RN to MSN

RN to MSN option

The RN to MSN option is an alternative pathway for admission to the Master’s Degree Program. The RN to MSN option enables qualified registered nurse (RN) students to achieve the baccalaureate degree requirements while pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The family nurse practitioner (FNP) or the nurse educator (NE) option is currently available. Forty hours of placement credit is awarded upon completion of the FNP or NE option; therefore, the RN to MSN option reduces the time ordinarily required to achieve the baccalaureate and the MSN, from approximately four years of full-time study to approximately three years of full-time study.  The Registrar's Office maintains dual enrollment (both RN to BS and RN to MSN) to allow the student to continue the RN-BS option, if he/she is unable to complete the MSN.

The student will be admitted as a non-degree seeking graduate student until qualified for full admission to the MSN degree program.  Students must complete the undergraduate and graduate nursing courses required in the first year of the RN to MSN option in one academic year. Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee admission to the graduate nursing program.

Admissions requirements to the RN to MSN option

        Applicants seeking admission to the RN to MSN option in nursing must meet the following requirements:

1. An associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing
2. A current, unrestricted RN license in North Carolina or one of the Nurse Licensure Compact States
3. One year of professional experience as an RN; prefer 2 year
4. Completion  of the 58 credits in non-nursing undergraduate courses designated for the RN to MSN option with a 3.0 or better grade point average (on a 4 point scale) is required before admission as a non-degree seeking student in the Graduate School is granted
5. Must be admitted to the UNCW Graduate School as a non-degree seeking student
6. Submit to the School of Nursing Student Services Office official transcripts (or copies of transcripts) of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
7. Three recommendations by individuals who can comment on the applicant’s potential for successfully completing the master’s program. (One each from a former nurse faculty member and a current or former employer, preferred.)
8. Current resume or curriculum vitae

      Applicants must have basic computer skills (at a minimum, ability to use electronic mail, a web browser, multi-media presentations, and word processing - (Microsoft Word preferred) since required undergraduate nursing courses are online.

        The School of Nursing accepts applications for the RN to MSN option for fall semester, only.   Applications which are postmarked no later than March 1 will receive first consideration for the following fall semester admission. Applications postmarked after March 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Admission decisions are based on several factors, including a strong overall undergraduate academic record and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination; however, other indicators of success may be considered for admission.

Admissions requirements to the Graduate School (degree-seeking) and the School of Nursing Graduate Program

        Students enrolled in the RN to MSN option must complete application to the UNCW Graduate School and the UNCW School of Nursing MSN Program initially in non-degree-seeking status.  Upon successful completion of the first year of the RN to MSN option, the School of Nursing will notify the Graduate School to change the status to degree-seeking.

Applicants are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for admission to non-degree status
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
3. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination general test (Test scores more than five years old at the time of application will not be considered) must also be submitted during the first-year while completing courses leading to the RN-MSN.

In addition, the following required items should be submitted directly to the School of Nursing:

1.     Demographics form

2.     A copy of a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse License in North Carolina or a Nurse Licensure Compact State

3.     Documentation of two years clinical practice as a registered nurse

4.     Current resume or curriculum vitae

Link to Degree Requirements

Link to Intent to Enroll Form

Part-time Program

        Students must complete the undergraduate and graduate nursing courses required in the first year of the RN to MSN option in one academic year. Students may enroll in the second and third years of the RN to MSN option (graduate nursing courses) part-time. The program may be completed in five years. Each student will work with his/her advisor in designing his/her part-time program of study. A copy of the suggested program of part-time study can be obtained from the School of Nursing, Student Services Office.

Additional information about the UNCW School of Nursing RN to MSN Option is available from:

Dr. Yeoun Soo Kim-Godwin
Program Coordinator RN to BS Option
Friday Annex
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
Phone: (910) 962 - 3926
Email: kimy@uncw.edu

Dr. Julie Smith Taylor
Graduate Program Coordinator
Friday Annex 189
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
Phone: (910) 962 - 7927
Email: taylorjs@uncw.edu

Dr. Ruth Anne Kuiper
Academic Advisor
Friday Annex 132
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
Phone: (910) 962 - 3343
Email: kuiperr@uncw.edu

For additional questions or more information contact:
Paula Kennedy-Dudley
Director of Student Services
Telephone: (910)962-7211
Email: son@uncw.edu