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:
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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.
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Choice of Traditional 21-Month or
Accelerated 13.5-Month baccalaureate program.
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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:
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Human/Animal Anatomy and Physiology* (6-8 semester hours)
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Microbiology (3-4 semester hours)
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Nutrition (2-3 semester hours)
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Statistics (3 semester hours)
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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?
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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.
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Nurse managers and administrators prefer their employees to have both.
They recognize the importance of the BS, particularly with its focus in
critical thinking.
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Employment in many government and military organizations require nurses
to have a BS in nursing in addition to an MSN.
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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.
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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.
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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.
See also:
How to Apply
Download an Application