Earn Your Msn Degree In As Little As 22 Months
Developed with non-nursing students in mind, our hybrid online Masters Entry Program in Nursing is an excellent choice for busy adults who would like to change careers.
As a pre-licensure Registered Nursing program, our MEPN accepts applicants who have already completed the required undergraduate General Education in a non-nursing bachelors program. This means that you can enroll in the program even if you do not have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In as little as 22 months, you can pursue RN licensure and your dream career.
Click here to read our MEPN licensure disclosure.
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What Could I Pursue With A Direct Entry Msn Online Degree
Students may typically enter a wide range of career paths. Many choose fields that interest them. This may include careers such as these.
You may aim to become a registered nurse. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes the annual median wage for a registered nurse was $73,300 as of May of 2019.
You may work as a nurse practitioner. The 2019 annual median pay for this field is $115,800 per year as noted by the BLS.
Some students may work as a nurse midwife. This is a growing field. The BLS reports it is growing at 45% through 2029. That is much faster than average. The 2019 annual median pay for this field was $115,800 per year. Another career path may typically include a medical and health services manager. Those in this field had a median annual pay of $100,980 in 2019. Thats noted by the BLS.
Advanced Practice Nursing Certifications
After graduating from a direct entry MSN program, you may decide to pursue a career as a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse . APRNs require a masters degree and special certification. APRN roles include nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, and clinical nurse specialist.
Here are some examples of APRN certifications that you may go on to earn, depending on your MSN specialization:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Nurse Midwife
The advanced practice nursing certification thats right for you can depend on your educational background and professional goals.
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West Texas A & M Universitycollege Of Nursing And Health Sciences
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A & M University offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and an accelerated RN to MSN pathway designed for RNs with only a diploma or Associates in Nursing. Those entering via the accelerated RN to MSN pathway earn both BSN and MSN degrees upon completion of the program.
West Texas A & M offer a Comprehensive MSN program and a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program. The Comprehensive MSN is a 39-40 hour program and is available online. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 47 hours and is only available on campus.
Applicants entering via the accelerated RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associates degree in Nursing with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with GPAs less than 3.0 but at least 2.5 can be granted conditional admission. Candidates must have completed a basic undergraduate Statistics course and should be certified in CPR. They must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse or become licensed within three months of graduating from their diploma or Associates program.
Those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program must have at least two years of recent clinical practice as an RN prior to taking any FNP specialty courses.Program Accreditations
Commission of Collegiate Nursing EducationProgram Contact Information
2501 4th Avenue, Old Main 313WTAMU Box 60969
Mcmurry Universityaffiliated With Patty Hanks Shelton School Of Nursing
McMurry University offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree through their affiliation with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. They offer MSN degrees in the following specialization:
- Nursing Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Applicants to the MSN programs should hold a Bachelors in nursing with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as well as an undergraduate nursing course work GPA of 3.0. Satisfactory scores on the GRE is required. For those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner, they are also required to hold current ACLS certification.Program Accreditations
Commission of Collegiate Nursing EducationProgram Contact Information
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Accelerated Nursing Program Vs Direct Entry
While researching MSN programs, you may come across accelerated and direct-entry MSN programs. Both are designed for professionals looking to change or advance their nursing career. Accelerated programs may award a BSN and MSN to graduates, or they may just award an MSN. Its important to research programs carefully and find one tailored to your educational background.
Typically, those pursuing a direct-entry nursing program do not have a bachelors degree in nursing or a related field. Those pursuing an accelerated MSN may already have their BSN.
Whats The Difference Between An Accelerated Bsn Vs Direct Entry Msn
Both accelerated BSN and direct entry MSN programs are centered around the field of nursing. They have a number of differences, though, in terms of education type, degree earned, and level of expertise and qualification.
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An accelerated BSN may be followed by a standard MSN program. If youre interested in accelerated MSN programs, a number of schools also offer accelerated BSN to MSN programs.
If you need a program that may better fit with your work schedule, it may be worth looking into the online accelerated nursing degree programs that some universities offer.
Also Check: Integrative Medicine Nurse Practitioner Programs
University Of Cincinnati Cincinnati Oh
Concentrations Offered:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner , Family Nurse Practitioner , Neonatal Nurse Practitioner , and Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
About the School: If you have always aspired to become a nurse practitioner but somehow are currently pursuing a non-nursing career, now is the time to make the shift. The demand for nurse practitioners has been on the rise, more so with the COVID-19 pandemic catching us unawares. This promising career opportunity has propelled many professionals like you to explore online accelerated nurse practitioner programs to enter the field of direct patient care. The University of Cincinnati offers five such NP tracks designed for non-nurses, with some offered online while others on-campus. Here, through interdisciplinary learning experiences, hi-tech simulations, and varied clinical experiences, you will be prepared for your role as an advanced practice nurse. The small-sized technologically enhanced classrooms further add to the learning experience, leaving no stone unturned in transforming your career into direct-patient care.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell Department Of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing are offered by the Department of Nursing at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Like practically all graduate nursing programs, they offer a BSN to MSN pathway. But they also have pathways for RNs and non-RNs who are seeking an MSN.
UMass Lowell offers a Fast Track MSN Program for Pre-licensure BSN Students. Non-RN students can enroll in the UMass Lowell pre-licensure BSN program. Then at the end of their Junior year the can apply and gain admission to this program. This will allow the undergraduate student to take several designated graduate courses that can then be applied toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
They also offer a Fast Track MSN Program for Licensed RN to BSN Students. Students enrolled in UMass Lowells RN to BSN program can apply to this program at the end of their Junior year. Those accepted are allowed to take 6 hours of graduate courses as an undergraduate which will apply toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are offered in several Advance Practice Nursing roles/specializations:
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Recommended Reading: Azusa Pacific Nurse Practitioner Program
Endicott Collegeschool Of Nursing
Endicott Colleges School of Nursing offers two pathways to an MSN degree: a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN pathway which they call their Pre-Masters pathway.
The RN to MSN Pre-Masters pathway is designed for those RNs with a diploma or Associates in nursing who also hold a Bachelors or Masters degree in a non-nursing field. Students in the program are required to complete four undergraduate nursing courses: Applied Statistics, Nursing Research, Leadership and management in Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. No BSN degree will be granted.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles and areas of specialization:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Global Health Nursing
Applicants to the MSN programs must hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Students must have completed a basic Statistics course. They must submit MAT or GRE scores. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
University Of The Incarnate Wordilafaye Miller School Of Nursing And Health Professions
Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are available through the IlaFaye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of the Incarnate Word. They offer a traditional BSN to MSN pathway as well as an post-Baccalaureate RN to MSN pathway.
- Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Leader
The programs can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Most classes online or in the evenings and Saturdays so as to accommodate those students who need to work.
The RN to MSN pathway provides an accelerated method for those holding a diploma or Associates in Nursing as well as a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline to earn an Masters in Nursing. A set of undergraduate bridge courses must be completed prior to beginning work on their MSN curriculum. Both a BSN and MSN will be conferred upon graduation. Or students who would like to receive their BSN soon can apply after 120 credits. The RN to MSN program can be completed in approximately three years.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associates in Nursing from an ACEN/NLNAC accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a GPA of 3.0 on across all major nursing course. They must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Texas or one of their recognized compact states and have at least three years of recent experience as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing EducationProgram Contact Information
4301 Broadway
Also Check: Arizona State University Online Nursing
Career Options: What You Can Do With Your Msn Degree
Once youve received your license, youre ready to move right into a challenging and rewarding job as a registered nurse. And having earned an MSN degree, youll likely find higher-paying positions with better career growth potential than RNs without an MSN degree. While the great majority of direct-entry MSN grads will enter careers as RNs, others will find additional job opportunities available as well. Below are three examples of careers you might pursue as an MSN program graduate. All job outlook and salary figures are taken from the U.S. Department of Labors O*NET and Occupational Outlook Handbook websites.
Registered Nurse
The backbone of practically every healthcare services provider is their registered nurses. RNs coordinate and carry out patient care under the direction of physicians as part of a larger team. Specific duties include: assessment of a patients condition recording patient symptoms and medical histories observing and monitoring the patients condition during treatment administering medications and treatments teaching patients how to manage their injuries and illnesses, and much more. RNs are also often called upon to oversee other patient care team members, like nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and home health aides.
Job Outlook
Here Are Examples Of Requirements For Some Key Online Direct Entry Msn Programs
Purdue GlobalPurdue is a public school thats now one of the largest online learning providers in the U.S. Its fast track RN to BSN degree is:For RNs who have a nursing associatess degree or diploma.As students complete their studies for a BSN, they also take core requirements for the schools masters degree in nursing.Upon completing the BSN and masters core requirements, the students can take a condensed MSN program that can be completed more quickly than a standard program.See all of Purdue Globals degree programs
Walden UniversityWalden offers several bridge programs that can be RN to MSN track for practicing nurses with a hospital diploma or associate degree, or can be taken as RN to BSN Accelerate into Masters track where students earn credits toward a masters as they complete a bachelors degree.
Also Check: Direct Entry Masters Nursing Programs
Lubbock Christian Universitycollege Of Professional Studies
The Master of Science in Nursing degree is offered through the College of Professional Studies at Lubbock Christian University. They offer students two MSN specializations including:
- Nursing Education and Leadership
- Family Nurse Practitioner
The Nursing Education and Leadership MSN requires 35 semester hours of course work with no thesis. Courses are offered in a hybrid format.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 46 semester of course work with at least 720 hours of clinical practicum. The program can be completed in 2 years or 3 years of full-time or part-time enrollment, respectively.
Applicants to the MSN programs are required to hold a Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited university, preferably a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 . Students must hold current BLS and ACLS certifications. Candidates must be licensed as a Registered Nurse. Those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program must also have two years of full-time work experience as an RN.Program Accreditations
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Program Contact Information
5601 19th Street 933-7601
Direct Entry Msn Degrees Online
We have 241 Direct Entry MSN Programs in our database.
The direct entry MSN program can be completed in as little as 24 months, depending on the institution. This change has truly changed the way that people view their degrees. Having the ability to change fields without have to obtain an entirely new bachelors degree has opened doors for students that have not been available up until recently.
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Reasons To Get Your Msn
The goal of virtually all direct entry MSN program students is to get their bachelors and masters degree in less time and at less cost than it would take to do the two degrees separately. The specialization areas that these masters degrees can open up include:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Executive Nursing Manager
- Nurse Case Manager
Many schools will also ask you to focus a specialty in your MSN program such as neonatal care, gerontology, pediatrics or womens health.
Which Is Harder Np School Or Pa School
Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant programs are both among the most demanding in the health field. For someone who is looking to get into direct patient care, the only more difficult path would be to go to medical school with the goal of being a full-fledged MD.Many students see less value becoming a doctor than in the past. The cost of medical school is tremendous, the time commitment, particularly when you consider the internship most young doctors have to do after they graduate from med school, can be anywhere from six to 10 years, and the career of a physician tends to pay less and involve much more stress than it once did.
Thats not to say its easy to become an NP or PA. Both courses of study can require up to two thousand hours of clinical study. In terms of time commitments, which type of degree is tougher can depend on how you choose to pursue it. NPs tend to specialize in a particular area like midwifery, while PAs generally are generalists.
PA school is generally three years in length. The effort required to become an NP, on the other hand, is highly variable. Depending on whether you obtain an MSN degree or take a bridge program or a direct entry degree that gives you a BSN plus an MSN in an abbreviated time frame.
Read Also: A Day In The Life Of A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs
Accelerated NP programs offer students a fast-track option for earning an MSN. Geared toward students with a strong academic record who can manage a larger course load in a shorter period of time, accelerated programs often take around three years to complete.
Some accelerated programs may look specifically for students with a nursing background, and others may accept students with a non-nursing background, much like direct entry options. Each program holds different requirements, although all accelerated NP programs lead directly to certification. Some schools that allow students with non-nursing backgrounds may look for those learners with some nursing prerequisite courses already completed.
Direct Entry Msn Programs Texas
If you have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline but want to be a nurse, you dont have to start from scratch. A direct-entry Master of Science in nursing degree was designed for people like you.
These programs are growing in number. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , there were only 12 nationwide in 1990. By 2010 there were 65 and six more are under development.Consider a sponsored online nursing program currently accepting applicants:AD
- Campbellsville University: Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Sacred Heart University: Online RN-BSN, MSN, DNP
Nursing Degree Guide » Direct Entry MSN Degrees Online
Read Also: Mercy School Of Practical Nursing
Additional Direct Entry Program Options
Schools and Programs
The universities and colleges listed below have online direct entry nursing programs that are have a good reputation and do not require GRE scores:
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online RN to MSN program that helps you to earn your bachelors and masters in nursing in much less time than if you took the programs separately. Students can save as many as 20 weeks by taking the programs at one time.
This accredited, online RN to MSN program is made for professional RNs who may complete two graduate level courses during their BSN program. When those courses are completed successfully, the next two courses in the MSN program are waived. This will save you both time and money. Before starting the MSN program officially, the student most complete their BSN degree first.
This program has the following tracks: clinical nurse leader and nurse educator. You also may take the MSN general track, which allows you to customize your program.
Required courses include these:
- Health Assessment & Fundamentals I
- Health Assessment & Fundamentals II
- Nursing Concepts and Interventions, Adults/Older Adults I Theory
- Concept and Interventions for the Promotion of Mental Health Theory
- Family-Centered Nursing Care of Children Theory
More Info
- Programs: MSN
University of South Alabama
Upon completion of the online MSN program, students will be able to do the following:
More Info
- Programs: MSN
Chamberlain College
University of Arizona