This rigorous program builds upon your previous undergraduate education and integrates an intensive pre-licensure nursing curriculum with graduate-level nursing coursework. Students develop the knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies needed to enter the nursing workforce and pursue advanced career opportunities.
Achieve Eligibility for Vermont RN Licensure After the First Year
The first year of the MEPN program consists of a full-time, on-site pre-licensure nursing curriculum designed to prepare students for registered nurse licensure. Upon successful completion of the pre-licensure year and passing the NCLEX-RN examination, graduates are eligible to apply for RN licensure in Vermont.
Completion of the pre-licensure year does not result in the award of a degree. Students progress directly into the M.S. in Nursing curriculum, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS) degree is not awarded as part of the MEPN program. Students should be aware that educational requirements for RN licensure vary by state, and the absence of a baccalaureate nursing degree may affect eligibility for licensure, employment, or advancement in some states.
Students whose primary residence is Vermont may be eligible to obtain a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), provided they meet all applicable Vermont licensure requirements. Students who do not maintain Vermont as their primary state of residence, or who plan to seek licensure or employment outside of Vermont before completing the M.S. degree, are responsible for understanding and complying with the licensure, educational, and employment requirements of the state(s) in which they intend to practice.
Following licensure, students continue into the Master of Science in Nursing curriculum, which is delivered asynchronously online. This flexible format allows students to gain valuable professional nursing experience while completing their graduate education and advancing their professional goals.
Accreditation
The Direct Entry to the master's in nursing degree (MEPN) and the master's of science (M.S.) in nursing at the University of Vermont are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The Office of Professional Regulation in the Vermont Secretary of State's Office governs Vermont licensure requirements.
A Degree that Sets You Apart
Earn an advanced nursing degree and gain valuable skills that make you stand out. In 2024, UVM nursing graduates attained a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, significantly surpassing the national average of 87%.
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Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline: November 1 (no applications will be reviewed before this date)
Final Deadline: March 30 (applications received after November 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis through the final deadline)
Credit Hours
72.5 - 75.25
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum college GPA of 3.0
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal statement and resume
- Prerequisite courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Nutrition, Statistics (coursework older than 7 years will not be accepted; applications with more than two incomplete prerequisite courses will not be reviewed)
- GRE scores are optional but may be submitted to strengthen your application.
For those needing prerequisite courses, visit UVM Professional and Continuing Education to explore the Pre-MEPN track for further courses and information.
International Applicants: The University of Vermont is unable to issue F-1/J-1 student visa documents for this program.
New York Applicants: Due to requirements of the New York Office of the Professions, UVM is restricted from offering clinical placements for licensure programs in the state of New York. Therefore, students from the state of New York or any other state may enroll in the MSN/FNP or FNP/DNP but MAY NOT complete any clinical preceptorships in the state of New York. If students from the state of New York or any other state enroll in these programs, it is with the understanding that all clinical hours MUST be accrued in a state other than New York.
Have questions before applying?
If you have any questions before starting your application, please reach out to us at cnhsgrad@uvm.edu. Once you begin the application, you will find guidance in the University of Vermont Graduate College application portal. It is not necessary to complete the application in a single session; you have the flexibility to save your progress and return to it at a later time.
Curriculum
The first year of the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program takes place on-site at the University of Vermont, located in Burlington, Vermont. Students have access to clinical placements within the University of Vermont Health Network in Burlington and across the state. The pre-RN licensure year is not a stand-alone program and does not provide a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students who complete their M.S. degree and successfully complete the NCLEX are eligible to practice in any state.
In the first year, students complete 675 hours of hands-on experience, achieving proficiency in clinical skills that include nursing procedures, clinical decision-making, and nursing concepts. This prelicensure period, totaling 34.25 credits, culminates in taking the NCLEX-RN exam and securing a license to practice in Vermont, concurrent with the pursuit of a two-year master’s degree.
View a sample plan of study and current curriculum requirements (PDF)
Please note that curriculum requirements, course offerings, and plans of study are subject to change. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure timely progression through the program and to stay informed of any updates.
Students enrolled in fewer than 6 credits per semester may experience changes to their financial aid eligibility. Because financial aid packages vary based on individual circumstances, students are responsible for understanding the requirements and implications of their specific financial aid award. Questions regarding aid eligibility should be directed to Student Financial Services.
Costs and Scholarships
The University of Vermont College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) is committed to helping competitive applicants lower their cost of attendance through merit-based scholarships.
Scholarship notification is included with the CNHS letter of acceptance to the program for those selected. This letter follows the initial admissions letter sent by the UVM Graduate College. Scholarships are factored into the overall financial aid offer for those applicants who apply for financial aid.
Learn more about MEPN tuition and financial aid.
Information Sessions
Join us for a virtual information session. To register, please email cnhsgrad@uvm.edu.
Outcomes
In 2024, UVM nursing graduates attained a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, significantly surpassing the national average of 87%.
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Is this a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)?
Yes. This pathway to the M.S. in Nursing is commonly referred to as a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). The University of Vermont’s MEPN program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and wish to enter the nursing profession while earning a graduate degree.
Students do not earn a degree upon completion of the pre-licensure year. Rather, the pre-licensure curriculum serves as the first phase and is designed to allow students to progress directly into the M.S. in Nursing curriculum. Successful completion of the pre-licensure year allows students to take the NCLEX-RN examination in Vermont and apply for Vermont RN licensure.
The pre-licensure year is not a stand-alone program and does not confer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS) degree. Because educational and licensure requirements vary by state, completion of the pre-licensure year and eligibility for Vermont RN licensure may not automatically satisfy requirements for licensure in other states.
Students who complete the full M.S. in Nursing program and meet all applicable licensure requirements, including successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination, are eligible to seek RN licensure and practice in accordance with the laws and regulations of the state in which they intend to practice.
Is this an online direct entry M.S.N. program?
No. The MEPN program is not an online direct-entry M.S. program. The first year of the curriculum is delivered on-site at the University of Vermont and includes classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical learning experiences that require in-person attendance.
After successful completion of the pre-licensure year and progression into the graduate portion of the program, students complete the Master of Science in Nursing curriculum through asynchronous online coursework.
MEPN Inquiry Form
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