Specialize Your Practice with a Nursing MSN
Choose from 10 specializations in the online MSN program
As a registered nurse, you’ve likely been drawn to a specific area of the profession - whether it is mentoring nursing students on the floor, working with the elderly population, or implementing new technology. Perhaps you have always dreamed of practicing more independently as a nurse practitioner or leading a team of nurses to develop treatment plans and navigate through their careers. Whichever path you feel most passionate about, Chamberlain’s MSN nursing degree program can prepare you to take that next step by honing your skills in one of 10 specializations.
If you’re unsure which specialty is right for you, our admission team will partner with you to discuss your career goals. Chamberlain offers both a traditional MSN and accelerated MSN route to meet the varying needs of our students. For students wanting to go the traditional MSN route, it is recommended that students take one class per each eight-week session as they navigate their studies and personal life. For those who would like to complete their degree in a faster amount of time, our accelerated MSN route allows two to three courses per session to be taken with increased flexibility in managing work-life-family responsibilities while completing your coursework.
Nurse Practitioner Specializations
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Acute and Primary Care
Choose from two thriving Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner career paths, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track is designed to prepare MSN degree students to manage the healthcare needs of adolescents, adults and older adults and to sit for national certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). The master's degree in nursing curriculum includes theory, simulation and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to be proficient, confident clinicians.
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track is designed to prepare students to manage the healthcare needs for adolescents, adults and older adults and to sit for national certification as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). The MSN program curriculum includes theory, simulation and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to be proficient, confident clinicians.
Explore more details on the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program page.
Have questions about the online MSN program? We're here to help.
Family Nurse Practitioner
The FNP curriculum begins with MSN degree core courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, professional role development, healthcare policy and informatics in healthcare. You’ll then move to FNP specialty courses, building on your professional nursing practice and knowledge as you prepare to sit for national certification as a family nurse practitioner.
The practicum courses of the FNP specialty track allow for both hands-on and classroom learning designed to help you become a confident practitioner. We strongly recommend you review the practicum requirements before applying to the FNP Specialty Track.
Explore more details on the Family Nurse Practitioner program page.
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The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track prepares you for roles* including:
Pediatric Primary Care
Family Practice
Internal Medicine
Women’s Health
College Health
Health Department
Retail Clinics
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The PMHNP specialty track is designed to prepare students to manage every facet of patients’ mental health needs and to sit for national certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum includes theory, simulation and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to be proficient, confident clinicians.
After completing your core MSN coursework, you’ll begin your specialty PMHNP coursework, where you will build on your knowledge and theoretical foundations in order to move into your professional nursing practice.
Explore more details on the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program page.
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The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track prepares you for provider roles* within the following areas:
- Mental health across the lifespan, including child, adolescent and geriatric populations
- Inpatient and outpatient assessment and treatment of mental health disorders to include emergency psychiatric care
- Psychiatric consultant
- Substance abuse treatment, including medication-assisted treatment
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Non-Clinical Specializations
Healthcare Policy
The Healthcare Policy curriculum educates nurses to improve outcomes and quality of care in vulnerable populations through the design and implementation of policies that address disparities of healthcare.
The online nursing master’s program coursework includes the foundations of healthcare policy, principles of healthcare systems, politics, economics and policy, global health, and nursing leadership in the public policy arena.
Upon completion of your specialty track courses, you will work closely under the guidance of faculty and a knowledgeable mentor to complete 144-hours of practicum experience.
Explore more details on the Healthcare Policy Track program page.
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The Healthcare Policy Specialty Track prepares you for roles* including:
Director of Nursing
Director of Public Health Policy and Practice Advocacy
Global Health Positions (e.g. World Health Organization)
Health Communications Coordinator
Health Services Consultant
Infection Control Nurse (Entry-Level to Executive)
Legislative Staff Member/Consultant (Full-Time Positions)
Policy Writer/Presenter (Organizations, Companies, Government)
Public Health (Entry-Level to Executive)
Research Project Coordinator
Senior Healthcare Quality Researcher
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Nurse Educator
MSN Nurse Educator coursework includes educational foundations, instructional methods, program assessment and evaluation and curriculum development.
Students complete 144 practicum hours in their own geographic location, 48 hours in a direct care setting preparing for nursing practice at an advanced level and 96 hours in an educational setting to further develop teaching skills with the support of an experienced nurse educator.
You will work closely with a mentor and faculty who will support you while completing 144 hours of practicum experience designed to meet your educational goals and professional plan.
Explore more details on the Educator Track program page.
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The MSN Educator specialty track prepares you for roles* including:
Community Health Leader
Coordinator of Education (Clinical Facility)
Educational Consultant
Educational Entrepreneur
Educational Leadership
Educational Specialist (Drug, Research or Medical Equipment Company)
Nurse Educator/College Professor
Patient Educator (Various Venues)
Staff Development Leader
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Nurse Executive
Chamberlain College of Nursing’s MSN Executive Specialty Track promotes skills and knowledge that nurse administrators and leaders can implement immediately, as well as use to plan for and achieve change. Coursework emphasizes the application of theory, using real-world scenarios and tools. Key executive skills such as effectively communicating across disciplines, budgeting, staffing, and performance measurement are taught. Students complete a 144-hour nursing MSN practicum in their own geographic area, allowing them to further develop their skills with the support of an experienced nurse leader.
Explore more details on the MSN Executive Specialty Track program page.
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The Executive Specialty Track prepares you for roles* including:
College Nursing Program Dean
Director of Nursing
Educational Leadership
Healthcare Administrator
Nurse Coordinator
Nurse Manager
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Nursing Informatics
The Informatics curriculum teaches you to interpret, analyze and use electronic health record technology, as well as empowers you to be more efficient and effective in healthcare practices.
Coursework includes the practice of nursing informatics, management of data and information, healthcare information workflow and project management.
You will work closely with a mentor and faculty who will support you while completing 216 hours of practicum experience designed to meet your educational goals and professional plan.
Explore more details on the Informatics Track program page.
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The Informatics Specialty track prepares you for roles* including:
Application/Systems Analyst
Clinical Informatics Analyst
Clinical Informatics Project Coordinator/Manager
Clinical/Systems Team Manager
Director of Nursing Informatics/Information Systems
Global Health Positions (e.g. World Health Organization)
Health Outcomes Analytics Manager
Informatics Technology Clinical Nurse
Nursing Informatics Specialist
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Population Health
The Population Health Specialty Track focuses on population-level health, wellness, health promotion and disease prevention. This online MSN program track incorporates critical population health skills such as community and population assessment; complex project/program management; disaster nursing, health services research and health policy analysis.
The Population Health track is designed to prepare future leaders for community and population health nursing with a focus on local, national and international nursing.
Upon completion of your specialty track courses, you will work closely under the guidance of faculty and a knowledgeable mentor to complete 144-hours of practicum experience .
Want to know more? We're here to help.
The Population Health specialty track prepares you for roles* including:
Education
Case Management
Clinical Practice
Consultation
Community Outreach
Research
Management/Administration
*Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials.
Accelerated Specializations
Accelerated MSN
The curriculum for the Accelerated MSN Option provides an innovative, integrative design that is student-centered, learner-driven, and faculty-facilitated. In our Accelerated MSN Option, you can graduate in as few as 6-months by taking three courses per session. The curriculum is designed to prepare the graduate to apply a systems approach to a variety of roles in nursing practice, from the micro-level to the meso-level of healthcare delivery, with emphasis on leadership, collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement, and process improvement. Integrated into the curriculum are the foundational principles of leadership, law and ethics, quality and safety, and use of evidence-based practice. Within each 8-week session, the Accelerated MSN Option allows students to complete the applicable 9 courses and assignments within an individualized timeframe while maintaining weekly interaction with faculty in each course. This gives students more flexibility in managing work-life-family responsibilities while completing coursework.
Explore more details on the Accelerated MSN Program page.
View the Accelerated MSN Option curriculum plan
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Accelerated RN-MSN
The accelerated RN-MSN option is designed to prepare nurses for a variety of advanced generalist roles in the nursing practice. There are many benefits to this degree option which include earning your MSN degree at an accelerated pace without the need to confer a bachelor’s degree first – ultimately saving you time and money. Within this program, students with an associate degree can enroll in the accelerated RN-MSN track and complete 14 courses at their own pace. While the bachelor’s degree for this option will not be conferred, all baccalaureate degree requirements will still be met. Students entering the Accelerated MSN program with their bachelor’s degree will complete 9 courses.
Due to the integrated design of the curriculum, time to completion is shortened compared to other tracks or options within Chamberlain’s MSN degree program. Depending on your comfortability level and work-life schedule, you also have the option to take up to 3 classes per each eight-week session to achieve the 45 credit hours needed to earn your MSN degree.
View the Accelerated RN to MSN Option curriculum plan
Want to know more? We're here to help.
If your CGPA falls below our requirements - in the range of 2.5 to 2.99 - you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online Master of Science in Nursing program.
Master of Science in Nursing Admission Requirements
How do I get started?
New students can enroll in the online MSN program every eight weeks, our next session starts July 07.
For your MSN nursing application, you should have:
- A degree in nursing at the bachelor’s level or higher from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Current, active and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the NCSBN
Can I transfer credits into the MSN program?
Chamberlain welcomes transfer students into our graduate nursing programs. General guidelines for the transfer of master’s in nursing credits include:
- A maximum of six semester hours may be accepted towards your MSN degree
- Core coursework must have been completed within the past 7 years for transfer; specialty coursework with the past 5 years
- A grade of ‘B’ or higher is required for transfer credits
- For the NP specializations, transfer credits will only be accepted for core courses
Our admissions team can get you started on a transcript evaluation so you’ll know exactly what will transfer in before making your enrollment decision.
Hands-On. Test-Ready. Confident.
From clinical prep to board review—get the expert support you need to lead as a nurse practitioner.
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Build Confidence and Find Extra Support With NP Immersion Skills and Intensive Review Events
At Chamberlain, your success is our priority—that’s why we go the extra mile to offer in-person support experiences you won’t find everywhere else. Our nurse practitioner students benefit from two unique events designed to help them feel confident, connected, and ready to succeed.
Get real-world practice and expert preparation for your practicum and board certification.
Chamberlain offers two in-person events designed to help you excel:*
- Immersion Skills Event: Strengthen your clinical assessment skills and get live feedback from experienced faculty before starting your practicum.
- Intensive Review: Focus your exam preparation with a hands-on review experience built to boost your board certification readiness.
During the Immersion Skills Event, you’ll practice key skills like head-to-toe assessments, prostate exams, orthopedic evaluations, and dermatologic assessments—with supportive guidance every step of the way. You’ll also build connections with professors and fellow students to support your journey. This event is held in the Chicago suburbs during the NR-509: Advanced Physical Assessment course.
At the Intensive Review, you’ll review critical course content, sharpen your clinical knowledge, and learn effective strategies for passing your certification exam.
Together, these in-person events are another way Chamberlain delivers the added support you need to thrive in your practicum, on your board exam, and throughout your nursing journey.
Disclaimer: *AGACNP students have a second Immersion Skills Event.
Join a Proudly Accredited Institution
Are you looking for an accredited online master’s in nursing degree program?
Chamberlain University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.com an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.
Practicum option availability varies by state/location. Chamberlain reserves the right to update information as it becomes available. For a complete list, and to learn more, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state.
See if you are eligible for special partner tuition rates
Chamberlain University has 11,000+ Healthcare and Educational Institution, College and Association Partner locations across the country. Enjoy the following benefits:
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Master of Science in Nursing FAQs
What is a specialization?
A specialization is a focused area of study. You must select one of 10 specializations in the MSN degree program (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, Healthcare Policy, Population Health or Accelerated MSN). Specialization availability varies by state. See which tracks are available in your state.
Can I switch specializations during my MSN program?
It is possible to switch your MSN specialization within all non-nurse practitioner specializations (Educator, Executive, Healthcare Policy, Informatics and Population Health); however, we recommend that you do so while you are in your core courses because credits completed in the original specialization will not transfer to a different specialization. Switching into the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization is subject to approval by the dean and availability.
Students who enroll in the Accelerated MSN will not be eligible to transfer to the traditional online MSN.
How can I find out if I qualify for tuition savings?
Your admission representative can help identify if you qualify for tuition savings through a partnership with your employer, community college or association. Alternatively, you may qualify for a scholarship or grant for the online nursing masters program.
Call 877.751.5783 or request more information to learn more about financial assistance.
Do I have to find my own preceptor or mentor? Can I complete my practicum hours where I work?
You will be responsible for finding your own preceptor or mentor, which includes the site where they work, to earn your master’s degree in nursing. Your experiential learning coordinator will provide guidance on how to locate a mentor or preceptor and a site. Once you've identified where you would like to complete your practicum your coordinator will begin to secure the necessary contracts on your behalf.
You may complete your practicum with your current employer as long as it is in a different department than you currently work in, and your mentor or preceptor is not your current supervisor. Please see the MSN Practicum Handbook, MSN AGACNP Practicum Handbook, MSN PMHNP Practicum Handbook, MSN AGPCNP Practicum Handbook, or MSN FNP Practicum Handbook for more information.
If you’ve tried to find a preceptor, but despite your best efforts, it hasn’t worked out—don’t worry. Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment can help you identify an available masters in nursing practicum location and preceptor. You may be eligible* if you meet the following requirements:
- Request assistance at least three sessions (approximately six months) prior to starting each practicum course for which you are requesting support
- You can document at least three sites that have denied your practicum requests
- Complete any professional preparation tasks (if applicable) as assigned by an Experiential Learning Specialist (ELS) or other member of the Clinical Operations team.
*This service is for post-licensure nursing degree and certificate program students only, specifically RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Option, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGACNP), Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP), Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP), Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (GC-FNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
How many classes do you recommend I take at a time?
We recommend you take one class per session. Sessions are eight weeks long and our masters degree in nursing students average about 15-20 hours per week toward their studies when taking one class per session. If after your first course you feel you can successfully manage more than one course at a time, contact your student services team and ask to discuss an accelerated plan of study for your MSN degree.
All MSN nursing online classes will have no more than 20 students per class.
How will I communicate with my professors?
Communicating with your MSN nursing professors is vital to your success in your MSN program. In addition to all graduate faculty members being doctorally prepared, they also participate in an extensive training program to prepare them for online teaching and to provide you with the support and care you deserve. The following are the avenues for contacting your professors:
- Email and phone: Professors will provide their contact information in the syllabus. They are required to provide you with their email address and most provide their phone numbers with office hours. Professors typically respond within 24 hours on the weekdays and 48 hours over the weekend..
- Q&A forum: You will have a Q&A forum in every class you attend to post comments and questions that can be answered by anyone in the class, including the professor.
- Threaded discussions: Graduate nursing program professors are very good at participating in threaded discussions throughout the week and driving conversations to gain insightful information.
I’ve never taken an online course before and I’m a little nervous. How do I prepare myself for online learning?
Support is essential in online MSN programs. Chamberlain has several resources that can help you become acclimated to the online classroom. Once you apply you will have access to Chamberlain Care Student Success Strategies, which provides information on time management, scholarly writing, using the library and more. You can also ask your admissions representative for a personal tour of the masters in nursing online environment in which you will be taking classes or you can view the Online Classroom Demonstration Video Series to learn about what you can expect when you log into your class.
We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your educational journey. To further support your success, a Student Online Readiness Assessment is designed to help assess the skills needed for success in your online MSN program courses. You will see the assessment listed as a task in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) course.
Does Chamberlain offer an Accelerated MSN Option?
Yes, Chamberlain offers an Accelerated MSN. The Accelerated MSN is designed to prepare nurses for a variety of advanced roles in nursing practice, including those that require skill in delivering direct and indirect care; leading healthcare initiatives; and educating patients, staff and the community. The Accelerated MSN can be completed in as few as 1.5 semesters.
What's the difference between MSN and Accelerated MSN?
The Accelerated MSN provides increased flexibility and speed in the delivery of the MSN degree program to meet the needs of a wider range of master’s in nursing students. Because of the integrative design of the curriculum, time to completion is shortened in comparison to other tracks or options within Chamberlain's MSN nursing degree program.
- Within each eight-week session, the Accelerated MSN allows you to complete courses and assignments within an individualized time frame while maintaining weekly interaction with faculty in each course. This gives you more flexibility in managing work-life-family responsibilities while completing your nursing master degree coursework.
- Students enrolled in the Accelerated MSN will take two to three courses per session, traditional MSN degree program students take one MSN course per session.
Can students in the Accelerated MSN transfer to the regular MSN degree program?
No, students who enroll in the Accelerated MSN will not be eligible to transfer to the traditional MSN program.
Can I transfer credits for the Accelerated MSN?
Yes, you’ll have your transcript assessed for transfer credits that can cut down on general education courses.
Required MSN Courses
MSN Courses
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