Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program at Moorhead

A Hybrid RN to MSN Pathway that Works for F1 Visa Students

If you’re an RN living in the U.S. on an F1 visa, advance your nursing career with the hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program track at Minnesota State Moorhead! Designed specifically for associate degree RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or higher, this innovative program offers a streamlined pathway to earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Why Choose Moorhead’s Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program Track?

  • Meets F1 visa requirements with scheduled in-person coursework
  • Fast-paced format: take classes in summer, fall, and spring and complete in four semesters
  • Affordable tuition from the top-ranked regional university in Minnesota
  • Personal support from faculty who know you by name
  • Face-to-face learning and connection with classmates

Program Details

Hybrid Bridge courses serve as preparatory coursework for the MSN program and must be completed during the first two semesters before beginning MSN-level courses.

Preparatory Hybrid RN-MSN Bridge Courses (12 Credits)

  • NURS 301: Transitions (4 credits) – Strengthen your foundation for advanced nursing roles with a focus on professional transitions. (hybrid course)
  • NURS 348: Public Health (4 credits) – Explore the principles of population health and community nursing practice. Become eligible for the Minnesota Public Health Nurse (PHN) Registration Certificate!! (hybrid course)
  • NURS 303: Holistic Family Nursing (4 credits) – Develop family-centered, holistic care strategies across diverse populations. (hybrid course)

MSN Curriculum (31 Credits)

After completing the Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge courses, you will progress directly into the MSN program. The curriculum includes core MSN coursework.

Total Program Credits: 43

  • Hybrid RN-MSN Bridge Courses: 12 credits
  • Hybrid MSN Core: 31 credits
Fall Start RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway

Fall Start Cohort RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway Course Sequencing

The hybrid cohort plan follows a structured, four-semester progression designed to support your success while meeting federal and university requirements for F-1 visa status. Because courses are offered only in certain semesters, students in the hybrid pathway are expected to follow the prescribed plan to stay on track.

This fall start cohort pathway is international student friendly.

  • Program: Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program
  • Total Credits: 43 credits total
  • Catalog: 2026-2027
Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Fall (1st Fall)
Bridge Core Courses:* You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
Total Credits: 12
Spring (1st Spring)      
MSN Core Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
(12 hours on campus (2 days)
- 4 hours campus based class
- 8 hours Student Academic Conference (SAC))

 3
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
Total Credits: 9
Summer (1st Summer)
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Capstone Onsite Practicum (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Total Credits: 12
Fall (2nd Fall)
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
(12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital St Paul (2 days))		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
(12 hours in class on campus (2 days))		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10
Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

  • *You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
  • **Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding. MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to MSN Bridge Program credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.
Spring Start RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway

Spring Start Cohort RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway Course Sequencing

The hybrid cohort plan follows a structured, four-semester progression designed to support your success while meeting federal and university requirements for F-1 visa status. Because courses are offered only in certain semesters, students in the hybrid pathway are expected to follow the prescribed plan to stay on track.

This spring start cohort pathway is international student friendly.

  • Program: Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program
  • Total Credits: 43 credits total
  • Catalog: 2026-2027
Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Spring (1st Spring)
Bridge Core Courses:* You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
Total Credits: 12
Summer (1st Summer)      
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid or online)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid or online)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
Total Credits: 9
Fall (1st Fall)
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
(12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital St Paul (2 days))		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
(12 hours in class on campus (2 days))		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Capstone Onsite Practicum (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Total Credits: 12
Spring (2nd Spring)
MSN Core Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
(12 hours on campus (2 days)
- 4 hours campus based class
- 8 hours Student Academic Conference (SAC))

 3
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10
Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

  • *You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
  • **Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding. MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to MSN Bridge Program credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.
Summer Start RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway

Summer Start Cohort RN-MSN Bridge Program Hybrid Degree Pathway Course Sequencing

The hybrid cohort plan follows a structured, four-semester progression designed to support your success while meeting federal and university requirements for F-1 visa status. Because courses are offered only in certain semesters, students in the hybrid pathway are expected to follow the prescribed plan to stay on track.

This summer start cohort pathway is international student friendly.

  • Program: Hybrid RN to MSN Bridge Program
  • Total Credits: 43 credits total
  • Catalog: 2026-2027
Curriculum Course Course Title Credits
Summer (1st Summer)
Bridge Core Courses:* You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 301 Transitions (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 303 Holistic Family Nursing (hybrid) 4
Bridge Core Course:* NURS 348 Public Health Nursing (hybrid) 4
Total Credits: 12
Fall (1st Fall)      
MSN Core Course: NURS 605 Healthcare Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Management (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 628 Healthcare Delivery Systems, Policy, and Reimbursement (hybrid)
(12 hours MN public policy onsite experience at the capital St Paul (2 days))		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 629 Educational Foundations and Teaching Strategies (hybrid)
(12 hours in class on campus (2 days))		 3
Total Credits: 9
Spring (1st Spring)
MSN Core Course: NURS 615

Research and Evidence-Based Practice (hybrid)
(12 hours on campus (2 days)
- 4 hours campus based class
- 8 hours Student Academic Conference (SAC))

 3
MSN Core Course NURS 638 Health Information Systems (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 662 Patho, Pharm, Physical Assessment for Health Professionals (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 640P MSN Capstone Onsite Practicum (hybrid)
100 hours of practicum		 3
Total Credits: 12
Summer (2nd Summer)
MSN Core Course: NURS 600 Nursing Science, Ethical and Transcultural Theories (online) 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 610 Holistic Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 650 Organizational Strategy and Systems Leadership (hybrid)
(12 hours of experiential learning)		 3
MSN Core Course: NURS 695 Professional Portfolio (hybrid)
Oral exam on campus (1 day)		 1
Total Credits: 10
Confer MSN graduate degree if NURS 695 is completed successfully.

Notes:

  • *You must take undergraduate bridge courses (12 credits) - NURS 301, NURS 303, and NURS 348 at the start of the progression – in the first 1-2 semesters. These are preparatory courses for the MSN coursework.
  • **Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available by completing the requirements and enrolling in NURS 669, offered every term. CPT is an essential component of the MSN curriculum, providing an opportunity to apply and advance your nursing skills—not to continue your current employment. Students must demonstrate that their CPT experience represents a transition or elevation of skills beyond their existing role, in alignment with the master’s program. CPT cannot be guaranteed on day one, as all required processes must be completed to obtain proper approval in accordance with federal and university regulations.
  • You should check with your employer and/or Financial Aid as they may require additional term credits for full-time funding. MSN credits have a higher tuition rate than RN to MSN Bridge Program credits.
    • MSN tuition and fees
    • MSN credits cannot be included in undergraduate banded tuition.
    • Minnesota State Moorhead’s MSN credits may not be transferrable to other MSN programs outside of Moorhead.

Apply Today!

Take the next step in your nursing journey and apply to the hybrid Bridge to MSN Program at Moorhead. This program is designed to help you succeed in advancing your career.

Your future as an advanced nursing professional starts here!

Questions? Contact Us

If you want more information or have questions, please contact the program coordinator below.

Alicia Swanson, EdD, MSN, RN, PHN, HNB-BC
Professor of Nursing | Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator | Chief Academic Nursing Administrator
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Send Email | Phone: 218.477.2418218.477.2418
HA 213G
Kerri Spiering
Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Admissions

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