We accept a maximum of 12 transfer credits from prior graduate courses taken. Transcripts will be evaluated to ensure there is a 100% course for course match. If the courses don’t match, we cannot guarantee transfer. We usually ask that the student provides course syllabi in their application process to make the evaluation of credits seamless. 

• SAU’s online RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months 
• SAU’s online RN to MSN programs can be completed in as few as four years 
• SAU’s online BSN to MSN programs can be completed in as few as two years and five months 
• SAU’s online Post-Master’s Cert programs vary depending on completed prerequisites: 
  • PMC-Family Nurse Practitioner: 14-24 months 
  • PMC-Psychiatric Mental Health NP: 18-24 months 
  • PMC-Nurse Educator: 16-22 months 
  • PMC-Adult-Gerontology NP: 14-20 months 
  • PMC-Pediatric NP: 18-24 months 

SAU offers seven concentrations in its MSN/MBA program:

• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resource Development
• Management
• Organizational Consulting
• Executive Leadership
• Cybersecurity and Data
• Executive Communication

As an online nursing student at Spring Arbor University, you will have direct access to dedicated educators who are known for their active involvement in improving nursing care, and you will have your very own Student Success Coach who will walk beside you and offer support throughout your program. You will also have access to spiritual development support and career services. 

Our online nursing programs emphasize a Christian worldview that will better prepare you to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those for which you care. This does not mean you need to be a Christian to enroll in our programs; all health care professionals – no matter their background or beliefs – will benefit from the recognition of a spiritual component to nursing. 

The MSN residency is a four-day visit to our main campus during the second year of the program and is tied into the Health Assessment Course.  It is a practicum that provides students with clinical opportunities to further refine and practice physical examination. You will meet their professors, fellow classmates and gain a personal sense of community within the program. We offer discounted rates in the nearby hotels in the area. 

Spring Arbor University offers 18 CCNE-accredited online nursing programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• RN to MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• RN to MSN-Nurse Educator
• RN to MSN/MBA Dual Degree
• BSN to MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• BSN to MSN-Nurse Educator
• BSN to MSN/MBA Dual Degree
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Nurse Educator
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

To be accepted in SAU’s online RN-BSN program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure 
• An official transcript from all previous institutions attended with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all prior college work 
• Completion of at least 58 transferable semester hours 
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program 
• A writing sample 
• Completed online application 

Students can only take one course at a time (excluding clinical & residency).  Our programs are uniquely designed for working nurses to be able to advance their education while continuing to work. 

To be accepted in SAU’s online RN-MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure  
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended  
• 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits  
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program  
• Short personal statement  
• Completed online application  

The flexibility of our nursing programs attracts students with all sorts of work schedules. Our programs are designed for full-time working nurses. We follow the flexibility of the 7-1-7 model where students take one class at a time every seven weeks with a one week break in between. There are no set login times and students have access to their classroom at any time. 

The flexibility of our clinical requirements is also beneficial to the students. You will choose your own preceptor in your home state.  

To be accepted in SAU’s Online MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• A BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE or NLN)
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
• Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
• Online application
• Short personal statement

Yes, SAU’s online nursing programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. 

88% first-time pass rate / 100% of students who have taken the exam have passed it.

To be accepted in SAU’s online Post-Master’s Certificate programs, you must meet the following requirements:

• MSN degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Official graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
• An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
• Online application
• Short personal statement
• Prerequisites courses:
  • Advanced Pharmacology 
  • Advanced Pathophysiology 
  • Advanced Physical Assessment