Accelerated Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
You've decided to switch paths and pursue a career that gives you the ability to impact people’s lives, be respected for your knowledge and empathy, and have opportunities to learn and collaborate interprofessionally.
Five semesters is all it takes for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and become a registered nurse (RN). Graduates also are prepared to continue their education and become a nurse practitioner.
As part of the region's only Academic Health Center — a dynamic center of education and research comprised of UC's colleges of nursing, allied health, medicine and pharmacy — we offer students unique opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom so that they graduate with the skills and experience necessary to become an integral member of an interdisciplinary health care team and provide safe, quality patient care.
Our onsite Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program offers:
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within the Academic Health Center (medical campus)
- A variety of clinical experiences at sites within close proximity (many within walking distance), including a level I trauma center, high-risk obstetric unit and one of the nation’s top pediatric hospitals
- Simulated patient care experiences that prepare students to function independently
- Technology-enhanced classroom learning
- Small class sizes
- Built-in NCLEX nurse licensure exam preparation
Application Deadline
The onsite Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN admits students for spring and summer semester start.
| Spring | Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Open | Mar. 1 | Sep. 1 |
| Application Deadline | Aug. 15 | Jan. 15 |
| Deadline to Submit All Materials | Sep. 15 | Feb. 15 |
| Decision Notification | Oct. 1 | Mar. 1 |
| Confirmation Deadline | Oct. 15 | Mar. 15 |
| In-person Orientation | Oct. 25 | Apr. 4 |
| Online Orientation | Nov. 30 | Apr. 9 |
| Virtual Coffee Chat (optional) | Jan. 8 | May 7 |
Prerequisite Courses
Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN students begin the clinical portion of the program in their fifth week, making it critical for admitted students to have completed prerequisite courses before entering the program.
Students must achieve a grade of B-minus or above in the courses listed. In addition, courses must have been completed within the past 10 years. Pharmacology must have been completed within the past year.
- Check the Prerequisite Course Equivalents page for a full list of acceptable courses at UC and other colleges.
| Anatomy & Physiology |
|---|
Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II* |
| Sciences |
Microbiology (Elementary Bacteriology)* Pathophysiology** Pharmacology with Nursing Component* |
| Nutrition |
| Nutrition for Health and Nutrition Disease* |
*If taken at the University of Cincinnati, students must first complete Anatomy & Physiology I.
**If taken at the University of Cincinnati, students must first complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II.
Required Vaccinations
All health professions students at UC, including Accelerated MSN students, must submit documentation of flu, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), varicella (chickenpox), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccinations, along with a titer blood test.
Fulfillment of these requirements allow you to participate in clinical experiences, which take place in hospitals and community settings each semester. These facilities mandate immunizations for both students and health professionals.
Accelerated MSN students receive more information about this requirement and how to submit documentation during orientation. If you have questions or concerns, contact Program Director Eileen Werdman at eileen.werdman@uc.edu.
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.