If you aren’t a nurse but want to become a nurse practitioner, you have many options for your education. But, one path to accomplishing your goals stands out as the most efficient way to make a career change. Accelerated nurse practitioner programs allow students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, without any medical experience, to become nurse practitioners in just two to three years.
These types of accelerated nurse practitioner programs go by many different titles. Some schools call these MEPN (Master’s Entry Program in Nursing), others Direct Entry programs or bridge programs, and other schools give these programs their own, unique names. Regardless of title, these programs allow students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn an RN (or BSN in some cases) and MSN seamlessly. There’s no need to apply to multiple programs sequentially. With an accelerated NP program there’s no need to take time off between degrees to get experience working as a nurse.
While direct entry programs are the most efficient way to become a nurse practitioner if you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, they can be quite costly. Also, with the DNP change looming many schools are abandoning direct entry programs. There are a few schools remaining that offer these valuable programs to prospective NPs. If you are thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner, it’s worth looking into these programs as a quick path to the NP career.
| School |
Program Length |
Total Cost |
| Boston College |
2 Years |
$83,088 |
| California State University |
3 1/2 Years |
$40,015 In-State $76,950 Out-of-State |
| Johns Hopkins University*** |
3 Years |
$101,328 |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions |
3 Years |
$102,488 |
| Seattle University |
2 Years |
$76,475 |
| The Ohio State University |
3 Years |
$ 68,956 In-State, $148,444 Out-of-State |
| University of Cincinnati |
3 Years |
$68,256 In-State, $123,360 Out-of-State |
| University of Hawaii Manoa |
2 Years |
$93,090 In-State, $176,764 Out-of-State |
| University of Southern Maine |
3 Years |
$42,180 In-State, $113,886 Out-of-State |
| University of Texas Austin |
3 Years |
$40,171 In-State, $73,329 Out-of-State |
| Vanderbilt University |
2 to 2 1/2 Years |
$95,120 |
*Tuition is an estimate to give a general idea of the cost of Direct Entry programs. Other fees and living expenses may apply. Tuition rates are subject to change.
**Program length is based on full-time attendance and may vary by specialty or academic path.
I completed one of these programs myself and have been pleased with my decision. I completed a bachelor’s degree in biology with the intention of going to medical school. When my plans changed and my sights became set on life as an NP, an accelerated nurse practitioner program facilitated the change in my career path perfectly. I felt that I didn’t waste time in school but rather made a quick entry into my new career. These programs are an excellent opportunity for non-nurses aspiring to become NPs.
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