Best Online MSN Programs in Washington, DC

Last Updated On May 21, 2026

6 Min Read

RN to MSN Programs in DC

For working nurses in Washington, D.C. looking to advance their careers, an RN to MSN program is an ideal option. These bridge programs allow registered nurses with an active RN license and an ADN to pursue an MSN without needing to first complete a traditional four-year BSN. By building on their existing experience and knowledge, nurses can fast-track their education, earning their MSN in a shorter and more cost-effective timeframe—sometimes in as little as two years.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

District of Columbia RN license
ADN or nursing diploma
GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

As of now, the only school in DC that offers this type of program is Trinity Washington University.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in DC

If you’re hesitant about enrolling in graduate school, concerns about tuition costs or time commitment are likely top of mind. Fortunately, MSN programs in Washington, D.C. offer accessible opportunities for advancing your nursing career. Many programs strike a balance between affordability and flexibility, making it easier for working nurses to achieve their goals. However, certain options stand out as faster and more cost-effective than others.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

Most MSN programs in Washington, D.C. can be completed in under four years of full-time study, but it’s possible to finish in as little as two years—or even sooner. Nurses looking to fast-track their education can take advantage of online options, summer courses, or programs designed for accelerated study. One of the fastest options in DC for MSN programs is Howard University which allows students to graduate in 2 years.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

In Washington, D.C., finding affordable education can sometimes be a challenge, but many MSN programs offer surprisingly reasonable tuition rates compared to other graduate programs. D.C. residents can further reduce costs by taking advantage of local tuition rates and financial aid options. One affordable option in DC is Howard University which offers a tuition of $25,000 to $35,000.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

f you're looking to transition into nursing after earning a bachelor's degree in another field, Washington, D.C. offers an exciting pathway through Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs These innovative programs allow you to skip the traditional BSN and enroll directly in an MSN program, combining foundational nursing education with advanced practice training. Typically completed in about four years, this route is faster and more cost-effective than the traditional BSN-to-MSN pathway, which can take six years or longer. Below are the common requirements for enrolling in a MENP program in Washington, D.C.

Bachelor's degree
Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
Admissions interview

There are a few MENP programs you can find locally in Washington DC, such as George Washington University (GWU) and Georgetown University (GU).

See Related Articles

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

In addition to being efficient and cost-effective, Washington, D.C. offers a variety of specialized MSN programs tailored to meet diverse career aspirations. These programs allow students to concentrate on specific areas of interest, whether it’s becoming a nurse practitioner, an educator, or pursuing roles in leadership or informatics. Specializing not only enhances career prospects but can also lead to higher salaries and increased autonomy in the nursing field. One example of this is the Family Nurse Practitioner program offered at George Washington University (GWU).

What is MSN Accreditation?

MSN accreditation is essential to guarantee that a program adheres to rigorous quality standards. Accrediting organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) evaluate programs to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and outcomes equip students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Accreditation not only bolsters a program’s credibility with employers but also qualifies students for financial aid, giving them confidence in the value of their education in Washington, D.C.

2026 List of MSN Programs in Washington, DC

Looking for more options? Take a look at the full list of DC MSN programs below:

Washington, DC

George Washington University

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 48 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 600 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 credit hours required
- 600 clinical hours required
- Preferred 3.0 GPA minimum
- Two letters of recommendation
- Active RN license required
- Fall and spring entry terms
- Full-time and part-time options
- On-campus clinical skills intensives
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 50 credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- ACME accredited
- Eligible for AMCB certification
- BSN degree required
- Active RN license needed
- 3.0 GPA preferred
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 50 credit curriculum
- 600 clinical hours required
- Hybrid program format
- ANCC certification eligible
- Lifespan care focus
- BSN degree prerequisite
- Active RN license required
- 3.0 GPA preferred

Georgetown University

BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 23-Month program
- 40 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- 750 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- Scholarships available
BSN to MSN - Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery.
- Part-time 27-month duration.
- 49 total credits required.
- Over 1,000 clinical hours.
- Dual nurse-midwife/WHNP certification.
- Two in-person intensives required.
- Focus on health equity.
- Trauma-informed care approach.
BSN to MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 23-Month program
- 44 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 783 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCC
- 2 Objective Clinical Intensives
- Practice with standardized patients

Howard University

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 46 semester hours required
- 720 clinical hours required
- Full-time and part-time plans
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year acute care experience required
- Three letters of recommendation
- Application fee required
- Spring deadline November 1

Trinity Washington University

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 39 credits required
- Full-time or part-time basis
- Nurse Educator track
- Hybrid delivery format
- CCNE accredited
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 100-hour clinical practicum
- Curriculum development course
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36 credits required.
- Part-time or full-time basis.
- Hybrid program type.
- Nursing Administration concentration.
- 100-hour practicum included.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Focus on administrative theory.
- Includes financial management course.

*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024.

Was this Article Helpful?