With its vibrant urban environment and rich historical significance, Washington, D.C. offers excellent opportunities for nurses seeking to advance their careers. Enrolling in a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program can open doors to advanced roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or healthcare administrator. Whether you're in the bustling heart of the nation’s capital or exploring the surrounding areas, Washington, D.C.’s MSN programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and tailored to meet the region's diverse healthcare needs. Explore below for an overview of the MSN options available in the district.
RN to MSN Programs in DC
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
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What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?
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).
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?
2025 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online Master of Science Nursing
- 48 credit program
- 600 clinical hours required
- Critical care specialization
- National certification preparation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year critical care experience
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 credit hours total
- 600 clinical hours required
- Multiple entry options
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Fall and spring entry
- GPA requirement: 3.0
- On-campus skill intensives
- Simulation-based learning
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 50 total credit program
- 840 clinical training hours
- AMCB certification preparation
- ACME fully accredited program
- Women's health focus
- Hybrid program format
- Bachelor's nursing degree required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 50 credit program
- 600 clinical hours required
- Lifespan psychiatric care focus
- National certification eligibility
- Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
- Two recommendation letters needed
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Hybrid program format
Georgetown University
- Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited online program
- 23-month part-time format
- 750 total clinical hours
- 40 total program credits
- 3 required clinical intensives
- 100% certification exam rates
- Focuses on complex patient care
- For RNs with ICU experience
- Master's - Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online distance-based master's program
- 49 total credit hours
- 27 months to complete
- 1,000+ clinical hours
- Two required clinical intensives
- Jesuit-inspired holistic care approach
- Health equity curriculum focus
- Nationally ranked nursing program
- Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online MS in Nursing
- 44 total credit hours
- 23 months to complete
- 783 clinical hours
- Two clinical intensives
- 100% NCC Certification Rate
- Care across entire lifespan
- Live distance-based classes
Howard University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online graduate nursing program
- Full and part-time study options
- 46 semester credit hours
- 720 clinical training hours
- Post-Master's certificate available
- Certification exam preparation
- U.S. News #46 ranking
- CCNE accredited program
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate nursing program
- 39 semester hour curriculum
- Full-time and part-time options
- Nurse Educator track available
- Fall and Spring application dates
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year clinical experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
Trinity Washington University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 39-credit MSN Nurse Education track
- Part-time and full-time options
- Comprehensive teaching strategies training
- 100-hour clinical practicum required
- Advanced research methodology courses
- Curriculum development focus
- Instructional technology integration
- Accredited nursing program
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36-credit hybrid MSN program
- Nursing Administration concentration
- Accredited nursing program
- Part-time or full-time options
- 100-hour administrative practicum
- Advanced management theory courses
- Research and leadership focus
- Quantitative and qualitative research training