Pre-Nursing Studies at Vanderbilt

One of the nation's top graduate schools of nursing, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing does not offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It does, however, have two master's paths to nursing for Vanderbilt undergraduate students and individuals with bachelor’s degrees in another field—the Master of Nursing degree for those who wish to become registered nurses and the Master of Nursing Prespecialty for those who wish to become Vanderbilt RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives).

Those interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse earn the MN degree plus a Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in their chosen nursing specialty. They can also earn a doctoral degree by applying for the MN degree and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree plus the PMC.

Vanderbilt's fast-moving, comprehensive MN and MN Prespecialty programs prepare highly motivated students to be RNs who deliver high-quality, comprehensive care in our changing health care environment. The MN program of study will equip you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) to become a Registered Nurse after completing just four semesters.

Prospective students interested in nursing at Vanderbilt may apply for admission to any Vanderbilt undergraduate school awarding a BA or BS. In addition to their undergraduate faculty advisers, pre-nursing students are encouraged to work with a pre-nursing adviser to assist in planning their program of studies.

Details about pre-nursing studies at Vanderbilt are found in the VUSN Pre-Nursing Handbook. After reviewing the handbook, students are encouraged to visit the School of Nursing Office of Admissions, Room 170, 416 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37340.  They can also call (615) 322-3800 or 888-333-9192 or email VUSN-admissions@vanderbilt.edu for additional program information.

Current Vanderbilt undergraduate students interested in pre-nursing studies should consult Vanderbilt's pre-nursing academic adviser, Brandee Madden at brandee.j.madden@vanderbilt.edu, or Ernie Rushing, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management, at ernie.rushing@vanderbilt.edu or (615) 322-3802 for advice on planning their undergraduate studies to meet the MN degree admission requirements.

Become both a registered nurse and an advanced practice nurse

If you are interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse and practice as a nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife, Vanderbilt offers you several educational pathways from which to choose. The increase in knowledge and scope of nursing responsibilities, as well as changes in roles, functions and practice settings required of an advanced practice registered nurse calls for an advanced nursing education that builds on a rich liberal education base and a baccalaureate or master’s entry to practice in nursing, like our MN degree.

Who should apply to the MN (MN degree only)?

If you want to enter the workforce to practice as a highly skilled RN, application to the MN degree is the pathway for you. You will complete 4 semesters and graduate as a master’s prepared generalist nurse ready to take the NCLEX-RN and practice as a RN.

Who should apply to the MN Prespecialty program?

If you want to be a highly skilled RN and transition directly to advanced education to become an APRN (nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife), this is the pathway for you. This pathway, which consists of the MN degree plus a Post-Master’s Certificate, enables you to select your advanced practice specialty area of choice when you apply to the MN program and then move directly to your specialty level education in the Post-Master’s Certificate program after earning your MN degree. You first complete the 4-semester MN program to earn the MN degree, take the NCLEX to become a RN, then complete the 3-4 semester Post-Master’s Certificate program (nurse-midwifery and dual specialties are a few semesters longer). You finish your program ready to take the advanced practice certification exam in your selected specialty and practice as an advanced practice registered nurse.

  • Pre-Nursing Requirements

    Students are eligible to apply to the MN program after graduation from any of Vanderbilt’s undergraduate programs (A&S, Blair, Engineering or Peabody). Prior to beginning the MN program, these courses must be completed:

    • 3 hours of Statistics
    • Microbiology: BSCI 1110 (3 credits). If you have taken any higher-level Microbiology courses, you have met the Microbiology prerequisite requirement.
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology (BSCI 2101 & BSCI 3101) (4 credits each) Fall/ Spring; must take BSCI 2101 before BSCI 3101; also, you must have a semester of biology as a prerequisite. Meet with the nursing adviser to discuss your options.
    • Nutrition: MHS 1600 Introduction to Nutrition and Health for a Changing World (3 credits). Please consult the Vanderbilt Course Catalog for course availability.
    • Developmental Psychology: HOD 1250 or PSY-PC 1250.

    The prerequisite courses listed above do not need to be completed at the time of application. However, all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the beginning of MN classes.

  • MN Admission Requirements

    Students must apply by October 15 of their senior year. If admitted, students begin the MN degree program the following August. (The MN program also admits students in January but the August entry is most typical for Vanderbilt undergraduates.)

    The MN application includes the following:

    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
    • Three letters of reference
    • Statement of purpose
    • Responses to application questions
    • Official VU transcript and any other colleges/universities' transcripts you attended
  • Advanced Practice Specialties Available

    * Requires additional semester(s)

  • Pre-Nursing Society

    The Pre-Nursing Society is a Vanderbilt-endorsed student organization that serves to support pre-nursing students on campus. The group acts as a resource for information regarding career opportunities in registered nursing, advanced practice registered nursing and the various specialty areas. A formal meeting is held each month (September– April) at the School of Nursing, with volunteer/community service activities scheduled throughout the academic year. Shadowing experience with an advanced practice nurse can also be arranged for active members of the Pre-Nursing Society. Current Vanderbilt undergraduate students can join the Pre-Nursing Society through Anchor Link.

  • Opportunities for Doctoral Studies

    After successful completion of the MN degree, you can continue your studies to earn a doctoral degree in nursing. The School of Nursing offers both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a PhD in Nursing Science. If you are interested in doctoral studies, please discuss your career goals with the pre-nursing adviser. MN/MN PreSpecialty students who pursue a DNP at Vanderbilt are able to apply course credits already earned to their DNP—allowing them to earn a doctorate in only a few semesters more.

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