2 Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in New York – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

What’s the fastest way to earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree if you’re a New York RN whose undergraduate degree is not in nursing? One of the Direct Entry MSN programs in New York! A Direct Entry MSN is specifically designed for RNs for whom nursing may be a second career choice. They combine the foundational nursing coursework emphasized in BSN programs with the traditional MSN focus on nursing leadership. Graduates can expect to make $137,140 a year in the Empire State. Don’t let your lack of a BSN get in the way of professional development. Find out more with this list of the 2 best Direct Entry MSN programs in New York for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MSN PROGRAMS

WHAT ARE THE BEST DIRECT-ENTRY MSN PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 2 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in New York (Online & Campus).


1. Columbia University - New York


About Columbia University: Columbia University offers one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in New York and it's for many good reasons why this school stands out. A state-of-art simulation lab, the interprofessional learning environment of an academic medical center, and extensive clinical partnerships make this school a perfect place for non-nurses to kickstart their nursing careers. The school not only ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best nursing schools but also takes the top spot in the nation for receiving generous funding from the NIH.


Columbia University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Columbia University direct-entry MSN program is offered once a year in June. The program starts with an orientation and prepares students to become nurse generalists and registered nurses. The coursework is rigorous and working during the program is not recommended.

The program spans 15 months and is offered in a full-time accelerated format. The curriculum includes didactic courses and clinical experiences to prepare you for practice as a regeared nurse. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, the program comprises 77 to 80 credits and 1000 hours of clinical practice.

The direct-entry MSN coursework includes topics such as advanced clinical assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, and care coordination. You’ll also learn about global health equity, health & social policy, health promotion & disease prevention, and the integration of nursing practice. The well-rounded curriculum also includes classes in evidence-based practice, nursing leadership & management, and nursing care of individuals and families across the lifespan. Students also obtain proficiency in mental health nursing practice and ambulatory care nursing.

Throughout this direct-entry MSN program in New York, didactic courses are complemented by simulation along with clinical training at a variety of healthcare sites across New York. Towards the end of the program, students complete a review course that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.


Columbia University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for Columbia University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. To qualify, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Also, the program requires applicants to complete pre-requisite courses in psychology, statistics, human anatomy, microbiology, nutrition, and English composition. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, an essay, letters of recommendation, and a resume.


Interesting Highlights For Columbia University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Columbia University’s direct-entry MSN program offers a six-week integration experience where students are teamed up with a registered nurse at a clinical site either in New York or any of the nineteen global sites in seventeen other countries. This unique learning experience allows students to practice nursing skills at local hospitals, healthcare centers, and clinics while serving the health needs of the local community.
• Columbia University’s direct-entry MSN program enrolls a diverse student population that comes from various parts of the nation. This diversity not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students as culturally competent practitioners.
• Columbia University’s direct-entry MSN students perform exceedingly well on the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Columbia University’s direct-entry MSN students can directly move into the school’s doctoral programs, should they wish to advance their education in an advanced practice nursing specialty. Alternatively, students also have an option of progressing to the research-based Ph.D. program.


2. University of Rochester - Rochester


MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner


About University of Rochester: Are you a non-nurse? Do you want to enter the NP workforce in New York? If yes, then you have the University of Rochester as the perfect answer to both these questions. The school produces competent nurse practitioners by offering one of the well-known direct-entry MSN programs in New York. Committed to transforming the lives of aspiring nurses, the school empowers direct-entry MSN students with skills in critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving.


University of Rochester Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Designed for non-nurses, the University of Rochester direct-entry MSN program is a great launchpad to an advanced practice nursing career. The program is structured to start with 12 months of ABSN coursework after which you can take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse. Thereafter, you can choose your NP specialty and complete the MSN and NP coursework. In total, the program takes three to four years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.

The ABSN coursework, which is usually completed within 12 months of full-time study, comprises 49 credits and 700 clinical hours. The courses prepare you for nursing care by covering courses in med-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, women’s health, and mental health. After completing the ABSN coursework, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN exam and then advance to the graduate-level courses. At this point in the program, you’ll choose your NP specialty. Depending on the NP specialty, you may take another two to three years to graduate.

The MSN-NP coursework consists of core graduate and NP specialty-specific courses. The core courses mainly cover topics such as advanced physiology & pathophysiology, ethics & public policy in the healthcare systems, advanced pharmacology, and research principles for evidence-based practice. The NP specialty-specific courses prepare you for the specialized care of your chosen population focus. The MSN-NP coursework requires the completion of around 47 credits and 672 clinical hours. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take certification within your chosen NP specialty.


University of Rochester Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Admission into the University of Rochester direct-entry MSN requires students to fulfill the admission requirements of both the ABSN and the MSN-NP program.

To start with, you must apply to the ABSN program, for which you must have an accredited non-nursing bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, prior healthcare experience, related to your NP specialty is required. The direct-entry MSN program in New York also requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses. Other admission requirements include submission of your transcripts, recommendation letters, a resume, and a personal goal statement.

To apply for the MSN-NP program, you must have an active RN license in New York and your GPA in ABSN must be at least 3.0.


Interesting Highlights For University of Rochester Direct-Entry MSN Students

• University of Rochester direct-entry MSN students can expect high-quality nurse practitioner education, regardless of the specialty they choose. The school's ranking in the U.S. News & World Report’s best nurse practitioner programs further testifies to this fact.
• University of Rochester direct-entry MSN students study in the interprofessional environment of a medical center. Therefore, as a direct-entry MSN student, you’ll be able to collaborate & learn with other healthcare students.
• University of Rochester has partnerships with several NP residency programs. Direct-entry MSN students are also guaranteed placement for their clinical training.


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