Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Michigan
A direct-entry MSN program in Michigan allows registered nurses in the state whose bachelor's degree isn't in nursing to pursue an advanced degree in their field, and to prepare for a variety of specializations.
In a direct-entry MSN program, registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing (or an associate's degree in nursing) prepare for careers as advanced generalist nurses, nurse educators, or for careers in clinical research. There is a handful of schools in Michigan that offer these programs.
Eastern Michigan University
At Eastern Michigan University, registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in a program other than nursing can apply for conditional admission to the Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Nursing Research or the Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education degree programs. These programs would be good for registered nurses who want to move into healthcare research or nursing education career paths.
Grand Valley State University
Individuals who have an active nurse's license and want to move into nursing leadership may appreciate the Master of Science in Nursing program at Grand Valley State University. The program offers some hybrid classes, although many classes happen at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences. This means that working professionals can still pursue an advanced degree and prepare to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader Examination.
Spring Arbor University
Applicants can choose from two different RN to MSN degree programs at Spring Arbor University: the RN-MSN Nurse Educator, or the RN-MSN/NP (with family nurse practitioner or primary-care adult gerontology specializations) programs. These programs prepare students to work with patients across the lifespan, or to educate nursing students and medical professionals in clinical settings. The program focusing on nursing education prepares students to sit for the NLN certification exam. The program for aspiring nurse practitioners prepares students to sit for either the ANCC or AANP licensing exams.
University of Michigan - Flint
The University of Michigan Flint campus offers registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and an active nursing license to enter the Master of Science in Nursing program. There are two options of study - a full-time 5-semester program, and a part-time 11-semester program.
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan offers registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in another discipline an opportunity to participate in an online program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. It combines courses in advanced professional nursing and nurse education, and requires 36 credit hours to complete the degree program. There is a limit of 20 students per course, so classes are small and students can get individualized attention if needed.
| School Name | Programs Offered | Tuition (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Michigan University | MSN-Clinical Nursing MSN-Nurse Educator | $18,000 in-state; $32,040 out-of-state* |
| Grand Valley State University | Master of Science in Nursing | $16,693* |
| Soring Arbor University | RN-MSN Nurse Educator RN-MSN Nurse Practitioner | $7,467* |
| University of Michigan - Flint | Master of Science in Nursing | $10,872 in-state; $16,272 out-of-state* |
| Western Michigan University | Master of Science in Nursing (online) | $15,638 in-state; $ $29,569 out-of-state* |
*Source: NCES
Admission Requirements for Direct-Entry MSN Programs
Most Master of Science in Nursing programs require that an applicant have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but a few schools offer MSN programs to registered nurses who have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. They may require that students complete certain prerequisite courses, such as health assessment or statistics, before they are granted admission, and typically require a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate work. Applicants must typically submit multiple letters of recommendation, a statement of professional goals, a copy of a current license to practice as a registered nurse, and a copy of their CV or resume. Some programs prefer that applicants have at least a year's experience in nursing before they apply.
How to Earn a Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing is a great option for a registered nurse who wants to work as an advanced generalist nurse or who wants to pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. There are multiple specializations within the field of nursing - some schools offer clinical nursing concentrations, others may offer a degree program for aspiring nurse educators, or family nurse practitioners. These degree programs typically take about six semesters to complete, but students may take longer when studying part-time.
Pathophysiology
Students in pathophysiology courses learn about how the body changes, and what processes are leading that change in a patient's body. This course is meant to build on a registered nurse's knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. It gives students a basic understanding of what they might encounter on the job and can help them to assess patients.
Health Assessment
Nurses must have strong psychosocial and physical assessment skills, and those are two of the areas that health assessment courses at the graduate level are meant to help students to develop. Graduate-level students will refine their skills in taking patient histories. They will also learn proper documentation techniques and how to interpret findings that are normal and those that are not.
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Courses that focus on research and evidence-based practice include study of research design and methods. Students spend time learning how to access and analyze research conducted in the field of nursing. They also learn about evidence-based guidelines and how to use research appropriately within those guidelines. These courses help practicing nurses become better at evaluating information as they work.
Direct-entry MSN programs are available in part- or full-time options, and there are programs that allow students to complete their coursework online. These programs give nurses experience through practicum requirements, and allow students to improve their leadership skills. They're also an option for a registered nurse with a degree not in nursing to prepare for the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
Subscribe to RSS feed for
Graduate Degree FAQs
