Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice Program

The Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program is a 20-month, full-time curriculum spanning five semesters and totaling 73 credits. The program includes 660 clinical hours across medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and psychiatric/mental health settings, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN and licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

The program uses a blended learning approach that combines in-person and online instruction to provide a comprehensive educational experience. While some coursework is delivered through hybrid online formats, the program includes significant hands-on components:

• In-person simulation and laboratory training at the University of Rochester School of Nursing & Health Sciences
• On-site clinical rotations at URochester Medicine hospitals
• Hybrid online coursework for select classes

This format allows students to benefit from both flexible online learning and essential hands-on clinical experience necessary for nursing practice.

Students can expect a full-time academic load of 15-18 credits per semester. The program schedule is designed to accommodate various learning components:

• Weekday courses are offered during both daytime and evening hours
• Clinical rotations are scheduled flexibly, including weekday (day or evening) and weekend shifts

Note that while we strive to provide scheduling flexibility, students should be prepared to accommodate both daytime and evening commitments throughout the program.

The Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program is a full-time, intensive immersion into nursing designed to prepare you for professional practice in just 20 months. Due to the demanding curriculum, including clinical hours scheduled on nights or weekends, students are generally advised not to work during this time. The program’s accelerated pace and cohort structure—where students move through the program together on a set course schedule—requires significant dedication and flexibility.

While some students may choose to work, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the curriculum and consider the level of commitment required. This program is an investment in your nursing future, and dedicating your time fully can help maximize the experience and outcomes.

The Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program awards a general master’s degree in nursing, preparing students to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), but it does not qualify graduates to practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or in other advanced practice roles. While the MDE program builds a strong foundation for future advanced practice, students who wish to become an NP must apply to and complete a separate master’s NP program.

There are potentially six credits of graduate-level coursework that can be applied toward a future master’s degree program, including the Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nursing Education programs offered at the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. MDE students can choose a three-credit nursing elective in the second semester, and depending on the coursework, may apply these credits to a specific master’s degree program.

The key difference between a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in nursing lies in the depth of preparation and career outcomes. While both the ABSN and MDE programs prepare you to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and take the NCLEX-RN exam, the MDE program offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with an additional focus on advanced generalist skills and leadership competencies. This can enhance your eligibility for roles that emphasize quality improvement and leadership in healthcare settings.

For a detailed comparison, please refer to our full MDE vs. ABSN comparison chart, which outlines program length, clinical hours, curriculum focus, and other specifics to help you determine the best fit for your goals.

For detailed tuition costs and fees for the MDE program, please refer to our Tuition & Fees webpage.

For students in the Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program, a variety of funding options are available to help cover the cost. While the UR Nursing Scholars Program with full tuition coverage applies only to the 12-Month ABSN program, MDE students can explore other financial aid resources. Graduate financial aid, including federal loans and grants, and merit-based scholarships, are available to help offset tuition costs.

If you already hold a master’s degree, your financial aid package will typically include options like loans and other eligible aid. We encourage all applicants to review program cost estimates and financial aid resources, and speak with our financial aid counselor to discuss the best funding options for their circumstances.

University housing options are open to all University of Rochester graduate students based on availability. Due to limited housing for graduate students, securing on-campus accommodations cannot be guaranteed.

Many graduate students choose to live off-campus in nearby residential neighborhoods within walking distance of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences and Medical Center. For those interested in exploring both on- and off-campus housing, we encourage visiting the University’s Graduate Housing and Off-Campus Housing resources and reviewing listings on places4Students.com.