One nursing student chose Marquette University’s Direct Entry MSN program after discovering her passion for nursing while working as a nursing assistant. Through hybrid coursework, clinical preparation, mental health support and advocacy opportunities, she is building the skills and confidence to become a compassionate nurse.
Many people enter health care with one path in mind only to discover a different calling. Jessica Payawal is one such person. She originally worked as a nursing assistant because she planned to apply to physician assistant (PA) school and needed clinical hours in a health care setting. As she interacted with patients, however, she realized she felt drawn to nursing.
Jessica recalls, “The more time I spent at the bedside, the more I really wanted to just make a difference in people’s lives. In nursing school, I thought that I’d be able to make a stronger impact just because nurses are at the bedside more often than PAs.”
Jessica began seeking an MSN program that would enable her to transition from a nursing assistant role to a professional nursing career while building on her existing education. This led her to Marquette University’s Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DE-MSN) program.
Discovering a Passion for Nursing
Jessica’s bedside work gave her invaluable insight into the roles of physicians, physician assistants and nurses. The more she observed nurses interacting with patients, the more she recognized that nurses often serve as the primary advocates and caregivers. Nurses are at the bedside day and night, providing advocacy, emotional support and direct care.
Her observation on the impact of nursing echoes the broader public perception of the field. Nurses enjoy high levels of trust and occupy one of the most ethical professions, according to an annual Gallup poll.
Jessica’s family background reinforced her conviction to become a nurse. Growing up surrounded by nurses, especially watching her mother’s dedication, taught her that nursing is both demanding and rewarding.
“My mom is a nurse. She’s one of my greatest inspirations. She’s shown me that you can make a really big difference,” she says.
Seeing her mother’s impact helped convince Jessica that nursing would allow her to contribute meaningfully to patients’ lives and to the profession as a whole.
If you want to practice nursing in more than one state, know that Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Choosing Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN Program
Once she decided to pursue nursing, Jessica evaluated her options for continuing education. She had already earned a bachelor’s degree and didn’t want to start over from scratch. She had previously studied at Marquette as an undergraduate and felt a connection to the university.
Marquette University’s DE-MSN program stood out because it leverages a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to fast-track a nursing career. The program allows students to earn a master’s degree in nursing in as few as five semesters or in eight semesters for those seeking a more flexible pace. This accelerated path meant Jessica could reach her goal sooner than if she pursued a traditional non-graduate nursing degree.
Several other features made Marquette the right choice for her:
Hybrid format
Jessica appreciated that the DE‑MSN program offered a hybrid format. She didn’t have to be on campus every day; she could complete coursework online while still participating in essential on‑site skills labs and clinical experiences. This flexibility allowed her to manage work and personal commitments.
She explains, “In terms of the hybrid format, I think that it’s really beneficial because I don’t need to spend my time physically on campus. I can kind of just do things at my leisure, and then I’m able to make time for work depending on how my schedule looks for school that week.”
For Jessica, the Pleasant Prairie program site’s predominantly online coursework provided the perfect balance.
Accelerated schedule
Marquette’s DE‑MSN can be completed in five semesters for students who want to progress quickly or in eight semesters for those who need to work or prefer a less intensive pace. Both options include 75 credit hours of nursing theory, hands‑on labs and clinical rotations.
Locations and modalities
The program is offered at Marquette's main campus in Milwaukee and at a satellite site in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Milwaukee cohorts attend mostly in-person classes, while Pleasant Prairie cohorts complete most nursing theory online. Jessica chose Pleasant Prairie, valuing the ability to study remotely while still meeting her program’s rigorous clinical and lab requirements.
Simulations and clinical experiences
Marquette’s program includes in-person experiences where students can practice their nursing skills.
- Advanced simulation labs have lifelike manikins that help prepare students for diverse clinical scenarios. Students practice vital sign assessment, IV insertion, catheter placement and other essential skills under instructor supervision. Each simulation involves preparation, hands‑on practice and debriefing, allowing students to refine their clinical judgment.
- Students gain real patient care experience during clinical rotations at top health care facilities across metro Milwaukee, southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
This combination of simulation and clinical practice helps students develop confidence and competence.
Strong outcomes
Marquette’s DE‑MSN program saw a 2025 NCLEX‑RN pass rate of 93%, reflecting excellent preparation for licensure. The program ranks in the top 25% of nursing master’s programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report. These statistics signal that students receive high‑quality education and are well prepared to enter the workforce.
Balancing Hybrid Learning and Mental Health
Entering an accelerated nursing program can be daunting. Jessica acknowledges that the DE‑MSN is rigorous and moves quickly, qualities that attract driven students but can also cause stress.
“A lot of people say it’s going to be scary. It’s really fast because our program is very rigorous, very accelerated,” she says. “Just take it day by day … seeing what needs to be done. Not overwhelming yourself too much with information is the best piece of advice I can give.”
The hybrid format helps Jessica maintain a healthier balance. She doesn’t need to commute to campus daily; she can study at home and schedule her on‑site lab sessions around other commitments. This flexibility allows her to work part‑time and engage in self‑care activities, critical components of her mental health strategy. Jessica notes that Marquette offers mental health resources.
“Marquette offers great resources for us to utilize. There’s the counseling center. I have a great community here, great peers that I’ve met throughout my time in the program,” she says.
The DE‑MSN’s demanding schedule prompted her to prioritize mental well‑being. She makes time for activities she enjoys, practices self‑care and reaches out to friends and family when needed. Her story underscores how essential mental health support is in a fast‑paced academic environment.
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Making an Impact through Education and Advocacy
Beyond the classroom, Marquette’s DE‑MSN encourages students to engage in leadership and advocacy. Jessica took this to heart. She has traveled to the state capital to advocate for nursing policies that impact patient care and the profession. She also serves as a student ambassador, welcoming new cohorts and sharing her experiences with prospective students. Jessica believes these opportunities have shaped her personal growth.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities that Marquette has given me. I’ve had the opportunity to go to the capital to advocate for nursing policy … I’ve also been able to help new cohorts of students as a student ambassador. I feel like being able to have these opportunities has made me a better person,” she says.
The DE-MSN curriculum not only teaches clinical skills but also emphasizes leadership, ethics and advocacy. Students learn to champion patient needs and influence health‑care policy, skills essential for modern nursing. This aligns with Marquette’s Jesuit mission to think critically, care for the whole person and champion social justice. Jessica’s advocacy work shows that nurses can be powerful agents of change both at the bedside and in policy arenas.
Why Pursue a Master’s in Nursing?
Jessica’s journey illustrates why a Master of Science in Nursing can be transformative. A master’s degree builds on the knowledge gained through undergraduate nursing education, diving deeper into research, leadership and advanced practice.
Benefits of earning an MSN include:
- Opens doors to more advanced roles
- Potentially higher salaries
- Greater career flexibility
- Strong job outlook
Advanced roles available to MSN‑prepared nurses include nurse administrator, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse midwife and nurse practitioner.
For career changers with a non‑nursing bachelor’s degree, the time investment for an MSN is comparable to many accelerated BSN programs.
Marquette’s DE‑MSN allows students to earn their master’s degree in as few as five semesters, enabling them to enter nursing practice with a graduate degree sooner than through traditional pathways.
Nursing itself offers strong job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that registered nurse employment will grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, reflecting increased demand for nurses due to aging populations, chronic conditions and expanded access to health care. Advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners, have an even stronger growth outlook.
Start Your Nursing Journey with Marquette
Through Marquette’s DE‑MSN, Jessica gained the knowledge and clinical experience needed to transition into nursing. She balanced coursework and personal commitments thanks to the program’s hybrid format, relied on mental health resources and peer support to thrive in an accelerated environment and seized opportunities to advocate for nursing policy and mentor others. Her journey underscores the power of the Direct Entry MSN program to transform a career and to develop compassionate, skilled leaders in health care.
Request more information and connect with an admissions adviser.