Prelicensure Entry-Level Master's in Nursing

UNC Greensboro’s Prelicensure Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and want to become registered nurses. This direct-entry MSN pathway allows qualified students to transition into the nursing profession while earning a graduate nursing degree rather than completing a second bachelor’s degree.

Completed through full-time study over 24 months, the program combines foundational nursing education, clinical experiences, and graduate-level coursework in leadership, quality and safety, population health, healthcare technology, and evidence-based nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to apply for registered nurse licensure and take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Why UNCG’s School of Nursing PELMSN Degree?

UNCG’s Prelicensure Entry-Level MSN provides an accelerated path into professional nursing for students whose previous education and career experience began outside the field. Rather than starting over with another undergraduate degree, students build on their existing bachelor’s education while completing the nursing coursework and clinical preparation required to enter professional practice. Program highlights include:

• A foundation for future nursing leadership, specialty education, or doctoral study
• Designed specifically for students with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields
• A 24-month, full-time pathway to an MSN
• Preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination
• Clinical education across multiple patient populations and healthcare settings
• Graduate-level study of nursing leadership, quality and safety, healthcare systems, and population health
• Preparation for entry-level registered nursing practice with a graduate nursing degree

Nursing Student Support

UNCG’s School of Nursing PELMSN program lets you earn your degree within 24 months, attending full-time, so you can start your nursing career sooner. You’ll get support from faculty and student support advisors and learn important leadership skills. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to become registered nurses and pursue nursing jobs in many healthcare settings, and can also continue their education or pursue advanced roles.

• Accelerated Pathway: Our program offers an accelerated pathway to earning your MSN degree, allowing you to enter the nursing profession more quickly and efficiently.  
• Develop Leadership Skills: Acquire the skills crucial for future nurse leadership roles, empowering you for success in your career.  
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of our PELMSN program are well prepared for entry-level nursing positions across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. 
• Pathway to Advanced Practice: Upon graduation, you’ll have the foundation to pursue advanced practice nursing roles or further your education with a post-master’s certificate or doctoral degree. 
• National Recognition: The MSN program is ranked No. 14 nationally in the U.S. News & World Report listing of “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.” 

MSN Career Outcomes

Earning your Master’s in Nursing with UNCG’s PELMSN degree program opens a range of higher-level nursing opportunities to you, many with substantially higher salaries. Some of the roles you can qualify for (depending on your chosen concentration) include:  

• Clinical nurse educator  
• Academic nursing faculty  
• Nurse leader or manager 
• Program director  

As graduates gain professional nursing experience, the MSN can also provide a foundation for future opportunities in nursing leadership, healthcare administration, education, specialized clinical practice, or additional graduate and doctoral education. Specific advanced-practice roles may require additional graduate education, certification, clinical experience, and licensure.