Online Nursing Programs from Sacred Heart University
Expand Your Nursing Credentials to Deliver Impactful Care
Take the next step in your nursing career with Sacred Heart University. You can acquire the right credentials for your goals — from a BSN or MSN degree to a post-MSN certificate. Through our online nursing programs, you’ll learn from expert faculty members who apply the latest nursing research to provide exceptional educational experiences.
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CCNE Accredited
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree program in nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Sacred Heart University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Rankings and Accolades
Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs (U.S. News & World Report)1
Best Value Online MSN Programs (Value Colleges)2
Nursing Colleges of Distinction3
RN-BSN ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s programs (U.S. News & World Report)1
Complete Your Nursing Program Online with Sacred Heart
Gaining new competencies and credentials can unlock opportunities across the nursing profession. Sacred Heart offers a variety of flexible online pathways to propel your advancement to higher-level roles.
RN-BSN
Online with field work
10 to 36 months
120 credit hours
Top Ranked program
Develop the knowledge required for today’s nursing roles to provide superior patient care with Sacred Heart’s online RN to BSN nursing program.
Accelerated Pathway Available
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RN-MSN
Online with clinicals/practicums
3.5 years
51 to 153 credit hours
Top Ranked university
Gain access to top-tier nursing positions by earning both your BSN and MSN. Focus on providing exceptional patient care or branch out into education, research, consulting, management and more.
5 Specializations Available
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Master of Science in Nursing
Online with clinicals/practicums
2 to 2.5 years
36 to 42 credit hours
Top Ranked program
Explore health care policy and ethics, principles of health care research, and more while completing the online MSN nursing program.
5 Specializations Available
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Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online with clinicals
1.5 years
24 credit hours
Top Ranked university
Learn to conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat common illnesses and help patients take action to improve or maintain their personal well-being.
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Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online with clinicals
15 months
21 credit hours
Top Ranked university
Gain the skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients’ mental healthcare needs.
View ProgramWhich Nursing Specialty is Right for You?
Choosing the right nursing specialty is an important step in shaping your career and the impact you want to make in healthcare. Whether you’re drawn to advanced practice roles that provide direct patient care or leadership and education positions that influence systems and teams, there are multiple pathways to align your passion with your professional goals.
Explore the options below to learn more about each track and discover which role best fits your interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations.
Nurse Practitioner Tracks
Elevate Your Role in Direct Patient Care
If you’re interested in diagnosing conditions, managing treatment plans, and serving as a primary or specialized care provider, a nurse practitioner track may be the right fit. These advanced practice roles prepare you to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across diverse populations and settings.
Family Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerClinical Tracks
Reach Your Potential in Nursing Leadership and Education
If you’re passionate about improving healthcare delivery, guiding teams, or shaping the next generation of nurses, a clinical track could be your path. These roles focus on leadership, education, and system-level impact while maintaining a strong foundation in clinical expertise.
Clinical Nurse Leader Nursing Education Nursing Management & Executive LeadershipWhy Should You Continue Your Nursing Education with Sacred Heart?
Sacred Heart is where aspiring nursing professionals unlock their full potential. Our online nursing programs blend academic excellence and career preparation to put you on track for advanced nursing roles. For more than 50 years, we’ve delivered learning experiences that nurture the mind, body and spirit — discover what sets Sacred Heart apart as you continue your professional journey.
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Read ArticleSources
- U.S. News & World Report. “Sacred Heart University.” Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/sacred-heart-university-130253.
- Value Colleges. “Top 25 Best Value Online MSN Programs in the US.” Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.valuecolleges.com/rankings/best-value-online-msn-programs/.
- Colleges of Distinction. “Sacred Heart University.” Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/sacred-heart-university/.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.” Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Registered Nurses.” Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Postsecondary Teachers.” Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm.
- U.S. News & World Report. “Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs Rankings.” Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/nursing-overall?myCollege=nursing&_sort=myCollege&_sortDirection=asc.