MSN Admission Requirements
As you prepare your application to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, we would like to share a few important details with you. On these web pages you will find the information and forms you need to apply to our MSN program. We are looking forward to your application and are here to answers your questions and support you through the process. Just let us know how we can help.
The School of Nursing hosts campus visits in October and March of each year. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend to learn more about programs offered at the School of Nursing. Applicants are also encouraged to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Counselor for assistance with the application process.
There are 8 requirements of those who seek admission to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. These requirements vary somewhat depending upon your educational background and whether you are already a Registered Nurse.
- All applicants must submit an official application for admission, a Statement of Career Goals, and a $50 application fee. The Application supplies basic information (name, address, etc.). The Goal Statement is your opportunity to tell us (as specifically as you can at this time) what you are planning to do with your career after you finish your master's degree. This is a statement which helps the faculty determine your fit with the specialties offered at VUSN as well as plan for your specific needs in terms of clinical experiences and professional networking.
Students are offered admission to their selected specialty; it is not possible to enter the program undecided about your specialty area. If you indicate several specialties on your application, please clearly indicate which specialty is your first choice. Your Goal Statement and Interview Survey responses should address your first choice of specialty.
Should you desire to change your specialty, you will need to submit a revised Goal Statement and Interview Survey to reflect the new specialty.
Students will be reviewed for admission to the new specialty and must be accepted by the new specialty. Students will be allowed to transfer to the new specialty on a space available basis.
- All applicants must submit official transcripts of all post high school studies. Students admitted to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing have earned an undergraduate grade point average of a "B" or a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- All applicants must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). A minimum combined score of 1000 on the verbal and quantitative sections and a 4.5 on the analytic section of the GRE is required. (Note: The GRE is waived for students who have earned a master's or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States.)
- All applicants must provide three letters of professional reference. References should be from faculty members, professional colleagues, or work supervisors who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. Recommendations from friends, other students or co-workers are usually not appropriate.
- All applicants must complete the interview survey. Both the writing style (i.e. grammar, punctuation, spelling, word use) and content of your responses will be used in the overall evaluation of your application to the program. In addition to the written interview survey, applicants to the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty or Adult Nurse Practitioner with a Forensic Nursing focus are required to have a personal, or telephone, interview with a faculty member. Once your application is received you will be contacted to schedule the interview.
- All applicants are required to have certain prerequisite courses from an accredited college or university.
- If you have earned a BSN, you must have had a 3 semester hour or 4 quarter hour Statistics course.
- If you have earned an ASN or a Diploma in Nursing, you must have earned at least 78 accredited semester or 110 accredited quarter hours including the following areas: 11 hours of natural science which must include courses in Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology; 9 hours of Social Science; 6 hours of Humanities; 6 hours of English; 3 hours of Statistics; Nutrition and Developmental Psychology.
- If you have earned a BA or BS in a discipline other than Nursing, you must have successfully completed 11 hours of natural science including courses in Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology; Statistics; Nutrition and Developmental Psychology.
- If you are currently enrolled in a BA or BS program, you must be in the final year of your program and have successfully completed the following courses: 11 hours of natural science including Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology; 3 hours of Statistics; Nutrition and Developmental Psychology. All applicants may request a transcript review to determine which (if any) additional courses may be needed.
- RN applicants must have graduated from an N.L.N.A.C. or C.C.N.E. accredited school.
- RN applicants must be eligible to practice in the State of Tennessee. Non-RN applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for nursing licensure. All applicants must meet the competencies necessary for the professional practice of nursing.
The provisions in these Web pages do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. The School of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, change fees, calendar, curriculum, graduation procedures, and any other requirement affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, handicap, or military service in its administration of education policies, programs, or activities; its admission policies; scholarship and loan programs; or employment. Inquires or complaints should be directed to the Opportunity Development Officer, Building E, West Side Row, P.O. Box 1809, Station B, Nashville, Tennessee 37235. Telephone (615) 322.4705.
