Graduate-Entry Education for Nonnurses: Preparation, Pathways, and Progress.

Aim: The aim of the study was to review education and role preparation in US direct-entry graduate nursing programs.

Background: In the last 15 years, there has been an increase in nursing programs targeting college graduates with nonnurse degrees. Educational pathways, role preparation, and doctoral study options vary.

Method: A literature search was conducted. A secondary search of direct-entry graduate nursing programs was performed using electronic databases, including academic nursing sources and university websites.

Results: Forty-three journal articles were located. The secondary search identified 42 direct-entry graduate nursing programs. The majority of programs emphasize role preparation for clinical nurse leadership and advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) certification; 62 percent require doctoral preparation for entry to APRN practice.

Conclusion: The growth of direct-entry graduate nursing programs will require educators to prepare and evaluate student outcomes to ensure competent entry to practice.