2 Best Direct-Entry MSN Programs in Pennsylvania – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

What can you do with a Direct Entry MSN in Pennsylvania? The same things you can do with a traditional MSN. Direct Entry MSN programs in Pennsylvania are accelerated programs designed for nurses whose undergraduate degree is not in nursing; they combine BSN elements into the core MSN program, enabling RNs without BSN degrees to transition into advanced practice nursing. Direct Entry MSN programs in the Keystone State take less time than enrolling sequentially in a BSN and an MSN program might. After you graduate, you’ll earn $116,860 annually. More information is available in the guide below to the 2 best Direct Entry MSN programs in Pennsylvania for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE MSN PROGRAMS

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

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


1. Gwynedd Mercy University - Gwynedd Valley


About Gwynedd Mercy University: If you are seeking a career change to nursing but don’t know where to start, then applying to Gwynedd Mercy University should be your ideal first step. Providing excellent nursing education for over 60 years, the school offers one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in Pennsylvania. Known to produce compassionate nurses, here not only will you be prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam but you’ll also be eligible for the Clinical Nurse Leader Certification.


Gwynedd Mercy University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Gwynedd Mercy University direct-entry MSN program is a 24-month program offered only on a full-time basis. The program comprises 79 credits and equips students with skills in evidence-based practice and critical thinking.

The curriculum combines didactic training with clinicals and requires students to complete 405 clinical hours in general nursing and 360 hours in clinical nurse leadership. This direct-entry MSN program in Pennsylvania includes core nursing courses and courses related to the Clinical Nurse Leader role.

Some of the courses you complete include advanced pharmacotherapeutics, advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, leadership & health policy, and health promotion & disease prevention. The curriculum also teaches you concepts of nursing ethics, and leadership & healthcare management. Students also obtain proficiency in community health nursing and nursing care of individuals of all age groups.


Gwynedd Mercy University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for Mercy University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the program requires applicants to complete pre-requisite courses in nutrition, developmental psychology, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and general chemistry. You must also be prepared to submit your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.


Interesting Highlights For Gwynedd Mercy University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• Gwynedd Mercy University’s direct-entry MSN is rooted in Mercy values of respect, service, compassion, and integrity.
• Gwynedd Mercy University direct-entry MSN students have an edge in the employment market because of the added credential of Clinical Nurse Leadership. Among other registered nurses with an MSN, Gwynedd Mercy’s direct-entry MSN program graduates find it rather easy to land desirable placements.
• Gwynedd Mercy University's direct-entry MSN program maintains clinical partnerships with more than 100 affiliates in the region. The extensive clinical network provides students with diverse learning experiences in a variety of clinical settings.


2. La Roche University - Pittsburgh


About La Roche University: La Roche University offers one of our other direct-entry MSN programs in Pennsylvania. Whether you have any previous nursing experience or not, the nursing school offers excellent training to help your seamless transition to one of the most in-demand healthcare fields.


La Roche University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: La Roche University's direct-entry MSN program is a perfect stepping stone to advanced nursing positions either in direct or indirect patient care. Leading to the NCLEX-RN exam, this direct-entry MSN program in Pennsylvania prepares you as a generalist nurse.

The 77-credit coursework is offered in a full-time accelerated format, taking 20 months to complete. The coursework is hybrid, combining theory with clinical training. To start with, the first few semesters entail completing courses in nursing fundamentals, essentials of pharmacology, & pathophysiology, healthcare quality improvement, and public health & epidemiology. Later, you’ll complete courses in health policy, and nursing leadership. You’ll also master the nuances of nursing practice, learning about providing evidence-based care to male & female patients of all age groups.


La Roche University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for La Roche University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires you to complete pre-requisite courses in human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, and developmental psychology. Other admission requirements include the submission of transcripts and a resume.


Interesting Highlights For La Roche University Direct-Entry MSN Students

• La Roche University’s direct-entry MSN program is guided by Catholic traditions and promotes the overall growth of its students. Graduates leave as lifelong learners and as compassionate care providers.
• La Roche University offers the same tuition rate for out-of-state direct-entry MSN students. In addition, eligible students can avail of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to bring down the costs of their MSN education. In addition to the funding assistance, the program also offers veteran benefits and employer discounts.
• La Roche University direct-entry MSN graduates report an excellent employment rate. MSN graduates work in a variety of entry-level roles in diverse clinical settings.
• La Roche University direct-entry MSN students obtain clinical training in its state-of-art simulation lab. The lab provides ample practice in real-life patient scenarios.


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