American Sentinel University Offers Unique RN to MSN Degree Option for Experienced Nurses.

ASU capitalizing on a growing trend in academic institutions

AURORA, Colo. -- American Sentinel University, an online school, announced today that it is offering a direct Registered Nurse (RN) to Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree option for the registered nurse with an associate's degree in nursing and at least two years of experience. This unique program allows nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing without first receiving a baccalaureate degree.

These fast-track programs are a growing trend in academic institutions that are seeing an upward shift in the average age and career experience of students.

The National League for Nursing reported that in 2006, 43% of all pre-licensure graduates were over the age of 20 and one in six were over age 40. Today's associate degree nursing graduates are working adults, with significant life skills.

"As more and more working adult students choose to advance their career options through education, they are becoming frustrated by the requirement to take traditional general education courses when their personal work experience has already surpassed that level of education," said Catherine Garner, DrPH, RN, FAAN, Dean of Health Professions at American Sentinel University. "Our RN to MSN degree program is perfect for nurses who are already practicing in their profession because it quickly launches them into upper division coursework and directly into graduate education."

In American Sentinel's RN to MSN degree program, students complete the first year of upper division nursing coursework, followed by a "Capstone Project" that provides nationally-accepted evidence of achievement of nursing knowledge. Students then progress directly into Master's level coursework in their chosen area of study.

RN to MSN undergraduate courses are open for enrollment twice per month and graduate course once per month. A full-time, working adult student should be expected to complete the program within three years. To learn more, visit healthcare.americansentinel.edu.