Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Nursing Program

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing is designed to build on students' knowledge and nursing experience, preparing them to deliver high-quality, safe, and culturally responsive nursing care. With 13 nursing specialties available, students can choose the nursing path that best suits their career goals.

Program Overview

• The MSN program is ranked as the nation's #4 graduate nursing program.
• Most specialties are offered in an online or hybrid format, with brief on-campus sessions.
• The program starts each fall, with expert faculty who are actively practicing in their fields.
• Students can expect robust clinical experiences, with hundreds of hours of clinical practice in their chosen specialty.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and be a registered nurse.
• Those without a BSN or RN licensure may be interested in the Master of Nursing program.

Specialties and Program Length

Nurse Practitioner

• Format: Online/hybrid with some in-person sessions
• Program Length: Completed in 4-5 full-time semesters (part-time available)
• Advanced Practice Specialties:
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)
  • Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner
  • Women's Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Nurse-Midwife

• Format: Varies, with on-campus and offsite clinical experiences
• Program Length: Completed in 4-5 full-time semesters (part-time available)
• Advanced Practice Specialties:
  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Nurse-Midwifery/Family Nurse Practitioner

Non-Clinical Specialties

• Format: Completely online
• Program Length: 6 part-time semesters
• Specialty:
  • Nursing Informatics

Post-Graduate Opportunities

• After completing the MSN, students can seamlessly transition into Vanderbilt's Doctor of Nursing Practice degree or pursue a PhD in Nursing Science.
• Post-Masters Certificates are available for those who already have an MSN, allowing them to expand or change their advanced nursing role.
• A Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing Education is also available for those interested in teaching.

Accreditation

The Vanderbilt MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.