Accelerated MSN Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Applicants from non-nursing and non-science backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as long as prerequisite requirements are successfully completed.
No, the GRE is not required.
After prerequisite courses are completed, the program takes five consecutive semesters.
If you must work, we recommend you work no more than 20 hours per week during the program.
On-campus MSN students compete with other graduate students for University Graduate Scholarships (UGS) and graduate assistantships. Applicants for scholarships offered by the college can be submitted each spring semester upon admittance to the Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program.
No, you must complete a Post-Master's Certificate or a Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in a particular specialty to be eligible to sit for a certification exam to become a licensed nurse practitioner. After one year of RN experience, you can apply to either of these programs at UC. In the Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program, you will complete four core courses that will count as credit in any Post-MSN Certificate or Post-MSN DNP program.
Courses are considered equivalent if they cover the same core content, credit hours, and include required lab components where applicable.
You can use our course equivalency guide to match your previous coursework to UC prerequisites.
If you are unsure, you can request a transcript review before applying.
Yes, you can apply for the Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program if you have three or less outstanding prerequisite courses, but they need to be completed before your start the program.
No, you can complete prerequisites at another institution or transfer college credit from an accredited school, if you attended in the past 10 years (within 1 year for the pharmacology prerequisite). Check with our advisor prior to registering for a course at another institution to ensure it is equivalent to the UC-offered course. You must earn a minimum B-minus grade for all prerequisite courses.
If you're interested in completing all your prerequisite courses at UC, please check our Pre-Accelerated MSN program.
Yes. Many applicants complete prerequisites at community colleges before applying. These are commonly accepted if they match course content requirements.
You can find course equivalencies for regional community colleges on the admissions page.
Still have questions?
Contact admissions at nursingbearcats@uc.edu.