From Our Faculty
Lori Ronan-Khessali, Ph.D.
Criminal Justice
"South University offers me the sense of community of a small school and stimulation of a growing and innovative university.I love teaching, writing and researching. I always tell my students you must have a passion for what you do, or you never will feel fulfilled. I believe that we can do anything we set out to accomplish if we are dedicated and motivated."
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Accelerated RN to MSN Program

Overview

Registered Nurses who do not possess a BSN but who want to pursue advanced nursing practice outcomes or wish to become nurse educators should consider the Accelerated RN to MSN online program. Building on South University’s established RN to BSN Completion online program, the Accelerated RN to MSN program allows for qualified nurses to obtain both their BSN and MSN in shorter period of time than would be the case if both programs were taken separately.

Students enrolled in this accelerated program will enjoy the benefits of both the online RN to BSN Completion and the Master of Science in Nursing online programs including focusing on innovative healthcare concepts. In the MSN portion of the online accelerated program, students will have the opportunity to focus on the following specializations:

  • Nurse Educator: develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment
  • Adult Health Nurse Practitioner: acquire advanced nursing practice skills addressing the health needs of adults

Acceptance into a South University nursing program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification. The student should contact the state licensing board or professional certification body in each state in which the student intends to practice for specific requirements and the application process.

Employment Outlook for Nursing

Nurse Educators:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Enrollments in nursing programs at all levels have increased more rapidly in the past few years as students seek jobs with stable employment. However, many qualified applicants are being turned away because of a shortage of nursing faculty. The need for nursing faculty will only increase as many instructors near retirement." (Emphasis added)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm

Advanced Practice Nurses:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations." "Generally, RNs with at least a bachelor's degree will have better job prospects than those without a bachelor's. In addition, all four advanced practice specialties-clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists-will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. Relative to physicians, these RNs increasingly serve as lower-cost primary care providers."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm.