Direct Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice programs (MENPs) are designed for students without any nursing education or experience who have completed their bachelor’s degree in another subject. Also known as direct-entry master’s programs, MENPs prepare students to enter nursing without first earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These challenging programs combine the curriculum of BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs and generally take around three years to complete, saving students the time and cost of two programs. Upon graduation, nurses are prepared for advanced-practice nursing careers in research, leadership, and patient care. Below is a complete listing of master’s entry nursing programs, as well as tips on choosing the right program for you.

Choosing a Master's Entry to Nursing Practice Program

With many direct entry MSN programs to choose from, selecting the right school can be a challenge. To make that decision more accessible, we have outlined a few factors to consider when researching schools. Remember these program elements to make choosing the right school a more straightforward decision.

• Program Accreditation: When considering an MENP school, your first step is determining whether the program is accredited appropriately. Program accreditation by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures the program has been evaluated according to strict quality standards. An adequately accredited program will provide you with a high-quality nursing education that will prepare you for the next step in your career.
• On Campus vs. Distance Learning: MSN-level nursing programs may be offered entirely online or in traditional on-campus and hybrid formats that combine online coursework with face-to-face learning. Online, or "distance learning" programs, may be beautiful for students working or caring for family members while completing their degree because classwork can often be completed on your schedule.
• Curriculum: When researching a school, review the sample curriculum to ensure the course subjects cover what you hope to learn for the next step in your career. Typical courses for a master's entry nursing program include pharmacology, physiology, healthcare policy, advance care nursing principles, nursing leadership skills, and clinical practice hours.
• Time Commitment: Most direct-entry MSN degrees take around three years to complete. However, the exact timing can vary from school to school. For example, a program may be completed in more or less time if classes are taken on a full- or part-time basis or if a distance learning format allows you to complete coursework at your own pace.
• Program Cost: Tuition for a master's entry nursing program varies from school to school based on geographic location, online versus classroom format, a student's residency status, and the type of school. Before you choose a school, make sure you have calculated the program’s total cost, including tuition, mandatory fees, materials costs, and housing and/or the cost of commuting.

Online Master's Entry to Nursing Practice Programs

Online master's entry nursing programs provide students with several advantages, most notably the flexibility to complete coursework whenever and wherever it is convenient. With distance learning programs, students can often continue to work or fulfill family obligations, attend classes, or complete assignments on their own schedules. Online program benefits also include:

• Affordable Education: Distance learning programs may also be more cost-effective options for students when compared with classroom programs. While tuition rates vary from school to school, online programs eliminate the cost of commuting to campus and campus housing from the total price of the program. Additionally, many schools provide financial aid options for students who need help paying for their education.
• Flexible Schedule & Program Length: Online direct entry nursing programs provide students with the convenience of completing their courses when it works with their schedules, and self-paced learning means that programs can often be completed a quicker pace. For example, Marquette University's Direct Entry MSN program can be completed in as little as 18-21 months.

What Are the Admissions & Certifications Requirements?

Admissions requirements for direct entry nursing programs will vary slightly from school to school and in different states, but in general, will include:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Letters of recommendation
• Completion of college-level pre-requisite courses, which may include statistics, human anatomy, biology, and chemistry
• Personal statement or essay
• In some cases, schools may also require scores from standardized entrance exams such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Program Curriculum

The master's entry nursing program curriculum combines coursework from BSN and MSN programs and prepares students to take the national licensing test for registered nurses, the NCLEX-RN. While exact course titles may vary from school to school, below is an example of some of the classes offered as part of the MSN Direct Entry program at Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences:

• Art & Science of Nursing Practice
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiological Basis for Nursing Practice
• Adult Health Nursing
• Nursing Leadership, Management & Organizations
• Technology in Health Care
• Maternal/Newborn Nursing
• Nursing Theory & Research-Based Practice
• Healthcare Policy, Trends & Issues
• Clinical Practice in the Community

In addition to coursework completed online or in a classroom, direct entry programs also include clinical practice hours for students to gain professional nursing experience.

MENP vs. Traditional Master’s Degree Route

Students pursuing an MSN through a master's entry nursing program can complete their studies at an accelerated rate by building on the foundation of their previous education and work experience. Schools know that a student who has already completed a bachelor's degree in another field can handle a direct entry program’s rigorous coursework and accelerated pacing. In addition, students can complete their studies and begin a new career faster than if they were to take a BSN and MSN program separately. In addition to a shorter completion time, these programs can be more cost-effective than two separate degree programs. Upon graduation, these nurses are ready for higher-paying and more advanced nursing positions than those without a master's degree.

Prospective students should be aware of a few caveats to a direct entry nursing program. First, accelerated nursing programs are very challenging and academically rigorous. Students must be committed to becoming nurses and disciplined enough to complete challenging coursework and extended practice hours. In addition, any master's level education is a significant cost investment in your future. While many schools offer financial assistance to those who qualify, it can be a financial hurdle to pay for a master's degree in nursing.

List of Direct Entry MSN Programs