Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
The COVID-19 pandemic made the nation’s well-documented shortage of advanced practice registered nurses even more of a crisis. If you’ve been considering entering the nursing field but want to start your new career as a nurse practitioner, now’s the perfect moment to do it, and you won’t want to waste any more time. Demand for nurse leaders has never been stronger, salaries are high, and programs exist that shorten the time it takes to earn a degree.
So, what are the best fastest online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses? The list below of the 7 best shortest online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses is an excellent place to jump-start your new advanced practice registered nursing career.
WHAT ARE THE BEST (SHORTEST) ONLINE DIRECT ENTRY-MSN PROGRAMS FOR NON-NURSES IN THE NATION?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 7 best shortest online Direct Entry-MSN programs for non-nurses for 2024. These programs are for students with a degree in a non-nursing field. You can complete these programs in 20 months or less.)
1.Marquette University - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Program Length: 19 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Marquette University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: If you are eager to shift your career to advanced nursing and want to do it rather quickly, then Marquette University is a great place to start. By offering one of the best shortest online direct entry-MSN programs, the school allows non-nurses to complete high-quality MSN training within just 19 months.
Program Details: Marquette University’s accelerated online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses is designed to empower career changers with the skills and knowledge to offer competent patient care. The program builds on your non-nursing bachelor's education and offers a convenient hybrid online coursework. The curriculum comprises 75 credits and covers topics such as health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, pathological concepts, ethics, policy, and healthcare advocacy. Students also take classes in research & evidence-based nursing, community & population health nursing, maternity nursing, and organizational & systems leadership.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Marquette University’s direct entry-MSN program, applicants must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants also require to complete pre-requisite courses in human anatomy & physiology, nutrition, behavioral sciences, and statistics. Besides, the application checklist includes the submission of official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
Why Choose Marquette University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Marquette University’s online direct entry-MSN program graduates perform exceedingly well on the NCLEX-RN exam.
•Marquette University’s online direct entry-MSN program offers excellent clinical training through virtual simulations and hospital rotations.
•Marquette University’s online direct entry-MSN program is grounded in Catholic and Jesuit values.
2.Elmhurst University - Elmhurst, IL
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Elmhurst University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: Elmhurst University’s online direct entry-MSN program can be completed within as little as 20 months.
Program Details: Elmhurst University offers another of the best fast-track online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses. The program is a 71-credit curriculum that also includes over 850 hours of clinical training. Offered entirely online, the program also includes one on-campus residency. The program leverages your bachelor's education and prepares you with a solid foundation in direct patient care. This online direct entry program builds your knowledge in healthcare systems, foundations for professional nursing practice, family health nursing, epidemiology & biostatistics, and technology in healthcare education & practice.
Admission Requirements: Elmhurst University’s direct entry-MSN program admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2. The fast-track online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses also requires applicants to have completed prerequisite courses in anatomy & physiology, general chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and statistics. For students who do not have the prerequisites completed when applying, they must ensure completion of these courses before enrollment.
Why Choose Elmhurst University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Elmhurst University ranks among the best universities in the Midwest region as per the U.S. News & World Report.
•Elmhurst University’s online direct entry-MSN program is taught by an excellent nursing faculty that is not only experienced but also quite invested in helping students reach their academic and professional goals.
•Elmhurst University’s direct entry-MSN is aligned with Christ-based values of equality, and social justice.
3.Carroll University - Waukesha, WI
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Carroll University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: If you want to obtain a second degree in nursing from one of the affordable shortest online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses, then Carroll University’s MSN is an excellent choice. Here, not only can you complete your master's within as little as 20 months but you’ll also be able to save some tuition dollars.
Program Details: Carroll University’s direct entry MSN is a 72-credit program, that starts in the fall each year. The program offers a hybrid format, combining 8-week online classes with in-person sessions for clinical training. The program starts with 47 credit courses in the first year, followed by the remaining 25 credits that continue in the second year of the program. The coursework covers topics such as nursing & health systems, human pathophysiology, nursing assessment, pharmacology, nursing foundations, nursing & mental healthcare, nursing care, research & nursing, nursing theory, and population-focused nursing care. Upon graduation, you’ll obtain an MSN and will be well-versed in providing direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Carroll University’s online direct entry-MSN program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, to complete the application, you must be prepared to submit two letters of reference, a statement of purpose, a current resume, and all your official transcripts.
Why Choose Carroll University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Carroll University’s fast-track online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses offers excellent clinical training in its state-of-the-art simulation center. Also, because the nursing department partners with ProHealth Care, students can expect a wide variety of clinical placements where they closely work with nursing staff to provide direct patient care.
•Carroll University’s online direct entry-MSN program boasts an impressive pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
•Carroll University ranks among the best nursing schools in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report.
4.Curry College - Milton, MA
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Curry College Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: To complete Curry College’s online direct entry-MSN program, all it takes is 20 months of full-time study.
Program Details: Curry College offers one of the best accelerated online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses and it is for several reasons that the program is a popular choice among career changers. The curriculum is rigorous and consists of 66 credits. The program covers several advanced nursing topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, health promotion, evidence-based practice, population health, health policy, finance & systems, and informatics, epidemiology & biostatistics. The coursework also includes leadership & management and ends with a capstone and a clinical immersion. The program confers an MSN and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Admission Requirements: Curry College’s accelerated online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses is designed for professionals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. To complete the admission requirements, your undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0, preferably 3.3. A completed application must include a current resume, a personal statement, and all official transcripts.
Why Choose Curry College Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Curry College’s online direct entry-MSN program offers a tuition guarantee that is locked for the entire duration of the program.
•Curry College’s online direct entry-MSN program maintains partnerships with some of the top healthcare facilities in the region to offer students excellent clinical training opportunities.
•Curry College nursing school has more than 40 years of experience in training competent nursing professionals who go on to serve the health needs of the state and beyond.
5.Lourdes University - Sylvania, OH
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Lourdes University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: Lourdes University’s online direct Entry-MSN program can be completed within just 20 months of full-time study.
Program Details: Another one of the shortest online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses is offered by Lourdes University. The MSN program comprises 66 credits that are completed through a blend of online and on-campus classes. The coursework covers topics such as health & physical assessment, pathophysiology, mental health nursing, advanced pathophysiology & pharmacology, and population-focused nursing. Also, you’ll learn about healthcare systems management & policy, nursing informatics, and health promotion & disease prevention. Upon graduation, you’ll obtain an MSN and be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Lourdes University’s fast online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires the completion of prerequisites, including human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. Besides, the submission of official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are required.
Why Choose Lourdes University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Lourdes University ranks highly on the social mobility index, as per the U.S. News & World Report rankings.
•Lourdes University’s online direct entry-MSN program is offered in small-sized classes that allow for personalized attention.
•Lourdes University, being a Catholic & Franciscan institution, follows a holistic approach, grooming online direct entry-MSN students for personal and professional success.
6.Texas Lutheran University - Seguin, TX
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete Texas Lutheran University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: If you are seeking to utilize your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to make a quick career change to nursing, then Texas Lutheran University is a great place to begin. Its direct entry MSN quickly takes you from a non-nurse to an advanced nurse within as few as 20 months.
Program Details: Texas Lutheran University’s direct entry MSN is counted among the reputable fast-track online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses. The program provides a swift transition into the advanced nursing field by empowering students with the skills and knowledge required to provide evidence-based nursing care. The 75-credit curriculum includes 990 hours of clinical training. The program leads to an MSN and the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The coursework covers topics such as pharmacology, evidence-based professional nursing, nursing informatics, and behavioral health. Also, included are courses in nursing research, health assessment, population & community health and quality improvement & safety, and power, policy & politics in nursing.
Admission Requirements: Texas Lutheran University’s short online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses is open to applicants who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to complete pre-requisite courses in human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, general chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology. Besides, applicants must be prepared to submit one recommendation letter, two short essays, and all their official transcripts.
Why Choose Texas Lutheran University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•Texas Lutheran University’s online direct entry-MSN program offers one-on-one attention in its small-sized classes. Also, because courses are offered by an expert faculty, students can make the most of the mentorship.
•Texas Lutheran University’s online direct entry-MSN program offers excellent research opportunities that students can explore in collaboration with faculty and other nursing students.
•Texas Lutheran University partners with several clinical facilities to offer online direct entry-MSN students with a wide range of clinical experiences.
7.La Roche University - Pittsburgh, PA
Program Length: 20 Months
How Fast Can You Complete La Roche University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program: Well, for someone eager to kickstart a second career in nursing, La Roche University’s online direct entry MSN allows you to graduate with a master's degree within just 20 months.
Program Details: La Roche University offers another one of the accelerated online direct entry-MSN programs for non-nurses. The program is a 77-credit coursework that combines online classes with in-person clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates to provide direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Leading to an MSN degree, the program makes you eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program includes classes in the essentials of pharmacology, public health & epidemiology, quality improvement, pathophysiology, health promotion, health policy, and nursing leadership.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for La Roche University’s fast online direct entry-MSN program for non-nurses, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, the program requires the completion of prerequisites, including human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, and developmental psychology. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, resume, and personal statement.
Why Choose La Roche University Online Direct Entry-MSN Program
•La Roche University online direct entry-MSN students are mentored by an award-winning faculty that have several years of practice experience.
•La Roche University’s online direct entry-MSN program is rooted in faith-based values of social equity and service.
•La Roche University’s online direct entry-MSN program offers students excellent clinical experiences at its healthcare partners.
