Obtain an associate degree in nursing. You can get into a graduate nursing program without a bachelor's degree, but you need at least an associate degree. Many schools offer what is known as a "bridge" program that allows applicants to enter directly into the master of science in nursing (MSN) with only an associate degree in nursing (ADN). An associate degree in nursing will typically take around two years to complete. You will need to maintain a good grade point average throughout school to be considered for one of these programs. Requirements vary by school; for example, Mt. Saint Mary's College in Los Angeles, California, requires a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, whereas the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences requires a 2.7 GPA.
Obtain your nursing license in the state where you plan to practice. Most master's degree bridge programs require that you be fully licensed as a nurse before you can be admitted to their program. Licensing requirements vary by state, but all 50 states require that you pass the national licensing exam as a minimum qualification for licensing.
Complete any additional prerequisite courses required by the school you are applying to. Students with an associate degree in nursing may need to complete additional requirements. For instance, the graduate program at Texas Christian University requires that you complete courses in English, foreign language, humanities or fine arts, statistics, growth and development, microbiology, psychology, anatomy and physiology and speech. Additional nursing theory courses may be required as well.
Submit your application along with required supporting documentation. Most programs will require you to submit an application, application fees, letters of recommendation and transcripts from any other schools you have previously attended.