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Master of Nursing & Master of Nursing Prespecialty

Become a master’s-prepared registered nurse with NCLEX-RN licensure in just 4 full-time, in-person semesters. This accelerated pre-licensure program provides students with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing with a comprehensive foundation in nursing.

Master of Nursing and Master of Nursing Prespecialty students are equipped to deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in our changing health care environment as RNs. Those who chose the MN Prespecialty path continue their education to an advanced practice specialty via a Post-Master’s Certificate or Doctor of Nursing Practice.

 

Male student listens with stethoscope to mannequin/patient as 2 other students look on
Section Contents

One degree. Two paths forward.

Become a Master’s-Prepared RN in Just 4 Semesters

The MN program equips students to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in just four semesters. By obtaining the MN generalist nursing degree, you’ll be ready to provide patient care in various settings to a wide array of patients. 

Hear from MN Students

Become a Nurse Practitioner or Nurse-Midwife

The MN Prespecialty pathway allows students to seamlessly transition to a post-master's advanced practice specialty program upon completion of the MN degree. Applicants who already know they would like to continue their education should apply to the MN Prespecialty pathway to guarantee a spot and move directly into their preferred post-master's program in the fewest number of semesters. 

View Eligible Specialties

Which MN Path is Right for Me?

MN (Generalist)MN Prespecialty
GoalBecome an RN and start practicing. You can decide how you would like to specialize later.Become an RN and continue directly into a chosen advanced practice specialty or nurse-midwifery.
What happens after the MN portion?Typically, you begin working as an RN. If you want to specialize later, apply separately to a DNP or Post-Master’s Certificate.You progress seamlessly into your selected specialty, no second application needed.
Do I need to pick a specialty now?No! You can decide later.Yes! Choose your specialty at the time of application.
Who is this path best for?Students unsure of specialty or who want RN experience first.Students who already know their specialty and want a continuous advanced practice pathway.
Advanced degree outcomeOptional and pursued later (DNP or Post-Master’s Certificate).Continuation to specialty is built into the pathway.
FlexibilityMore flexible.More structured/committed path.

Program Highlights

Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses

Choosing nursing as a second career or degree? The MN program will prepare you to become an RN or to advance to a specialty in just 4 semesters – no BSN is required for admission. 

Fall & Spring Starts

MN Prespecialty students start in August, but the MN program admits in both January and August. This accelerated program requires 66 credit hours over 4 semesters.

In-Person Format

MN courses take place in a full-time, face-to-face format. Students should live within daily commuting distance of Vanderbilt’s campus.  

Robust Clinical Experience

The integrated, accelerated curriculum incorporates virtual simulation, high-fidelity patient simulations and AR/XR clinical simulations, ensuring you a safe, standardized and repeatable environment in which to practice clinical skills before working with actual patients. 

Focus on Health Equity & Justice

The program’s unique focus on health equity and health justice encourages students to see their patients through a holistic and health equity lens.

Commitment to You

Accessible faculty and talented staff will do what it takes to aid you in your pursuit of the MN. 

The support and resources at Vanderbilt are phenomenal. The professors are hands-on, personal and available. That is a major difference from my past educational experiences and the reason why I am continuing my education here.  

Kendra Phillips Lowry, MN‘24 
Nursing Students

About the Program

Students master the skills and knowledge required of registered nurses as well as introductory clinical teaching skills and advanced competency in interprofessional teamwork, nursing leadership and nursing informatics.  

As master’s prepared registered nurses, graduates are equipped to provide patient care in a variety of settings to a wide variety of patients. They can provide care in providers’ offices, hospitals—including ICUs and acute care units—long-term care facilities, schools, clinics, imaging centers and anywhere an RN is needed.  Those on the MN Prespecialty path are well-prepared to begin their education as nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives.

VUSN fosters an inclusive learning environment and commitment to being a school where students can belong.

Explore MN Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main differences between the MN and MN Prespecialty paths?

    Both paths lead to the same MN degree and prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The difference is what happens after you finish the MN portion.

    • The MN path is designed for students who want to start practicing as RNs and keep their options open for the future.
    • The MN Prespecialty path is for students who already know the advanced practice specialty they want to pursue and want a smooth transition into the advanced practice specialty without submitting a second application. Usually, they finish their MN program and within a few weeks, start their specialty or DNP classes.
  • Do MN Prespecialty students become RNs after the MN portion?

    Yes. MN Prespecialty students complete the same MN coursework, graduate and take the NCLEX-RN exam just like students in the generalist path.

  • Am I required to stay with the specialty I choose when I apply as an MN Prespecialty student?

    Yes. You apply to the MN and the specialty at the same time. After you are admitted, you are expected to continue into that specialty once the MN portion is complete. If you are unsure about your specialty, it is usually better to choose the generalist MN path.

  • Can I switch from the MN path to the MN Prespecialty path later?

    No. Students must apply to the MN Prespecialty path at the time they submit their MN application. If you are already in the generalist MN program and later decide you want to pursue an advanced practice specialty, you can apply to the DNP or Post-Master's Certificate program either toward the end of your MN or after graduation.

  • What if I am not sure which specialty is right for me?

    If you are still exploring your options or want RN experience before choosing a specialty, the MN path is usually the best choice. You can begin your career as an RN and take time to learn more about different areas of nursing and advanced practice roles before applying for further study. You enroll as a Post-Master's Certificate student to become a nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife.

  • Is the MN curriculum the same for both paths?

    Yes. All MN students complete the same four semester curriculum. The difference comes afterward. Prespecialty students continue into their chosen advanced practice specialty once the MN portion is finished.

  • Is there a difference in tuition or timeline?

    The MN portion is the same length for both paths. MN Prespecialty students should plan for the additional time and cost required to complete the advanced practice specialty that follows. Details about total cost and duration depend on the specialty.

    MN generalist students begin in both fall and spring semesters. MN Prespecialty students only start in the fall semester to ensure they can seamlessly progress to the specialty portion of the curriculum as a Post-Master's Certificate student. 

  • Are MN Prespecialty students guaranteed admission into their advanced practice specialty?

    Yes! Admission into an advanced practice specialty is included in the MN Prespecialty path. No second application is required after the MN portion.

  • What if I want RN experience before entering an advanced practice role?

    You can get it! You should choose the MN path. This option lets you begin practicing as an RN after you finish your degree. You can then apply to Post-Master's Certificate program or DNP when you feel ready to specialize.

  • How competitive is each path?

    Both paths are selective. The MN Prespecialty path may require more clarity about your long-term goals because you specify which advanced practice specialty you want to pursue. Applicants who prefer to build RN experience first often find the MN path more flexible.

  • Does the MN have a spring or fall start?

    MN starts in both the fall and the spring semesters. MN Prespecialty starts in the fall only to allow for seamless progression to the Post-Master's Certificate coursework.

  • What is licensing difference between the MN Prespecialty degree and Vanderbilt's previous PreSpecialty program?

    Graduates of the MN Prespecialty program earn a master's after four semesters and take the NCLEX-RN to become registered nurses. They then start the Post-Master's Certificate program to become nurse practitioners or nurse-midwives.

    VUSN's previous PreSpecialty program allowed students to sit for the NCLEX after three semesters, but they did not earn a degree until they finished their full six-semester program as advanced practice nurses. 

    While the NCLEX-RN is a national exam, eligibility is determined by state Boards of Nursing. In the past decade, changes in some state licensing requirements created difficulty for students who had their PreSpecialty education but were not yet graduates, resulting in those students being denied licensing.

Ready to Apply?

  • Full-time students start in the fall and spring semesters. 
  • Applications open in May for the following spring semester. 
  • Applications open in August for the following fall semester. Note: MN Prespecialty students only start in the fall.
  • Spring priority review is July 15 and Fall priority review is October 15. Priority will be given to those applying before the review date.
  • You are encouraged to apply regardless of the priority review date. Your application is welcome throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Have Questions About Admissions?

On-campus and online information sessions are held frequently; visit in person or virtually to learn more. 

Continue to a DNP

Credits from your MN program can be applied to Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program—saving you time and money.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Apply for financial aid. You may already qualify for a partial scholarship.

Accreditation Information 

The Master of Nursing program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) http://www.ccneaccreditation.org.

See all VUSN accreditation info.

Take the Next Step

Interested in the Vanderbilt MN program? Explore our curriculum and admissions requirements. Then take the next step and request information about the program or contact your admissions counselor.

Start Your Application