Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing
Become a nurse with a master’s degree in just 20 months.
La Roche University’s Direct Entry Master of Science program (DEMSN) is designed to offer students who already hold a bachelor’s in another field the opportunity to switch to a nursing career.
The DEMSN can be completed in as few as 20 months of study and is offered in an accelerated, hybrid format that supplements hands-on lab and clinical experiences along with on-campus learning with some flexible online coursework.
The program includes 77 credits of coursework covering health science theory, nursing leadership, research and hands-on lab and clinical experiences along with on-campus leaning. After graduation students will be prepared to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and enter the profession as MSN-qualified nurses.
By entering nursing with an MSN, graduates of this program will be qualified to pursue bedside roles in hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities, and well-placed to pursue positions in nursing leadership, management or patient advocacy.
The Direct Entry MSN establishes a foundation for programs, such as:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Accreditation
The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Learn more about our accreditation and program outcomes here.
Tour Our Clinical Simulation Center
La Roche University’s state-of-the art Anthony J. Battaglia Clinical Simulation Center provides comprehensive clinical preparation for nursing students. Students use simulators to learn and practice skills, practice real-life clinical situations, and develop nursing competence essential to the role of a Registered Nurse.
Admissions Requirements
Complete your application online.
For admission to the program, applicants must:
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Transcripts from educational institutions attended
- Clearances (within 6, months Prior to admission)
- Current basic life support training from the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater (Last 60 credits)
- Completed Department of Nursing health form and physical
- Completion of the following prerequisites from an approved institution with a C or better within 7 years: Human Anatomy & Physiology I (with Lab component), Human Anatomy & Physiology II (with Lab component), Microbiology (with lab component) and Chemistry
ATI TEAS composite score of 70 percent or higher and a score of 65 percent in the English Language and Usage section (taken within the last year).
Any applicants missing prerequisite courses will be required to take or re-take them prior to beginning Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing courses.
