Program Overview

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Nursing Pre-Licensure MSN

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Montclair State University is designed for career changers who want to enter the healthcare field. This accelerated program prepares students to deliver high-quality patient care in various settings, from physicians' offices and nursing homes to hospital ICUs.

Program Overview

In just seven semesters (less than two years), students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become a licensed registered nurse (RN) with no previous healthcare experience required. The program offers immersive, high-tech training, hands-on experience, and a comprehensive curriculum to grow into a well-rounded nurse.

Program Format and Details

• Program Format: In-person
• Start Date: Summer (annually)
• College or School: School of Nursing
• Area of Study: Health, Medicine and the Sciences
• Concentrations Offered: Care Coordination and Transition Management

Concentration in Care Coordination and Transition Management

This concentration prepares students to lead patient-centered care across complex healthcare systems. Students learn to advocate for patients, lead care planning, improve communication across healthcare teams, and support smoother transitions between settings.

Curriculum and Training

The program includes:

• Immersive, high-tech training in Montclair's state-of-the-art Simulation Center
• Hands-on experience caring for real patients in diverse healthcare settings
• A comprehensive curriculum grounded in science, mathematics, and the humanities

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing at Montclair State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Admission Requirements

• Equivalent of a U.S. bachelors degree, with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
• Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to the first semesters tuition
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees must visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information
• F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program

Required Prerequisite Coursework

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8 credits with lab)
• Microbiology (4 credits with lab)
• Chemistry (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)
• Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits) A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisite courses. Prerequisite science courses must be completed within five (5) years of the anticipated admission date.

Additional Requirements

Before beginning clinical courses, students must pass a criminal background check and urine toxicology screening, completed by an external agency.

Application Checklist

• Application Deadline: All materials must be submitted by January 16, 2026, for Summer admission
• Transcript: One from each college attended
• Essays/Personal Statement: One one-page personal statement is required
• Letters of Recommendation: Two
• Resume: Required

Cost and Financial Aid

As a public institution, Montclair offers one of the most affordable nursing programs in New Jersey. The School of Nursing proudly partners with Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, and St. Josephs University Medical Center to provide a 20% tuition discount for eligible employees enrolled in the Pre-licensure MSN program.