Direct Entry MSN Curriculum
Direct Entry MSN degrees are a great option if you want to become a nurse but didn’t earn your bachelor’s in nursing. On this page we outline direct entry MSN curriculum to help you better decide if this degree option is right for you. We’ll cover admissions requirements and the classes you will take in both years of your direct entry program. If you decide to take the next step towards earning your MSN through the direct entry route, request information from the schools below or use the quick search box to find schools near you!
Requirements to Get Into a Direct Entry MSN Program
To qualify for a direct entry master’s program, you’ll need at least your bachelor’s degree to qualify. Other requirements will vary by school.
But in general, you can expect to need…
- G.P.A. requirement (some programs have a 3.0 preference)
- Transcripts
- GRE scores (many schools require this test before acceptance)
- 2-3 letters of recommendation, with 1-2 being from academic sources
- Personal statement or essay detailing your reason for choosing nursing and career goals
- An interview where you may be required to speak in person with the Director of the nursing program as a final step
Course Requirements for Direct Entry MSN Programs
The courses you have to take to earn your master’s degree vary depending on the courses you took for your bachelor’s degree and the specialization you choose. Below, we outline the main classes you can expect to take as part of your program.
Prerequisite Courses for Direct Entry Nursing Programs
You’ll need to have the right combination of past coursework to enter a graduate nursing program. If you were an English major, for example, and have little academic experience in sciences, you will have some catching up to do.
Here is a list of courses you should have on your Bachelor’s transcripts to move into direct entry MSN programs for non nurses:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Nutrition & health
- Statistics
- Organic chemistry
- And other related courses
Direct Entry MSN Curriculum: Year One
In general, your first year will cover these basic nursing topics. Keep in mind, your program may be different, depending on your school and degree options.
- Health assessment
- Nursing concepts
- Chronic conditions
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing
- Community and population
- Outcomes management
- Patient safety
- Research
Direct Entry MSN Curriculum: Year Two
Again, your program could differ, and there will be more courses you take than we list below. That said, this should give you a good idea of what to expect in your second year of nursing school.
- Organizational leadership
- Advanced pharmacology
- Clinical nurse practicum
- Ethics and policy topics
- Health advocacy
- Informatics and technology
- Professional and management skills
Students who complete direct entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors may move into professional roles immediately. Many schools also offer Doctorate level programs or post-masters certificates in advanced nursing practices.
