Program Details

The AD–MSN Bridge Year prepares nurses with associate degrees for graduate study by expanding clinical skills, clinical reasoning, and leadership competencies to the baccalaureate level. Through coursework and direct care clinical experience in community-based settings, students strengthen professional nursing practice and are prepared to progress to the MSN curriculum.

Our MSN front-loaded clinical immersion curriculum supports students in gaining knowledge, skills and competencies prior to entering clinical rotations. Students complete five semesters of online coursework followed by two semesters of immersive clinical experiential rotations—375 hours each; 750 hours total.

Bridge Year and MSN courses are delivered online, with close collaboration and interaction with expert faculty and peers. There may be up to two required synchronous online sessions per course, with additional, optional synchronous opportunities throughout the program

Bridge Year Curriculum

Semester 1:

• Participate in an online residency experience and Transition to Graduate Studies course to prepare for your journey and support your success in graduate level education
• Expand clinical skills and clinical reasoning to the baccalaureate nursing level through health assessment and clinical reasoning coursework

Semester 2:

• Analyze epidemiological data, evaluate health policy, and identify strategies to improve health outcomes across diverse communities
• Examine collaboration with interprofessional teams and community partners to advance population and community health initiatives
• Demonstrate an understanding of nurse scope, standards of practice, and the expanded role of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse
• Apply ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks while developing professional identity and leadership for safe, equitable care

Semester 3:

• Engage in direct care clinical experience in community-based settings
• Identify a practice gap and develop an evidence-based capstone project to support high-quality patient care
• Strengthen leadership, management, and delegation competencies essential to professional nursing practice