Direct-entry MSN programs, also referred to as accelerated MSN programs, typically require 2-3 years. Typically, you will cover BSN-level content during your first year. By the end of your first year, you will be prepared to sit for your National Council for Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). The following year(s) will vary substantially depending on your program and field. MSN programs can prepare you for a variety of careers, including clinical nurse leader (CNL) and advanced practice nursing (APRN). Advanced practice nursing roles include nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse-midwife (NMW), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS).

Direct-entry dual degree programs, such as MSN/MPH and MSN/MBA are options for those seeking more than one degree.

Since MSN programs vary so widely, instead of providing a list of suggested coursework we ask students to bring a list of their top 10 nursing schools to an advising appointment with the Office of Medical and Health Programs.

For an example of direct-entry MSN program, read about Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing:

Many Sewanee students interested in getting a Masters in Science Nursing (MSN) earn a Sewanee B.A. or B.S. and then go on to earn a Vanderbilt MSN. Sewanee will recommend only those students who have fulfilled the prerequisites for the educational experience at Vanderbilt. Students are further expected to have patient experiences and have shown a persistent desire to become a nurse in their chosen specialty. It is important that you are a good fit for the specialty to which you are applying.

Academic prerequisites include completion of the Sewanee courses listed below. Incoming students are encouraged to complete PSYC 100 or 101 and BIOL 133 as early as possible. Please note that several courses have prerequisites, and you should plan you schedule accordingly. The Office of Medical and Health Programs is available to help you plan your schedule.

Biology 
Note that BIOL 133 and BIOL 233 are non-lab courses that are prerequisites for required upper level biology lab courses. CHEM 120/150 is a prerequisite for Microbiology and a pre- or co-requisite for BIOL 233.
BIOL 180: Principles of Human Nutrition or BIOL 218: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
BIOL 203: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or BIOL 270: Human Anatomy
BIOL 312/314: General and Human Physiology 
BIOL 340: Microbiology 

Statistics
STAT 204: Elementary Statistics

One of the Following Psychology Courses
Note that PSYC 100/101 is a prerequisite for these courses, and PSYC 251 is a prerequisite for PSYC 357. One of the following courses is required. 
PSYC 221: Adolescence 
PSYC 222: Adult Development and Aging
PSYC 357: Child Development