Accelerated Masters Nursing Program for Non-Nursing College Graduates

Located in the heart of NYC, Columbia University School of Nursing is among the world’s leading centers of nursing education, research, and practice. 

Length of
Program

15 Months

Application
Deadline

October 2024

Decisions
Posted

February 2025

Program Start Date

June 2025

Accelerated Masters Nursing Program for Non-Nursing College Graduates

Located in the heart of NYC, Columbia University School of Nursing is among the world’s leading centers of nursing education, research, and practice. 

Length of
Program

15 Months

Application
Deadline

October 2022

Decisions
Posted

February 2023

Program Start Date

June 2023

The Masters Direct Entry (MDE) Program is a full-time accelerated nursing program for non-nurse college graduates who wish to become registered nurses (RNs).

This program prepares students in the provision of evidence-based nursing care with an emphasis on care coordination and religio/cultural care to patients along the wellness/illness continuum and across all care settings.

Heidi Hahn-Schroeder, DNP, RN

What Makes an Education at Columbia Nursing Unique

Educational Excellence

We prepare students to excel as clinicians, researchers, and nurse leaders. Our reputation for innovation and excellence attracts highly motivated students who are eager to apply the knowledge they acquire and practice at the highest level of the profession.

Clinical Practice

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Students complete over 1,000 clinical hours in small group clinical settings in areas such as labor and delivery, medical surgical, pediatrics, community health, and psychiatric-mental health. The MDE program offers a unique six-week integration experience in which students work one-on-one with an RN in New York or participate in one of many global integration sites. Additionally, we have partnerships with more than 200 practice sites throughout NYC. 

Global Health

Columbia University School of Nursing prepares nurses with the knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills to contribute to the vast health challenges facing most of the world's population. Our mission is to instill in nursing students a sense of global citizenship and ethical responsibility. 

FAQ

Can I work while I am in the program?

It is not possible to work during the MDE program.

What is the outlook for employment and salaries for a Registered Nurse?

The employment and salary outlook for entry-level Registered Nurses is excellent. Please review the U.S. Department of Labor's career data and growth projections.

Can I apply to multiple specialties for the DNP?

 
No. You must choose only one specialty.

Can I choose a specialty for the MDE program?

 
No. The MDE program prepares students as nurse generalists and registered nurses. Thus, students do not choose a specialty.

What degree is awarded after I graduate from the MDE?

Students are awarded a Master of Science degree after graduating from the MDE. New York State does not offer MSN degrees.

Do you require labs for the science prerequisite courses?

Columbia Nursing does not require labs for the science prerequisite courses. However, please check with your home state as labs may be required for your home state licensure.

Financial Aid & Scholarships Available

Columbia University School of Nursing is proud to offer approximately $10 million annually in fellowships and scholarships to our nursing students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, financial need, and exceptional promise for leadership in nursing. 

"Most of the nursing schools I researched offered bachelor’s degree programs, but Columbia Nursing's Masters Direct Entry (MDE) program allows me to get my master’s degree in 15 months, and leads directly into a doctoral program without having to apply again to school. And, as soon as I graduate I can sit for the licensing exam to become an RN. Also, the MDE program offers a lot of clinical hours starting from day one, which was a big draw. I had concerns about transitioning from a different field, and I wanted to be able to get hands-on experience working with patients right away. Columbia Nursing facilitates that."

Author
Janine Inez
Masters Direct Entry Program Student

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560 West 168th Street,
New York, NY 10032
Get More Information About Columbia's Master's Programs for Non-Nursing College Graduates

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Patient Care


A Columbia Nursing education enables students to practice at the highest extent of their preparation, providing accurate, independent diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments and interventions.

Our world-class faculty serve as both educators and clinical role models. Most maintain an active practice, introducing students to the challenges of clinical practice by bringing real-world experiences and scenarios into the classroom.

Columbia Nursing’s faculty practice opened at Columbia-Presbyterian Eastside in Manhattan on September 29, 1997. The faculty's first commercial venture, originally called Columbia Advanced Practice Nurse Associates (CAPNA), responded to the need to further validate cost, quality, and competence benefits of advanced practice nurses. In 2016 it was rebranded as ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group.

Today, the practice operates out of a practice location in Washington Heights, just across the street from Columbia Nursing. Additional practice components include a nurse practitioner house calls service in upper Manhattan and using telehealth to increase access to care.

As part of their practicum, both student nurses and student advanced practice registered nurses have an opportunity for clinical preparation via rotations through the primary care faculty practice.

The faculty practice sub-specializes in the following areas:

  • Integrated mental health
  • Palliative care within the primary care setting
  • Care of LGBTQ individuals

In addition, Columbia Nursing has clinical partnerships with more than 200 practice sites throughout New York City, and affiliations with major New York medical centers including NewYork-Presbyterian. This solid clinical training ground gives our students invaluable experiential learning, and opportunities to actively contribute to the health of individuals and communities, a critical complement to our rigorous classroom curriculum.

Visit the ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group website to make an appointment or learn more.

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