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Suppose you are looking for the best Direct Entry MSN Programs that will offer you the opportunity to study master’s programs in nursing without needing a bachelor’s degree. In that case, you should carefully review this article and apply to the program(s) that best suit your needs.
At some point, we have all heard or read about the shortage of nurses in the United States of America. Although there are still many nursing schools with low acceptance rates, other colleges and universities are offering fast-track degrees that aim to curb this shortage.
One of the fast-track routes schools are attempting to use to curb the shortage of nurses is offering Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs, commonly referred to as Direct Entry MSN Programs.
This will help prospective nurses bypass the regular Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Those who can apply to these programs are individuals who do not hold a prior degree in nursing.
The Direct Entry MSN Program will open up numerous job opportunities for those who complete the program – this is to assure those who plan to pursue the program that there are jobs already waiting for them in the field.
Some of the job opportunities open to graduates from the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs include:
- Nursing administrators
- Nursing anaesthetist
- Nursing educators
- Case manager
- Nursing researchers
- Nurse consultants
- Dialysis nurse
What is the Direct Entry MSN Program?
As we mentioned earlier, the Direct Entry MSN program is offered by some nursing schools and universities to individuals without a nursing background, aiming to help them earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The program is open to individuals who are not yet nurses but are interested in the nursing field, as well as those with a bachelor’s degree who are not currently in the nursing field and wish to become nurses.
The Direct Entry MSN Program is well-structured and sophisticated – students are taught the foundation of nursing and then the advanced aspects of nursing later in the program, so that they can occupy advanced practice positions in nursing and other specialties in the nursing field.
Direct Entry MSN Programs are like an escape route for individuals who are already majors in a particular field of study to switch careers and become nurses.
This MSN program offers students the opportunity to transfer credits earned during their undergraduate studies and obtain an MSN in the shortest period possible.
This will save them time, as they do not need to return to college to earn a BSN degree before becoming nurses.
Requirements for the Direct Entry MSN Programs
If you are interested in the MSN Programs, then there are requirements you must meet.
To get admitted into a Direct Entry MSN Program, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree, and you should make your transcript available to the school where you wish to obtain your MSN Program.
After you have completed this process, an advisor will have to go through your course experience in an attempt to determine what prerequisite courses you need before starting to take classes as part of your Direct Entry MSN Program Curriculum.
Some of the areas that would be covered in your MSN program include advanced health assessments, nursing leadership, nutrition, nursing practices, nursing policies, pharmacology, and more.
How to Select the Best School for Direct Entry MSN Programs
If you are interested in the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs in this article and you want to know how you can choose the best school for you, then you may need to pay attention to the few details we are to discuss in this article.
The schools listed below are all suitable for the MSN Program – the one you ultimately choose should be the academic institution that best aligns with your educational goals.
With that being said, there are other essential things that you need to consider before applying to any school, these include:
- Tuition
- Admission Rate
- Graduation Rate
- Accreditation
The things listed above are some of the things that you need to consider before you apply, as they are essential and would directly affect you negatively or positively as a student of a school.
Here, we are committed to providing high-quality academic-related information for both domestic and international students, ensuring they stay informed about scholarship opportunities and other academic resources that will be of help to them.
The list of Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Programs discussed in this article will help interested students see the comprehensive list of schools offering direct entry MSN programs in one place, so that they can easily visit the official links of these schools and get application information and other information they may need before their application.
25 Best Colleges and Universities to Offer Direct Entry MSN Programs.
- Augusta University
- Salem State University
- Metropolitan State University
- University of Texas
- University of Wisconsin
- University of California
- Ohio State University
- Saint Joseph University
- Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Toledo
- University of Maryland
- University of Virginia
- University of Hawaii
- Marquette University
- Seattle University
- Louis University
- Simmons College
- Seton Hall University
- University of Massachusetts
- Northeastern University
- Wilkes University.
- University of San Francisco
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Pace University
Also Read: 11 Nursing Schools With High Acceptance Rates in 2025
1. Augusta University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Tuition: $5,144
Augusta University, located in Georgia, offers clinical nursing leadership courses for current registered nurses and non-nursing degree holders.
After completing the course, graduates can take the NCLEX and CNL certification exams concurrently. Pre-licensed students will follow a two-year curriculum that differs from that of RN and BSN students.
2. Salem State University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Tuition: $7,700
The Direct Entry MSN Program at Salem State University is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue a second career in nursing. Courses are conducted full-time in classroom and clinical settings and last for 15 months.
During this accelerated MSN program, once 52 credits in nursing have been completed, students can take the NCLEX and then enroll in MSN courses full-time or part-time.
3. Metropolitan State University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Tuition: $7,472
The entry-level MSN program at Metropolitan State University College of Nursing and Health Sciences requires students to complete seven semesters of coursework.
At the time of admission, students who are not in the nursing field of study must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and have completed the prerequisite courses prescribed by the University of Minnesota.
4. University of Texas
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Tuition: $11,490
The University of Texas at Austin offers a direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing. The program is called an Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing option. The program’s preparatory course is an intense full-time course that prepares students to participate and pass the NCLEX.
After passing the exam, students can work as registered nurses in Texas and must then study for an additional two years to obtain an MSN degree.
Also Read: 16 Best Schools of Nursing in Nigeria and Their Requirements
5. University of Wisconsin
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Tuition: $10,387
Like other universities on this list that offer Direct Entry MSN Programs, the University of Wisconsin offers a master’s degree in clinical nursing leadership for graduate students who hold non-nursing degrees.
After 16 months of study in this program, students can participate in NCLEX and then receive clinical hours when they complete the remaining credits. Courses are held on the Milwaukee campus of the college.
6. University of California
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Tuition: $11,502
At the University of California San Francisco campus, non-nursing students can apply for the Direct Entry MSN Programs inform of the Master of Nursing Admission Program (MEPN).
The MSN program is a three-year course that encompasses one year of comprehensive nursing knowledge and two years of professional guidance.
All clinical rotations are performed at locations that are within a 50-mile radius of campus.
Ohio State University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Tuition: $11,560
The difference between Ohio State University’s graduate admission options is that it is included in the list of the best online programs by U.S. News and World Report.
The school offers direct entry MSN programs – the graduate entry options provided by the academic institution will last for three years, with students participating in NCLEX at the midpoint of the course.
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse-Midwifery, and more.
Also Read: How to Pass Nursing School Exams
7. Mt. Saint Joseph University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Tuition: $11,031
Mt. Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati offers Direct Entry MSN Programs – the direct entry route is called the MSN-MAGELLAN program.
This course curriculum is designed to provide a pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to transition into a nursing career.
If you study the course for four consecutive semesters, the course can be completed in just 15 months. After completing the program, graduates can enter the job market as generalists.
8. Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 100%
- Tuition: $13,518
Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Illinois offers an MSN-DEP program for bachelor’s degree holders who aim to earn an MSN and pass the NCLEX exam more quickly.
The program lasts for two years, and courses can be conducted in a mixed format. Some courses require face-to-face meetings, while others need to be completed online. The tuition of Trinity School of Nursing and Health Sciences is very affordable, and the college also reports a 100% graduation rate.
9. University of New Hampshire
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Tuition: $13,840
The University of New Hampshire offers accelerated Direct Entry MSN Programs. The program requires students to hold a bachelor’s degree in art or science and pursue the track of Clinical Nurse Leader.
The direct Master of Science program in nursing requires 71 credits, with courses spanning consecutively across 5 semesters.
As a rule of acceptance into the program, students must accept that they will participate and pass NCLEX. Upon graduation, students will receive an MSN, and this will qualify them for CNL certification.
10. University of Toledo
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Tuition: $13,429
The University of Toledo’s Direct Entry Graduate Clinical Nurse Leadership Program combines classroom experience with clinical practice training.
The MSAN program is open to students who do not hold a BSN degree and requires a two-year full-time commitment.
After completing this program, participants are expected to pass the NCLEX and pursue a career as a nurse generalist or apply for a doctoral degree program.
11. University of Maryland
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Tuition: $13,990
The University of Maryland emphasizes in its different course options that nursing can be a field that can be entered through multiple channels.
Students in the University of Maryland’s Direct Entry MSN program will major in Clinical Nursing Leadership and obtain both a BSN and an MSN degree.
To complete this program, participants must complete four semesters of full-time courses and at least one summer session. For Maryland residents, tuition costs in graduate programs will be heavily discounted.
12. University of Virginia
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Tuition: $15,552
The University of Virginia is one of the universities on this list that offers a Direct Entry CNL program. This is a master’s program designed for students without a nursing background.
Individuals in the programs are required to study for two years, after which they will be certified as clinical nurse leaders. During the two years.
The University of Virginia CNL students will be required to take their courses at the Charlottesville campus and will also perform clinical work at the nearby UVA Medical Centre.
13. University of Hawaii
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Tuition: $15,288
The University of Hawaii at Manoa provides non-Bachelor of Nursing holders with the opportunity to directly enter the school’s graduate program through its direct entry MSN programs.
Students participating in the graduate direct programs will be pursuing one of the following degrees:
Master’s in Advanced Health Population Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice; or Nursing PhD.
The first year of all tracks consists of a pre-license course load spanning three semesters.
14. Marquette University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 80%
- Tuition: $19,800
The Direct Entry MSN program at Marquette University is open to interested students who hold an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing field, allowing their non-nursing credits to be applied toward completing an MSN degree program.
The University’s Direct Entry Program courses are offered at the college’s Milwaukee and Pleasant Prairie locations. You can also access online courses in a bid to meet the 75-credit degree requirement.
15. Seattle University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Tuition: $19,426
The MSN programs at Seattle University are offered through the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion Program.
This program is open to bachelor’s degree holders seeking a pathway to earn an MSN degree or pursue a doctorate.
If you participate in the course on a full-time basis, you will be awarded both BSN and MSN upon completion of the program. In the first year of your acceptance into the program, you will need to complete pre-licensure courses such as pathophysiology and pharmacology.
16. St. Louis University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Tuition: $19,800
Saint Louis University offers several accelerated direct Master of Science in Nursing programs for prospective nurses to pursue advanced-level degrees.
The Accelerated Generalist MSN is designed to equip students with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a license through NCLEX and be certified as a Clinical Nursing Leader.
The program has been designed so that it can be completed within five semesters, spanning 21 months of study.
17. Simmons College
- Tuition: $20,988
- Admission Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
As a component of Simmons College’s Direct Entry MSN programs, students are equipped to be certified as a family or home nurse practitioner in about 3 years.
If you are interested in this program, ensure that you hold a bachelor’s degree in science or the arts from an accredited college or university.
This Boston-based university boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate, offering quality education and equipping students with the best teachers.
18. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is currently the only university in New Jersey that offers a direct-entry MSN program option for individuals holding a non-nursing degree.
The program is studied on campus and is fast-paced, with a course duration of no more than 21 months. Graduates of the MSN Programs at Seton Hall University will take the NCLEX and Clinical Nursing Leader certification exams.
“US News and World Report” ranked Seton Hall’s graduate nursing program as one of the top 75 graduate nursing programs in the United States.
The postgraduate tuition fee is US$1,336 per credit, and all nursing programs at this academic institution are quality degrees, as they have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
19. University of Massachusetts
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $23,143
- Admission Rate: 23%
The University of Massachusetts, a public university, offers graduate admission options for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders. As part of this program, students first obtain a registered nurse’s license before choosing to pursue a master’s, PhD, or doctor of nursing practice program.
In 2019, the University of Massachusetts’ NCLEX pass rate for graduate direct-entry students was 93%. The program is held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts.
You do not require a GRE to apply for this program.
20. Northeastern University
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Admission Rate: 27%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Tuition: $23,408
Northeastern University School of Nursing allows students to transfer their non-nursing experience to obtain an MSN.
As a component of the requirement for admission into the program, students are expected to complete a nursing education course that will last for 16 months before participating in NCLEX.
After working as a registered nurse for at least six months, direct-entry students will begin their MSN degree program classes.
21. Wilkes University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Tuition: $23,280
Wilkes University School of Nursing provides direct MSN Programs for students holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing program who wish to obtain both an RN license and an MSN degree.
Students must complete 48 credit hours to qualify to take the NCLEX and continue pursuing graduate-level courses. Entry to the program requires taking the Kaplan admissions exam with a score of 60% or higher.
22. University of San Francisco
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
- Tuition: $24,210
The School of Nursing and Health at the University of San Francisco has an RN to MSN track, including a Direct Entry ME to MSN track.
The direct-entry MSN programs offered by this Institution are designed to prepare students for their NCLEX and to educate them on advanced concepts in the nursing field of study.
The MSN program can be completed in just six semesters and requires a 2-year of full-time teaching.
23. Pacific Lutheran University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Tuition: $26,836
The Pacific Lutheran University offers direct entry-level MSNs suitable for graduate students who wish to obtain an RN license and an MSN degree.
This program does not bring about the conferment of a BSN. This is a 27-month program of study that includes 15 months of NCLEX preparatory coursework, followed by advanced generalist studies that will take up to 12 months.
All the lessons and clinical sessions will take place at the college’s Tacoma, Washington, location.
24. Pace University
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Admission Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Tuition: $29,520
Pace University offers Direct Entry MSN programs as an option to future MSN students who are registered nurses at the moment but are non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders.
After students in this program have completed 50 to 55 nursing courses at the undergraduate level of studies, a BSN will be awarded, and students can directly enter the MSN program.
The classes for this program will be held at the college’s Pleasantville campus, located in New York.
