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Direct Entry MSN

Professional Degree Completion Programs

Already have a bachelor’s degree? MNU’s Direct Entry MSN prepares you to become a registered nurse while earning a Master of Science in Nursing in just 24 months.
A group of four nursing students standing together in a nursing lab

Fast Facts

Online Classes, Onsite Clinicals
75 credit hours
Complete in 24 months

Niche Ranks MNU the Top Nursing School in Kansas

2026 Niche Best Colleges

Rigorous courses of study, state-of-the-art facilities, subject matter experts in the classroom, academic partnerships with regional hospitals, hands-on learning, and excellent career preparation — current students and recent grads alike sang the praises of MNU’s School of Nursing in the 2026 Niche rankings of Best Colleges in America. MNU was ranked the top nursing school in Kansas and in the KC metro area.

Start Your Nursing Career

Ready to turn your passion for helping others into a meaningful career? MNU’s Direct Entry MSN provides an accelerated pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Through a combination of online coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and personalized faculty support, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to become a registered nurse while earning a graduate degree.

Designed to be completed in just 24 months, the Direct Entry MSN prepares graduates for RN licensure and future opportunities in healthcare leadership, quality improvement, and professional advancement.

Program Overview

The Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at MidAmerica Nazarene University is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and want to transition into the nursing profession. This innovative pathway combines foundational nursing education with master’s-level coursework focused on leadership, quality and safety, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice.

Throughout the program, students complete rigorous academic coursework alongside immersive clinical experiences that prepare them to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® examination and enter the workforce with both the clinical preparation of a registered nurse and the advanced education of a master’s degree.

View all courses & admission requirements

Cost & Value

A degree from MNU is a competitively priced, affordable option designed for students with a busy schedule. We’re here to help you find the best options to assist you as you work toward earning your degree.

Credit Hours:

75 total

Tuition:

Varies by program.
See Program Costs for more information.

Payment Options

Your degree is an investment in your future. We have a variety of different payment options available, so you can choose the option or combination of options, that best fits your situation. The total cost will be calculated based on your program and can be divided into multiple payments.

Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program is an additional payment option. MNU School Code: 007032. Information and applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services Office at 913.971.3298 or finaid@mnu.edu.

Upcoming Information Sessions

21
Jul
Tue
5:45 PM
- 7:00 PM
Nursing Virtual Open House

Application Process

Submit an application

Students should apply directly to MNU. A Nursing CAS application is not required. You may submit your application while some of your prerequisites for the program are still in progress.

Students should apply directly to MNU. Prospective students will need to provide or complete:

All official college transcripts
The nursing questionnaire
Prerequisite/Transfer Questions
How old can my college courses be to qualify for my prerequisite credit?

There is no time limit within which your prerequisite courses need to have been taken.

Application Questions
Where should I send my official transcripts?

All official transcripts need to be sent to the Admissions Office for the college of Professional and Graduate Studies. You may also submit unofficial transcripts to MNU for a preliminary unofficial review to pgadmissions@mnu.edu determine whether you have missing prerequisites to complete.

Is an interview required?

No. The selection committee uses the personal statement in lieu of an interview.

How long will it take to find out if I am accepted and how will that be communicated to me?

Once your application is complete, it may take a couple of months (depending on where we are in the application cycle) before your application is reviewed by the committee. Once your application is reviewed by the committee, you will be notified by the admissions team via text and email regarding your acceptance status.

What happens if I get accepted into the program, but cannot start at the designated time?

At times, students have not been able to start the program at the time when classes start for the cohort of students. You can contact the Admissions Department to request a delayed program start date. The details are outlined in our Admission Deferral Policy. If this applies to you, please review the detailed policy and process for deferring your start in our program.

How can I learn more about the program?

We offer monthly informational meetings both in-person, and in an online virtual webinar format, to provide additional information about the program and application process. Contact us for additional information on upcoming opportunities to get your questions answered at 913.971.3800.

School of Nursing Mission Statement
The mission of the SON programs is to educate and inspire servant leaders for ministry in professional nursing practice.
School of Nursing Vision Statement
The vision of the SON is to offer premier nursing programs with a global impact.
Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at MidAmerica Nazarene University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC, 20001, 202-887-6791.

The University accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.

BSN Accolades

94% of MNU’s 2024 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates passed the NCLEX-RN® exam on the first attempt—higher than state and national averages.

Licensure Eligibility and Disqualification Policy

The State of Kansas establishes the qualifications for licensure as a registered professional nurse. Graduation from the MidAmerica Nazarene University Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. In accordance with Kansas Administrative Regulation 60-2-107 and the Kansas Nurse Practice Act, including K.S.A. 65-1120 and K.S.A. 65-115, certain legal, disciplinary, or other factors may affect an individual’s eligibility for licensure by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Licensure eligibility is determined by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

To read more about requirements for a Kansas registered professional nursing license.

Faculty Award- Nominations Open for Daisy Faculty Award
The DAISY Foundation, as a part of its service to the nursing profession’s role in patient care, established the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty. The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to educators for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.

Navigate Your Nursing Career

Find the nursing program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.