Our flexible direct-entry MSN is designed for local and distance* education students and features a blended learning format with the majority of coursework completed online. Students are required on campus for labs and simulations during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters. Lodging, airfare, and meals are included in the cost of attendance for approved out-of-state students. View our Nursing Residency Requirements for more information.
*Students must be a resident of Utah or Colorado to apply to this program.
At Joyce University, you’ll gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-industry, SSH Accredited nursing Simulation Center. Local and out-of-state students will have the opportunity to gain real-world clinical practice both in your state of residence and internationally (upon availability), to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed to confidently enter the nursing profession.
We are dedicated to preparing our nursing students for successfully passing the NCLEX exam. Our rigorous, focused curriculum, hands-on skills training, and comprehensive tutoring are designed to promote your clinical judgment and comprehension skills. Direct Entry MSN students may sit for the NCLEX-RN at the completion of all requirements for a bachelor’s degree, typically after 5 semesters of coursework.
Students applying to our DE-MSN program must have a completed bachelor’s degree. All other college requisites are built into the curriculum, making it easier to start the program sooner. Learn more about our general Admissions Requirements.
Learning Outcomes
for a Lifetime
of Success
When you complete our DE-MSN program, you’ll be equipped with the skills to enhance your nursing practice, advance your career, and pursue roles in leadership. See all of our MSN program outcomes.
Our Direct Entry Master’s of Science in Nursing degree is a 155 credit hour program composed of 60 hours of transfer credit from a previous bachelor’s degree and 95 credit hours of core nursing coursework. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced generalist care and leadership roles in overall population health allowing for seamless movement into a research or practice-focused doctoral program.
This program consists of 8 semesters in a blended (online and on ground) format. Coursework includes lecture, lab, and clinical training, with online, asynchronous lectures and direct-patient clinical intensives. During the MSN portion of the curriculum, students will work closely with faculty to develop an individualized practicum in case management and population health. Students will develop a capstone project implemented through fieldwork experiences.
The DE-MSN program is designed to accommodate distance learners by providing the didactic portion of the curriculum in an asynchronous, online format. Out-of-state students are required to attend the Joyce University campus to complete their required skills lab and simulation hours during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th semesters of the program. Students will complete clinical hours in their state of residence unless otherwise requested.
Known for our quality nursing education, Joyce University is proud to have helped thousands of students graduate and launch successful careers as registered nurses. We are committed to ensuring our students can enter the workforce with confidence, competence, and readiness to succeed on day one.
View Our Faculty
Through lecture-based coursework you’ll build a foundation of knowledge in the fundamentals of nursing. With hands-on skills training, our MSN curriculum provides you with real-world experience needed to be a competent registered nurse with the skills needed to build a lasting career.
Tour Our Simulation Center
The online portion of our DE-MSN program is offered using the easy and intuitive Canvas Learning system that can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection. This user-friendly, fully-integrated platform houses your classroom, library, and online resources all in one place.
See Our Student Portal
Our dedicated career services team is here to provide graduates with job placement assistance, giving you an indispensable resource for new employment opportunities when you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Read More About MSN CareersMeet our DE-MSN Nursing Program Faculty
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences’ Master of Science in Nursing Program has been granted programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Direct Entry MSN program tuition is $64,675 based on 95 program credit hours. In 2021, top-earners in the field brought home over $120,250 a year, with a median annual wage of $77,600 a year.¹ After completing your MSN degree, your earning potential is even higher—with the majority of MSN-RN salaries ranging from $86,000 (25th percentile) to $130,500 (75th percentile) across the U.S.²
*Sources:
In addition to applicable general requirements for admission into the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing degree program, applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
The MSN, which stands for Master of Science in Nursing, is an advanced nursing degree. With our direct entry MSN program, you can use a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field towards a Master’s in Nursing degree in as little as 3 years.
Yes. Our direct entry MSN program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and is the best option for career changers looking to pursue an advanced career in nursing. All general education requirements are integrated into the MSN program curriculum. Students may sit for the NCLEX and become licensed upon completion of the BSN portion of the program.
MSN programs usually take around 3 years to complete. With our direct entry MSN program, 60 credits from your previous bachelor’s degree can be applied towards a Master of Science in Nursing—allowing you to get your MSN degree with no previous nursing experience required.
The first and final semester of our MSN program are taken 100% online with no classroom time required – giving our students greater flexibility. However, students must come to our Draper, Utah campus for labs and simulations at our state-of-the-industry Simulation Center.
The direct entry Master of Science in Nursing program tuition is $64,675 based on 95 program credit hours. For complete tuition and fee information, please visit our financial aid page.
According to ZipRecruiter, MSN nurses can earn salaries ranging from $83,000 (25th percentile) to $130,000 (75th percentile) across the U.S.
Our future semesters will begin and end as scheduled, but with additional precautions in place. Please see the COVID-19 page.
