International study programs: MSN and ABSN
Studying abroad for a postgraduate program in nursing is a commitment of time, effort and finances. However, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program are among the best majors for international students. These programs offer flexible pathways to well-paid full-time work and specializations, and ultimately can lead to a meaningful career with long-term growth and earning potential.
Here’s what to know about MSN and ABSN programs in the U.S.
About MSN and ABSN programs
Depending on your academic background, the MSN or ABSN degrees offer different paths in nursing and are an important program choice based on your professional goals after graduation.
A Master of Science in Nursing is a postgraduate program that’s generally for practicing registered nurses who want to advance their existing experience, and develop leadership or research skills. It can take two to five years to earn an MSN degree, depending on full- or part-time enrollment. Many advanced practice RN roles, like nurse practitioners, require an MSN.
Students who have a non-nursing degree – either an associate’s or bachelor’s level – may consider an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to jumpstart their nursing careers. This pathway eliminates the general education requirements that are typically required under a traditional BSN program, and fast-tracks students toward an intensive, nursing-focused curriculum that takes one to two years to complete.
Demand for MSN and ABSN degrees
Industry data show a renewed interest in MSN and BSN programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that enrollment in MSN programs grew by 4.8% in 2024, compared to the previous year. BSN programs experienced a similar rise at 4.9% during the same period.
Additionally, international students who are studying in the U.S. are leaning toward health professions, like nursing, as their preferred field of study. The 2024 Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education found that health professions ranked among the top 10 academic areas of study among international students in the U.S.
Five jobs you can seek with an MSN or ABSN degree
It’s important to understand the job market and salary you can expect as an advanced-degree nursing professional, especially if you borrowed loans for study abroad. An MSN or ABSN degree can unlock the following careers.
1. Registered nurse (RN)
As a registered nurse, you’ll assess and log patients’ medical and family history and their symptoms. You’ll also administer medication or treatment and assist physicians and other health professionals in patient care.
The median annual wage for RNs in May 2024 was US$93,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This profession is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034.
2. Nurse practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners perform similar functions as registered nurses with a few key differences. NPs have an MSN degree or have earned a degree in an MSN specialization. Due to their advanced education, they are also able to diagnose patients’ health concerns, prescribe medication and submit testing and imaging orders.
As of August 2025, the average base annual salary for an NP in the U.S. is US$131,530, according to Indeed. The BLS projects that demand for NPs in the U.S. will rise by 35% from 2024 to 2034.
3. Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice RNs who’ve either earned an MSN or doctorate in nursing. They provide direct patient care, particularly in a medical specialty, and are instrumental in partnering with other health care professionals to develop care plans for patients.
Indeed data reports that the average base annual salary for CNS professionals in the U.S. was US$147,190 in August 2025. Like RN generalists, CNS roles are projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS.
4. Nurse midwife
Nurse midwives offer direct, reproductive health care to women of all ages. They also work alongside OB/GYNs, dieticians and other health care professionals to support prenatal, childbirth and postpartum support.
Nurse midwives who work in the U.S. earned an average base salary of US$121,490 per year, according to Indeed. U.S. employment for nurse midwives is projected to grow significantly – 35% from 2024 to 2034, compared to only 3% across all U.S. occupations.
5. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
As a CRNA, you’re responsible for administering anesthesia and other pain management treatment to patients during critical medical scenarios, such as preparation for surgery.
CRNAs are among the highest-paid nursing professions. They earn an average salary of US$232,338 annually, based on Indeed data.The BLS projects this occupation will grow by 35% between 2024 to 2034.
Nine schools with MSN or ABSN programs*
MSN programs
1. DePaul University
The Master’s Entry into Nursing Practice at DePaul University offers a two-year track and a “balanced stride” three-year track that is only available as a spring-quarter start.
DePaul offers an online Nursing RN to MSN program designed for registered nurses with an associate degree and various postgraduate programs for students. For example, postgraduate students can choose to study toward an MSN specialty, like nursing education, or certification to become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner or anesthetist.
3. Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing
At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, you’ll have access to programs uniquely tailored toward your desired career path. It has a full-time MSN program for students who’ve earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree; numerous MSN specializations, like Healthcare Organizational Leadership; as well as online postgraduate nursing degree programs for students balancing other obligations.
4. Saint Louis University, Main Campus
The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University offers three master’s-level nursing programs: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), MSN-Nurse Practitioner and MSN Clinical Nurse Leader.
5. University of Maryland, Baltimore
Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to transition into the nursing field or are already a registered nurse who wants a MSN specialty, can explore the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s School of Nursing programs. Options include:
- MSN
- RN-to-BSN
- RN-to-MSN (accelerated dual BSN and MSN degree)
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Nursing Informatics
ABSN programs
6. Drexel University
Drexel University’s ABSN program is an 11-month, full-time option. This intensive curriculum requires participation five days a week and might include necessary evening or weekend courses or clinical work. The track is designed as four, 10-week terms that allow students to graduate in under a year.
7. Oklahoma City University
The Kramer School of Nursing’s accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program is a 12-month opportunity for non-nursing students to leap into this health care field within a year.
Enrolled ABSN students are immersed in simulated hospital rooms with simulation manikins to learn about treatments and care in a safe, low-risk environment.
8. Shenandoah University
Over a 15-month accelerated track, Shenandoah University nursing students learn what it takes to work in entry-level nursing jobs. While learning about basic theory, assessment techniques and building your decision-making skills, you’ll be exposed to different medical scenarios, both in simulated and clinical environments.
9. University of Rochester
Students can choose between two ABSN options: studying full-time and on-site for a 12-month pathway or a hybrid 24-month track which offers flexibility for students with other time-consuming responsibilities.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted here.
The bottom line: Getting an MSN and ABSN degree
Regardless of which path you choose, MSN and ABSN programs are some of the best majors for international students who are curious about a health-related profession. Depending on your undergraduate background, you could pursue an MSN specialty to advance practice or, if a nursing career is brand new to you, an ABSN can help you enter the nursing field efficiently after graduation.
Each option offers fruitful earning potential in the long run, but the cost of studying abroad and postgraduate tuition can be a drain on international students’ resources. If you’re considering an MSN or ABSN degree and need loans for study abroad, learn how MPOWER Financing can help.
