Switching careers to go from a non-healthcare industry to working as an RN, or Registered Nurse, is entirely possible. There are several paths that hopefuls can take, including the Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, ABSN, degree or a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing, also known as an MSN.
Although both degree options help students start a new career in the healthcare field, they have some differences.
Summary Table
| Feature | ABSN vs Direct Entry MSN |
|---|---|
Program Length | ABSN: Up to 2 years MSN: 24 – 36 months (additional semesters for APRN certificates) |
Cost | ABSN: $350–$600 per credit (~$40k–$70k total) MSN: $600–$2,000 per credit (up to $150k total) |
Admission Requirements | ABSN: Bachelor’s in any field; application, transcripts, LORs MSN: Bachelor’s in any field; GRE; ≥ 3.0 GPA; science/math prerequisites; LORs |
Curriculum Focus | ABSN: 27 units prerequisites + 52 units nursing core; NCLEX prep; no liberal studies MSN: Master’s-level nursing theory; clinicals + specialty certificates; NCLEX + leadership |
Schedule & Intensity | ABSN: Full-time year-round; rigid sequence; max 16 hr/wk work MSN: Full-time year-round; graduate projects; minimal outside work |
Career Outcomes | ABSN: RN licensure; entry-level nursing roles MSN: RN licensure; leadership, advanced practice, teaching, administration |
ABSN or Direct Entry MSN?
Those who already have a bachelor’s degree can enter an ABSN program. These degrees are designed to help learners switch careers in a short period of time.
An ABSN program solely consists of the courses needed to qualify and train as a registered nurse, or RN, as well as pass the NCLEX nursing exam.
Hopefuls who hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject might opt for a master’s degree in nursing instead. A direct entry MSN, or Master of Science in Nursing, contains all of the courses needed to hit the ground running in a new RN career.
Obtaining a master’s degree in the field can also lead to promotions and higher-level positions that an ABSN may not.
Difference in Program Length
Accelerated BSN
A full-time program, the ABSN is designed to take up to two years to complete. The time consists of standard classroom learning, laboratory work, and clinicals completed in a hospital setting.
MSN Direct Entry
It can take learners between 24 and 36 months to complete a direct entry MSN degree program. Completing additional specialty certificates, such as consulting, administration, or advanced practice registered nurse or APRN, often add a semester or two onto the program’s length.
Program Costs
ABSN
An ABSN program is set up to cost a certain amount per credit hour, instead of a lump sum per year or semester. In general, obtaining an ABSN costs from $350 to around $600 per credit hour.
The amount varies based on the student’s in-state or out-of-state tuition status, and the school itself.
Other costs, like lab fees, books, uniforms, and other necessities are not included in the $40,000 to $70,000 tuition price.
MSN Costs
Students may attend a public university or a private college that offers a direct entry MSN program. As with the ABSN degree, schools charge learners per credit hour.
As the curriculum is more intense, the prices are higher, with many direct entry MSNs priced between $600 and $2,000 per credit hour. Attending a top school for this degree can cost up to $150,000 for three years of tuition.
Program Locations
Numerous schools throughout the country offer ABSN degree programs. Hopefuls have their choice of private and public universities, as well as specialty nursing schools.
Larger universities, both public and private, offer direct entry MSN programs. Look for a degree program with a high placement rate upon graduation and a good success rate for students passing the NCLEX.
Program Requirements
The main prerequisite for an ABSN program is a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited college.
Schools require hopefuls to fill out an application for an ABSN degree program. Students also must submit a letter of intent, several letters of recommendation, and high school and college transcripts.
Admission is competitive for students who want acceptance to direct entry MSN programs. The application process includes taking the Graduate Record Exam, or GRE and having at least a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate courses.
Other requirements include showing proficiency in science and math, having good letters of recommendation, and proving that the student has the ability to work hard and be reliable.
Some schools require students to take specific undergraduate level courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry if they did not complete them as a part of their bachelor’s degree before applying for a direct entry MSN program.
Salary
Registered nurses make, on average, $86,070 per year. Hourly, that translates to around $41.38 per hour. Factors like nursing specialty, location, and hospital or clinic size play a role in salary conditions.
Curriculum
Both ABSN and direct entry MSN programs include courses directly related to the field of nursing and those that teach them the basics that are needed to do the job, like advanced chemistry and math.
Another part of the program consists of clinicals. Taking place close to the end of the degree programs, these are hands-on learning experiences that have nursing students working directly with patients in a hospital setting.
Additionally, students in direct entry MSN degree programs can take specialty courses for certificates that allow them to do things like teach nursing or directly assist with anesthesia.
Career Outlook for Those with an ABSN or Direct Entry MSN Degree
Registered nurses fill many needs in hospital and outpatient clinic settings, making the position one that continues to grow. The profession is predicted to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032.
Overall, there are an average of 193,000 open positions each year in specialties like emergency room care, neonatal care, and labor and delivery care. RNs can also work as traveling nurses, going where they are needed.
Other Details
Obtaining an ABSN degree or a direct entry MSN sets students up for future education in the field. ABSN degree holders can go on to obtain a specialty MSN degree.
Those who already have a master’s in the field can work towards a DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice or go further into research with a PhD in Nursing.