Changing to a Nurse Practitioner Career with Herzing's MSN-Direct Entry

Interested in becoming a nurse practitioner even though you’re not actually a nurse yet? Until recently, changing to a nursing career used to mean going back to school for a second bachelor's degree, then earning a master’s to gaining board certification as an NP—a process that could take five years or more. 

Today, there's another pathway: one that prepares you to serve as a nurse while also elevating your education to the graduate level. Even better, you don't need prior nursing experience to start. Herzing University's Master of Science in Nursing – Direct Entry (MSN-DE) program is designed to help you get into nursing—and build the foundation you’ll need to pursue additional NP specialization coursework—which can be completed in 20–24 months.

What Is an MSN Direct-Entry?

An MSN Direct Entry program is a graduate-level nursing degree built for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. Instead of circling back through a second undergraduate program, you complete a master's-level pathway that prepares you to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and practice as an MSN-prepared registered nurse (RN).

At Herzing, the MSN-DE is a 60-77 credit graduate program that covers the full foundation of nursing practice. Coursework covers topics including:

• Pathophysiology 
• Pharmacology
• Health assessment
• Mental health nursing
• Medical-surgical nursing
• Family nursing
• Nursing informatics
• Nursing research
• Population health 

You'll also complete 585 hands-on clinical hours and a capstone project before you sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Why Choose the MSN-DE over an Accelerated BSN?

Both an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) and an MSN Direct Entry prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. The difference is the credential you finish with—and how it positions you for what's next.

With the MSN-DE, you graduate with a master's-level credential and the foundational nursing knowledge to practice as an RN. The master's degree positions you for additional graduate-level education later, including:

• Nurse practitioner specialties
• Nurse educator
• Nursing leadership and administration

For career changers planning a long career in nursing, the advantage is obvious. Instead of taking 18–24 months to complete an Accelerated BSN program, gaining work experience, and then taking another 20–28 months to complete an MSN, the MSN-DE bundles the first two stages into one program so you finish further along the path.

Can I Become an NP with the MSN-DE?

Not immediately. However, you'll be much closer to that goal than you would be with a bachelor's. The MSN-DE is a generalist graduate program aimed at helping you qualify to become an RN. To practice as a nurse practitioner, you'll need additional education in your chosen NP specialty.

The advantage is that you'll already hold a master's degree. After you complete the MSN-DE, you can enroll in a post master's certificate program at Herzing in your chosen area. Current post master's certificate options in NP specialties include:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Because you'll already hold a master's degree, the Post Master's certificate is a more direct route into NP practice than starting from a BSN.

How Herzing's MSN-DE Works

The MSN-DE comes in two formats. Both combine online coursework with required in-person clinical and skills work.

Online format

Lecture-style courses (called “didactic” courses) are delivered online with both on-demand and real-time learning. The online format also includes three on-campus intensives lasting two to four days each, held at Herzing's Brookfield, Wisconsin or Nashville, Tennessee campuses. Intensives include skills introduction, skills checks, testing and faculty advisement.

Hybrid format

The hybrid pathway is similar but includes labs and simulations held at Herzing's Kenosha, WI campus.

Both formats include 585 hands-on clinical hours. Clinical placement is supported by a dedicated Herzing team that partners with clinical sites — ideally within 100 miles of your location. You'll complete a placement form when you're admitted to help guide where you complete those hours. (Specific placements or preceptors cannot be guaranteed.)

The MSN-DE is available for enrollment in select states.

How to Tell if You Should Apply

The MSN-DE is built for a specific kind of student. You may be a good fit if you:

• Hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Can earn an aggregate score of at least 66 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) — no GRE required
• Are prepared to complete (or already have completed within the past five years) prerequisite coursework before starting core nursing courses: 
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits, “B” or better)
  • Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits, “B” or better) 
  • Chemistry (3 credits) 
  • Microbiology (3 credits) 
• Are ready to commit to a rigorous graduate-level workload with clinicals (and travel for intensives)

If your GPA falls below 3.0 or you don't yet hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, Herzing also offers undergraduate nursing pathways at the associate, diploma and bachelor's levels. Wherever you're starting from, there's a path for you.

Take the First Step Toward Your Future in Nursing Now

A career change is a big move, but your next step doesn't have to be. Request information from Herzing, and an admissions advisor will walk you through everything you need to know about the MSN – Direct Entry program: eligibility, prerequisites, start dates and what your day-to-day will look like inside the program. 

Rolling admissions means there are no application deadlines to plan around. You can start the conversation when you're ready—help is just a phone call or email away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the MSN Direct Entry program take at Herzing?

The MSN-DE is designed to be completed in 20–24 months. If you've already completed the undergraduate general education requirements, you may be able to finish in as few as 20 months (60 credits).

Do I need any nursing experience to apply?

No. The MSN-DE is specifically built for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The program teaches the foundational nursing knowledge and clinical skills from the ground up—no prior nursing background needed.

How much does the MSN-Direct Entry cost?

Tuition is currently $790 per credit. You may be able to reduce your overall cost through transfer credit from prior college coursework, scholarships and grants (including the Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to a 10% tuition reduction) or potential partnership opportunities through your employer. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Tuition is subject to change.

Can I keep my current job while enrolled?

Herzing recommends keeping work to a minimum during the MSN-DE. The synchronous sessions and overall volume of work require a real time commitment to give you the best chance at success.

Is the MSN-DE delivered fully online?

The lecture (didactic) courses are delivered online with both on-demand and real-time learning. Every student also completes 585 clinical hours. Depending on your format you'll attend either three on-campus intensives of two to four days each (online format) or labs and simulations at the Kenosha, WI campus (hybrid format). The MSN-DE is not a fully online program.

After I complete the MSN-DE, can I become a nurse practitioner?

Not immediately. The MSN-DE prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN and practice as an RN at the master's level. To practice as a nurse practitioner, you'll complete additional education through a post master's certificate program in your chosen NP specialty. Herzing currently offers post master's certificate programs in AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNPPC, PMHNP and WHNP.