School of Nursing: RN to MS

The RN to MS graduate program is for Registered Nurses (RNs) whose highest nursing credential is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Using a cohort model, this program offers associate degree prepared nurses a creative opportunity to efficiently earn a master’s degree and thereby increase their options for career mobility. All students in the RN to MS program must complete specific undergraduate general education courses and bridge courses before entry into the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) master’s curriculum. A Master of Science degree is awarded upon completion of the program; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is not granted in this program.

The RN to MS program has two components:
[1]     Bridge Component – This component consists of 4 courses (2 semesters; 15 semester hours) plus 90 clinical hours to meet the AACN Baccalaureate Essentials and support the transition into the CNL component. By the end of the bridge component, students must successfully complete specific undergraduate general education courses with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Additionally, a 3.0 or above must be achieved in the bridge courses in order to advance to the CNL component. 

Note: Because students accepted to the RN to MS program may be experienced RNs who have been providing care for many years, a process to petition for a waiver of two particular bridge courses has been established. See the “Portfolio Review Packet” for details. 

[2]     CNL Component – This component prepares the nurse to meet the AACN End-of-Program Competencies & Required Clinical Experiences for the Clinical Nurse Leader advanced practice role. It is 6 semesters (approx. 2 years) in length and consists of 42 semester hours of credit plus 500 hours of clinical experience. 

The first cohort of RN to MS students will begin on August 29, 2012 if a minimum of 8 students are selected for admission. The priority application deadline to enter in 2012 is March 31, 2012. However all completed applications received by the Graduate School after the deadline will be reviewed as long as there is adequate processing time and space available.

To request an application packet, please contact the School of Nursing at 503-943-7211 or nursing@up.edu.

Financial Aid/Tuition Assistance Opportunities for Graduate Students