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

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).

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.

2025 List of MSN Programs in Washington, DC

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

Jump to City:

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
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.