M.S.N. in Nursing
21-month, full-time, hybrid program
The Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing (M.S.N.) program prepares those who have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field for general practice in acute care, community-based and other settings with diverse populations. Graduates earn an M.S.N. in nursing. Successful completion of the program may qualify graduates to apply for authorization to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), subject to applicable state requirements. Passing the NCLEX-RN is the required final step for RN licensure, which is awarded directly by state boards of nursing upon meeting all state requirements. Graduates are also guaranteed admission to additional graduate degrees and certificates at the School of Nursing.
- Leadership opportunities: A master's degree makes future nursing leadership roles more attainable
- Curriculum alignment: Build on your prior education and experiences with a program designed around the new American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials
- Experience team-based health care training: Collaborate across VCU’s health sciences campus and train at VCU Medical Center, the number one ranked hospital in Virginia
Program Details
The M.S.N. is a pre-licensure program designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for initial registered nurse licensure. Read more about licensure. You’ll build strong clinical reasoning, physical assessment and technical skills through hands-on experience in diverse settings. Students will have the opportunity to complete their clinical hours in various locations, such as a large urban medical center, community health settings, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics and rural hospitals. Graduates will be prepared to deliver high-quality care to individuals and families across the lifespan.
The links below are to entries in VCU Bulletin, the official source for course and academic program information.
Admission Requirements
Review all required prerequisite courses, supporting documents and other admissions criteria.
Degree Requirements
Review the list of courses that will make up your nursing degree.
Plan of Study
View a sample plan of study of the courses you will take. All nursing courses follow a required sequence.
Take Your Degree Further
Students enrolled in the M.S.N. program will also have the opportunity to pursue a graduate certificate in health care quality. The certificate is 12 credit hours that is completed in addition to required courses during the five semester plan of study. Students who complete the certificate can transfer up to 12 credit hours to our D.N.P. program if they choose to apply. More information about the certificate option will be coming soon.
Application Info
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Regular Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2026 | November 1, 2026 | February 1, 2027 |
Complete the following:
- NursingCAS application ($90 fee)
Submit the following materials with your application: - Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- CAS Residency Form ($75 fee)
This fee is waived for current VCU students.
The form will be emailed to you after submitting your NursingCAS application.
We're here to help! Contact us at vcu_nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Information Sessions
Register at one of the links below to attend a virtual info session or in-person open house.
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisites.
The program is a hybrid program with a requirement to be in person multiple times weekly. Clinical experiences are required to be completed in person and are typically in the greater Richmond area.
No, this program is only offered with a full-time plan of study.
Nursing school is a full-time job with up to 40 hours a week dedicated to lectures, clinicals and studying. Some students work part-time, but this requires efficient time management and a flexible work schedule.
No, prerequisites must be completed prior to starting the program, not prior to applying. Failure to complete prerequisites with a grade of C- or greater will disqualify an applicant from acceptance to the program.
Students are required to provide their own transportation. Students without a car may be able to access clinical sites via public transportation and carpooling with classmates.
Successful completion of the program may qualify graduates to apply for authorization to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), subject to applicable state requirements. Passing the NCLEX-RN is the required final step for RN licensure, which is awarded directly by state boards of nursing upon meeting all state requirements. RN licensure requirements vary by state and U.S. jurisdiction. Completion of the M.S.N. program does not guarantee eligibility for RN licensure in every state or U.S. jurisdiction. Students who intend to seek licensure outside Virginia should review the requirements of the applicable state board of nursing and VCU’s professional licensure and state certification disclosures.
Many health care leadership roles require a graduate degree. This degree will make leadership positions more attainable in your future career.