Online Master of Science in Nursing, MSN

Program overview

Rider’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is designed to help you develop the skills, experience, and confidence to excel as a nurse practitioner. You will learn to practice across various health care environments and make autonomous decisions in patient care. This part-time program is offered 100% online to fit the schedules of busy adults.

Specialize your degree with our selection of high-demand concentrations in adult-gerontology primary care, family nurse practitioner or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner — so you can follow your passion, wherever it may lead.

Admission requirements

Graduate Education and Human Services - How to Apply

View admission requirements, application deadlines and steps to apply for graduate education and human services students.

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Graduate Financial Aid Resources

Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.

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University Partner Educational Benefits

Are you the employee of a Rider University partner organization? You may qualify for discounted tuition. Search our list of university partnerships.

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Growing demand for nurses

Enhance your nursing education with a degree that meets the demands of the rapidly evolving health care industry to provide you with the elevated scope of practice necessary for career autonomy.

16,900

Projected number of openings for nurse practitioners, on average, over the decade

26%

Expected growth in job demand for nurse practitioners by 2028

$110k

Median annual salary for a nurse practitioner (American Association of Nurse Practitioners)

Lead new and innovative approaches to care

With advanced clinical expertise in primary care settings, expanded experience and demonstrated clinical competence, you’ll be well-trained to establish yourself as a transformational leader in a high-growth field and having the ability to practice to your full scope of practice.

You’ll be prepared to think critically and work collaboratively to promote quality and equitable care and improve health outcomes for clients, families and diverse communities. If you’re ready to guide new and innovative approaches to care, we can help you become a true difference-maker.

Graduates may also choose to explore nonclinical nursing roles in administration, education, government, public policy, or research.

Program requirements

Our flexible and convenient online curriculum provides diverse approaches to teaching and engaged faculty that encourage self-directed learning and critical reasoning. Build on your bachelor’s-level nursing education to expand the scope of practice.

The program offers three nurse practitioner concentrations. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration requires 48 credits and 700 clinical hours for degree completion. The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) requires 42 credits and 580 clinical hours for degree completion. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) requires 49 credits and 640 clinical hours. You will complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting.

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What sets Rider's Online MSN program apart?

When you graduate with your online M.S. in Nursing from Rider, you have the opportunity to establish yourself in a high-growth field.

Features of the program include:

Part-time, standalone 100% online program with flexible courses to accommodate students who work full-time
Multiple application deadlines: Fall - August 15, Spring - December 15, Summer - May 1
Three convenient start dates
No GRE/GMAT required
Highly skilled and dedicated faculty
Flexibility to complete your clinical hours in a timeframe that works best for you (no residencies or intensives) and support for clinical placements
Preparation to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)

University partnerships

Rider University is proud to partner with Capital Health and give back to healthcare workers by offering a tuition discount and additional benefits to eligible employees. Other partners include The State of New Jersey, Penn Medicine Princeton Health (through the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber) and Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.

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Nurse discusses a patient with colleagues

Nursing licensure requirements by state

Prior to enrolling in Rider's MSN program, prospective or current students should review state licensure requirements as a nurse. Completion from a Rider University program does not necessarily guarantee eligibility for state licensure; or receipt of a license.

State licensure requirements (PDF)

Accreditation Statement

The master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Rider University are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.