Accelerated MSN Programs
These days, there is a greater number of second-degree learners that are turning to nursing. This created a demand for accelerated programs that are supposed to fast-track baccalaureate and master’s degree programs. Second-degree students are esteemed at a higher stage because they bring with them a wealth of knowledge, energy, and experience; things that first-degree learners have yet to attain.
According to the AACN or the American Association of Colleges Nursing, there are currently 85 accelerated MSN programs in the country. This substantial increase in the number of Accelerated MSN programs is needed to fill what is currently being demanded.
The nursing shortage, as it seems, is here to stay. This has given birth to the alleviated needs in accelerating the existing nursing programs. If accelerated BSN offers a quick transition from a different career to nursing; the Accelerated MSN program (also referred to as Direct Entry MSN program) offers an additional option for the non-nursing BS graduate.
Program Overview
The curricula for Direct Entry Masters Programs usually consists of basic nursing courses in the first year of the program and moving on to include core graduate and specialization courses for the remaining period. These programs are intensive and fast-paced in nature, combining theoretical classroom instruction with clinical coursework. Some programs offer nursing courses online, or in hybrid classes while others offer evening/weekends classes but clinicals are invariably scheduled in intense programs that include working hours.
Because of the intensity of the program, courses are being offered back-to-back without any break. The students’ rigorous schedule may hamper the possibility of working while schooling.
Some programs offer you a chance to leave the program with a BSN at the halfway mark of the programs while others don’t but the first phase of the program will consist of the theoretical and clinical components covered by a traditional BSN program.
You will be required to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before launching into graduate level courses. You may have the option of the completing advanced graduate-level courses on a part-time basis which will extend the time it takes to complete the program by an average of two semesters.
Areas of specialization available to Direct Entry MSN students include clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse leader, nurse midwife, psychiatric, nurse anesthetist etc. You will usually be required to select your area of specialization at the time of application.
Admission Requirements
Direct Entry MSN programs generally have different requirements depending on the institution running the programs. Most programs require at least a 3.0 GPA in prior undergraduate courses, recommendation letters, and personal interviews as part of the admission process. The quality of your previous course work and professional work experience can also reflect on your application. Some of the more competitive programs will require you to submit GRE grades although this may be waived in some instances.
You will need to complete some combination of nursing pre-requisites including human anatomy/physiology, biology/microbiology, chemistry/biochemistry, behavioral sciences, and statistics.
Costs of Accelerated MSN Programs
Accelerated MSN programs usually have separate tuition schemes for the two parts of the program. Some institutions levy a flat rate for the pre-licensure phase of the program and transfer to postgraduate rates in the second half. The total cost of the program will depend on the tuition rates of the institution running the program and the amount and level of pre-requisite coursework that you have already completed. Financial aid for accelerated nursing programs may be harder to come by but more and more employers are offering a tuition replacement program to graduates from such programs.
Scholarships may be available but they are very scarce. One very well known scholarship for accelerated MSN students is the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation or RWJF New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Scholarship program. They have recently announced that they intend to award $10,000 to 400 students that are going to take accelerated programs. This is the best time to get started on your plan to enroll in an accelerated MSN program.
We do have a large database of scholarships that contain a wide range of financial aid opportunities. You should take a look.
Prospects
Graduates from the Direct Entry MSN program are valued by employers who value the experience and the more diverse set of skills these students usually possess. Graduates from this program are also encouraged to fill the shortage in nursing faculty by becoming educators in the nursing field due to the wider experience and of achievement in the intensive program they bring.
Accelerated MSN Programs
Currently, there are 87 nursing schools across 28 states that offer accelerated MSN programs.
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing
Birmingham, ALProgram Length & Format
- 3 semesters
- Cohort start: spring semester only; admissions each spring
- Delivery: on-campus coursework and on-campus clinical learning experiences
- Total credit hours listed by term: Spring 22 credits; Summer 18 credits; Fall 18 credits; program total 58 credits
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
- Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completion of AMNP prerequisite/foundation courses with minimum 3.0 GPA and grade of C or better in each course; prerequisites must be complete or in progress by application deadline and completed before program start
- Three professional reference letters
- Essay responding to application prompt
- Personal interview required
- Official transcripts from every college/university attended must be submitted
Entrance Exams
- GRE combined score (verbal + quantitative) minimum 297 OR GMAT minimum score 480; GRE/GMAT scores must be within 5 years of application
- English proficiency for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 80 with minimum 18 in each section OR IELTS overall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in at least two sections
Prerequisites
- BY 115 Human Anatomy with lab (4 credit hours)
- BY 116 Human Physiology with lab (4 credit hours)
- BY 261 Microbiology with lab (4 credit hours) or another life science with lab (excluding Geology or Astronomy) if microbiology not taken at UAB
- CH 105/106 Intro to Chemistry I with lab OR CH 115/116 General Chemistry I with lab (4 credit hours)
- CH 107/108 Intro to Chemistry II with lab OR CH 117/118 General Chemistry II with lab (4 credit hours)
- PY 212 Developmental Psychology (3 credit hours)
- Elementary/Descriptive Statistics (MA 180, PUH 250, or PY 216) (3 credit hours)
- MA 105 Pre-Calculus OR MA 110 Finite Math OR higher (3 credit hours)
- NTR 222 Nutrition (3 credit hours)
- Note: Anatomy and Physiology coursework must have been taken within the last 7 years
Deadlines
- Entry date: Spring 2026
- Priority application deadline: June 1, 2025 (all application documents must be received by this date for priority consideration)
- Regular application deadline: September 2, 2025
Application
- Submit online application and required application fee
- Three professional reference letters
- Essay responding to application prompt
- Official transcripts from every college/university attended (may be emailed by issuing institution to UAB Graduate School or mailed to UAB Graduate School, LHL G03, 1720 2nd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35294-0013)
- Verification of prerequisite courses (completed or in progress) by application deadline; in-progress coursework must be verified with transcript or letter from institution
- Applicants previously enrolled in a nursing program must provide a letter of good standing from prior nursing school to UAB SON Office of Student Success by application deadline
- All application materials must be received by published deadline with fee
Selection Process
- Personal interview required as part of admissions process
- Priority applicants: limited number reviewed; documents must be received by June 1; priority applicants may be selected for interview, moved to regular review, or denied
- Admissions decisions contingent on meeting admission requirements and space availability
Cost & Financial Aid
- AMNP coursework tuition per semester hour (classroom): resident $628; non-resident $1,550
- AMNP coursework tuition per semester hour (internet-based distance learning): resident $723; non-resident $723
- Educational Support and Technology Fee per course: $235
- Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee (per month): $1270
- Estimated expenses: uniforms $2,350; books and supplies $600 per term; lab kit $2,225; smart phone/electronic device $2,350; room and board on campus $3,600 per term; background check annual estimate $92
- UAB School of Nursing scholarships available; Peace Corps Fellows eligibility includes in-state tuition rate and one-time $5,000 scholarship for admitted AMNP students
Clinical & Simulation Lab
- Coursework includes practicum/clinical courses listed in program of study (examples: NUR 563L Foundational Nursing Practicum; NUR 568L Adult Health Nursing Practicum; NUR 570L Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing Practicum; NUR 572L Pediatric Nursing Practicum; NUR 576L Population Health Nursing Practicum; NUR 578L Preceptorship in Professional Nursing)
- Clinical learning experiences completed on campus and via practicum and preceptorship courses included in three-semester curriculum
Credit Transfer
- Applicants should check UAB resources to confirm how previous institutions' courses equate to UAB credit
- All prerequisite courses must be verified as complete or in progress by the application deadline
International Students
- Prospective international applicants must contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility before applying
- F1 or J1 visas: not eligible for AMNP
- International application requirements: bachelor’s degree equivalent, foreign transcripts evaluated (required), English proficiency required, GRE required
- Recommended transcript evaluation services: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. and World Education Services (reports must be submitted directly to UAB School of Nursing)
- Minimum prior college/university GPA for applicants: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Contacts
- AMNP Program Manager: Crimsynn Dover, Office of Student Success — (205) 975-7529
- Co-Director, AMNP Pathway: Kristin Ashley, PhD, RN, CNE — (205) 996-4329
- Co-Director, AMNP Pathway: Sabria Baker, DNP, RN, CNE — (205) 975-9031
- School of Nursing main address: 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294; main phone (205) 934-5428
Arizona
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZThe University of Arizona’s College of Nursing offers students the Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN). This program is highly competitive and academically challenging. The program takes about 15 months. This program is for highly motivated individuals that demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a distinguished level of scholarship. For this program, the college seeks out students, who will contribute to and benefit from a diverse and vigorous learning environment, as well as students who will offer competence and service to others.
Potential candidates must complete all of the required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. They must also hold a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Eligible candidates will hold a Baccalaureate degree before applying to the program. Students must fully complete the online application and questionnaire and some students may be required to complete an interview in-person.
The annual deadline to apply to the MEPN program is January 15th. All prerequisites must be met by this date. The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing works with a Tucson healthcare agency to offer sponsored positions in the MEPN program. This will allow students the opportunity to receive tuition remission in exchange for work. Students interested in enrolling in this program should contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information.
California
The Charles R. Drew University School of Nursing granted initial full accreditation by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is intended to train students to offer excellent patient care in a culturally sensitive manner.
The two year, six semester nursing curriculum is designed to equip students from non-nursing background to pursue a graduate degree in nursing.
Graduates from this program are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the Clinical Nurse Leader certifying examination upon graduation from the program.
Admissions Requirements:
- Have a completed baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university (or evidence of a U.S. equivalent baccalaureate degree based on a foreign credential evaluation)
- Recommended cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study
- Hold a current RN license in the State of California and in the state you reside in (or show evidence of application for a California RN license) – for Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Tracks
- Completed prerequisites:
-
- Anatomy with Lab
- Physiology with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- English Composition
- Sociology
- Speech
- Psychology
- Nutrition
- Statistics
Additional information on the program, admission requirements and application procedures can be had at the information sessions held on the dates posted on the official website of the college.
Students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and the Clinical Nurse Leader certifying examination upon graduation from the program
United States University School of Nursing
San Diego, CAThe United States University MSN-FNP program offers Registered Nurses who have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science to upgrade professionally.
The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior Commission, and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
The program consists of 49 credit hours and 720 clinical hours. Classroom instruction is held on Fridays and Saturdays allowing for a flexible schedule that enable students to carry on with their professional career and private lives.
The Department of Nursing also offers a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree to equip graduates to become administrators to help other nurses provide quality health care. The program consists of 7 core courses and 5 specialization courses with no clinical practice requirements.
Application Requirements:
- A completed application form
- An active and an unencumbered Registered Nursing License
- A cumulative undergraduate Grade Point Average of 2.50 or more
- Take and pass a criminal background check as per requirements for clinical practice in healthcare facilities
- Official Transcripts for all college level coursework
- A personal statement describing goals in the nursing profession
The university does not maintain a waiting list for the Nursing Program and interested applicants should attend speak to an enrollment advisor at the earliest opportunity.
The University of San Diego Master of Science emphasizes advanced focus in nursing in theory, practice and research.
The faculty of the USD nursing program work to maintain strong research program allowing the school to be awarded the largest research grant in the history of the University. The Nursing Clinical Simulation Laboratory is the only one of its kind in the state of California allowing students to experience expert clinical practice utilizing cutting edge technology.
The program offers seven areas of emphasis Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse, Executive Nurse Leader, Clinical Nurse Leader, Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner/ Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Pediatric and Family/Lifespan, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Health Care Informatics.
Three MSN options are also offered in Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care option, the Latino Health Care Option and Nursing Education.
The post BSN DNP program is also offered for Registered Nurses who are interested in preparing for primary care. The program is a 3 year full time program with part time study options available.
The curriculum ranges from 78 semester credits to 91 semester credits depending upon the concentration of study and prior courses taken.
Students who complete the program will be eligible to apply for national board certification.
The School of Nursing and Health Science accepts students to the Master of Science in Nursing Program for enrollment in the both the spring and fall semesters.
University of California-San Francisco UCSF School of Nursing
San Francisco, CAThe University of California Master of Science in Nursing program is intended to prepare leaders for advance roles as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, administrator, nurse mid-wife, consultant and teacher.
The courses offered in this program provide advanced instruction from nursing and other disciples to offer advanced theoretical instruction, skills of assessment, advanced clinical practice and selected opportunity for specialization to apply nursing theory and research as a basis for practice.
Most applicants to this program are registered RN’s who have already completed a BA degree. The program is a two year long program for full time study although it is possible to take part time paid work with the schedule.
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts for BA level course work
- Licensing as a Registered Nurse
- Complete introductory course in Statistics
- Proof of English Language proficiency
- Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (evidence of personal qualification and ability of capacity for graduate study)
- Personal Statement of stating professional goals
- Computer proficiency
The regular application deadline for this program is the 1st of February with all necessary documentation to be submitted with an application.
Applicants can follow the status of their application and its progress on line. The screening process occurs into separate sections. The Admission Screening Committee screens completed applications on the basis of the applicants academic and professional qualifications, institutional resource and the congruence of the specialty selected and the educational goals of the applicant.
Connecticut
Georgia
Georgia Health Sciences University
Augusta, GA
Armstrong State University
Savannah, GA
Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
Hawaii
