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Table of Contents[Show]
- Columbia University, New York, NY
- Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Rush University, Chicago, IL
- University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
If you're considering a career change to nursing but don't have a background in healthcare, a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program may be the perfect option for you. These programs are designed specifically for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to become registered nurses (RNs) with an MSN degree.
Direct entry MSN programs provide a streamlined path for non-nurses to enter the nursing profession, providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become an RN. These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and offer both classroom and clinical experience. However, not all direct entry MSN programs are created equal. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best direct entry MSN programs for non-nurses.
Columbia University, New York, NY
Columbia University's Direct Entry MSN program offers an intensive, 15-month program that prepares students for a career as an RN. The program includes 11 months of classroom instruction followed by 4 months of clinical experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE, and the faculty members are experienced nurses with doctoral degrees.
School Details:
- Campus: New York, NY
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Admission Rate: 3.73%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Students Enrolled: 31,455
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $92,560
- Program Length: 15 months
- Accreditation: CCNE
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Yale University's Direct Entry MSN program is designed to prepare students for a career as an RN while providing a foundation for further education in nursing. The program includes a rigorous curriculum that covers essential nursing topics, and students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high job placement rate.
School Details:
- Campus: New Haven, CT
- Retention Rate: 99%
- Admission Rate: 6.3%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Students Enrolled: 12,385
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $73,880
- Program Length: 3 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University's Direct Entry MSN program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high job placement rate.
School Details:
- Campus: Baltimore, MD
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Admission Rate: 7.5%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Students Enrolled: 6,132
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $66,168
- Program Length: 2 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Emory University's Direct Entry MSN program offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a career as an RN. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high graduation rate.
School Details:
- Campus: Atlanta, GA
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Admission Rate: 22%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Students Enrolled: 15,252
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $38,000 per semester
- Program Length: 2 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
Rush University, Chicago, IL
Rush University's Direct Entry MSN program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential nursing topics and includes clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high job placement rate.
School Details:
- Campus: Chicago, IL
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Admission Rate: 26%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Students Enrolled: 2,722
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $1,361 per credit hour
- Program Length: 2 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
The University of San Francisco's Direct Entry MSN program is designed to prepare students for a career as an RN through a comprehensive curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high job placement rate.
School Details:
- Campus: San Francisco, CA
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Admission Rate: 65%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Students Enrolled: 11,086
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisite courses, personal statement, resume/CV, three letters of recommendation, interview
- Tuition: $114,144
- Program Length: 2 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania's Direct Entry MSN program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The program integrates theory, research, and clinical experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE and prepares graduates for leadership roles in nursing.
School Details:
- Campus: Philadelphia, PA
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Admission Rate: 8%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
- Students Enrolled: 26,675
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisite courses, personal statement, resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, interview
- Tuition: $98,720
- Program Length: 16 months
- Accreditation: CCNE
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Northeastern University's Direct Entry MSN program is designed for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The program is focused on developing clinical leadership skills and is accredited by the CCNE. Graduates are prepared to become advanced practice nurses in a variety of healthcare settings.
School Details:
- Campus: Boston, MA
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Admission Rate: 18%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Students Enrolled: 21,627
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisite courses, personal statement, resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, interview
- Tuition: $104,520
- Program Length: 24 months
- Accreditation: CCNE
University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
The University of Illinois at Chicago's Direct Entry MSN program offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a career as an RN. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, with the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high graduation rate.
School Details:
- Campus: Chicago, IL
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Admission Rate: 77%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Students Enrolled: 33,390
- Type of Institute: Public
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $30,354 (in-state), $45,534 (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
The MGH Institute of Health Professions' Direct Entry MSN program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential nursing topics, including patient care, pharmacology, and health assessment. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. The program is accredited by the CCNE and has a high graduation rate.
School Details:
- Campus: Boston, MA
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Admission Rate: 30%
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Students Enrolled: 1,538
- Type of Institute: Private
Program Details:
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, GPA, prerequisites, recommendations, personal statement, and work/volunteer experience
- Tuition: $1,556 per credit hour
- Program Length: 3 years
- Accreditation: CCNE
Direct entry MSN programs offer a streamlined path for non-nurses to enter the nursing profession and earn an MSN degree. The programs on our list are accredited by the CCNE or ACEN, provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential nursing topics, and offer clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a program that will prepare you for a successful career as an RN.