RN-MSN Early-Entry

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RN-MSN Early Entry Admission Information

Admission criteria

Early entry into the RN-MSN program is offered to associate-degree nursing students through a competitive selection process. To be considered for early entry status, applicants who have completed only the first semester of ADN coursework must meet the following admission criteria:

The GRE score is no longer required for RN-MSN Early-Entry.

  • One of the following:
    • A minimum ACT® superscore of 21, or;
    • An earned master's degree.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA (undergraduate and graduate coursework) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum nursing GPA of 3.0, on a 4.0 scale, through the first semester for admission.
  • Must be a full-time ADN student at the partner community college.
  • Minimum grade of "C" in each prerequisite course that has been taken.
    • Fall admits to the ADN program must be currently enrolled in or have already completed 42 credit hours—of which 14 hours must be in the math and sciences—of the total 62 hours of RN-MSN prerequisite coursework.
    • Spring admits to the ADN program must be currently enrolled in or have already completed 25 credit hours—of which eight hours must be in the math and sciences—of the total 62 hours of RN-MSN prerequisite coursework.
  • Students in the Early Entry RN-MSN program must have one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse before taking any clinical courses.
  • If an applicant has been dismissed from any nursing program, one year must pass from date of dismissal to date of eligibility into any UMMC School of Nursing program.

Additional academic policies and regulations(including those pertaining to admission compliance, orientation, registration and examinations)

Technical Standards for Admission, Progression and Graduation (Technical Standards) are an integral component of the School of Nursing (SON) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center academic requirements that identify core professional nursing competencies in eight specific domains - critical thinking/cognitive competencies, professional relationships, communication, mobility, motor skills, hearing and visual skills, observation and tactile senses. Nursing students must meet all the requirements of the Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, in order to successfully progress through and graduate from their respective curricula.

Participating schools

The RN-MSN Early Entry Program is a joint offering of the University of Mississippi School of Nursing and participating community college associate-degree nursing programs, including Hinds Community College and Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Progression and retention

In order to retain status as an RN-MSN Early Entry student, students must meet the following conditions:

  • Maintain continuous full-time enrollment in the participating school's ADN program;
  • Take all required prerequisites at the participating school in the sequence defined by the plan of study;
  • Minimum nursing GPA of 3.0, on a 4.0 scale, throughout ADN program for matriculation to the RN-MSN program. Any grade less than a "C" in required prerequisite courses or nursing courses will result in dismissal from the RN-MSN Early Entry program;
  • Official transcripts must be sent at the end of each semester of the ADN program.

Matriculation into master's program

Upon successful completion of the ADN program, students, who meet the additional admission criteria for the RN-MSN program listed below, will be admitted directly into the RN-MSN program.

  • Completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C" in each course;
  • Minimum nursing GPA of 3.0, on a 4.0 scale, throughout ADN program for matriculation to the RN-MSN program.
  • New ADN graduates must successfully complete the NCLEX® for licensure as a registered nurse by the end of their first semester of RN-MSN coursework. RN students are required to have a valid, unrestricted Mississippi nursing license and/or authorization to practice in Mississippi. Verification of current unrestricted license is required yearly for RN students.

Additional program requirements

Report any change of name, address or phone number to the Office of Enrollment Management.

Applicants accepted into the RN-MSN Early Entry program will receive further information on health requirements, program orientation, class schedule, textbooks and other relevant information in the spring semester prior to summer semester enrollment in the RN-MSN program.

Prior to enrollment in the RN-MSN program accepted students must hold current certification in Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with the American Red Cross which includes the required adult, child and infant life support. Not required for students enrolled in the Nursing and Health Care Administrator track.

Background checks

Mississippi Law requires all health-care workers, including students, to have completed criminal history background checks. All School of Nursing students will be required to successfully clear a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to final admission to the program. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's eligibility to be licensed or certified.

Financial Aid

The State of Mississippi offers several types of assistance to Mississippi residents pursuing a career in the field of nursing. For specific program information and application deadlines, contact State Student Financial Aid at 1-800-327-2980. Ask for the nursing program administrator.