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For Career Changers

 

A CAREER AND
CALLING BUILT TO LAST

In 22 months earn your MSN


Starting Fall 2026

 

INTRODUCING THE NEW DIRECT ENTRY MSN PROGRAM AND WHY IT MATTERS


Our Direct-Entry MSN is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who feel called to transition into a career in nursing and make a meaningful impact.

No prior nursing experience required. 
(prerequisite coursework may apply).

 

You’ve already done the hard part — earning your bachelor’s degree and gaining patient experience.
 Now, fast-track into nursing leadership with a direct-entry master’s in just 22 months.

 

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WHO IS THIS FOR?

 

  • Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
  • Work in or around patient care (CNA, EMT, lab tech, MA, scribe, etc.)
  • Want to advance, lead, and earn the respect and responsibility of a registered nurse
  • Are you ready for a faster, purpose-filled path into professional nursing—without starting over

 

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program Highlights

No BSN required — start with your existing bachelor’s degree
22- or 34-month format — flexible for your life
Guaranteed clinical placements — coordinated for you
Graduate ready for RN licensure (NCLEX)
Higher earning potential and leadership track (RN → MSN)
Future NP pathway — just 6 additional courses later
Blended learning — online coursework + hands-on labs + clinicals
Locations: Mequon, WI and Ann Arbor, MI
Celebrating 40+ years of nursing education at CUW
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Why Now?

 

There is a national nursing shortage and a growing demand for master’s-prepared, leadership-minded RNs. If you’ve been looking for a career that offers meaning, stability, and impact—this is the moment to step forward.

You don’t need to start over to start again.

  • Projected shortage of 25,000 RNs in Wisconsin by 2040.
  • Over 1 million more nurses are needed worldwide.
  • 15% job growth for RNs projected by 2026.
  • 100,000+ annual nursing job openings nationwide.
  • $81,152 mean annual wage for RNs in Wisconsin (BLS, 2023).
  • CUW partners with hospitals to prepare future healthcare leaders.
     
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Your Career Path

 

Step 1: Direct-Entry MSN → Become an RN
Step 2: Gain experience, earn, and lead
Step 3: Seamless transition to Nurse Practitioner track (optional)

This is more than a shortcut. It’s a leadership launchpad.

 

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How it Works (Simple 4 Step Path)

 

  1. Connect with an admissions counselor

  2. Complete prerequisite and application review

  3. Begin online coursework + simulation and lab experience

  4. Start guaranteed clinical placement and prepare for RN licensure

schedule time

 

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Student Experiences

 

At Concordia, you’ll be surrounded by faculty who invest in you—not just academically, but personally.

  • Small cohorts

  • Individualized support

  • Mission-driven learning community

  • Emphasis on compassion, clinical excellence, and ethical leadership


 

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We need nurses now more than ever. This is a time when healthcare is looking more at the bottom line than at people. Nursing, on the other hand, focuses on caring for and serving the people of our community, allowing them to better care for themselves and each other.

Jessica Leiberg, CUW Dean of Nursing
Nursing Shortage

25,000

Projected shortage of RNs in Wisconsin by 2040.

Frequently asked questions

No. Your bachelor’s degree (any field) is your starting point.

The accelerated track is intensive. Many students reduce work hours or pause employment.

Clinicals are coordinated and guaranteed through CUW.

Yes. You’ll be master’s-prepared and positioned to continue.

To apply for the Direct Entry MSN program at Concordia University, you'll need to meet these prerequisites and provide the following materials:

Prerequisites:

  • Bachelor's degree (any field)
  • Prerequisite courses: Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Developmental Psychology (science courses require a lab component, in-person preferred but online accepted)
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 with at least a 'C' in each class, and a science GPA of 2.75
  • Prerequisites completed within the past 7 years

Funding your education

Scholarships, Payment Plans, and Financial Aid are available. $1000s in scholarships exclusively for adult and post-traditional learners.

learn more

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

 

Your experience has prepared you for more. Let’s map out your path into professional nursing,
one conversation, no pressure, no obligation.

 

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