Entry Level MSN

Become a nurse with a master’s degree in just 20 months.

La Roche University’s Entry Level MSN program (ELMSN) is designed to offer students who already hold a bachelor's in another field the opportunity to switch to a nursing career. 

The ELMSN 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 Entry Level MSN establishes a foundation for post-master’s degree certification program, such as: 

• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Administration
• Nurse Education

Entry Level MSN 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.

Anthony J. Battaglia Clinical Simulation Center Tour (First Floor)

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 Entry Level MSN courses.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offerings of post-secondary distance education courses and programs.

Its intention is to make it easier for students to take online courses and complete field experiences offered by post-secondary institutions based on another state. La Roche University is a participating SARA institution. By participating in SARA, La Roche is able to operate in every SARA state. The SARA map identifies other participating states and districts.

If you have any questions regarding state authorization, please contact Hope Schiffgens, Executive Director for Enrollment: 412-536-1266 or hope.schiffgens@laroche.edu. Please note that SARA does not address professional licensure issues.