
Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice Program
Launch your nursing career with a master's foundation in just 16 months with the University of Rochester's MDE program.
Ready to begin your nursing journey? The University of Rochester School of Nursing's Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program offers an innovative path to RN licensure plus master's-level preparation—designed specifically for college graduates with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.
Program length
16 months
Earn your Master of Science in Nursing degree and be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure
Program format
Full-time, on-site
Complete in-person and online coursework, with on-campus clinicals and labsApplication deadline
Sept. 15
Apply Early Action by Sept. 15, or Regular Decision by Nov. 1 for Summer 2026 program start
Why Master's Direct Entry?

Program highlights
- Advanced education and skills: Gain master's-level knowledge and enhanced skills in leadership and quality improvement to prepare for practice or future advanced nursing education
- Career advancement: Master's-prepared nurses are well-positioned for nursing and healthcare leadership roles that offer a broader scope of responsibilities and higher pay
- Strong foundation: Provides a pathway to various academic and career opportunities, including Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), Nursing Education, and doctoral programs, nursing leadership or healthcare quality roles, and other advanced nursing specialties
Why UR Nursing?
The University of Rochester School of Nursing's accelerated and pre-licensure programs are distinguished for their strong academics and immersive clinical experiences. Accelerate your career change by earning your Master of Science in Nursing from the No. 1 nursing school in Upstate NY, and graduate ready for NCLEX-RN licensure in just 16 months.
Excellence in education
Learn from world-class faculty, train in state-of-the-art experiential learning facilities, and receive your degree from a school nationally-recognized as a leader in clinical simulation and educational innovation—proudly designated as both an NLN Center of Excellence and Apple Distinguished School.
Academic innovation about Excellence in educationComprehensive clinical experience
Learn through hands-on practice in high-fidelity skills and simulation environments, and spend 690 clinical hours across four key specialty areas at our university's premier academic medical center—part of the region's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system.
Program curriculum about Comprehensive clinical experienceAdvanced opportunities
Start your career equipped and empowered for more advanced roles and faster career growth—including opportunities with URMC to gain clinical experience and earn tuition benefits, allowing more time and flexibility to explore specialty interests, and academic and career goals.
Career opportunities about Advanced opportunitiesCompare Programs
Program Criteria | Master's Direct Entry into Nursing (MDE) | Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) |
---|---|---|
Length | 16 months (4 semesters) | 12 or 24 months (3 or 6 semesters) |
Format | Blend of in-person and online coursework, with on-campus clinical & labs | In-person coursework (12-Month) or online coursework (24-Month), with on-campus clinical & labs |
Credit Hours | 70 credits | 49 credits |
Lab Hours | 90 lab hours | 90 lab hours |
Clinical Hours | 690 clinical hours | 660 clinical hours |
Degree Awarded | Master of Science in Nursing | Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing |
Core Curriculum Focus | Advanced general nursing practice and leadership | Fundamental nursing competencies |
Licensure Preparation | Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam; provides additional skills for leadership roles | Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam |
Primary Career Outcome | Registered Nurse (RN) with an advanced generalist foundation | Registered Nurse (RN) |
Employment Advantage | Advanced degree may improve candidacy for leadership and quality roles | Shorter time to RN licensure, and potential for BSN-preferred roles |
This program expands access to nursing education and creates new opportunities for individuals from a wide array of academic backgrounds to join the profession. Whether their goal is to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, or nursing educator, the robust curriculum will produce highly-skilled nurses ready to lead in today's dynamic healthcare environment.
This program expands access to nursing education and creates new opportunities for individuals from a wide array of academic backgrounds to join the profession. Whether their goal is to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, or nursing educator, the robust curriculum will produce highly-skilled nurses ready to lead in today's dynamic healthcare environment.
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