Academic Programs
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offers a variety of degree and certificate programs to meet the educational needs of both aspiring nurses seeking licensure and RNs wanting to advance their careers to the master’s or doctoral levels. Our school’s uniquely collaborative and challenging culture will ensure that upon completion of your program of study, you are prepared for excellence and positioned for success.
Quick Links
- Master of Nursing (MN)/Master of Nursing Prespecialty
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- PhD in Nursing Science
- Dual Degrees: MSN/MDiv and MSN/MTS
- Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
- Post-Master’s Certificates
- Classes for Non-degree Graduate-level Students
- Undergraduate Pre-nursing Studies
Our commitment to student success goes beyond high standards of education and practice. We're here to help our students become the best-educated advanced practice nurses and RNs anywhere, ready to tackle any role with confidence.”
Begin Your Nursing Career with a Master of Nursing
Jump-start your nursing career with a master of nursing degree and NCLEX-RN licensure in just 4 full-time, in-person semesters. This accelerated pre-licensure program prepares students without nursing degrees with a strong, comprehensive nursing foundation. Choose the MN to join the workforce quickly or opt for the MN Prespecialty to continue with a Post-Master’s Certificate or Doctor of Nursing Practice in an advanced practice specialty.
Define (or Redefine) Your Career with a Specialty
As part of our Master of Science in Nursing, MN Prespecialty, Post-Master’s Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, we offer more than a dozen advanced practice and non-clinical specialties that prepare nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, nurse informaticists and nurse educators to deliver safe, culturally responsive, high-quality nursing care.
Doctoral Programs for Every Nurse
Ready to reach the top of your field and influence the future of nursing? Our flexible doctoral programs meet the needs and goals of busy professionals.
Be a Practice Expert
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Culminating in a scholarly project, our DNP program prepares both BSN- and master’s-prepared nurses to improve health care with innovative care delivery programs rooted in evidence-based knowledge and methods.
Pursue Research or Academia
PhD in Nursing Science
Through close mentorship and the dissertation process, our PhD program prepares nurses to transform the discipline of nursing through scientific discovery. Candidates must already have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Not Sure Which Path to Take?
Talk with an admissions counselor to determine which options might be right for your background and career goals.