Nursing Master's Degree

Salve Nursing Students

Salve Regina University's online master's degree in nursing is an accessible and intensive program for nurses who hold a B.S. in nursing and are seeking to provide advanced care in a variety of settings, including independent practice. We offer specializations in family nursing and psychiatric mental health, both of which provide the didactic and experiential learning necessary for certification as a nurse practitioner.

Delivered online in a thoughtful blend of live and self-paced courses, our master's degree in nursing offers the flexibility required for working adults while also fostering personal connections with faculty and peers that are the hallmark of the Salve experience. A skills-based colloquium on campus is required when students reach the clinical portion of the course sequence.

After completing 48-51 credits of graduate-level coursework and a minimum of 750 clinical hours, students receive the Master of Science in nursing and are eligible to sit for the national certification examination.

Program Features

48-51 credits

14-15 courses offered fully online with an average time to complete of 28-32 months

Purpose-Driven Education

With a focus on patient-centered care, Salve's nursing program prepares you to address the future health needs of various populations. Guided by Salve’s mercy mission, we seek to develop compassionate, professional nurses who are liberally educated, ethically grounded and clinically competent health care providers.

Learn more about our mercy misson
Catherine McAuley Statue

Advance on Your Terms

Offered in a fully online format, our program delivers courses in seven-week modules, allowing you to progress rapidly through your master’s degree.

Coursework is primarily asynchronous, with some limited live sessions. This modality accommodates the time demands of professionals assigned varying shifts as well as those working or deployed throughout the U.S. and in other countries. A skills-based colloquium on campus is required when you reach the clinical portion of the course sequence.

In addition to the master's degree, we offer post-masters certificates in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner for nurses who already hold a master's degree and wish to transition their career. Qualified graduates are also eligible to progress seamlessly into our post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Empowering Nurses to Lead with Compassion and Expertise

"Today's patients are experiencing significant barriers to receiving quality health care, and nurse practitioners play a critical role in serving the community and enhancing patient care outcomes. Salve's master's degree in nursing empowers the next generation of nurse practitioners to be the leaders in providing holistic care across the lifespan." - Dr. Sharon Stager, associate professor and associate chair of graduate nursing

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Degree Options

Master of Science in nursing

Salve's master's degree in nursing is designed for individuals who hold a B.S. in nursing from an accredited institution (with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0) and have the RN license. The flexible format of our online program is ideal for nurses who are working varying shifts or unconventional schedules.

See course requirements and degree plan.

Specialization in family nurse practitioner

Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide independent and collaborative health care based on evidence, scientific knowledge and science-based theory. Our specialization in family nurse practitioner addresses a growing need for practitioners to provide high-quality patient care across the lifespan.

Working toward your MSN-FNP highlights your leadership skills and empowers you to encourage others to embrace healthy living and social justice. Upon graduation, you will join other nursing professionals who advocate daily for the well-being of individuals, families and the communities in which they live. 

See course requirements and degree plan.

Specialization in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Today's health care providers are faced with immense mental health issues presenting in populations from pediatric to geriatric. Our specialization in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner addresses a growing need to provide high-quality patient care across the lifespan.

As a PMHNP student, you'll engage in a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the latest research, evidence-based practices and ethical considerations. Through innovative learning opportunities and personalized support, you'll develop expertise in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan. Our program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental wellness, empowering you to address the complex needs of diverse populations with empathy and cultural sensitivity.

See course requirements and degree plan.

CCNE accredited

The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Salve Regina University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These programs are also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education Accreditation logo

Meet Our Experts

Recognized for their expertise, compassion and vast knowledge, our nursing faculty encourage you to continue your development as a health care provider and member of the global health partnership.​ You will be provided both an academic advisor and a success coach to support with course selection and progression to attain degree completion.

See all nursing faculty
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