How long are direct entry MSN programs?

These programs typically require approximately two years. During this time, you'll complete undergraduate and graduate nursing courses. If you're enrolling part-time or specializing as a nurse practitioner, you'll likely spend 3-4 years in a program.

How do I go from RN to MSN?

You can enroll in an RN-to-MSN program to streamline the process of earning your graduate degree. These bridge options include undergraduate and graduate coursework, along with clinical training.

Can I skip my BSN and get my MSN?

Yes — if you're a registered nurse, you can skip a separate BSN program to earn your MSN with an RN-to-MSN bridge program, or if you have a degree in a non-nursing field you can consider a direct entry MSN program. These programs allow you to advance your education in less time than completing a four-year undergraduate degree.

Do nurses with MSNs make more money?

Yes — nurses with MSNs earn an average salary of $109,000 per year, according to October 2025 Payscale data. In comparison, nurses with ADNs take home an average salary of $80,000.

The Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs (No BSN Required) 2026

A master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can open new doors and increase your earning potential. And you don't need to earn a separate bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) before starting an MSN degree.

If you have a bachelor's degree in a subject other than nursing but would like to become a nurse, direct entry MSN bridge programs streamline your path to a graduate degree in nursing and help save you time and money in the process.

We've identified and ranked the nation's top direct entry MSN programs to help you make the best decision for your nursing career.

The Best MSN Programs With No BSN Required of 2026

How We Choose Schools

At NurseJournal.org, we use a data-driven methodology to identify deserving nursing programs around the country, making it easy for you to find a program that meets your needs. Our lists are informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that evaluates data for accuracy.

Each school in this list is awarded a superlative based on metrics that we believe matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, career outcomes, accessibility, inclusivity, and individual program offerings, among other factors. Since many programs share similar offerings, our goal is to simplify your decision-making by highlighting features that are most relevant to your needs. We reserve the right to exclude schools that lack sufficient data for accurate calculations.

All data was verified in November 2025.

Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an MSN Program with No BSN

What should you look for when choosing an RN-to-MSN program? The following are major factors that should guide your search.

Admission Requirements

Check whether you meet the program's education and clinical experience requirements.

Specializations

Nursing schools offer multiple MSN specializations, so make sure the programs on your list feature concentrations in your chosen areas.

Program Curriculum

Review the program's course requirements to see what you'll study and learn more about whether the program aligns with your professional interests.

Clinical Experience

Look at the clinical requirements and the format, including whether the school assists with clinical placements, to find a good fit.

Accreditation

Licensure requires an accredited nursing degree, so restrict your search to programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Program Length

RN-to-MSN programs typically require 24-36 months. However, APRN programs, including MSN degrees for nurse practitioners, may take more than 36 months.

School NCLEX Pass Rate

While RNs have already passed the NCLEX exam, checking a school's pass rate can provide valuable information on how well it prepares graduates for nursing careers.

Why Is Program Accreditation Important?

Nursing school accreditation recognizes programs that meet national quality standards and follow industry best practices. Choosing an accredited RN-to-MSN program is crucial for your career and ensuring your eligibility for licensure. Credits from non-accredited curriculums rarely transfer to programs with accreditation.

Additionally, the government only offers federal grants and loans to students in accredited nursing schools and programs. So, enrolling in a direct entry MSN program with accreditation is the most economical and efficient course. Our guide lists only accredited programs.

Applying to Direct Entry MSN programs

Applying to a direct entry MSN program is a great first step in taking your career to the next level by earning a master's degree. Admission requirements vary depending on the school, but most programs require the following:

Bachelor's degrees in non-nursing field
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Academic transcripts
At least one year of clinical nursing experience
Criminal background check and fingerprinting
Personal essay
Letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS (English proficiency tests for non-native English speakers)
Interview
GRE or MAT scores (requirement of some schools)

Prerequisite classes ensure prospective MSN students are adequately prepared for the rigor of a master's degree. Here are the seven most common prerequisites:

Anatomy and physiology
Microbiology
Nutrition
Pathology
Pharmacology
Psychology
Statistics

Institutions commonly offer these classes through online learning, including lab requirements.

Paying for Your Program

Earning an MSN degree is an excellent investment in your future but can carry a large price tag, making it challenging to pay for your direct entry MSN program with savings or current earnings. Fortunately, plenty of organizations and institutions understand the importance of this issue and want to set you up for success.

Identifying available financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, can help lower your financial burden. After meeting eligibility requirements, you do not have to pay back these forms of aid. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they offer financial assistance programs, including tuition reimbursement or education funds.

Nursing student loans, on the other hand, must be paid back — often with interest. The federal government offers loans to graduate students attending accredited institutions.

You can also pursue loan forgiveness and consolidation programs as a nursing student, including offers that require you to work for a period in an underserved area. Some nurse-specific loan forgiveness options include:

When estimating costs beyond tuition, consider whether you must adjust your work schedule during clinicals or when studying for exams. Factor in other program expenses, such as textbooks and any additional equipment. You may also have expenses related to clinical placements, including tolls, gas, parking, and meals on clinical days.

RN-to-MSN Salary and Career Outlook

Compared to their peers with bachelor's and associate degrees, nurses with MSNs can benefit from much higher earning potential. Payscale data from September 2025 show that, on average, master's-level nurses earn almost $30,000 more annually than ADNs.

Average Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
Nursing Degree	Average Annual Salary (October 2025)
MSN	$109,000
BSN	$99,000
ADN	$80,000

Source: Payscale

Most MSN graduates become advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) to work as nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), and nurse-midwives. Still, there are other possibilities for direct entry MSN graduates, including nurse educator, nurse informaticist, and nurse administrator roles. Many nurse leadership positions require at least a master's degree.

With the need for mental healthcare on the rise, psychiatric nurse practitioners may experience strong demand and lucrative salaries. You may also consider earning a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), which is the highest degree in nursing and a requirement for becoming a .

While a nurse anesthetist is the highest-paid nurse specialization, NPs also earn an average six-figure income.

As with other professions, nursing income varies according to specialty, geographic area, work setting, and other factors.

Average Nurse Salaries by Specialization
Nurse Specialty	Average Annual Salary (2025)
Nurse Anesthetist	$192,885
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner	$125,736
Nurse-Midwife	$111,891
Family Nurse Practitioner	$108,317
Clinical Nurse Specialist	$105,704
Nursing Manager	$100,248
Nurse Educator	$87,739

Payscale