If you’ve dreamed of becoming a nurse but don’t have a nursing background, 2025 is your year to start.
With healthcare expanding and thousands of nurses retiring, the demand for new registered nurses (RNs) continues to surge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is projected to grow steadily through 2033, creating roughly 195,000 openings each year.
Entry-level nursing programs — including BSN, Accelerated BSN, and Direct-Entry MSN pathways — allow students from non-nursing fields to transition into the profession quickly. This guide highlights the best entry-level nursing programs in 2025, and how to choose the right fit.
What Makes an Entry-Level Nursing Program “The Best”?
When evaluating programs, focus on five key pillars that determine both educational quality and job outcomes:
- Accreditation & Licensure Prep
- Look for CCNE or ACEN accreditation.
- Ensure the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Programs with published pass rates above 85% are ideal.
- 🔗 AACN Accreditation Database
- Clinical Experience & Simulation Labs
- Top schools offer hands-on rotations and modern simulation labs.
- Hybrid and telehealth simulations are growing trends in 2025.
- Flexibility & Accessibility
- Many programs now offer hybrid (online + clinical) formats — great for working adults.
- Accelerated tracks (12–20 months) suit second-career students.
- Graduate Outcomes & Job Placement
- Look for NCLEX pass rate transparency and post-graduation job data.
- Programs that partner with hospitals often guarantee clinical placements.
- Cost, Financial Aid, and ROI
- Compare tuition with graduate starting salaries.
- Explore scholarships, grants, and employer tuition reimbursement options.
- 🔗 Nursing Scholarships 2025 – AllNurseSchools.com/scholarships
Types of Entry-Level Nursing Programs in 2025
| Type | Duration | Ideal For | Degree Earned | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years | High school grads | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Balanced theory + clinical training |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 12–20 months | Second-career students | BSN | Fastest route to RN licensure |
| Direct-Entry MSN (ELM) | 20–30 months | Non-nursing bachelor’s grads | Master of Science in Nursing | Graduate-level entry to nursing |
| Online/Hybrid BSN | Varies | Working adults | BSN | Combines flexible online coursework with in-person clinicals |
🏫 10 Best Entry-Level Nursing Programs in 2025
1. Georgetown University — Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MS-EN)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Length: 5 semesters (≈20 months)
Highlight: Prepares students with non-nursing degrees for RN licensure and leadership roles.
🔗 nursing.georgetown.edu/degree-programs/masters/entry-to-nursing
2. UCLA School of Nursing — Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing (MECN)
Length: 2 years
Highlight: Combines advanced nursing theory and clinical rotations in one of the nation’s leading healthcare hubs.
🔗 nursing.ucla.edu/programs-admissions/academic-programs/master-of-science-entry
3. Columbia University — Master’s Direct Entry (MDE)
Length: 15 months
Highlight: Accelerated master’s path with early transition to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options.
🔗 nursing.columbia.edu/academics/academic-programs/masters-direct-entry-program-non-nurses
4. University of Maryland — MSN Entry into Nursing
Length: 2 years
Highlight: Combines patient care, leadership, and simulation-based training.
🔗 nursing.umaryland.edu/academics/grad/msn-entry-into-nursing
5. Pepperdine University — Entry-Level MSN (ELM-CNL)
Launch: Fall 2025
Highlight: New program preparing non-nurses for RN licensure and Clinical Nurse Leader roles.
🔗 healthscience.pepperdine.edu/entry-level-masters-in-nursing
6. Western University of Health Sciences — MSN Entry Program
Length: 2 years
Highlight: Blends theory and over 800 clinical hours. Known for small class sizes and hands-on mentorship.
🔗 westernu.edu/nursing/programs/master-science-nursing-e
7. Notre Dame of Maryland University — Entry-Level BSN
Length: 4 years
Highlight: A strong foundation in evidence-based nursing and ethics; supports first-time college students.
🔗 ndm.edu/undergraduate/academics/programs/nursing-entry-level-bsn
8. Joyce University — Accelerated BSN
Length: 20 months
Highlight: Designed for second-degree students; hybrid learning with clinical placement support.
🔗 joyce.edu/nursing/accelerated-bsn
9. Herzing University — Multiple Entry-Level Options
Length: Varies
Highlight: Offers ASN, BSN, and MSN entry-level pathways; flexible hybrid formats.
🔗 herzing.edu/types/nursing-degrees
10. AACN Accelerated Program Overview
Highlight: A comprehensive resource listing all accelerated BSN and MSN programs by state.
🔗 aacnnursing.org/students/nursing-education-pathways/accelerated-programs
✅ Entry-Level Nursing Program Checklist
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) | Ensures education meets national standards. |
| NCLEX Pass Rate | Reflects student preparation quality. |
| Job Placement Rate | Indicates program success post-graduation. |
| Simulation Lab Quality | Practical readiness for patient care. |
| Clinical Hours | Ensures adequate hands-on training. |
| Financial Aid & Scholarships | Affects accessibility and ROI. |
| Program Flexibility | Crucial for working or second-career students. |
| Support Services | Tutoring, mentoring, and career counseling matter. |
Download your Entry-Level Nursing Program Comparison Checklist (PDF) to shortlist your top schools.
Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey?
Compare nursing programs, review NCLEX pass rates, and download your 2025 Entry-Level Nursing Program Checklist to find your perfect fit.
👉 Start Your Nursing Career Here »
Rewarding and Stable Career
Choosing the right entry-level nursing program in 2025 can set the stage for a rewarding and stable career. Whether you opt for a traditional BSN, accelerated pathway, or direct-entry MSN, prioritize accreditation, clinical experience, and NCLEX success.
At AllNurseSchools, our mission is to help future nurses find the programs that fit their lives — and launch careers that change others’.
