Direct Entry MSN for Non-Nursing Majors: Everything You Need to Know

With an industry-wide nursing shortage, it’s more important than ever to start preparing the next generation of caregivers. A direct entry Master of Science in Nursing program helps fast track a career in nursing for people who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major. Any undergraduate coursework can apply towards a Master of Science in Nursing, so that students can quickly enter the field, and according to Payscale, Registered Nurses with an MSN degree can average a starting salary of $94,000.

Direct Entry MSN Defined

Through accelerated coursework, an MSN program makes the path to the nursing profession quick and reliable. If you want to become a Registered Nurse and have a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree, check out the direct entry MSN program requirements below. You can change lives, starting with yours.

1. Do I Need a Nursing Degree?

There is no nursing degree requirement for direct entry MSN programs. In fact, no traditional nursing or healthcare experience is required to enroll. Students enroll in our Direct Entry MSN program from a variety of backgrounds, including teachers, attorneys, and entrepreneurs. Regardless of your background, MSN programs for non-nurses are specifically designed to help students achieve real-world competency with rapid results.

Under an MSN program, any Bachelor’s holder can achieve the high fulfillment, salary, and job security of a nursing career in as little as 32 months – and there’s never been a better time to transition to nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the nursing employment rate is expected to grow 12-percent between 2018 and 2028, twice the demand expected of any other industry.

For a non-nursing major, a direct entry MSN program can create life-long opportunities for advancement, and the BLS reports that you can earn up to six figure salaries with additional certifications. Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse anesthetist, midwife, or practitioner, an MSN provides you with the foundation to take your nursing career anywhere you want it to go.

2. Do I Have to Take the GRE?

You do not have to submit GRE scores to enroll in direct entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors. You simply need an existing Bachelor’s degree and sufficient GPA to demonstrate readiness. Direct entry MSN programs make it as simple and speedy as possible to pursue a meaningful role in patient care.

3. Are There Required Prerequisites?

Admission requirements will vary by school for a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Some institutions may call for proficiency in conventional coursework such as Microbiology, Psychology, Statistics, Human Anatomy, and Physiology.

At Joyce, all required coursework is built in to our curriculum, which means there are no direct entry MSN prerequisites for enrollment. It’s just that – direct. Your prior Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field is all you need to get started in a public health degree. Our MSN program’s focused curriculum offers industry-leading clinical skills training, simulation, and real-world clinical experiences required to enter the nursing profession. Even if you arrive with no background in healthcare, accelerated coursework will prepare you for endless opportunities in specialization and leadership. At the end of your program of study, you’ll be able to launch your nursing career with confidence.

4. Do I Need a High GPA to Enter the Program?

While we welcome all educational backgrounds, as a true Master’s level program, a low GPA is not sufficient for direct entry MSN programs. You must have earned a minimum of a 3.0 GPA with your bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Your degree must also be awarded by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

5. Are There Entrance Examination Requirements?

While admissions requirements will vary by school, most Direct Entry MSN programs utilize entrance examinations to ensure prospective students have the minimum academic qualifications to be successful in the program. At Ameritech, all MSN students must pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum passing score of 60% cumulative.

Once you graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing, you’ll immediately enter the field ready to make an impact. Whether you have more questions or you’re ready to enroll, give Joyce a call at (801) 890-4704. Or read more about our direct entry MSN program to decide if it’s the right choice for you.