The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for more than 1 million new and replacement nurses by 2016. This figure includes staff nurses as well as advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists) as well as nursing faculty. Many colleges and universities now offer programs for students with non-nursing backgrounds as well as for those with a bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Basic Requirements
Graduate admissions offices typically require applicants to submit a CV or resume, letters of reference, official transcripts, an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and an essay or professional writing sample. International students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Program-Specific Requirements
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are more than 330 accredited master's degree in nursing programs in the United States. Colleges and universities set their own admission standards, so requirements vary widely. Typical requirements are listed below for each category of master's degree in nursing programs.
MSN Program
A traditional master of science in nursing program requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university and an active RN license. Some schools, including the University of Maryland School of Nursing, require a passing score on a national examination such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); the Miller Analogy Test (MAT); or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as a predictor of future academic success. Others, including the University of Hawaii-Manoa, no longer have this requirement for the MSN program.
RN-MS Program
RN-master of science (RN-MS) programs are accelerated master's degree programs for RNs who are interested in nursing leadership and advanced practice (nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist and nurse anesthetist) roles but who lack a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Requirements include a diploma in nursing, associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and/or an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing field, as well as an active RN license. Prerequisite courses, such as chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology, may be required. Some programs, including the University of Hawaii-Manoa, require applicants to take an entrance examination such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Master's Entry Program in Nursing
The master's entry program in nursing (MEPN) is open to applicants with baccalaureate degrees in non-nursing fields who are not registered nurses. Prerequisites generally include chemistry, anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, statistics and nutrition courses, or some combination thereof. Some programs, including the University of Hawaii-Manoa, require applicants to take an entrance examination such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as well.
Other Considerations
In addition to on-campus, full-time programs, colleges and universities have developed other options, including part-time and online programs, to allow nontraditional students to earn advanced degrees. Prerequisites and admission requirements may vary among these programs.
References
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Master's Nursing Programs
- U.S. Department of Labor: Registered Nurses
- University of Maryland: Choosing a Program
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Predictions to 2016
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Accelerated Programs: The Fast-Track to Careers in Nursing
