Entry-level master's programs in nursing: Review of programmatic features

Background: This review describes the programmatic features of entry-level master's programs in nursing in the United States that result in a generalist degree for individuals with a baccalaureate degree in another field. The number of entry-level Master of Science in Nursing programs has grown over the past decade, increasing the importance of understanding the features, similarities, and differences among these programs. Method: Using a custom report of accredited schools of nursing with entry-level master's programs from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing's website, we conducted a program review to describe the programs' features. Results: There is substantial variation in nomenclature, length, credits, and clinical hours among entry-level master's programs. Conclusion: The difference in these programs may create confusion among potential students of the programs and employees of the graduates. Investigations are needed on the relationship between programmatic features and outcomes.