What Are Direct-Entry Nursing Programs?
Do you have a non-nursing college degree but want to become a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)? Direct-entry nursing programs are a quick way for people like you to become nurses. These programs are designed for those who already have another degree and are changing careers or decide on nursing later in life. Whether you’re looking to practice as an RN or APRN, these programs could be a great option to help you start practicing as quickly as possible.
What Is a Direct-Entry Nursing Program?
The usual nursing degree path follows one of two options — either a four-year bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) program or a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). With both of these paths, you’ll spend a portion of your classes on prerequisite courses, such as chemistry, biology, and social sciences. In most bachelor’s programs, you’ll take two years of these prereqs before taking nursing school classes.
Direct-entry programs allow you to bypass these classes using credits you’ve earned either in high school or a previous degree. These types of programs come in three main forms:
- Direct-entry nursing programs for freshmen are for high school graduates who wish to enroll directly in nursing school. To qualify, you’ll need to have taken the prerequisite courses for the nursing school you’re attending.
- Direct-entry BSN programs are for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and wish to become an RN.
- Abbreviated master’s of science in nursing (MSN) programs are for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject and wish to become an APRN.
What to Look for in Direct-Entry Nursing Programs
These are the criteria to understand if you’re currently investigating a direct-entry program:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This certifies that the program meets federal standards, and guarantees that your education will be recognized so that you can apply for licensure.
- Degree type: Some direct-entry programs are designed for students who want to become RNs, while others prepare students for advanced practice. Understand the different nursing roles, and what your goals are, to determine what’s right for you.
- Admission requirements: Review the prerequisites for each program and ensure they align with your qualifications. Programs are generally competitive, and depending on your previous degree and when you graduated, you may need to retake courses to qualify. You may also need to take an entry exam, such as the HESI exam, TEAS test, or the GRE.
- Specialization: If you’re looking at MSN programs, you might also be weighing specialties. Potential advanced-practice specialties include family medicine, psychiatry, nurse midwifery, and pediatrics. Check if the program offers specializations aligning with your desired nursing field.
- Program length: Some direct-entry programs are accelerated, with program lengths as little as a year for a BSN. You can probably imagine that these programs require an intense academic commitment, and they’re not for everyone. Consider the duration of the program and whether it suits your timeline.
- Clinical experience: Every accredited nursing program will require clinical hours, but not every program will provide them for you. Many MSN programs, for instance, require students to find their own clinical placements. Online direct-entry MSN programs will likely require you to complete your hours at a facility close to you.
- NCLEX pass rates: You want to be sure that the program you enter is preparing its students for licensure exams. Look for high NCLEX pass rates among program graduates. The National Council for State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has information about program pass rates.
Pros and Cons of Direct-Entry Nursing Programs
Jumping right into a nursing degree program has its benefits and drawbacks. For our purposes, we’ll focus on the benefits and drawbacks of programs for students who already have a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree:
Benefits:
- Accelerated path: Direct-entry programs can allow you to enter the workforce faster.
- Advanced education: These programs allow you to level up your education, opening doors for opportunities in clinical care and leadership.
- Diverse cohorts: Non-traditional programs mean that you’ll be with non-traditional students, which can be a diverse and enriching learning experience.
- Career transition: These programs are ideal for people who are looking to make a career change into a new field, without going back to the basics of prerequisite courses.
- Cost: Some programs may be more cost-effective because they’re shorter than traditional BSN or MSN degrees.
Drawbacks:
- Intensive: The accelerated pace can be challenging, requiring dedication and time management skills.
- Clinical experiences: Many programs require that students find their own clinical placements, and depending on where you live, that can be challenging.
- Tuition: Tuition per credit for direct-entry programs can be higher than for an ADN degree.
- Admissions: Admission requirements are often stringent, with most programs requiring a 3.0–3.5 GPA at minimum.
Direct-Entry Nursing Programs for Prospective BSN Students
Many nursing schools offer direct-entry programs for students who already have a degree, and will take previous credits as long as your degree is relatively recent. Check out programs in your area to learn more about your options. The following schools offer direct-entry nursing programs at the undergraduate level:
- Northeastern University
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- University of New Mexico
- Western Governors University
- The Ohio State University
Direct-Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs
Direct-entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors help candidates enter directly into the workforce as nurse practitioners. After one of these programs, you’ll be able to sit for the NCLEX exam, as well as an exam for advanced practice certification. The following schools offer in-person MSN degree programs for students with previous non-nursing degrees:
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, Davis
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Rochester
- The University of Texas at Austin
- University of West Florida
- Vanderbilt University
- Yale University
Direct-Entry MSN Programs for Non-Nurses Online
While they’re not as common, some direct-entry MSN programs can be done from your home computer. Here are a few schools offering these programs:
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