Traditionally if a student has completed a bachelor’s in a field other than nursing, they have two primary options. They can complete a BSN or an ADN. Because they have already completed general education coursework for their first bachelor’s, the BSN can take as little as a year, but typically two, to complete. Some students want to pursue a higher degree, such as a master’s of science in nursing (MSN), instead of another bachelor’s or an associate degree.
For these students, there are direct-entry nursing programs. Most direct-entry nursing programs include an accelerated BSN for the first year to two years, followed by a traditional 18-month to three-year MSN degree. There are accelerated direct-entry nursing programs for students who want to earn their MSN quickly and don’t want or need the BSN. These degrees allow students to go directly to an MSN without obtaining a BSN and can take as little as 20 months to complete.
There are many reasons why a student would pursue an MSN over a BSN. Typically BSN programs are more general and provide a solid foundation for work as a registered nurse. On the other hand, accelerated direct-entry MSN programs provide more specialized knowledge. They can even prepare graduates for a national certification such as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
It should be noted that accelerated direct-entry MSN programs do not prepare graduates for work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). To pursue an APRN degree, applicants must already hold a degree in nursing and have an unencumbered registered nurse license. Also, accelerated direct-entry MSN programs are extremely rigorous and require students to attend classes full-time.
Continue reading to learn about some programs across the country that offer accelerated direct-entry MSN degrees.
Accelerated Direct Entry Nursing Programs
The Johns Hopkins University – School of Nursing
Students at The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing can complete the master’s of science in nursing direct entry into nursing program. This accelerated program can be completed in just five semesters, emphasizing leadership, global impact, and quality care by integrating the humanities with public health. This approach trains students in all aspects of nursing while teaching from an evidence-based curriculum.
A unique aspect of this program is that it is interdisciplinary, which allows students to build the core competencies needed to be outstanding nurses. This approach helps nurses better understand patients’ needs by utilizing different disciplines, such as physical sciences or social sciences. Admission requirements include having a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, three letters of recommendation, an admission essay, and a current resume. All applicants must also have a virtual or in-person interview.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Program length: Five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $66,168 for tuition for the entire program
University of Cincinnati – College of Nursing
In just five semesters, students can earn their master’s of science in nursing from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to become licensed registered nurses and find entry-level work in this field or pursue additional studies to work as advanced practice registered nurses. This program is part of the region’s only Academic Health Center, which allows students to participate in interdisciplinary research with the nursing, allied health, medicine, and pharmacy departments.
The clinical component of this program consists of rotations at a level I trauma center, a high-risk obstetric unit, and one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals. Before working directly with patients, students will perform procedures in the state-of-the-art clinical skills lab. Class sizes are kept small to ensure students have a personalized learning experience.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Program length: Five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,333 per credit
Xavier University – College of Nursing
Xavier University’s campus-based, direct-entry MSN program trains students to give expert care and be strong patient advocates. In addition to classroom instruction, students will have intensive clinical experiences where they will put their new skills to work. Typical specializations for clinicals include psychiatry, family practice, obstetrics, medical-surgical, and pharmacology.
In total, students must complete 79 credits to earn this degree. Required classes include nursing perspectives, theoretical bases for nursing practice, nursing research, the art and science of nursing, and more. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and sit for the Holistic Nurse Certification exam or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Certification test.
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Program length: 20 months
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $670 per credit
The brand new direct-entry master’s of science in nursing at Viterbo University provides students with bachelor’s degrees in disciplines other than nursing the opportunity to complete accelerated coursework leading toward an initial RN license. The program is designed to prepare students for a nursing career by providing them with the skills they will need on day one of their new jobs. This includes an understanding and knowledge about how organizations work, as well as qualities like communication between professionals. Classes are offered online with in-person clinicals.
This degree can be completed in as little as 21 months. The programs follow a lock-step cohort format so that students will be taking classes with the same students their entire time in the program. This method doesn’t allow for much flexibility in the curriculum but does help students complete rigorous coursework efficiently.
- Location: La Crosse, WI
- Program length: 21 months
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $720 per credit
Graduates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can be prepared to enter the nursing profession by completing the accelerated entry master of science in Nursing at Curry College. Students will learn from both classroom lectures and clinical experiences. They will work alongside their peers while being mentored by outstanding faculty and nursing professionals. A capstone project further prepares students to become outstanding nurses.
This program is only 20 months long. Students must complete 66 credits in classes such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, health promotion across the lifespan, healthy populations, and management of chronic disease care. The cohort format of this program allows students to develop strong relationships with their peers and gives them ample time to network with faculty and industry professionals.
- Location: Milton, MD
- Program length: 20 months
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $972 per credit
Saint Louis University – Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing
The Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing 21-month accelerated master’s of science in nursing program is the first of its kind in Missouri and is an incredible asset to those who want a career as a nurse. By completing this five-semester course, graduates will be well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and find entry-level work in this field. Presently the program boasts a 94 percent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate and is ranked in the top 50 nursing programs by US News & World Report.
Required classes for this degree include pharmacology in nursing, advanced pathophysiology, foundations in nursing care, and ethics in nursing and health care. Over the course of the program, students will complete more than 1,000 hours of clinical experience, providing them with the hands-on skills necessary to excel in this field.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Program length: Five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $1,180 per credit
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.