Our Nursing Program Options for Career Changers
Our ABSN and online MSN-DE programs are for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to make the switch to a career in nursing. Both programs are designed to prepare students for initial licensure as RNs in select states.**
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Time to Complete: 20-24 months (pending transfer credit)
Format: Online general education classes + core on-campus nursing classes
Available Campuses: Brookfield, WI; Kenosha, WI; Madison, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Orlando, FL; Tampa, FL
Our ABSN program offers you a blend of on-campus and online instruction designed to introduce you to core nursing concepts. The ABSN is ideal for students who prefer in-person instruction and who can make time to earn a full-time degree. You will:
- Build patient care skills in our high-fidelity simulation labs
- Complete hands-on clinical experience
- Prepare to take the NCLEX-RN
Herzing also offers a dual MSN credit option, so you can complete graduate-level coursework as part of your ABSN.
Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-DE)
Time to Complete: 20-24 months (pending transfer credit)
Format: Online coursework + in-person intensives and clinical rotations
Available Campuses: Offered online through our Madison, WI campus
If you’re ready to commit to a career in nursing, our online MSN-DE program allows you to earn an advanced general master’s degree in as few as 20-24 months, depending on your previous college coursework. You will:
- Enter nursing with a graduate degree
- Build advanced research and leadership skills that can help you stand out in the job market
- Prepare to pursue additional education, such as advanced practice certification or a doctoral degree
The MSN-DE features a flexible format that combines online lecture classes with in-person intensives and clinical placements.
Intensives
Intensives take place at designated sites and last two to four days each. At these intensives, nursing instructors guide you through nursing skills using simulated scenarios in our nursing labs.
Clinical placements
Clinical placements take place at hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other sites near you. We have a dedicated team to help you secure your clinical placements.
Who Can Apply for These Programs?
All applicants to the Herzing ABSN or MSN-DE programs must be graduates of a bachelor’s degree program in a field other than nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. university (or foreign equivalent). Additional qualifications apply.
MSN-DE Admission Requirements
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, MSN-DE applicants must:
- Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- Earned an aggregate score of 66 or better on the TEAS
| Statistics | 3 credits |
|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 credits; must earn “B” or better |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 credits; must earn “B” or better |
| Chemistry | 3 credits |
| Microbiology | 3 credits |
ABSN Admission Requirements
ABSN program applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale during their first bachelor’s degree. Applicants may also need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS):
| Cumulative GPAi | Science Requirement | TEASii |
|---|---|---|
| 3.50 - 4.00 | None | None |
| 3.00–3.49 | 3.00 GPA in college scienceiii | None |
| 2.50 and higher | None | Composite TEAS of 66 |
i. Cumulative GPA may be calculated from all credits earned, including those in addition to the earned bachelor's degree.
ii. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI).
iii. Based on your cumulative GPA in these college science courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. Two of these courses must be used to calculate science GPA. Any of these courses completed must be included in the calculation, and no others. If you do not meet this requirement, you must score a composite score of 66 or higher on the TEAS. A grade of "B" or better must be earned for transfer credit to be awarded for Anatomy and Physiology, regardless of whether it was included in the calculation.
The Herzing University Difference
At Herzing, we want to help you reach your career goals and serve your community as a nurse. That’s why we provide:
- Two degree pathways to a new nursing career
- Mentorship from clinically experienced nursing faculty
- Exceptional clinical preparation
- Programs that incorporate online coursework, for added convenience
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation as part of your degree
You're Much More Than a Number
At Herzing, we believe that providing you with a caring, supportive community will have a positive impact on your learning experience. We know our students by name and are committed to your academic, personal, and professional success. Discover why Herzing's student-first approach, individual attention, and caring community set us apart from other colleges and universities.