A nursing background is not required. Direct Entry MSN programs are specifically designed for college graduates with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. Whether your background is in business, psychology, biology, education, or any other field, you can apply to our DEMSN program. The DEMSN curriculum is designed to teach you everything you need to know about nursing from the ground up while providing graduate-level education.

For North Park’s DEMSN program:

• Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
• Start Date: January 12, 2026
• Recommendation: Apply early, as spaces are limited and the program is competitive

We recommend starting your application process 6-12 months before the deadline to ensure you have time to complete prerequisite courses and gather all required materials.

A Direct Entry MSN (DEMSN) prepares you to become a registered nurse, not a nurse practitioner. However, after graduating and gaining RN experience, you can pursue post-master’s certificates or additional education to become a nurse practitioner. Many DEMSN graduates go on to specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or acute care through additional training programs.

Graduates of direct entry MSN programs can work in any role that requires RN licensure, often with enhanced opportunities due to their master’s-level education:

• Staff nurse in hospitals, clinics, or specialty units
• Charge nurse or unit coordinator positions
• Quality improvement specialist
• Patient care coordinator
• Clinical research coordinator
• Eventually, with experience: nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, or pursue nurse practitioner certification

Our graduates have achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate* and find employment in Chicago’s top healthcare systems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in the Chicago area earn an average of $93,600 per year, with critical care RNs averaging $95,779. Direct Entry MSN graduates often command higher starting salaries due to their master’s-level education and advanced knowledge. Many employers recognize the value of master’s-prepared nurses and offer additional compensation or faster pathways to leadership roles.

To apply to North Park’s DEMSN program, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA with no D’s, F’s, or more than one withdrawal
• Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry with lab, and Statistics
• Professional resume and 500-800 word essay
• Two professional or academic references
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency

A Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to become registered nurses. Unlike traditional nursing paths that require a BSN first, direct entry programs allow you to earn your master’s degree while completing all the requirements to become an RN. North Park’s DEMSN can be completed in as few as 20-months, this intensive program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce as a master’s-prepared nurse.

Direct Entry MSN programs combine RN preparation with graduate-level nursing education in one streamlined program, typically taking 20-24 months. Traditional BSN programs focus solely on undergraduate nursing education and take 4 years for pre-nursing students or 12-18 months for accelerated programs. With a Direct Entry MSN, you graduate with a master’s degree, advanced nursing knowledge, and leadership skills that can lead to higher starting salaries and faster career advancement opportunities.

Learn more about why to choose a Direct Entry MSN.

North Park’s DEMSN program is primarily on-ground with some hybrid elements. Based out of our Chicago campus, some coursework may include online components. Clinical experiences take place at partner healthcare facilities throughout the Chicago area. This format ensures you get hands-on experience while benefiting from face-to-face interaction with faculty and classmates.

North Park University offers one of the premier Direct Entry MSN programs in Illinois. Located in Chicago, our program provides access to diverse clinical experiences in one of the nation’s largest healthcare markets. Other Illinois options may include programs at various universities throughout the state, but North Park’s program stands out for its 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate*, small class sizes, and strong community partnerships.

The choice depends on your goals and timeline:

Choose Direct Entry MSN if you:

• Want to complete nursing education faster
• Desire leadership preparation from day one
• Prefer higher earning potential
• Want advanced critical thinking skills
• Plan to pursue leadership or specialty roles

Choose Traditional BSN if you:

• Prefer a longer, less intensive pace
• Want to work as an RN before pursuing graduate education
• Need more flexibility in your schedule
• Are concerned about program intensity

North Park’s Direct Entry MSN is an accelerated pathway that’s even more advanced than traditional accelerated BSN programs. Located in Chicago, the DEMSN allows you to earn a master’s degree while becoming a registered nurse. Chicago also offers several accelerated BSN programs, but our Direct Entry MSN provides additional leadership training and advanced nursing knowledge that can accelerate your career growth.

When evaluating Direct Entry MSN programs, consider factors like:

• NCLEX-RN pass rates (North Park: 100%)*
• Accreditation status (North Park is CCNE-accredited)
• Clinical partnership quality
• Faculty-to-student ratios
• Location and clinical opportunities
• Job placement rates
• Alumni network strength

North Park’s program stands out for its perfect NCLEX pass rate, strong Chicago healthcare connections, small class sizes, and comprehensive support system.

North Park’s Direct Entry MSN can be completed in as few as 20 months over 5 semesters of intensive, full-time study. This accelerated format allows you to become a registered nurse faster than traditional 4-year BSN programs while earning a master’s degree. The program includes 68 credit hours of coursework and 595 hours of clinical experience.