Accelerated master’s in nursing programs, also known as direct-entry programs, offer a path to a nursing career to students who have an educational and professional background in a non-nursing field. They provide students with the foundational and advanced nursing skills they need to become licensed in a condensed time frame, allowing them to enter the field as quickly as possible.
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). According to the agency, employment of nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists is projected to grow by 38% through 2032, with an average of 29,200 new jobs per year. The median annual wage for these positions is $125,900, with the top 10 percent of earners making over $208,000 per year.
The completion time for most of the accelerated master’s in nursing degree programs on this list is 15-20 months, although the exact program length varies. Tuition costs vary as well. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for graduate programs was $12,596 at public universities and $29,931 at private colleges during the 2021-22 academic year.
How to Choose an Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Degree Program
Choose your area of study
The first step in the process of choosing an accelerated master’s in nursing degree is determining whether it is the right degree for you. Accelerated master’s in nursing programs typically cater to students who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and want to become registered nurses as quickly as possible. Students who already have a bachelor’s in nursing may qualify for other degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for nurse practitioners.
Also, consider whether there is an area of nursing in which you’d like to specialize. Because the focus of accelerated master’s in nursing programs is speed, concentrations may not be as widely available as they are in other programs. You can consult with a program representative to find out what types of specialized coursework are available.
Lastly, think about logistical needs, including whether you’ll enroll full-time or part-time and if you can attend daytime, evening, or weekend classes.
Research schools and programs
After you’ve established some specifics for what you’re seeking in an accelerated master’s in nursing program, you can start exploring available programs.
Visiting schools’ websites is a good place to start, as this is where you can find basic information about a program’s curriculum, admission requirements, cost, financial aid, and more. You can also get more information by contacting the school’s admissions office, speaking to an admissions counselor, or participating in virtual or in-person open houses and information sessions.
You should only consider options offered by a regionally accredited university with program-specific accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the school and program provide high-quality education and that students are eligible for financial aid, professional licensure, and further education. Students can confirm a program’s accreditation status by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.
To help you determine if a program is a good fit, here are some other questions to ask:
- What is the program’s curriculum? How does it align with your interests and goals?
- What are the clinical requirements? Can you accommodate them in your schedule?
- How many hours per week are students in class? What are the expectations for work outside the classroom?
- Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
- What is the program cost, and what financial aid resources are available?
- What are the eligibility requirements for admission?
Prepare for tests and applications
Each program sets its own requirements and admission procedures, so it’s essential to confirm with individual schools what you will need to submit for your application. This information may be available on the school’s website, or you can speak to an admissions counselor for clarification.
Eligibility requirements may vary as well. Programs may require students to complete prerequisite courses or have a minimum undergraduate GPA. Ensure that you meet all standard eligibility requirements before beginning an application. It’s also wise to confirm enrollment dates and application deadlines, as some programs only enroll new students once or twice per year.
In general, students can expect to submit the following materials for an accelerated master’s in nursing degree application:
- Completed application and application fees
- Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores
Select your program
The number of programs you apply to varies based on your personal interests and needs. Admission to nursing degree programs can be competitive, so some students choose to apply to multiple schools to increase their chances of acceptance. Others may focus on one or two programs that meet their particular needs.
Visiting schools and talking with current students and faculty can help you learn more about programs and find the one that’s the best fit. If you’re accepted to multiple programs, compare them based on your initial criteria as well as any new information, such as financial aid awards, to determine which one is right for you.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
If you haven’t already, confirm the program’s tuition and fees and gather information about the financial aid resources that are available to you. If necessary, contact the school’s financial aid office and speak to a financial aid counselor to clarify how much you can expect to pay for your accelerated master’s in nursing program.
If you’re planning on using need-based financial aid, such as federal student loans, grants, and scholarships, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use the information from this application to determine students’ eligibility for need-based financial aid. Another option is merit-based scholarships and grants that aren’t dependent on financial need. Many schools offer this type of support, as do external organizations like nonprofits, professional associations, and religious and community groups.Students who are planning on working while earning their degree should inquire with their employer to see if they’re eligible for tuition assistance benefits. Active duty service members and veterans can ask about GI Bill benefits and military discounts.
Best 50 Accredited Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best accelerated master’s in nursing programs in the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best accelerated master’s in nursing programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Degree Program?
Accelerated programs are a good option if you are motivated and willing to devote long hours to your schoolwork. An accelerated master’s in nursing will give students who have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field the practical skills and theoretical knowledge they need to become registered nurses in an expedited time frame.
Since these types of programs move at a quicker pace, you may have more coursework each term than you would in a traditional master’s program, and classes typically meet throughout the summer as well as fall and spring. Students also must complete a clinical internship, which they may do simultaneously with classes.
Because of the intense nature of these programs, they can be challenging for students who have full-time jobs or significant family commitments. Before enrolling in an accelerated master’s in nursing, consult with a program representative to gain a clear understanding of what the program’s time commitment is and determine if you can accommodate it in your schedule.
Potential courses you’ll take in an accelerated master’s in nursing degree program
- Introduction to Clinical Practice: Introduces students to applying nursing knowledge to address basic human health problems.
- Health Assessment: Teaches students how to holistically assess patients and differentiate healthy from at-risk or altered findings.
- Research in Nursing: Provides an introduction to nursing research and its relationship to nursing theory and practice and presents knowledge and skills essential for the critique and utilization of nursing research.
- Compassionate Care for Nurses: Examines the impact stress has on disease process, mental health, well-being, and professional burnout and explores the science behind evidenced-based stress management strategies.
- Pharmacology: Students will examine and apply knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic principles to nursing practice.
Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an accelerated master's in nursing degree program?
Most schools accept applications through an admissions portal on their website. This is also where you’ll likely submit other application materials, like your letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, transcripts, and GRE scores. However, each school has its own protocol for applying, so confirm the requirements with an admissions counselor before starting your application.
You’ll also want to confirm application deadlines and eligibility requirements. These requirements may include a minimum undergraduate GPA or prerequisite coursework.
How much does an accelerated master's in nursing degree cost?
Tuition varies by institution, and the total amount that an individual student pays also differs based on how much financial aid they receive. Therefore, for the most accurate answer to this question, speak to a financial aid counselor at the schools you’re considering.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for graduate programs during the 2021-22 academic year was $12,596 at public colleges and $29,931 at private schools.
Students should note that public institutions tend to have lower tuition rates than private schools, although they charge different tuition rates based on whether students are in-state or out-of-state. Private universities charge all students the same tuition regardless of their state of residence. All schools also typically charge fees for on-campus activities and resources, which students should factor into their budgets.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated master's in nursing degree?
Most accelerated master’s in nursing degree programs are designed to be completed in 15-20 months, although actual completion time may vary based on the pace of the student’s progress through the program. Many accelerated master’s in nursing programs are designed in a cohort model, in which students move through coursework together, as a way to help students stay on track and complete their programs on time.