Nursing Career Pathways by Degree Level
As a nurse, you want to maximize your impact and make the most out of your career. In this complex and evolving field, learning never stops — and the right education matters.
At Maryville University, we offer online nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, as well as graduate-level NP certificates, so you can choose the right education to take the next step and advance regardless of where you are in your nursing career.
What can you expect from a Maryville online nursing education?
- 100% online coursework. Study and learn around on your time with a flexible format that fits around your nursing schedule.
- Five in-demand NP concentrations. Want to become a nurse practitioner? Start here, and choose from five concentrations: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, and PMHNP.
- Dedicated learner support. Get personalized student support, 24/7 tech support, and access to a host of online resources to help you succeed and thrive.
- Streamlined application. Apply with no application fee and no GRE/GMAT required — then enroll with no waiting list once admitted.
- Transfer credit friendly admission. Get credit for coursework you’ve already completed with seamless transfer credit acceptance.
Which pathway is right for me?
At Maryville, we offer pathways at each level of your nursing journey — so no matter where you are, we can help you go further.
Choose from the following.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
If you are currently licensed as an RN and want to take your next step, this is the pathway for you. BSN-prepared nurses can pursue positions that nurses with an associate degree typically can’t, including leadership roles. This program also can prepare you to pursue graduate education.
This program comprises 28 credit hours of nursing courses and electives in addition to 64 general education credits. Your valid, unencumbered RN license can exempt you from a further 40 credit hours of RN-focused coursework.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
If you are a licensed RN and hold your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can take the next major step in your career through our practice-focused online MSN program. The MSN is designed to help you develop graduate-level nursing skills so you can expand your practice or pursue leadership roles. You can earn this degree on its own or in conjunction with one of five NP concentrations.
You can complete an MSN in about 20 months of study with 29 credit hours of nursing core coursework. If you want to pursue NP certification with an NP concentration, the program comprises 47-50 credit hours and can be finished in about 32 months.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
If you already hold your MSN and want to pursue further education and certification, our DNP may be for you. The DNP is a terminal degree that can qualify you for a wider range of career opportunities than an MSN or prepare you for the highest level of NP practice. The DNP is still practice-focused, but it can also prepare you for roles in areas like nursing education, administration, healthcare policy, and research.
You can earn your DNP on its own or add an NP concentration. The standalone DNP is 33 credit hours and can be completed in about 20 months. Our DNP-NP programs comprise 68-71 credit hours and can be completed in about 36 months.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
This accelerated degree program is tailored for RNs with a BSN who want to advance directly to a DNP. It combines master’s and doctorate-level coursework, enabling nurses with a bachelor’s degree to save both time and money while earning a terminal degree and preparing for NP certification.
The BSN to DNP program comprise 74-77 credit hours and can be completed in about 40 months. This includes nurse practitioner concentration coursework designed to help you qualify for NP certification.
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate
If you already have a graduate degree or NP certification and want to shift to a new specialty, enhance your practice, or build new skills, you can pursue one of our five nursing concentrations as a standalone certificate. These fast-track programs focus solely on your chosen concentration, bypassing general graduate-level nursing coursework.
You can earn your NP certificate and prepare to sit for the NP exam in about 12 to 24 months, depending on your courseload. The AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PNP concentrations comprise 18 credit hours, while the PMHNP includes 21.
