5 Things to Consider About Direct Entry MSN Programs

If you have a bachelor’s degree and are looking for a way to kickstart or change your career path, the direct entry Master of Science in Nursing program at Joyce University may be your ticket to a successful and fulfilling career.

Everything from class size and facilities to faculty and tuition can influence a student’s experience at school. When researching potential programs, get a feel for how a school empowers their students to succeed—both in their studies and in their future career. A school’s facilities, qualifications of faculty members, student graduation and retention rate, and student satisfaction ratings are all indicators of a stellar student experience. It’s also a great idea to visit a prospective school when possible, so you can experience the campus culture for yourself and see firsthand if it will be a good fit for you.

When choosing the best MSN program for your own unique needs, it’s important to look for features that will set you up for success in your new healthcare career. From program length and prerequisites to teaching format and tuition costs, we’ve compiled a list of the top five things to consider when selecting a direct entry MSN program.

1. Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree?

If you’re ready to pursue a career in nursing and already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, a direct entry MSN program is an excellent path to securing your dream job. This type of accelerated Master’s in Nursing program combines theory and practice to prepare you for a career change in nursing.

Learn more about our direct entry MSN program requirements and how to make a career change that will lead to the secure and highly-paid field of nursing. Check out our article Direct Entry MSN for Non-Nursing Majors: Everything You Need to Know.

2. What is a Direct Entry Masters in Nursing Program?

Joyce’s accelerated direct entry MSN program is a fast way for career-changers who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to earn their Masters in Nursing in as little as 32 months. Our program has a unique emphasis on population health and case management, which allows you to gain additional nursing skills and pave the way to many career opportunities. Plus, after you have completed the first five semesters (at around 18 months), you will be eligible to take the NCLEX exam and upon passing, get licensed and start working as a registered nurse. That means you will be able to earn an income while you complete the remainder of your program.

Check out our article to learn more about What is an Accelerated Direct Entry to MSN Program?

3. Can I Take Classes Online?

Students entering the direct entry MSN Program at Joyce will experience a blended approach to learning, with online coursework that allow students to integrate the program more easily into their lifestyles. While you may be wondering if you can complete an online MSN program without clinicals as a requirement, it’s important to note that since many direct entry students are entering the program with little to no nursing experience, clinicals are an essential part of our program design and are essential for any accredited prelicensure program. Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences features a robust campus located in Draper, Utah, where students can experience state-of-the-industry simulation labs that offer hands-on training, in addition to real-world clinical experiences both locally and internationally, throughout the program.

Learn more about Nursing Clinicals.

4. Will I Be Prepared to Pass the NCLEX Exam?

The NCLEX-RN is the licensing examination all nurses must pass in order to get their registered nurse (RN) certification, and 2019, more than 91% of Joyce students passed the examination on their first attempt. At Joyce, our direct entry MSN program curriculum prioritizes RN licensure, which is why our students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX after just 5 semesters (about 18 months). We are currently the only direct entry MSN program in Utah, and one of the options in the United States, to provide students with this option.

To learn more about the NCLEX and Joyce’s student pass rates, check out our article on the Top 5 Common Questions About the NCLEX Exam.

5. How Much Does a Direct Entry MSN Program Cost?

At Joyce, we believe in simple and transparent tuition. Joyce’s direct entry MSN program has a total estimated tuition of $65,550, which covers the tuition for both the BSN and MSN you will earn as a graduate of the program. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

You can learn more about our cost structure, fees, scholarships, and financial aid available to get you on the path to a career in nursing in our article Direct Entry MSN Tuition Cost & Financial Aid.

Why Joyce University?

As a leader in nursing education in Utah, we are proud to be the first school in the region to offer a Direct Entry MSN program, and we are confident in our program’s ability to maximize our students’ success—both academically and in their future careers. From our state-of-the-industry technology and hands-on training to our well-respected faculty and academic reputation, Joyce’s direct entry MSN program is designed to equip career changers with the skills and confidence needed to launch thriving healthcare careers. Our curriculum’s unique emphasis on population health and case management provides our direct entry MSN graduates with additional nursing skills and perspectives, so you can gain access to even greater specialization and career opportunities than other MSN programs.

Ready to enroll? You can request more information using our request form. For more information about our Direct Entry MSN Program, visit our program page.

Explore All Nursing Education Pathways at Joyce University

Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing pathway aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.