How Long Does It Take to Complete the MSN at Regis College?

How Long Is the MSN Program at Regis College?

Most students complete the MSN at Regis College in 26 to 38 months, depending on whether they study part time or full time and which track they choose. The program’s flexible pacing allows nurses to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments while progressing steadily toward advanced practice roles.

Flexible Learning Options

Regis College offers multiple learning formats so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule and learning style. MSN students can complete courses fully online, hybrid, or in person, with both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on-demand) options available.

This flexibility allows you to balance coursework with your work and family responsibilities while still receiving the same high-quality, accredited education Regis is known for. Clinical hours, when required, can often be arranged within your own community, so you don’t need to relocate or change jobs to complete your degree.

Nurse Practitioner Tracks

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks typically take closer to three years for part-time students or about two years for full-time students.

These tracks include advanced coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment, along with extensive clinical experience. Regis requires approximately 800 clinical hours for NP tracks (aligned with the 2022 NTF standards), typically scheduled at 22–24 hours/week during clinical semesters.

The six tracks available through Regis are:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Pediatric
• Psychiatric Mental Health
• Women’s Health
• Family

“Students need to be in clinicals approximately 24 hours a week for 15 weeks per semester,” explains Julia Martyn, a Professor in the Regis College Young School of Nursing. “It’s a substantial time commitment, especially for those balancing family and work responsibilities.”

Nursing Leadership and Education Tracks

For nurses seeking to move into administrative, managerial, or academic roles, Regis also offers Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education tracks. These pathways do not require clinical rotations and can generally be completed on a faster timeline, often closer to 24 months for part-time students.

These tracks include:

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
• Health Administration
• Health Informatics
• Health Policy

Note: Regis College offers two pathways for associate degree–prepared nurses who wish to earn a master’s. The RN-to-MSN Upward Mobility program allows nurses to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees through an integrated, online curriculum. The MSN Bridge program, also offered online, is designed for associate degree nurses who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and wish to move directly into graduate-level nursing coursework.

What Factors Influence How Long It Takes?

Even within the 24–36 month window, your specific timeline can vary depending on several factors:

1. Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

Regis offers the flexibility to choose between full-time and part-time study:

• Full-time students usually complete the MSN in two years.
• Part-time students, who make up the majority of the cohort, typically finish in three years while continuing to work.

Choosing the right pace depends on your career goals, financial situation, and personal obligations.

2. Specialization Track

NP tracks tend to take longer than leadership-focused programs because of required clinical hours. The Leadership and Education tracks emphasize theory, policy, and management principles, while NP tracks involve hands-on patient care experience across multiple settings.

3. Transfer Credits

Students with prior graduate coursework may be eligible to transfer up to a limited number of credits, shortening their overall timeline. Your admissions counselor can review transcripts to determine which credits qualify.

4. Course Sequencing and Start Dates

Some courses build on others, so availability and sequencing can influence your path. Regis offers multiple start dates per year, giving students flexibility in when to begin.

5. Personal Commitments

Work schedules, family responsibilities, and life events all play a role. Regis’s asynchronous online model is designed to accommodate these realities, but keeping a consistent weekly rhythm is key to staying on track.

Managing Time as a Working RN and Grad Student

Balancing a graduate nursing degree with full-time work and family life can be challenging, but countless students have proven it’s achievable. Martyn emphasizes that the students who succeed are those who take time management seriously from day one.

Weekly Commitment

During clinical‐intensive semesters of the NP track, students spend approximately 22–24 hours per week in placement; non-clinical weeks will vary depending on course load.

Practical Strategies for Success

• Block time early: Schedule fixed study sessions each week.
• Communicate with your employer: Many healthcare organizations support continuing education through flexible scheduling or tuition benefits.
• Lean on your support network: Involve family or colleagues in planning for clinical rotations and exam weeks.
• Stay proactive: Reach out to faculty or advisors when challenges arise—Regis emphasizes open communication and early intervention to help students stay on track.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Martyn adds that curiosity and a love of learning are as critical as organization:

“We give students the foundation to practice safely, but nursing evolves rapidly,” she says. “Those who stay curious and keep seeking knowledge are the ones who excel.”

Support Systems That Help You Finish Strong

Regis College is known for its supportive, close-knit nursing community, something Martyn credits for the program’s high completion and board pass rates.

Individualized Academic Advising

Every MSN student is paired with a dedicated academic advisor who helps plan courses, register for classes, and create realistic schedules that fit their lives.

Small Cohorts, Accessible Faculty

Unlike large online programs, Regis maintains small class sizes, ensuring that students receive personalized feedback and attention from faculty who know them by name.

“Because we keep our cohorts smaller, we can really get to know our students,” Martyn explains. “That lets us identify when someone might be struggling and offer support early.”

Strong Preceptor and Alumni Network

Many clinical preceptors are Regis alumni who understand the program’s expectations and provide mentorship that extends beyond graduation. Martyn notes that alumni frequently stay involved as preceptors or faculty, creating a strong cycle of support and professional networking.

Why Choose Regis for Your MSN?

When comparing MSN programs, reputation, support, and outcomes matter. Regis College offers all three.

A Respected Name in Nursing

As one of Massachusetts’ earliest and most established nursing schools, Regis carries a strong reputation among healthcare employers.

“It’s a respected name that carries weight when you apply for clinicals or jobs,” says Martyn.

A Path to Leadership and Autonomy

Whether your goal is to lead nursing teams, teach the next generation of nurses, or practice independently as a nurse practitioner, Regis provides the academic foundation and clinical readiness to get you there.

Proven Results

Regis MSN graduates post strong first-time certification pass rates overall (83.8% in 2024), with some tracks—such as PMHNP (94.3% vs 89.8% national in 2024) and FNP-AANP (86% vs 72% national in 2024)—outperforming national benchmarks.

Yes, You Can Do This—And Regis Will Help

Earning your MSN is one of the most rewarding steps you can take in your nursing career. It’s a significant commitment, but with the flexibility and support Regis College offers, it’s entirely achievable.

Most students finish in two to three years, depending on their track and pace. Along the way, you’ll gain advanced clinical and leadership skills, access an engaged network of faculty and alumni, and prepare for a future of greater impact and opportunity.