What Is a Direct Entry MSN Program?
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If you’re interested in a career change into nursing, a direct entry master of science in nursing (MSN) program can help facilitate the transition.
Direct entry MSN programs allow students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to pivot into nursing through graduate school. While master’s programs tend to cost more than bachelor’s programs, many nurses who hold a master’s degree enjoy higher salaries than their colleagues with just an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Discover whether a direct entry MSN program is right for you.
Learn More About Herzing University’s Direct Entry MSN Program
The MSN Degree: Pros and Cons
A master’s degree is needed to enter into advanced nursing professions in the field.
Nursing careers that require an MSN also tend to lead to more professional opportunities and higher salaries. The median salary of a registered nurse (RN) — which requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree or associate degree in nursing (ADN) — was $86,070 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Meanwhile, the median salary for a nurse practitioner (NP) — which requires an MSN degree — was $126,260.
The BLS projects NP jobs to grow 46% from 2023-2033; several times greater than the projection for RNs (6%), and 10 times higher than the national average for all occupations (4%).
Becoming an NP isn’t your only option after earning an MSN. An MSN degree can open doors to other nursing careers, including:
- Certified nurse anesthetist
- Certified nurse-midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Nurse administrator
However, earning an MSN is expensive.
Master’s degree programs in nursing cost more than bachelor’s programs at public colleges and universities. Total costs vary depending on the institution type.
| Institution type | BSN, average yearly tuition and fees | MSN, average yearly tuition and fees |
|---|---|---|
| Public | $9,750 | $11,320 |
| Private, nonprofit | $38,421 | $21,140 |
| Private, for-profit | $15,868 | $10,130 |
It often takes longer to earn an MSN than a BSN if you already have a bachelor’s degree. An accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can take 16-18 months. Meanwhile, an MSN program typically takes two years to complete.
MSN programs may also require more clinical hours than BSN programs, depending on your specialty track.
What Is a Direct Entry MSN Program?
Direct entry MSN programs primarily benefit students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but want to become a nurse.
Essentially, it’s a way for non-nurses to enter the field without having to restart their undergraduate studies. Not only will you have a fast track to becoming a licensed nurse, but you can also pursue many of the salary and leadership benefits of holding a graduate-level degree.
It’s worth noting that you’ll still need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN).
Direct entry MSN programs can sometimes be completed faster than a typical master’s program. Some programs can be completed in as little as 18 months. A more traditional master’s program, however, typically takes two years to complete.
Direct Entry MSN Program Prerequisites
The most important prerequisite for a direct entry MSN program is that you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution.
Applying to an MSN program typically requires:
- Minimum GPA (usually above 3.0)
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal statement
Direct entry MSN programs often have course prerequisites, such as anatomy. However, this varies by institution, and because direct entry programs are often aimed at non-nurses they may forgo this requirement and cover it during your program.
Some direct entry MSN programs have an exam requirement. This may involve the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Is a Direct Entry MSN Program Right for Me?
Direct entry MSN programs are best suited for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject but want to pursue a career as an NP or advanced practice RN.
These programs are designed to accommodate people seeking a career change through a master’s program. Coursework will help bring you up to speed on subjects necessary in your day-to-day nursing duties.
The biggest barrier may be the prerequisites for acceptance into a direct entry MSN program. If you graduated from your bachelor’s program with a low GPA, a direct entry MSN program may be out of reach.
If you’re contemplating a career change, you may also consider an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program. This program is designed for people who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Accelerated nursing programs can oftentimes be completed faster than MSN programs, but a BSN often leads to less lucrative salaries.
Accelerated BSN programs also tend to have lower barriers to entry.
A direct entry MSN program isn’t necessary if you already hold a BSN.
Direct Entry MSN Program FAQs
Direct entry MSN programs can be difficult to get into, but it largely depends on the program you apply to.
Master’s programs in general tend to be fairly selective. MSN programs often require high GPAs and letters of recommendation, and programs may even require passage of an exam like the GRE. However, this isn’t the case for all MSN programs, and there may be some with more accessible prerequisites.
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