Nursing - Direct Entry

The master’s degree program in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Northeastern University and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Part I: Pre-licensure
The direct-entry nursing student enters the accelerated master’s program as a graduate student. The first 16 months (four semesters) of the program consist of intensive, sequential classes and clinical with combined undergraduate- and graduate-level courses.

Students are then prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam upon completion of 64 semester hours. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing after this part of the program. Financial aid will be granted on an undergraduate basis during the pre-licensure phase of the program.

RN Work experience
Once a student becomes licensed as an RN, the student must acquire full-time RN work experience. This part of the program requires at least one to two years of work experience as a registered nurse, including two years of experience in pediatrics, adult acute care, and neonatal, before resuming practicum courses. Students may start core non-clinical courses with the approval of their director during the required RN experience.

Finding RN employment is the responsibility of the student as it is a professional nursing experience. Northeastern will help support the student in preparation for the job search. A Leave of Absence (LOA) of one year may be granted on an individual basis to gain more nursing experience before returning to the master’s portion of the program.

Part II: Return to master’s specialty tracks
In the master’s specialty track, students are required to take professional and research core classes, clinical core, and specialty clinical courses. Full- or part-time academic study is available to students. Most students return to the master’s segment of the program, taking coursework as a part-time student while continuing to work and increase the amount of RN professional experience. Full-time study, however, is also an option. Completion of the MSN can take four to six semesters, depending on the student’s pace and specialty track.

Upon completion of the required specialty area credits, the student receives a Master of Science degree and is eligible to take the national certification exam in their area of advanced specialty nursing practice. Financial aid is awarded on a graduate basis during this portion of the program.

Students may choose from the following specializations:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• The program is appropriate for applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
• Students receive a BSN degree following completion of the prelicensure segment of the program
• The program prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination
• The program prepares students for national certification exams in their area of specialty practice
• Students complete precepted clinical experience
• Students concentrate in one of seven specialty areas

The School of Nursing has a network of clinical affiliations at major teaching and community hospitals and health centers, including:

• Arbour Health Systems
• Barbara McInnis House
• Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center
• Beverly School for the Deaf
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Boston Health Care for the Homeless
• Boston Medical Center
• Boston Neighborhood Health Centers
• Boston Public Schools
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• McLean Hospital
• Tufts Medical Center
• Veterans’ Administration Healthcare System
• Visiting Nurse Association of Boston

The Northeastern University Health and Wellness Van provides experiences in healthcare and education to citzens in the community.

Admissions deadline for fall term: May 1

The ABSN and Direct Entry programs seek applicants who possess the dedication and academic potential necessary to succeed in our accelerated nursing program. Academic admission requirements, at a minimum, include:

• Application

• Application Fee

• A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

• Prerequisite course completion with a “C” grade or higher in each course

• Lawful permanent residence in the United States

• An updated resumé

• For applicants who have studied at a non-US institution:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if necessary, with a minimum score of 100

  • Course-by-Course transcript evaluation by World Education Services (wes.org) if a non-nursing bachelor’s degree was obtained outside the United States. 

• Two letters of recommendation, academic or professional. Letters of recommendation from family or friends are not accepted. At least one academic reference is preferred.

• A personal goal statement describing interest in pursuing a degree in nursing, readiness to be successful in an accelerated program, and leadership potential in the classroom and in future professional practice.

  • For additional tips in writing your goal statement, click here

• Ability to meet Northeastern University’s School of Nursing Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression, and Graduation

Click here for more information about DE admission requirements