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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

16-17
Months
To complete
Online
On-demand
Learn from anywhere
$690
Per credit hour
10% partner discount

Nursing is in our DNA

Mount Mercy University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) inspires, challenges, and develops the next generation of nursing leaders.

Our nursing master’s degree uses applied learning to give you skills you can immediately put to work at work.

Earn your master’s degree in nursing from Mount Mercy, and become a leader and change agent in the field.

What can you do with a master’s degree in nursing?

Earning your Master of Science in Nursing is a pivotal step toward increasing your lifelong earning potential, expanding your career opportunities, and advancing in leadership roles.

Customize your nursing master’s degree by choosing from three areas of emphasis, including Health Advocacy, Nurse Administration, and Nurse Education.

Why a Master’s in Nursing from Mount Mercy?

For 90+ years, Mount Mercy has been the standard for nursing excellence in Eastern Iowa.

Our nurses are prepared to provide outstanding care, offer compassionate service, and continue the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.

  • Experience a curriculum that keeps pace with the times
  • Customize your master’s degree in nursing with three areas of emphasis
  • Expand your professional experience in our Clinical Simulation Laboratory (CSL)

As you work toward your nursing master’s degree, you’ll grow your professional network and become a leader in the field.

Earn your nursing master’s degree on your schedule

Enjoy the flexibility to earn your master’s degree in nursing with a format that helps you balance work, school, and all your other responsibilities.

  • Take one course at a time
  • Enjoy manageable 5-week blocks
  • Complete your online coursework each week at the time that fits best with your life

What can you do in our Master of Science in Nursing program?

Our personalized nursing master’s degree combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Work alongside professors who are practicing professionals. Gain beyond-the-classroom learning in our Clinical Simulation Laboratory (CSL).

Customize your nursing master’s degree by choosing from three areas of emphasis, including Health Advocacy, Nurse Administration, and Nurse Education.

What will you learn in our Master of Science in Nursing program?

Analyze research, policy, systems, and practice using critical inquiry. Acquire knowledge related to health promotion, disease prevention, population-based nursing practice, education, management, and leadership. Graduate with your master’s in nursing prepared to lead, teach, advocate, and practice at an advanced level with individual patients, families, and communities.

Haley Fernandez ’16 MSN

The feeling of being truly cared for was palpable, and there was no way I would have made it to through the MSN program without the amazing faculty and my MSN cohort.

Customize your master’s degree in nursing

Choose from three areas of emphasis to meet your professional interests:

  • Health AdvocacyDesign, implement, manage, continuously improve, and lead innovative health care population management programs.

  • Nurse Administration—Lead and manage complex 21st century health care organizations.

  • Nurse Education—Design, implement, and continuously improve educational initiatives in academic and health care settings.

How can I afford a master’s in nursing?

You may be eligible for scholarships and loan programs.

The first step is to complete your FAFSA, which helps determine state and federal aid available to you. Our federal school code is 001880. Contact our Financial Aid Office with any questions.

Get started on your nursing master’s degree

Apply by November 1 to start in January or June 1 to start in August. Choose your practicum location with faculty approval. Our graduate admissions team is here to help you reach your educational goals and answer your questions. 
  1. Complete your application
  2. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Email to gradprograms@mtmercy.edu or mail to:

Graduate Programs
Mount Mercy University
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797

  • Current and valid registered nurse (RN) license
    • NOTE: Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: 
      • Who has been denied license by the Board
      • Whose license is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction
      • Whose license or registration is currently suspended, surrendered, or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, other undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States
    • Undergraduate record should reflect ability to be successful in graduate studies
    • If undergraduate degree is not a BSN, students may be admitted with a BA or BS, an associate degree in nursing, and the Mount Mercy RN-BSN courses, NU 470 Population Based Nursing,  NU 471 Professional Aspects of Nursing, and NU 472 RN-BSN Practicum Seminar completed with a minimum grade of B (B- not acceptable)
       
  • An undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of C (C- not acceptable)
    • A student may be admitted at the discretion of the program director prior to completing this prerequisite

  • Two letters of recommendation addressing professionalism, clinical skills, critical thinking, and communication skills.

  • All MSN students must meet administrative requirements, including criminal background check, health insurance coverage, immunization status compliance, CPR, and malpractice liability insurance prior to completion of the first MSN course

  • All non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL or equivalent English language proficiency assessment and complete an interview with the program director
  • NOTE: Per government policy, international students are unable to attend fully-online university programs in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit international students to this program