COMBINED PROGRAM
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing

The Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN Program is the perfect option for students interested in pursuing a nursing master's degree with the added benefit of obtaining a BS in Nursing.

Benefits of the BS-MSN Program:

• Obtain a BS in Nursing and MSN in as little as 3 years. The length of time enrolled will depend on the bachelors and masters options selected.

• Choice of Traditional 21-Month or Accelerated 13.5-Month baccalaureate program.

• Choice of Master's Program to pursue. Students may remain undecided at the time of application or change their focus once enrolled.

A bachelor's degree and the following prerequisite courses are required for admission to the BS-MSN Program:

• Human/Animal Anatomy and Physiology* (6-8 semester hours)

• Microbiology (3-4 semester hours)

• Nutrition (2-3 semester hours)

• Statistics (3 semester hours)

• Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 semester hours)
  
  * This course must have been completed within the last five years.

Upon successful completion of the baccalaureate portion of this program, the student will receive a BS in Nursing and take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), to be certified as a registered nurse. Upon successful completion of the MSN portion, the graduate will take the appropriate certification test, if applicable (i.e. Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist).

Why a BS and MSN instead of a regular master's program?

• A BS in nursing provides a strong foundation as a general nurse. The MSN prepares the nurse in an advanced practice role specializing in a specific area of nursing.

• Nurse managers and administrators prefer their employees to have both. They recognize the importance of the BS, particularly with its focus in critical thinking.

• Employment in many government and military organizations require nurses to have a BS in nursing in addition to an MSN.

• Graduates of the Hopkins Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN option receive both the BS and MSN in approximately the same amount of time as receiving only a MSN in a generic direct entry master's program.

• Students have the flexibility to be 'Undecided' for the master's specialty at the time of application. The BS program allows for exploration and experience of many clinical areas and career mentorship prior to declaring a master's focus. Students may change their master's focus while enrolled in the baccalaureate program.

• Upon completion of the BS, students may choose to take a semester or a year break before beginning the MSN portion, or they may choose to end the program.

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