Direct Entry MSN Requirements and Prerequisites

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DEMSN/ELMSN programs can help you enter the nursing profession with advanced skills employers are looking for and provide benefits to patients in your care. With your MSN, you’re equipped to earn your license and enter practice as a registered nurse with an unspecialized MSN degree. The knowledge and skills you learn in your MSN can prepare you to move on to post-master’s certification or a DNP program, opening the door to specialty practice in a wide number of areas.

DEMSN Prerequisite Courses

To succeed in a health sciences course at the graduate level, you will need to have completed background coursework in science and mathematics. You will also need to be familiar with science laboratory work.

All the DEMSN/ELMSN programs on this site require students to have completed prerequisite courses.

Each university requires applicants to:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or international equivalent). Your bachelor’s degree can be in any academic field other than nursing.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You will need to provide official transcripts from each college and university you attended when you apply to your DEMSN/ELMSN program.
  • Provide evidence of the following:
    • A physical examination by a physician/primary care practitioner
    • A criminal background check
    • Completion of a basic life support training program (exact program varies by school)

DEMSN Prerequisite Courses

To succeed in a health sciences course at the graduate level, you will need to have completed background coursework in science and mathematics. You will also need to be familiar with science laboratory work.

All the DEMSN/ELMSN programs on this site require students to have completed prerequisite courses.

Alverno College DEMSN Prerequisites

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (with lab component)
  • Microbiology (with lab component)
  • Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Inferential Statistics (must be completed within five years of starting the program)

For more information, visit the Alverno DEMSN page.

Brenau University ELMSN Prerequisites

  • Principles of Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Anatomy and Physiology II

Visit the Brenau ELMSN page for more complete details.

La Roche University ELMSN Prerequisites

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab component)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab component)
  • Microbiology (with lab component)
  • Chemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Statistics
  • Developmental Psychology

For more complete details, please visit the La Roche ELMSN page.

Direct Entry MSN Prerequisite and Requirement FAQs

What is a direct entry MSN?

A direct entry MSN or entry level MSN is a Master of Science in Nursing degree for people who want to make the change to a career in nursing.

Usually, MSN programs are for experienced nurses with a bachelor’s degree, but DEMSN/ELMSN programs are for anyone with a bachelor’s in another field who wants to become a nurse.

How do I qualify for a direct entry MSN program?

To qualify for a DEMSN program, you will need to:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field other than nursing
  • Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Have completed prerequisite courses in laboratory science, math, statistics and psychology (though prerequisites vary by school)

Is getting your MSN degree worth it?

Yes. Entering the nursing profession with an MSN equips you to provide patient care at a high level from the very start of your career. It also sets you up for career advancement through post-master’s certification or doctoral study, helps you stand out in the job market and can enhance your earning potential (salaries vary by employer, region and level of experience).

Do you need a BSN to get your MSN?

No. If you qualify, you can make the switch to a career in nursing from any other background with a DEMSN/ELMSN program—no BSN required.

Learn More About Our Programs

You can learn more about specific application and admissions requirements for each of our programs by visiting the related program page.