MDE Academics & Curriculum

The Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program features a full-time curriculum designed to prepare non-nurses to enter the nursing profession with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. 

Over four consecutive semesters, students complete 70.5 credits, 90 lab/skills hours, and 690 clinical hours to prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and practice as a professional registered nurse or pursue further advanced nursing education.

In addition to developing fundamental nursing competencies, students will complete coursework in quality improvement, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, population health, ethics, and leadership to gain master's-level preparation.

Clinical Rotations & Lab Hours

Students conduct clinical rotations across the street at the University of Rochester Medical Center, which includes Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Strong Memorial Hospital. Clinical rotations focus on four key specialty areas (medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and psychiatric/mental health), and are conducted in small groups of 8-10 students.

Lab hours are completed in the school's new state-of-the-art experiential learning building. Experiential learning activities including simulation and hands-on skills activities to provide realistic insight into every aspect of nursing as students learn to:

• interact with patients and provide the best care
• build skills and confidence by making safe mistakes in a learning environment
• solve clinical problems
• communicate and collaborate within a health care team

To see a typical course schedule for the Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program, visit the Course Schedules webpage.

Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) Curriculum