Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry

Program Description/Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry (MSN-DE) program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing and are interested in transitioning to a career in nursing. The curriculum builds upon knowledge and skills from other disciplines and prepares the graduate to enter professional nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates from the MSN-DE program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The MSN-DE Curriculum Plan is 78 credits. Credits consist of 795 didactic hours (53 credits), 210 skill laboratory hours (7 credits), and 810 clinical hours (18 credits). Of the 1,815 total hours, 71% are taught in person, or 1,290 hours. As a cohort-based program, the program will be taught in six trimesters over 24 months; students will be admitted three times a year, in September, January, and May starting in 2025. The first cohort of students is projected to start in September 2023 and complete the program in August 2025.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

SLO #1 Synthesize concepts from nursing and other disciplines to form the foundation of professional nursing practice to provide care for individuals, families, populations, and systems.

SLO #2  Utilize sound clinical judgment to provide person-centered care that promotes health, prevents disease, and coordinates care.

SLO #3  Integrate principles of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity to promote patient safety and quality in collaboration with the interprofessional team.

SLO #4  Appraise current evidence and innovative technologies to foster knowledge synthesis and strengthen clinical judgment.

SLO #5 Examine the impact of social, political, economic, and technological trends on nursing practice to provide high-quality, cost-effective care across the continuum of care.   

SLO #6 Incorporate professional values, legal requirements,  and ethical principles to foster professional growth through a spirit of inquiry.

Professional Behavior Expectations/Ethical Guidelines

Students will be expected to adhere to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics.

Licensure

Students successfully completing all degree requirements for Alliant’s MSN-DE program are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) through the Arizona Board of Nursing or other selected state boards of nursing. Students considering or planning to apply for licensure in states other than Arizona are required to contact the University Admissions Office for more information.

Programmatic Accreditation

Alliant will apply for Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education programmatic accreditation after students have completed at least two trimesters in the program.

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information

The MSN-DE program has 810 clinical hours, including 180 precepted hours.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 78

Total Core Credit Units: 78

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Degree Requirements

Students will take standardized exams during the clinical courses in preparation for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN). These exams are integrated into the curriculum. In the last trimester students will take a NCLEX readiness exam.

Prerequisite Courses

Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better at the undergraduate or graduate level of education within seven years of entry to the program:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II - 8 credits
• Microbiology - 4 credits
• Statistics - 3 credits
• Developmental/Lifespan Psychology - 3 credits

Curriculum Plan