Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing
Created for career changers, the DEMSN program helps you gain clinical expertise and stand out in your medical community as a practice-ready, master’s-prepared RN.
Apply by:
3/21/25
Start classes:
5/5/25
Program Overview
Gain insight into the Direct-Entry MSN program.
The Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program from the University of Jamestown facilitates a pivot from your current profession and points you toward nurse leadership. This accelerated path into the medical field does not require a healthcare background and is ideal if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Through an accessible hybrid design, you will complete coursework online and participate in transformative healthcare clinicals in Fargo, ND. Additionally, our state-of-the-art learning center in Fargo provides hands-on simulations that will further enhance your ability to graduate highly trained with real-world nursing experience. Our dedicated, compassionate faculty guide you through rigorous curriculum to ensure you are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam upon graduation.
Upon completion of this DEMSN program, you will be prepared to:
- Apply current evidence and sound clinical judgement in the provision of compassionate, patient-centered care in any healthcare setting.
- Analyze the impact of social, political, economic and technological trends on patient health behaviors, nursing practices and the healthcare delivery system.
- Collaborate with patients, families and interdisciplinary team members to promote optimum states of health and wellness.
- Synthesize concepts from nursing practice and other disciplines to form the foundation of your professional nursing practice.
- Demonstrate leadership, accountability and cultural humility when managing care for diverse patients across the lifespan and continuum of care.
- Promote patient and staff safety by utilizing quality improvement processes within complex systems of healthcare.
- Utilize innovative technologies to enhance communication and access to equitable, holistic health services for individuals, families and populations.
- Apply current evidence and sound clinical judgement in the provision of compassionate, patient-centered care in any healthcare setting.
- Analyze the impact of social, political, economic and technological trends on patient health behaviors, nursing practices and the healthcare delivery system.
- Collaborate with patients, families and interdisciplinary team members to promote optimum states of health and wellness.
- Synthesize concepts from nursing practice and other disciplines to form the foundation of your professional nursing practice.
- Demonstrate leadership, accountability and cultural humility when managing care for diverse patients across the lifespan and continuum of care.
- Promote patient and staff safety by utilizing quality improvement processes within complex systems of healthcare.
- Utilize innovative technologies to enhance communication and access to equitable, holistic health services for individuals, families and populations.
Also available:
The University of Jamestown offers specialized degrees that can help you grow personally and professionally. Learn about our other nursing programs.
Duration:
As few as 20 months
Credit Hours:
72
Per Credit Hour:
$733
Accreditation
The University of Jamestown is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition
Get the details on our pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition for the Direct-Entry MSN program is paid by the course, so you can manage costs as you advance.
Ask us about tuition assistance from our healthcare partners!
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Program |
|---|---|---|
| DEMSN | $733 | $52,776 |
Potential Expenses Per Year
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transcripts | $15 |
| Technology | $30 each term |
| Lab | $500 each term |
| Castle Branch Background Check and Compliance Tracker | $101 |
| ATI | $1,800 ($450 for each of the first four terms) |
| NRSG 110 - Supplies | $175 |
| Graduation | $125 |
Tuition breakdown:
Total Tuition:
$52,776
Per Credit Hour:
$733
Calendar
Our schedules are designed for flexibility.
In our DEMSN program, you will complete coursework online and participate in person for your clinicals and simulations. Choose the start date that best suits your schedule.
Next Apply Date:
3/21/25
Start Class:
5/5/25
| Term | App Deadline | Registration Deadline | Document Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Start Date | Class End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | 11/8/24 | 12/30/24 | 11/8/24 | 12/30/24 | 1/6/25 | 5/4/25 |
| Summer 2025 | 3/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 3/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/5/25 | 8/24/25 |
| Fall 2025 | 6/23/25 | 8/11/25 | 6/23/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/25/25 | 12/14/25 |
| Spring 2026 | 11/17/25 | 12/22/25 | 11/17/25 | 12/22/25 | 1/5/26 | |
| Summer 2026 | 3/23/26 | 4/27/26 | 3/23/26 | 4/27/26 | 5/4/26 | 8/23/26 |
Ready to take the next step?
Admissions
See the qualifications for the hybrid Direct-Entry MSN program
For admission into the Direct-Entry MSN program, you must meet the requirements below.
- Official transcripts
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- 2.85 GPA
- Prerequisite courses completed at UJ or another institution
Review our streamlined admission process for the Direct-Entry MSN program. To be considered for admission, you must apply and be accepted to the University of Jamestown prior to applying for acceptance into the nursing program and meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in a discipline other than nursing conferred by a college or university accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education
- A 2.85 or higher cumulative GPA
- If your undergraduate cumulative GPA does not meet the minimum 2.85 requirement but is at or above 2.5 (no rounding will be applied), and you meet all other program requirements, you may take the TEAS (Version 7.0). If you score 75% or above (no rounding will be applied), you will be considered qualified for admission.
- Prior to formal admission to the DEMSN program, the following prerequisite courses, or their equivalents, must be successfully completed with a grade of C or above within seven years of entry to the DEMSN program:
- Statistics
- Developmental Psychology
- The following courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or higher and with a cumulative average grade of B within seven years of entry to the DEMSN program:
- Anatomy and Physiology I (must include a lab component)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (must include a lab component)
- Microbiology (must include a lab component)
- Prerequisite courses outside of the seven year window must be audited or reviewed by the program director on a case-by-case basis.
- To succeed in our Direct-Entry MSN program, you will need foundational knowledge in science and mathematics. If you need to complete nursing prerequisites, take them online with UJ. Our courses are offered three times per year. Each course lasts eight weeks, and all instruction is fully online. Admitted students may be eligible for federal financial aid to meet the cost of prerequisite courses. We offer the following courses for prospective nursing students online:
- HLTH208: Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions I
- HLTH209: Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions II
- HLTH216: Microbiology
- MATH205: Statistics
- PSYC203: Developmental Psychology
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended should be mailed directly from the institution(s) to UJ at this address:
Admissions Office
University of Jamestown Accelerated
3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. L-190
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Official transcripts sent directly from issuing institution(s) are also accepted electronically. Please email them to:
Have a question? Call us at (833) 690-1224.
Courses
A look at the accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program curriculum.
The Direct-Entry MSN curriculum is comprised of 17 courses, totaling 72 credit hours. Embedded in the coursework are 120 hours of lab and 675 hours of clinical experience.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course provides the direct-entry MSN student with an introduction to the healthcare system and the nursing profession. Concepts of person, health, nursing, and environment are introduced and provide a foundation for the role of the nurse and other health professionals within systems of care. The course focuses on patient-centered care, inter-professional communication, health promotion, and individuals as bio-psychosocial-spiritual beings along the health and wellness spectrum. A clinical decision-making process is also introduced and provides a framework to help students think critically and make informed clinical judgements.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course centers on knowledge, skills, and abilities foundational to professional nursing practice. Clinical decision-making processes are a primary course focus and assist students to assess factors that influence patient care and apply evidence-based techniques when providing fundamental health services to diverse patients. Concepts related to patient and staff safety in the provision of fundamental nursing skills are presented throughout the course. Learning experiences include laboratory skills, simulated patient care, and direct patient care.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course guides direct-entry MSN students in the development of interviewing and physical assessment skills for the collection of subjective and objective health-related data. Students will learn an evidence-based, systematic approach to collecting and analyzing patient data throughout the lifespan as a basis for planning and engaging in collaborative care. Classroom and laboratory experiences will promote student confidence and competence in assessing and documenting focused physical, psychosocial, and spiritual patient assessments.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course examines the use of healthcare technologies and informatics in the delivery of nursing practice and healthcare. The direct-entry MSN student will analyze current and emerging technologies, evaluate how informatics is integrated into complex healthcare systems, and explore the Registered Nurse’s role in the implementation and use of technologies to promote quality healthcare. Electronic health records, telehealth, and applications that support patient education, communication, safety, and privacy are emphasized.
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course is the first of three courses focused on evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care for patients throughout the life cycle. Concepts related to patient and staff safety, care quality and management, inter-professional collaboration, health teaching, and developmentally appropriate interventions are emphasized throughout the series. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills essential to make sound clinical judgements for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of optimal health and wellness for diverse patients. Learning experiences within the classroom, simulation center, and direct patient care settings will engage direct-entry MSN students in the care of the surgical patient, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte/acid-base balance, and care of the patient regarding musculoskeletal system, inflammation/infection, urological system, genetics, immune system, cancer, end-of-life care, and connective tissue disorders. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course introduces the direct-entry MSN student to current trends in family-centered nursing through a holistic approach to concepts related to health and illness needs of the childbearing family. The course emphasizes normal growth and development, safety, injury prevention, disease management, and the impact of culture on the family unit’s response to psychological and physical stressors. Learning experiences in the classroom, simulation center, and direct patient care settings provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge in preventive, supportive, and therapeutic nursing care for patients in the childbearing cycle. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health, Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course provides the direct-entry MSN student with a theoretical and practical foundation to critically evaluate research and apply scientific evidence to enhance the delivery of patient care and inform best practices for the achievement of safe, quality, and optimal health care outcomes. The synthesis and meaningful utilization of evidence to support practice decisions and influence future nursing standards and protocols is emphasized. Essential elements of evidence-based practice are applied to nursing leadership roles focused on enhancing patient safety and outcomes and improving population health. Pre-requisites: • Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course is the second of three courses focused on evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care for patients throughout the life cycle. Concepts build upon the student’s previously acquired knowledge and skills and promote personal and professional growth development in the application of safe, quality patient care. Learning experiences within the classroom, simulation center, and direct patient care settings will engage direct-entry MSN students in the maintenance of oxygenation, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and integumentary functions as well as bio-psychosocial-spiritual assessments and the implementation of nursing interventions to enhance and promote adaptation for the child, adult, and family. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health
• Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course provides students with a holistic approach to concepts related to the care of patients throughout the lifespan with select psychiatric-mental and behavioral health issues. Clinical decision making, therapeutic and inter-professional team approaches to treatment, and the continuum of care for mental health and wellness across healthcare settings are emphasized throughout the course. Additionally, care of the child with cognitive, sensory, or communication impairment is addressed. Simulated and direct care patient experiences allow students to apply clinical judgement, therapeutic communication, and evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches to the care of patients with mental health issues. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course examines the United States health care system from the perspective of providers, regulators, and consumers with a focus on contemporary issues related to health and social policy. The direct-entry MSN student will explore health policy and politics within government organizations, local communities, professional associations, special interest groups, and healthcare organizations, and examine the impact of culture, economics, technology, and social justice on health care systems and policy. The course emphasizes advocacy and foundational skills necessary for the nurse to act and improve the health of individuals, families, and communities. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course is the third of three courses focused on evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care for patients throughout the life cycle. Learning experiences within the classroom, simulation center, and direct patient care settings will engage direct-entry MSN students in patient care situations that require the student to synthesize knowledge from previous nursing courses, supportive courses, and evidence-based scholarly materials. Students will enhance communication, leadership, and clinical judgement skills in the care of patients with complex health conditions of the cardiovascular and/or neurological systems. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness, Nursing Care for the Childbearing Family, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health,, Care Management II: Adult and Child Health
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course explores health care needs and services for populations and communities and focus on the analysis and interpretation of bio-psychosocial-spiritual factors impacting the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities. Emphasis is placed on epidemiology, health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, environmental health, vulnerable populations, contemporary health issues, and developing healthier communities. Clinical experiences provide the direct-entry MSN student with opportunities to explore community-based nursing roles and care delivery settings, evaluate public health services and policies, and integrate current evidence into community and public nursing practice. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness, Nursing Care for the Childbearing Family, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health, Care Management II: Adult and Child Health
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course examines theories of organizational design, leadership, and management, as they apply to health services and professional nursing roles. Direct-entry MSN students will discuss organizational environments, social structures, culture, politics, and leadership models. Management principles and issues related to organizational behavior are analyzed within the context of current healthcare environments to allow students to integrate principles of organizational dynamics and leadership into nursing practice. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety, Healthcare Policy and Politics
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course examines health and healthcare challenges among diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender groups. Using foundational constructs from transcultural nursing theory, students explore context-relevant health promotion; analyze issues of social justice in health care; develop heightened awareness and understanding of health issues for underserved populations; and identify interventions that promote equitable, quality health for all. Cultural humility and advanced nursing roles to address the health needs of diverse individuals, families, and communities will be emphasized. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety, Healthcare Policy and Politics
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course builds on the direct-entry MSN student’s prior knowledge and facilitates the development of advanced proficiencies in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment. The integration of concepts within this course enhances the student’s clinical judgement and promotes understanding of interrelationships between essential competencies in the delivery of quality healthcare across the lifespan and continuum of care. Students will be able to incorporate course concepts into advancing nursing roles as a provider, educator, and leader in multiple healthcare settings and systems. Pre-requisites: • Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety, Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness, Nursing Care for the Childbearing Family, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health, Care Management II: Adult and Child Health, Care Management III: Adult and Child Health
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course provides direct-entry MSN students with opportunities to develop increasing levels of autonomy in the management of care for several patients. Learning activities and clinical experiences facilitate the integration and synthesis of essential concepts and skills from the nursing curriculum related to care of diverse patients across the lifespan and continuum of care. A comprehensive review of nursing content is embedded in this course to support mastery of essential concepts for beginning nursing practice, preparation for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN licensure examination, and successful transition into professional nursing practice as an MSN-prepared nurse. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Health and Physical Assessment, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety, Nursing Care for Mental Health and Illness, Nursing Care for the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care for Populations and Communities, Care Management I: Adult and Child Health, Care Management II: Adult and Child Health, Care Management III: Adult and Child Health
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
This course concentrates on the direct-entry MSN prepared nurse’s role in applying principles of leadership and management in healthcare organizations across the continuum of care. Focused on concepts related to strategic management, healthcare finance and economics, and leading others, the course serves as a framework for evidence-based business decision-making in a complex health care environment. Clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to apply concepts within a variety of nursing leadership and management roles. Pre-requisites: Introduction to Professional Nursing, Healthcare Technologies and Informatics, Evidence Based Practice for Quality and Safety, Healthcare Policy and Politics, Organizational Theory and Leadership, Transcultural Nursing and Health Challenges.
Licensure Disclosure Statement:
The Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) program meets the educational requirements for licensure at the level of Registered Nurse (RN) in all 50 U.S. states. Students who successfully complete the DEMSN program will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
The University of Jamestown has not determined if the DEMSN program meets the educational requirements for licensure at the level of Registered Nurse (RN) in the following U.S. jurisdictions: District of Columbia, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
Licensure Board Contact Information: National Council of State Boards of Nursing – State Licensure Board page.
North Dakota Board of Nursing Initial Approval, 919 S. 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504.
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