Find Your Nursing Path at Vanderbilt

Engage With Us

Your career starts here! Explore your opportunities to engage with the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

virtual events

Virtual Events

Learn about the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and the many programs we offer from the convenience of your own home. Admissions staff and program faculty are available to answer questions about academic programs, the application process and much more.

VIRTUAL EVENTS

on campus info sessions

In-Person Events

Join an admissions counselor for a 30-minute information session with key insights on admissions, financial aid and scholarships. Enjoy a walking tour of Vanderbilt’s park-like campus, where a student guide shares details on academics and social life.


LEARN MORE

conferences

Conferences

Visit with School of Nursing admissions counselors at conferences across the U.S. Ask questions and learn more about Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s academic opportunities, student life, financial aid and scholarships, and Nashville.


CONFERENCES

 

What Can You Do with a Vanderbilt Nursing Degree?

VUSN offers master’s programs, advanced practice nursing specialties and doctoral programs to suit varied professional interests and personal learning styles. We offer an accelerated course of study, multiple entry options, programs for nurses and non-nurses and many opportunities to study without relocating. Find more info on Vanderbilt’s online, hybrid and on-campus options.

Answer the questions below to find the VUSN program(s) that could be perfect for you:

  • What is your primary scope of interest?
  • Master of Nursing (Nursing Generalist)
    • Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • Infants/Newborns
    • What type of environment would you like to work in?
    • Clinic
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Pregnancy/Childbirth
        • Per these choices, you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings, including: OB-GYN clinics, private OB-GYN practices, public health clinics, birthing centers, military bases, outpatient pediatric clinics, health departments, preschools and elementary schools, private pediatric practices and community agencies.

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Family Care
        • Per these choices, you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings, including: OB-GYN Clinics, private OB-GYN practices, public health clinics, birthing centers, military bases, outpatient pediatric clinics, health departments, preschools and elementary schools, private pediatric practices, community agencies, ambulatory care centers, medical offices, nurse-managed clinics, private practices, health departments, rural health clinics, work-site based clinics, migrant clinics, Indian Health Services, and correctional facilities.

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Hospital
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Pregnancy/Childbirth
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Hospitals, OB-GYN Clinics, Private OB-GYN Practices, Public Health Clinics, Birthing Centers, Military Bases, and Neonatal intensive care nurseries (Level III)

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Neonatal Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Neonatal intensive care nurseries (Level III), Hospitals, OB-GYN Clinics, Private OB-GYN Practices, Public Health Clinics, Birthing Centers and Military Bases

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Emergency Room
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics, Neonatal intensive care nurseries (Level III)

          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Critical Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics, Neonatal intensive care nurseries (Level III)

          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Emergency
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Pregnancy/Childbirth
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics, Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma)

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Neonatal Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Neonatal intensive care nurseries (Level III), Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma)

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • Children
    • What type of environment would you like to work in?
    • Clinic
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Family Care
        • Per these choices, you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings, including: ambulatory care centers, correctional facilities, global health clinics, health departments, Indian Health Services, medical offices, migrant clinics, military sites, nurse-managed clinics, private practices, rural health clinics, work-site based clinics, outpatient pediatric clinics, health departments, preschools and elementary schools, private pediatric practices and community agencies

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Mental Health/Psychiatric Care
        • Per these choices, you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings, including: community mental health centers (urban and rural), correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, home health agencies, in-patient psychiatric facilities, private psychiatric practices, psychopharmacology clinic, psychiatric consult services, residential substance abuse facilities, schools, state psychiatric facilities, urban nurse-managed clinic and Veterans Administration psychiatric facilities.

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Hospital/Emergency
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Emergency Room
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Agencies Caring for Technology-Dependent Children, Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma), Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Critical Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Agencies Caring for Technology-Dependent Children, Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma), Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • Youth
    • What type of environment would you like to work in?
    • Clinic
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Family Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Ambulatory Care Centers, Disease Prevention, Medical Offices, Nurse-Managed Clinics, Private Practices, Health Departments, Rural Health Clinics, Work-site Based Clinics, Migrant Clinics, Indian Health Services, Correctional Facilities, Outpatient Pediatric Clinics, Health Departments, Preschools and Elementary Schools, Private Pediatric Practices, Community Agencies, Ambulatory OB-GYN Clinics, Family Planning Clinics, Indian Reservations, Prenatal Clinics, Private Practices, Uro-gynecology Practices, Women’s Health Clinics

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Reproductive/Sexual Health Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Disease Prevention, Ambulatory Care Centers, Medical Offices, Nurse-Managed Clinics, Private Practices, Health Departments, Rural Health Clinics, Migrant Clinics, Indian Health Services, Correctional Facilities, Military Sites, Work-site Based Clinics, Outpatient Pediatric Clinics, Health Departments, Private Pediatric Practices, Community Agencies, OB-GYN Clinics, Private OB-GYN Practices, Prenatal Clinics, Private Practices, Uro-gynecology Practices, Women’s Health Clinics

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Pregnancy/Childbirth
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Ambulatory Care Centers, Correctional Facilities, Global Health Clinics, Health Departments, Indian Health Services, Medical Offices, Migrant Clinics, Military Sites, Nurse-Managed Clinics, Private Practices, Rural Health Clinics, Work-site Based Clinics, OB-GYN Clinics, Private OB-GYN Practices, Public Health Clinics, Birthing Centers, Military Bases, Disease Prevention

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Mental Health/Psychiatric Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural), Correctional Facilities, Domestic Violence Shelters, Home Health Agencies, In-patient Psychiatric Facilities, Private Psychiatric Practices, Psychopharmacology Clinic, Psychiatric Consult Services, Residential Substance Abuse Facilities, Schools, State Psychiatric Facilities, Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic, Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Hospital/Emergency
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Emergency Room
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Agencies Caring for Technology-Dependent Children, Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma), Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics, Disease Prevention

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Critical Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Agencies Caring for Technology-Dependent Children, Pediatric Emergency Departments, Pediatric Hospitalist Service, Pediatric Sedation Services, Pediatric Cardio-Vascular ICU, Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Inpatient management for various Sub-Specialty Clinics (i.e., Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Hematology-Oncology and Trauma), Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Clinics, Disease Prevention

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • Adults/Seniors
    • What type of environment would you like to work in?
    • Clinic
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Geriatric Treatment
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Internal Medicine Offices, Ambulatory Care Centers, Community Clinics, Prisons, Jails, Long-term Care Facilities, Specialty Clinics, University Student Health Centers, Rehabilitation Centers, Acute care settings, sub-acute care units (step-down), highly specialized clinics when out-patient management is appropriate, Home Health/Assisted Living/Nursing Homes

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Adults/Adolescents
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Internal Medicine Offices, Ambulatory Care Centers, Community Clinics, Prisons, Jails, Long-term Care Facilities, Specialty Clinics, University Student Health Centers, Rehabilitation Centers, Medical Offices, Nurse-Managed Clinics, Private Practices, Health Departments, Rural Health Clinics, Work-site Based Clinics, Migrant Clinics, Indian Health Services, Correctional Facilities, Adult/Internal Medicine, Family Planning Clinics, Home Health/Assisted Living/Nursing Homes, Indian Reservations, Planned Parenthood, Prenatal Clinics, Private Practices, Infertility Clinics/Practices, Uro-gynecology Practices, Women’s Health Clinics, Women’s Prisons

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Reproductive/Sexual Health Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Adult/Internal Medicine, Ambulatory OB-GYN Clinics, Family Planning Clinics, Home Health/Assisted Living/Nursing Homes, Indian Reservations, Planned Parenthood, Prenatal Clinics, Private Practices, Infertility Clinics/Practices, Uro-gynecology Practices, Women’s Health Clinics, Women’s Prisons, Ambulatory Care Centers, Medical Offices, Nurse-Managed Clinics, Private Practices, Health Departments, Rural Health Clinics, Work-site Based Clinics, Migrant Clinics, Indian Health Services, Correctional Facilities

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Pregnancy/Childbirth
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: OB-GYN Clinics, Private OB-GYN Practices, Public Health Clinics, Birthing Centers, Military Bases, Outpatient Pediatric Clinics, Health Departments, Preschools and Elementary Schools, Private Pediatric Practices, Community Agencies

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Mental Health/Psychiatric Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural), Correctional Facilities, Domestic Violence Shelters, Home Health Agencies, In-patient Psychiatric Facilities, Private Psychiatric Practices, Psychopharmacology Clinic, Psychiatric Consult Services, Residential Substance Abuse Facilities, Schools, State Psychiatric Facilities, Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic, Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Hospital
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Geriatric Treatment
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Acute care and hospital settings such as intensive care (MICU, SICU), trauma units, sub-acute care units (step-down), emergency care and highly specialized clinics when out-patient management is appropriate, Ambulatory Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Cardiovascular/Heart Failure, Critical Care/Pulmonary, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Geriatric, Hematology/Oncology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Ortho/Trauma, Critical Care Teams, Rapid Response Teams, Shock Teams, Burn Care Units, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units, Medical Intensive Care Units, Neurological Intensive Care Units, Surgical Intensive Care Units, Main Emergency Departments

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

    • Emergency
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Emergency Room
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Acute care and hospital settings such as intensive care (MICU, SICU), trauma units, sub-acute care units (step-down), Emergency care

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

      • Critical Care
        • Per these choices you would serve your patients in a variety of practice settings including: Critical Access Hospitals, Fast-track Emergency Departments, Main Emergency Departments, Acute care and hospital settings such as intensive care (MICU, SICU), trauma units, sub-acute care units (step-down), Emergency care

          Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


          Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • Health Care Technology (Informatics)
    • Options for PreSpecialty (No Nursing Background) or Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):


      Option for Master of Nursing (No Nursing Background):

  • DNP
    • What type of environment would you like to work in?
    • Clinical Practice
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • DNP + Post-Master’s Certificate
        • We recommend you check out this program:

      • BSN to DNP
        • We recommend you check out these programs:

      • Nursing Practice
        • We recommend you check out this program:

    • Systems Practice
      • What is your primary area of interest:
      • Nursing Practice
        • We recommend you check out these programs:

      • DNP + Post-Master’s Certificate
        • We recommend you check out this program:

    • Executive Leadership
      • Options for Direct Entry (BSN Prepared):

  • PhD
    • What is your primary area of interest?
    • Research
      • We recommend you check out this program:

    • Faculty
      • We recommend you check out this program:

 

 

Cost of Attendance

Tuition & Fees for the MSN, MN, Post-Master’s Certificate, DNP and PhD Programs

 

Admissions Criteria

As you prepare your application to Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, the Admissions Staff are available to answer questions you may have. Please contact us at: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu.

 

Contact Admissions For More Information

Please visit our academic programs for specific information regarding your admission to Vanderbilt, including entry options, admission requirements, application procedures, course descriptions and a host of other details. Our Admissions Office will be glad to assist and guide you in making Vanderbilt School of Nursing the right decision for your career.

click the photo cards below to view the VUSN Admissions contacts here to help you:

Cheryl Feldner
Senior Associate Director, Admissions

Contact Person for:
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
FNP/ENP
Nurse-Midwifery
Nurse-Midwifery/FNP
Pediatric NP - Acute Care
Pediatric NP - Primary Care
Women’s Health/Gender Related NP
Women’s Health/Gender Related / Adult Gerontology PC Dual

Lauren Watt
Associate Director, Admissions

Contact Person for:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
Master of Nursing
Neonatal NP
Nursing Education
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Practice
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

 

Sara Donahoe
Assistant University Registrar

Contact Person for:
Registration

 

Kristie Smith Futrell
Director of
Financial Aid

Contact Person for:
Financial Aid Questions

 

Stephen White
Senior Admissions Officer

Contact Person for:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nursing Education
Nursing Informatics
Family Nurse Practitioner
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
ENP/FNP

Feylyn Lewis, PhD
Assistant Dean
for Student Affairs

Contact Person for:
Graduate Housing and
Student Affinity Groups

 

Ernie Rushing, PhD
Assoc. Dean of Enrollment,
Alumni, & Student Affairs

Contact:

 

 

Graduate Housing

Explore graduate housing solutions.

the Broadview at Vanderbilt

The Broadview at Vanderbilt, a unique, collaborative student living option designed specifically for the graduate and professional student community at Vanderbilt.

Located just steps from Vanderbilt University campus and in the heart of midtown Nashville, you’ll find brand new studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as over 6,500 SF of collaboration and study lounges, an on-site coffee shop, grocery store, fitness & wellness center, and more.

Each apartment space comes with upscale features and finishes, including a fully-equipped kitchen with modern finishes, wood-style flooring, in-unit washer/dryer, and more. Find a floor plan that works for your lifestyle and virtually tour units now.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked general and admissions questions and answers

 

VUSN Culture & Community

VUSN offers everything you need to become a successful advanced practice nurse or doctorally prepared nurse. We foster advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty and staff.

As a VUSN student, you will have access to a variety of student-led organizations and groups that offer opportunities for networking, professional development, and community engagement. These groups are designed to foster a sense of belonging and provide a supportive community for students from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of interests. Whether you are interested in a particular area of nursing, want to get involved in service projects, or simply want to connect with other students who share your passions, there is a student group for you at VUSN."

 

Additional Information:

 Please visit our Student Organization and Affinity Video Page to learn more.

Nashville is...

From serving as home to the nation’s largest Kurdish population to being named America’s friendliest city for three years in a row, Nashville is a metropolitan place that proudly exudes all of the charm and hospitality one expects from a Southern capital. But don’t take our word for it: Watch as our Vanderbilt Owen colleagues and neighbors share their views on our bustling city.

 

 

 

Why Our Students Love Nashville

Hear from Vanderbilt University students on why they think Nashville is such an amazing part of their college experience:

 

 

What’s the big deal with Nashville?

What do you call a city full of neighbors? We call it home. watch this video to learn more:

 

Destination Nashville

From live music to the city’s best cultural destinations to fun for families, Nashville is a wonderful place to explore:

Additional Information:

 Please visit our YouTube Channel to learn more about us!

 

The Vanderbilt Advantage

Our School of Nursing is a place where a variety of practice specialties, entry options, clinical experiences, degree programs, research initiatives, and people with many ideas, perspectives, and background create the learning environment.

The intensives provided a lifelong mentorship connection with peers colleagues and faculty."
— DNP student comment

 

High-quality programs for every interest. Stellar faculty who also practice in their fields. Clinical experiences second to none. Active engagement with world-renowned experts and health care resources. Research and scholarly activity that are leading the nursing discipline forward with evidence-based education and patient care.

It’s no wonder Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is ranked as the #6 graduate school of nursing for its MSN and #13 for its DNP, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Additional Information:

 Please visit our Vanderbilt Advantage page to view more.

 


Yes I want to know more about Vanderbilt's MN, MSN, DNP and PhD programs.

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ACCREDITATION

Vanderbilt’s MN, MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and meets recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Vanderbilt University is a participating institution in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). North Carolina is a member of SARA, and Vanderbilt is approved to offer programs and courses, such as the MSN, PMC, DNP and PhD programs, that are in compliance with SARA policies and standards. For a complete listing of VUSN’s accreditation information and contacts please Click Here.

 

CONNECT WITH #VUSN