising the highest number of credits. Upon completion of this RN to MSN program, you’ll be prepared to take the certification exam within your chosen focus area.

Admission Requirements: If you are keen on applying for this RN-to-MSN program in Michigan, then you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be current and unencumbered in your state of practice. In addition, you must have completed two undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment. To complete your application, you must be prepared with your resume, a personal goal statement, and your official transcripts.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Eastern Michigan University RN-to-MSN Students

• Eastern Michigan University nursing school has more than 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality nursing education. Over the years, the school has built strong ties with several prominent healthcare facilities across the state to offer RN to MSN students a broad range of clinical experiences.
• Eastern Michigan University offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Further, you’ll also be able to apply for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
• Eastern Michigan University’s nursing faculty is highly experienced and committed to your academic and professional success.


4. Western Michigan University - Kalamazoo


Specialties Offered: Addiction and Nurse Educator


Program Details: Out of all the online RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan, Western Michigan University’s RN-to-MSN is the only one that offers specialized training in the management of patients of substance abuse and addiction. So, if you are passionate about helping this vulnerable patient group, then here, you will be well-prepared to address this growing public health problem. Alternatively, if you are inclined towards teaching, then the school offers you the nurse educator concentration that prepares you for leadership roles in an educational setting.

Both these RN to MSN tracks start with core courses that cover topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, health policy & advocacy, and quality & safety in health promotion.

The RN to MSN in addiction focuses on social justice in the addiction field, addiction treatment services, co-occurring disorders & addictions, and addiction in family health systems. On the other hand, the nursing education track emphasizes curriculum & teaching of theory in health disciplines, teaching & evaluation, and the role development of the nurse educator.

Each of the RN to MSN tracks comprises a total of 36 credits that can be completed over seven semesters.

Admission Requirements: This RN-to-MSN program in Michigan is open to BSN graduates who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. You may also apply with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, provided you are a registered nurse. Besides, the school requires that your RN license is active and current in your state of practice. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit a resume and your official transcripts.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Western Michigan University RN-to-MSN Students

• Western Michigan University’s RN to MSN program is offered entirely online, allowing you to pursue your graduate nursing education while working full-time.
• Western Michigan University’s RN to MSN, although online, offers an engaging learning experience. This is because the faculty is well-trained to conduct a virtual classroom which is conducive to achieving a successful academic outcome.
• Western Michigan University’s low student-to-faculty ratio, further enhances learning. With the individualized attention that you receive, you’ll be able to make the most of the expert faculty mentorship.


5. Spring Arbor University - Spring Arbor


Specialties Offered: Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner) and Nurse Educator


Program Details: Online RN-to-MSN programs in Michigan such as the one offered by Spring Arbor University can seamlessly help you advance to advanced nursing positions, without hitting the pause button on your current career. Typically meant for working nurses, Spring Arbor’s RN to MSN awards you two degrees of BSN and an MSN. the program offers four NP tracks that prepare you for in-demand fields of psychiatric mental health, adult gerontology, family health, and pediatric care. In addition, there is also the nurse educator track that can be considered if you prefer to play an indirect patient care role.

Regardless of the RN to MSN track you choose, you’ll complete a rigorous coursework, with most courses offered online. The credits required for graduation depend on the RN to MSN track you choose and can range from 35 to 45 credits. To graduate, you’ll take anywhere from two to four years, based on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take the national certification exam within your chosen area of focus.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for this program, you must have an accredited associate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in MI. The school also requires you to submit your official transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Spring Arbor University RN-to-MSN Students

• Spring Arbor University nursing school is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Spring Arbor University is counted among the best Christian schools in the nation. Therefore you can expect your RN to MSN education to be grounded in values of service and compassion. You’ll be prepared to care for the whole person, tending to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient.
• Spring Arbor University’s student-centric approach offers RN to MSN students a supportive learning environment, where a success coach guides you all along the way to academic and professional success.
• Spring Arbor University’s RN to MSN program boasts excellent pass rates on the NP certification exams.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



Nearby States