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Master of Science in Nursing

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program prepares registered nurses with a BSN to advance into specialized clinical leadership roles through a primarily online program that incorporates real-world clinical experience and hands-on learning led by practice-active faculty.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s MSN is ranked among the nation’s best MSN programs. Sixty-five percent of MSN grads found full-time employment in their field before graduation or within three months, and 85% found full-time employment within six months.

Vanderbilt prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, safe, and culturally responsive nursing care. Our 13 nursing specialties for nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, nurse informaticists, and nurse educators mean you choose the nursing path that’s right for you.

Applications for fall 2027 are now open.

Student in an Ultrasound Course practicing on mannequin

For RNs with a BSN

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and be a registered nurse. Don’t have a BSN or RN licensure? Check out our Master of Nursing program.

VUSN's MSN degree is a BSN or RN-BSN to MSN pathway designed specifically for working, bachelor’s-prepared RNs who are ready to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) through one of Vanderbilt's specialized programs for nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, or other non-clinical roles.

Exceptional Outcomes

Excellent licensure and certification pass rates across all specialties. 97% of graduates are employed in advanced practice nursing after graduation.

Online/Hybrid Format

As hybrid MSN programs for working nurses, most of Vanderbilt's MSN programs combine online coursework with brief on-campus sessions for hands-on learning a few times during each semester of the program. Nurse-Midwifery varies by semester, while Nursing Informatics is 100% online.

Fall Start

A new class of MSN students starts each fall.

Expert Faculty

Actively practicing faculty bring their expertise to the classroom. 

Robust Clinical Experience

Each specialty offers hundreds of hours of  clinical practice.

I feel very lucky to have been trained at VUSN because it gave me the foundation I needed to flourish. The mentorship and support from my faculty helped me to develop the confidence I needed to work as a clinician and a leader in my field.

Leah Moynihan Barker Leah Moynihan Barker, MSN'98, WHNP-BC
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

100+ Years of Excellence

Learn more about Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s focus on innovation and leadership in nursing, teaching, practice and research.

Admissions Requirements

Browse the degree requirements and work experience necessary for each course of study.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

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

Specialties

Vanderbilt's MSN programs include 13 specialties. Complete an advanced practice or nursing informatics specialty in just 4 to 8 full-time semesters or 7 to 9 part-time semesters (dual specialties require more semesters). Most specialties are online or hybrid and offer widespread clinical opportunities so you can learn from where you live.

Nursing StudentFormat: Online/hybrid with some in-person sessions

Program Length: Completed in 4-5 full-time semesters (part-time available)

Advanced Practice Specialties:

Who Leads the MSN Program?

Dr. Kristina Thomas Dreifuerst, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, is a Professor, a Certified Nurse Educator and the Senior Associate Dean for Academics at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Dr. Dreifuerst received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Luther College in Decorah, IA, her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her PhD in nursing science from Indiana University. Dr. Dreifuerst is a member of the 2023 class of AACN Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing (ELAN) Fellows.

MSN Degree Tuition

Tuition and fees are set annually by the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust. Tuition for 2025-2026 is $2,057 per credit hour. To determine your tuition, multiply $2,057 by the number of hours you will take each year, then add the applicable fees.

Fees (per year)

Health Insurance: $4,074
Student Service Fees: $791
Student Health Fee: $1,012
Transcript Fee (one time): $100
Books: $2,500

Health insurance is required for all students. You will be billed automatically for the university's student health insurance plan if you do not provide proof of adequate coverage by another insurer. The automatic coverage does not account for spouses or dependents.

The charge for books is estimated because book prices and where students buy books vary. The charge for books will not appear on your bill; it's best to purchase your books before classes begin.

100% of full-time MSN students receive a scholarship or other financial assistance, unless their tuition is already covered in full by another scholarship source.

Figures change year to year. Visit VUSN's tuition page and financial aid page for the most current numbers.

Continue Your Education with a Doctorate

After finishing your MSN, seamlessly transition into VUSN’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or pursue a PhD in Nursing Science.

Post-Master’s Certificates

Already have an MSN? Expand or change your advanced nursing role by completing a Post-Master’s Certificate in one or more specialties.

Interested in Teaching?

Nationally recognized nurse educators help equip future faculty in VUSN’s new Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education.

Accreditation Information

Vanderbilt's master of science in nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  

See all VUSN accreditation info.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Vanderbilt MSN Program

  • How long does the Vanderbilt MSN program take to complete?

    Most Vanderbilt MSN specialties take 4 to 5 full-time semesters to complete, or 7 to 9 semesters part-time. Dual specialties require additional semesters. The Nursing Informatics specialty is structured for 6 part-time semesters. All programs begin in the fall.

  • What are the admissions requirements for the Vanderbilt MSN?

    Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program and an active, unrestricted RN license. Specific GPA and prerequisite requirements vary by specialty. Full requirements are available on the VUSN admissions page.

  • Is the Vanderbilt MSN program online?

    Most Vanderbilt MSN specialties are built as a primarily online hybrid format. The majority of coursework is completed remotely, with a small number of required on-campus sessions for hands-on learning each semester. Nursing Informatics is 100% online with no required campus visits. Nurse-Midwifery includes a mix of on-campus and off-site clinical requirements that vary by semester.

  • What specialties are available in the Vanderbilt MSN?

    VUSN offers 13 MSN specialties Nurse Practitioner (10 specialties), Nurse-Midwife (2 specialties, including a dual FNP/Nurse-Midwifery track), and Nursing Informatics (1 specialty). You can review all specialties and their clinical formats on this page.

  • What do Vanderbilt MSN graduates do after graduation?

    85% of MSN graduates have new full-time positions in their field within 6 months of graduation, and 94% are employed in direct patient care settings after graduation. Graduates practice in health systems, outpatient clinics, academic medical centers, and community health settings, nationally and internationally.

  • Can I complete clinical hours near where I live?

    Yes. VUSN coordinates clinical placements across the country, so students are not required to relocate to Nashville to complete their clinical requirements. The clinical placement team works with students to identify preceptors and practice sites in their home region. Tennessee-based clinical opportunities are also available for students in the area.

  • Does Vanderbilt offer financial aid for MSN students?

    Yes, 100% of full-time students receive scholarships. VUSN offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid to eligible MSN students. Prospective students are encouraged to review the financial aid and scholarships page and contact the admissions office to discuss individual eligibility.

  • What is the difference between the Vanderbilt MSN and the Master of Nursing (MN)?

    The MSN is designed for registered nurses who already hold a BSN and RN license and want to advance into specialized practice. The Master of Nursing (MN) is designed for career changers who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and want to enter the nursing profession at the graduate level.

Take the Next Step

Interested in the Vanderbilt MSN program? Explore our admissions requirements, then request information about the program or contact our admissions team.

Start Your Application