Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)

There are three pathways to enter the RN to MSN Program depending on your educational record, review of required documentation, and candidate status.

Please Note: New candidates must first apply for admission to the College.

Candidates must submit a Graduate Application with RN to MSN Program selected, meet the following criteria, and submit the following documentation:

1. Possess a degree in nursing at the associate or diploma level from an institution: 
   1. with a professional accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), and
   2. that is approved/accredited by a historically regional accreditor.
2. Submit official transcripts of previous associate or diploma nursing degree coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale (Pathway 1), or minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0/4.0 scale (Pathway 2) and a conferred associate or diploma degree in nursing.
3. Block Credit/Transfer Credit: Applicants may receive block credit for a previously earned college degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program. The Office of Student Records will review the transcript and determine the number of block credit hours that will be granted ranging from 32-39 credit hours for previous nursing coursework in an associate degree or diploma program. Submit other official transcripts for review for general education transfer credit.
4. Registered Nurse (RN) License Verification of an active, unencumbered RN license.
5. Submit a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.

Pathway 1:

This option is available for new candidates with an acceptable review of required documentation who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale or higher from their associate or diploma nursing program.

1. Candidate will be granted full admission into the RN to MSN Program.
2. Candidate must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale on the undergraduate general education and RN to MSN baccalaureate nursing coursework to remain eligible to continue into the graduate nursing coursework.
3. Candidate in Pathway 1 will need to complete the RN to MSN Candidacy Form only if their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0/4.0 scale in the general education and RN to MSN baccalaureate nursing coursework.

Pathway 2:

This option is available for new candidates with an acceptable review of required documentation who have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0-2.9 from their associate or diploma nursing program. This will be a two-step process in which the candidate will first complete the required undergraduate coursework listed below, then submit an RN to MSN Candidacy Form to be reviewed for approval to begin the graduate coursework.

Admission requirements for RN to MSN Program

1. Candidate will be granted admission into the RN to MSN Program contingent upon completing the coursework outlined in step 2, and cumulative GPA.
2. Complete required undergraduate general education coursework and RN to MSN baccalaureate nursing coursework for the following courses NUR 304, NUR 324, NUR 374, NUR 384, NUR 414, and NUR 491 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale for full admission or minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3-2.9/4.0 scale for provisional admission prior to beginning graduate coursework.
3. Submit RN to MSN Candidacy Form (to begin Graduate Coursework) the semester before taking NUR 414.
4. Conditions of Provisional Admission
   1. Failure to meet any of the conditions below will result in program dismissal.
      1. Students are required to earn a grade of a “B” or higher in the first six (6) credit hours of coursework to be fully admitted to the program. Students who are not passing at midterm will be permitted to complete their coursework. 
      2. Students are required to work with their Academic Advisor to complete a Graduate Success Plan as outlined in their Provisional Acceptance Letter.
   2. After successful completion of six (6) credit hours of graduate coursework, and completion of the requirements outlined in the Graduate Success Plan, students will have the provisional admission status removed from their record.
5. Please note: If at the time of request for admission into the MSN program the student’s cumulative GPA is not a minimum of 2.3/4.0 scale in their baccalaureate coursework, the student would remain eligible to continue in the RN to BSN Program.

Pathway 3:

This option is available for candidates who are current students in the BSN-C Program with an acceptable review of required documentation who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale or higher for full admission or cumulative GPA of 2.3-2.9/4.0 for provisional admission on their baccalaureate coursework who wish to take advantage of the RN to MSN Program option.

1. Submit RN to MSN Candidacy Form before taking NUR 414.
2. Submit a current professional resume or curriculum vitae.

Health Requirements (MSN Program)

The College requires all students entering programs which include a clinical component, practicum, or field experience (health program) to comply with specific health requirements, such as documentation of positive titers, vaccinations, and other health requirements. Students may request waivers or extensions of vaccinations and other health requirements, which may be approved or denied by clinical facilities. If waivers/extensions are denied, it will prevent placement in clinical experiences and progression in the academic program. The College will make a reasonable attempt to find alternate clinical placements for students seeking waivers or extensions of vaccinations, but it is at the discretion of clinical sites whether students are permitted to participate in clinical experiences. The requirements may vary depending on the program of study and the clinical agency. Students in such programs can find information on criminal background checks, drug screens, and health requirements at https://www.mercycollege.edu/background. Current information is maintained on the College website and is subject to change. Students are responsible for all costs associated with criminal background checks, drug screens, and health requirements. Students who do not meet listed health requirements may not be able to fulfill the clinical, practicum, or field experience requirements and complete their program of study.

Please see the program administrator with questions regarding documentation for health records, including titer and vaccination requirements.

To earn the Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) degree students must complete all college requirements for the RN to MSN degree including: