The VCU School of Nursing will begin offering a new second degree program in nursing in fall 2026, addressing the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals. The degree is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and provides a direct pathway to earn a Master of Science in nursing and pursue licensure as a registered nurse.

The new program will prepare students to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse populations across the lifespan. Students will build a strong foundation in core nursing principles—including health assessment, health promotion and care management—and develop clinical reasoning, physical assessment and technical skills through hands-on experiences in settings such as community health centers, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Over the last five years, the school has made strategic expansions to address the persistent national nursing shortage including expanding prelicensure program admissions by 100%, introducing new academic programs and increasing the total amount of student scholarship support to retain and graduate students into the profession. The master’s program is another way that the school is responding to workforce demand, offering a new educational pathway for career changers and aspiring nurses.

This program reflects our commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce pipeline. We are excited to welcome new students from a myriad of academic backgrounds and experiences and support their journey to becoming skilled nursing professionals.

Patricia Kinser, Ph.D.
Dean and Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey Distinguished Professor

The master's program is designed to be completed in 20 months and, like the school’s other prelicensure programs, offers a rich learning environment with state-of-the-art simulation labs, experienced faculty and extensive clinical placement opportunities to ensure students receive meaningful hands-on experience.

"Our mission is to produce the next generation of nurse leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of the health care system," said Mark Tanner, D.N.P., RN, associate dean of academic affairs. "Our new master’s program offers a valuable experience to students who can leverage their previous education and embark on a rewarding career in nursing."

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now open. For more information including admission requirements and application deadlines, visit [website] or contact Alex Fisher, assistant director of recruitment, at vcu_nurse@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0046.

The VCU School of Nursing enrolls 980 students in academic programs, from entry-level practice through the doctorate, with a mission to champion health and wellbeing through the power of nursing education, discovery and practice. The school’s undergraduate program is ranked No. 40 in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released in fall 2025, placing it in the top 6% of all undergraduate nursing programs nationwide.