Your path Into a nursing career

No matter your current career path, you can become a Registered Nurse. The world needs more nurses—over 1 million globally. In the U.S. alone, demand for RNs is projected to grow 15% by 2026. Can we count on you?

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Program Overview

Our Direct Entry MSN is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who feel called to change careers and make an impact. No prior nursing experience required (prerequisite coursework may apply).

A supportive path into nursing

At Concordia University, you’ll join a Christ-centered community that nurtures both your personal and professional growth. Our Direct Entry MSN is designed to guide career changers into nursing with confidence-combining advanced theory, hands-on labs, and supervised clinical rotations.

You’ll graduate prepared to:

  • Sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a licensed registered nurse
  • Enter the workforce practice-ready with real-world experience
  • Lead with purpose as a nurse who integrates skill, compassion, and faith

Career outcomes

With your MSN and RN licensure, you’ll be ready for a career that’s both stable and meaningful. Potential roles include:

  • Staff Nurse
  • Clinical Instructor
  • Unit Supervisor
  • Charge Nurse

Average RN salaries in US exceed $81,000, with strong growth opportunities nationwide.

What to Expect

Learn the foundations of nursing: Start with a strong base in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals through engaging online coursework led by expert faculty.

Master essential clinical skills: Practice in Concordia’s simulation labs, where you’ll develop confidence in a safe, supportive environment before working with patients.

Experience real-world nursing: Step into supervised clinical rotations alongside licensed RNs—providing care, practicing assessments, and learning the daily rhythms of the nursing profession.

Grow in community and purpose: Join a Christ-centered community of peers, mentors, and faculty who are committed to your personal and professional growth. You won’t just earn a degree—you’ll discover your calling to serve.

Hands-On Training: Clinicals: Clinicals are the bridge from classroom to career. Like an internship or apprenticeship, you’ll deliver care to real patients under the guidance of experienced RNs.

A seamless transition

At Concordia, we make this transition seamless:

  • We secure your placements – Our School of Nursing arranges clinical sites so you can focus on learning.
  • Learn by doing – Apply classroom concepts in authentic healthcare settings.
  • Gain real-world experience – Clinical shifts of up to 12 hours help you build confidence,
    resilience, and readiness for the demands of nursing practice.
  • Grow with support – Licensed RNs coach you in assessment, care coordination, patient advocacy, and more.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be fully prepared—academically, clinically, and spiritually—to step into the workforce as a practice-ready registered nurse.

Virtual learning, in-person practice

Coursework is online, complemented by hands-on clinical experiences at nearby healthcare facilities, as well as simulation and practical training on campus at CUAA (Ann Arbor, MI) or CUW (Mequon, WI).

CUAA campus entrance.
Exterior photo of the CUAA campus main entrance.
CUW campus entrance
Exterior photo of the CUW campus main entrance.

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