UR Nursing Launches Master’s Direct Entry Program
By Nora Williamson
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
The University of Rochester School of Nursing introduces an accelerated master's-level nursing degree for college graduates, providing another route to RN licensure.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is excited to announce the launch of its new Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program, providing an accelerated pathway for non-nursing college graduates to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
This 16-month, full-time program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). Uniquely, the MDE program goes beyond foundational nursing education, equipping students with enhanced leadership and population health skills to address complex healthcare challenges.
"The Master’s Direct Entry program offers an innovative new pathway to address the evolving needs of the nursing workforce," said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. "By providing additional graduate-level coursework in areas like quality improvement, ethics, and healthcare policy, our MDE graduates will be primed for nursing leadership roles and make an even greater impact in their communities."
The new pathway is one of several accelerated pre-licensure offerings from the UR School of Nursing specifically geared toward baccalaureate-prepared college graduates who want to join the nursing workforce. In addition to the new MDE program, the School of Nursing continues to offer its 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) program, which features the UR Nursing Scholars opportunity for full tuition coverage in exchange for a three-year work commitment with UR Medicine hospitals, as well as a 24-Month ABSN program designed for working professionals. These established programs provide flexibility and accessibility for aspiring nurses.
Unlike the ABSN programs, students in the MDE program can access graduate federal financial aid opportunities. To help offset tuition costs, UR School of Nursing will award a range of merit-based scholarships.
“This MDE program expands access to nursing education and creates new opportunities for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds to join the profession,” said Lisa Brophy, EdD, RN, MSBA, CNE, associate dean for undergraduate education. “Whether their goal is to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, or nursing educator, the robust MDE curriculum will produce highly skilled nurses ready to lead in today's dynamic healthcare environment.”
The 70.5-credit MDE curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and includes 690 clinical hours across key settings such as medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and psychiatric/mental health. Coursework emphasizes foundational nursing education, evidence-based practice, quality and safety, leadership, and population health.
Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Master of Science degree in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Learn more about the MDE Program
The MDE program is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 start, with a March 1 deadline.
Learn more about the Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice program or join an upcoming info session hosted by the School of Nursing’s Admissions Office:
Virtual Info Session: MDE Program
4-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9
Categories: Accelerated Programs