Program overview

Rider’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is designed to help you develop the skills, experience and confidence to excel as a nurse practitioner. You will learn to practice across various health care environments and make autonomous decisions in patient care. Courses for this part-time program are offered 100% online with only one in-person residency to fit the needs of working nurses. Choose from three concentrations: adult-gerontology primary care, family nurse practitioner or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner

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Growing demand for nurses

Enhance your nursing education with a degree that meets the demands of the rapidly evolving health care industry to provide you with the elevated scope of practice necessary for career autonomy.

114,900

projected job openings for nurse practitioners in the next decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)

52%

expected employment growth for nurse practitioners by 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021)

$113K

median annual salary for a nurse practitioner (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2022)

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Lead innovative approaches to care

With advanced clinical expertise in primary care settings, you’ll be prepared to think critically and work collaboratively to promote quality and equitable care and improve health outcomes for clients, families and diverse communities. If you’re ready to guide new and innovative approaches to care, we can help you become a true difference-maker. Graduates may also choose to explore non-clinical nursing roles in administration, education, government, public policy or research.

A nurse with an old couple.

Program requirements

Our flexible and convenient online curriculum provides diverse approaches to teaching. Our qualified faculty encourage self-directed learning and critical reasoning so you'll build on your bachelor’s-level nursing education to expand your scope of practice.

We offer three concentrations: 

  • Family nurse practitioner (48 credits)
  • Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (45 credits)
  • Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (52 credits)

All concentrations require 750 clinical hours. 

What sets Rider's Online MSN program apart?

When you graduate with your Master of Science in Nursing from Rider, you have the opportunity to establish yourself in a high-growth field. 

Features of the program include:

  • Part-time, standalone program with flexible 100% online courses to accommodate students who work full-time
  • Multiple application deadlines: Fall - August 15, Spring - December 15, Summer - May 1
  • Three convenient start dates
  • Highly skilled and dedicated faculty
  • Flexibility to complete your clinical hours in a timeframe that works best for you
  • Preparation to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) exams
  • Faculty find and coordinate optimal clinical placements

CCNE accredited

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rider University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 

CCNE Accredited

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

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Nursing licensure requirements by state

Rider University graduate nursing programs are designed to prepare students to apply for licensure in New Jersey. The completion of the curriculum of the Rider University graduate nursing program may or may not lead to licensure in other states as regulatory requirements for nurse practitioners differ from state to state.

University partnerships

Rider University is proud to partner with Capital Health and give back to healthcare workers by offering a tuition discount and additional benefits to eligible employees. Other partners include The State of New Jersey, Penn Medicine Princeton Health (through the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber), Woods Services and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. 

Contact

Lori Prol

Associate Professor, Director of Nursing Programs

Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center

lprol [at] rider.edu

609-896-5348

Academic Focus: Nursing

Department of Health Sciences and Nursing

Science and Technology Center