Inside ASU’s RN to MS nursing program with one of its first graduates

This summer, Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation celebrated the first graduating cohort from the RN to MS in nursing program — a fully online degree designed for working nurses who want to go from an associate degree in nursing (ADN) to a master’s degree without having to earn a separate bachelor’s degree along the way.

Built for licensed registered nurses looking to grow their careers in less time and with more flexibility, the RN to MS option combines bachelor’s and master’s-level nursing coursework into one streamlined experience — all delivered through ASU Online by Edson College faculty.

Now, with the first group of graduates stepping into new roles and new opportunities, they’re sharing firsthand how this pathway is working in real life.

In the Q&A below, Catherine Lane, a nurse in Vermont and one of the program’s first graduates, details what led her to ASU, how she balanced school with a full life, and what’s next now that she has her master’s degree in nursing.

Question: What was your background before entering the RN to MS program at ASU?

Answer: I originally earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from ASU back in 2001. After that, I spent years in business, working for big consumer brands. Eventually, I realized I wanted my work to have more impact. That’s what led me to nursing.

I started an ADN program in Vermont in 2018 and graduated during the pandemic in 2020. I worked bedside in hematology-oncology, but my long-term goal was always nursing informatics. I loved the idea of using clinical data to improve patient outcomes.

Q: Why did you choose the RN to MS program at ASU?

A: For me, it checked every box. I already had a bachelor’s, but it wasn’t a BSN. I needed a program that would bridge that gap and get me to the master’s level — fast. There weren’t many options, especially ones I could do online from Vermont.

When I found ASU’s RN to MS program, it was really a no-brainer because I could get there faster, and I could get there for less money and still feel like I was coming out with an incredibly high-quality education. As an alum, I already trusted the school, the timeline was efficient — I could earn an MS in just two years — and I could do it without uprooting my life.

Q: Was this your first fully online degree experience?

A: Yes. I had taken a few online classes before, so there were elements I was familiar with, like I’d used Canvas, but this was a new level. It actually went more smoothly than I expected. The technology was manageable, and the professors were easy to reach with any questions or concerns that came up.

Q: What kind of support did you receive during the program?

A: Tons. I felt like my professors were always just a message away. The alumni mentorship program was especially valuable. One of my instructors suggested I join, and I got paired with a mentor who helped me not just in informatics, but with workplace strategy and networking, too. Totally unexpected in the best sense.

Q: What kind of opportunities will this degree open up for you now?

A: A lot of the jobs I want — especially in informatics — list “master’s required” right in the description. Without this degree, my resume wouldn’t even make it past the first round.

Now, I can pursue roles that let me work with data, improve patient outcomes and have a broader impact beyond bedside care.

Q: How did you balance work, school and life during the program?

A: When I started, I was working part-time, serving on two boards and parenting three kids, including a senior in high school and a preschooler. It was intense. There were definitely sacrifices in little ways, but my life stayed relatively intact. I made it work by shifting priorities. Evenings that might’ve been spent watching TV turned into study time.

Eventually, I stepped back from the boards because I just couldn’t do it all, but overall, the program fit into my life without completely disrupting it.

Q: What was it like to be part of the first RN to MS cohort at ASU?

A: It was actually pretty cool. I knew going in that it was a brand-new program, but I felt confident in how thoughtfully it was designed. Funny enough, Heidi Sanborn, the senior director of post-licensure programs at Edson College, went to school with one of the nursing directors at my hospital, so there was this added layer of trust and familiarity.

Q: Did you receive any financial support for the program?

A: Yes, and I didn’t expect to. I didn’t think I’d qualify for anything, but I applied anyway — and I’m so glad I did! I got the Stella B. Donaghy Endowment scholarship through Edson, which was $10,000. It covered my entire second year. I also received a few grants I wasn’t expecting. It was a huge surprise and relief, and well worth the time to apply.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering the RN to MS pathway?

A: If you know you need a master’s to reach your goals, this program is an incredibly smart option. If you’re motivated and want a high-quality education that fits into your life instead of upending it, this program can make that happen. It’s faster, more affordable and designed for those of us who are working nurses.  And if you're unsure? Try one class and see if it’s right for you.