Top Direct-Entry Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs

14 Min Read Published August 5, 2024

Thinking about enrolling in a direct-entry MSN program? We've ranked the top ones for 2024.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

What is a Direct Entry MSN Program?

Direct-entry master of science in nursing (MSN) programs are for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to start a career in nursing. Some programs allow graduates to work as nurse generalists while others as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). 

In a direct-entry (MSN) program, students can earn a bachelor of nursing (BSN) and a master of nursing (MSN) simultaneously by combining the two in an accelerated program.

Some direct-entry MSN programs bypass a BSN completely for an MSN. These programs still allow students to take the NCLEX midway through their programs so students can earn licensure as an RN during their studies.

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

 

Fast Facts About Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Salary
  • Certified Nurse Midwife - $129,650 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner - $126,260 per year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program length 2-3 years
Requirements

Direct-entry MSN programs require the completion of prerequisite courses for admission, which usually include:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Sociology
  • Biomedical Statistics

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Top Direct-Entry Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs for Non-Nursing Majors

We ranked the best direct-entry master’s in nursing programs in the United States. Programs are rated on a variety of factors, such as:

  • U.S. government data
  • Graduation rates
  • NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Program details
  • Student-faculty ratio
  • Acceptance rate

Program Length

Tuition

Program Length

Accreditation

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

$14,514 annually

2 years

CCNE

Johns Hopkins University

$1,881 per credit hour

2 years

CCNE

Vanderbilt University

$1,997 per credit hour

2 to 3 years

CCNE

The University of Texas, Austin

Resident: $1,418 per credit hour

Non-resident: $2,035 per credit hour

3 years

CCNE

University of California, Davis

$12,762 annually 

18 months

CCNE

University of California, Irvine

Resident: $12,264 annually 

Non-Resident: $24,509 annually

2 years

CCNE

University of Rochester

$1,740 per credit hour

3 to 4 years

CCNE

Ohio State University

Resident: $9,682 by semester

Non-Resident: $22,982 by semester

3 years

CCNE

Marquette University

$65,000

5 to 8 semesters

CCNE

Gwynedd Mercy University

$810 per credit hour

20 months

CCNE

1.  University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA’s Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) program is designed to prepare non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in another field for a nursing career. 

Graduates of the MECN program are eligible to take a Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNL) certification exam and apply for a Public Health Nursing Certificate. The program is extremely competitive with over 500 applicants each year but accepting only 70 students are accepted per cohort. 

  • Tuition: $14,514 annually 
  • Program Length: 2 years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Application Deadline: November 1st
  • Contact Info:
    • Email: sonsaff@sonnet.ucla.edu
    • Phone number: (310) 825-3109
  • Online Options Available? No
  • Website

2.  Johns Hopkins University

    Through the Johns Hopkins University direct-entry MSN program, students will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as an RN upon graduation. Students are divided into two sections of approximately 60 students for lecture classes. The ratio for clinicals is one instructor to six or seven students. For the first semester, students are assigned clinical placements but after that,  students can identify their clinical sites. 

    • Tuition: $1,881 per credit hour
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline:
      • Fall: November 1st and January 15th
      • Spring: July 1st and October 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: jhuson@jhu.edu
      • Phone number: (410) 955-4766
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    3. Vanderbilt University

    Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing has a reputation for excellence in accelerated programs. In addition to a 1-year online MSN program, the university offers a "pre-special entry" for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Students who enter this program can complete BSN content and clinical work in just three semesters. Students are eligible to apply to one of these specialty areas including a variety of NP subspecialties. 

    Direct entry MSN students should expect 30-40 hours of classroom and clinical experience per week throughout the program. 

    • Tuition: $1,997 per credit hour
    • Program Length: 2 to 3 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: Rolling
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
      • Phone number: (615) 322-3800
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

    Sponsored
    Purdue Global

    At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

    Western Governors University

    WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

    Walden University
    Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

    Grand Canyon University

    GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

    4. The University of Texas, Austin

    The University of Texas at Austin offers an “Alternate Entry” MSN (AE-MSN) program for non-nursing bachelor's students. The AE-MSN program offers students four distinct graduate school pathways to choose from. Training for each program is extremely rigorous, and upon graduation, students can expect to start in entry-level careers and advance their careers quickly.  

    Students may choose a form for AE-MSN program concentrations:

    • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG CNS)
    • Leadership in Diverse Settings (LeaDS)
    • Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
    • Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PC-PNP)

    As one of the best nurse practitioner schools in Texas, UT Austin is an excellent choice for aspiring APRNs and nursing leaders.

    • Tuition: 
      • Resident: $1,418 per credit hour
      • Non-resident: $2,035 per credit hour
    • Program Length: 3 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: October 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: nugrad@nursing.utexas.edu
      • Phone number: (512) 471-7913
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    5. University of California, Davis

    Davis's University of California campus is located in northern California, about 45 minutes west of Sacramento. The school offers an accelerated Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field who wish to become advanced practice nurses. 

    Students typically attend classes Monday through Friday and should expect to work in clinics in the evenings and weekends.

    Graduates earn an MSN and are eligible for a Public Health Nurse certification.

    • Tuition: $12,762 annually 
    • Program Length: 18 months (6 consecutive quarters, including summers)
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: November 1st
    • Contact Info
      • Email: hs-BettyIreneMooreSON@ucdavis.edu
      • Phone number: (916) 734-2145
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    6. University of California, Irvine

    The University of California, Irvine, has a direct entry master's in nursing program with a concentration in Community and Population Health Nursing (CPHN). The school's website reports that the benefits of their program include small cohort sizes and preparing graduates for careers that advocate for healthcare opportunities within many underserved populations.

    The program is accelerated and can be completed in as little as two years. Students have access to clinical partnerships with rotations throughout UCI Health and immersion opportunities in local communities.

    • Tuition
      • Resident: $12,264 annually 
      • Non-Resident: $24,509 annually
    • Program Length: 2 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: November 30th
    • Contact Info
      • Phone number: (949) 824-1514
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    7. University of Rochester

    At the University of Rochester, students can achieve a BSN in 12 months and then continue into a master's in nursing program and become nurse practitioners (NP). The recommendation is to apply to the 12-month BSN program before applying to the NP portion. Students can gain insight into clinical specialties and determine which NP specialty is a good fit.  Admission to the program is highly competitive and there are limited spots available. 

    The NP specialties to choose from include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Family Psychiatric Mental Health, and Pediatric.

    • Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
    • Program Length: 3-4 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: November 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: son-info@urmc.rochester.edu
        Phone number: (585) 275-2375
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    8. The Ohio State University

    Ohio State enables students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in one cohesive program. The program is full-time, with year-round coursework. There are seven NP specializations available to students to choose from in the program including, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Nurse-Midwifery, Neonatal NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Women’s Health NP.

    • Tuition: 
      • Resident: $9,682 by semester
      • Non-Resident: $22,982 by semester
    • Program Length: 3 years
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline:
      • Summer Round 1: October 15th
      • Summer Round 2: March 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: nursing@osu.edu
      • Phone number: (614) 292-8900
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    9. Marquette University

    Marquette lets students choose between online and on-campus learning options - one at the Milwaukee campus and one at the Pleasant Prairie campus. The program at the Milwaukee campus is primarily in-person while the Pleasant Prairie campus offers didactic coursework primarily online.

    Marquette University’s online nursing master’s program was recently ranked in the top 18% of all nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

    • Tuition: $65,000
    • Program Length: 5 to 8 semesters
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: February 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: gradadmit@marquette.edu
      • Phone number: (866) 891-8438
    • Online Options Available? Yes
    • Website

    10. Gwynedd Mercy University

    Started in 2022, the program at Gwynedd allows students to earn a master’s level nursing degree while holding a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program is full-time and held in person for over 20 consecutive months. Students complete a total of 765 hours of clinical practice experience within the network of more than 100 regional healthcare partners.

    • Tuition: $810 per credit hour
    • Program Length: 20 months
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Application Deadline: February 1st
    • Contact Info:
      • Email: accelerate@gmercyu.edu
      • Phone number: (844) 707-9359
    • Online Options Available? No
    • Website

    About Direct-Entry MSN Programs

    Careers for Nurses Who Have Completed a Direct-Entry MSN Program

    Direct entry MSN programs prepare students to enter many different advanced-level nursing roles, such as:

    Direct-Entry Master’s in Nursing Classes

    Typical coursework usually includes a combination of classwork and in-person clinical rotations. Coursework usually includes studies on the following topics:

    • Nursing practice essentials
    • Physiology and pathology
    • Health assessments
    • Pharmacology
    • Nursing ethics
    • Nursing theory
    • Evidence-based nursing practice
    • Women’s Health
    • Pediatric Nursing
    • Nursing leadership
    • Public health
    • Pharmacology
    • Nursing research
    • Population-based healthcare

    Is a Direct-Entry MSN Program Right for Me?

    Direct-entry MSN programs are ideal for those interested in working in the nursing profession but hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. These programs should be considered for individuals interested in working beyond the bedside. If you are interested in working as a nurse administrator, nurse educator, or APRN, direct-entry MSN programs are a good option. 

    While these programs are costly, they are the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to earn an MSN. You could be working as a nurse leader in as little as 20 months.

    Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

    Sponsored
    Purdue Global

    At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

    Western Governors University

    WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

    Walden University
    Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

    Grand Canyon University

    GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

    Direct-Entry MSN FAQs 

    • Can you go straight to an MSN degree?

      • Yes, some direct-entry MSN programs bypass a BSN completely for an MSN.  These programs still allow students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) midway through their programs, and students earn RN licensure during their studies.
    • What does direct-entry MSN mean?

      • Direct-entry master’s in nursing programs allow students to earn a BSN and MSN - or bypass a BSN for an MSN - all within an accelerated schedule. Direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in a different field.
    • Is an MSN the same as an NP?

      • Nurse practitioners (NPs) must earn an MSN in a specialized program that prepares them to practice in fields such as gerontology, family practice, women’s health, acute care, psychiatric care, or pediatric care. You can earn an MSN and not become an NP. Students who earn an MSN enter into more administrative roles such as nurse administration, informatics, research, education, or another executive nursing role.
    • Are RN to MSN programs worth it?

      • If you already have an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), an RN-MSN program is faster and may make more sense than earning a BSN and MSN individually. RN-MSN programs ensure that you do not retake courses that you have already studied and allow you to start practicing sooner. 

     

     

    Sarah Jividen
    RN, BSN
    Sarah Jividen
    Nurse.org Contributor

    Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a trained neuro/trauma and emergency room nurse turned freelance healthcare writer/editor. As a journalism major, she combined her love for writing with her passion for high-level patient care. Sarah is the creator of Health Writing Solutions, LLC, specializing in writing about healthcare topics, including health journalism, education, and evidence-based health and wellness trends. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two children. 

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