Nursing, M.S. (Accelerated)

Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers a 21-month, five-semester direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program that will prepare you to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL).

SLU’s direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) is the first and only of its kind in Missouri. This 21-month, five-semester program is designed for individuals who are not registered nurses but have already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field. By completing the program, you will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing and be prepared to sit for both the nursing licensure exam and certification as a clinical nurse leader.

The Valentine School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. In 2020, our AMSN NCLEX pass rate was 94%. In 2021, Niche ranked Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing as the No. 8 best college in the country for nursing. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our MSN-NP program as a top 50 program in their Best Graduate Schools survey.

Students who are reviewing our A.M.S.N. program may also consider our one-year accelerated B.S.N. program. 

About Clinical Nurse Leaders

The master’s level coursework of SLU's direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on the competencies and role development you need to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Clinical nurse leaders coordinate the care of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. They focus on outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement, interprofessional communication and application of evidence-based practice.

Graduates initially work as staff nurses, with their CNL skill set later allowing them to pursue advanced roles in health care.

Program Highlights

The increasing number and range of opportunities available in nursing today make the accelerated Master of Science in Nursing the perfect second-degree option. Unique features of this program include:

• Nearly 1,000 hours of clinical experience throughout the program
• Excellent clinical experiences at major St. Louis-area hospitals and health care facilities
• Clinicals begin in the first semester of the program
• Minimum prerequisite course requirements (Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology and Statistics)
• Faculty who are nationally recognized for teaching, research, leadership and student mentorship
• State-of-the-art classroom and simulation laboratory facilities

Curriculum Overview

The master’s level coursework of our direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program focuses on the competencies and role development you need to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Clinical nurse leaders coordinate the care of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. They focus on outcomes measurement, risk assessment, quality improvement, interprofessional communication and application of evidence-based practice. Please see the roadmap for our AMSN curriculum plan.

Admission Requirements

The Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing adheres to the principles of a holistic admission process in which selection criteria are broad-based and linked to our University’s and school’s mission and goals. While we do consider academic metrics we also look at applicant experiences, attributes, potential for success, and how applicants may contribute to the school’s learning environment and to the profession.

• Previous completion of a prior baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an internationally equivalent degree. WES, ECE or equivalently translated transcripts are required for international courses.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.20 or higher on a 4.00 system in previous college work.
• Completion of the following prerequisite coursework: (*Science coursework preferably completed within the last five years.)
  • *Microbiology (3 credits)
  • *Human Anatomy (3 credits)
  • *Human Physiology (3 credits)
  • Inferential Statistics (3 credits)

Contact slunurse@slu.edu for an unofficial transcript review.

Licensure Disclosure

The curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Missouri.  Note that the Missouri Board of Nursing may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license; we encourage you to investigate these requirements.

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for nursing licensure in any other states or territories. We encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission at the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing.

Requirements for International Students

Due to the rigor of this accelerated program, international students are recommended to have a 100 on the computer based TOEFL (iBT) or a 7 on the IELTS is required to demonstrate students' English proficiency.

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
• Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Process

Applying for the direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing program requires careful planning to ensure that all admission requirements are met. You may experience a significant delay in processing if the application instructions are not followed exactly as listed. 

Please follow the four steps outlined below to apply:

Step 1 - Application

Submit the application form and fee through either SLU or NursingCAS. 

Note: Students only need to submit one application option. There is no preference by the School of Nursing between the SLU or NursingCAS application. 

Step 2 - Transcripts

Option A: If you are completing the application through SLU please submit your official e-transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to graduate@slu.edu.

Option B: If you are completing the application through NursingCAS please submit your official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended in sealed envelopes directly to NursingCAS. They will provide instructions when the application is initiated.

Option A and B: If you have completed college credits outside of the U.S., you must submit:

• The official evaluated transcript from an accredited credential evaluation service (WES or ECE).
• The official foreign transcript.

Step 3 - Resume

Attach your professional resume within the SLU or NursingCAS application. 

Step 4 - Professional Goal Statement

Attach your professional goal statement within the SLU or NursingCAS application. The goal statement should outline your anticipated nursing career trajectory for five years after graduating and include an explanation of why you've decided on that path. The statement should be one-to-two pages and double-spaced.

Application Deadline

Although the application deadline is July 1, students are strongly encouraged to apply and submit all supporting documents by Feb. 1, as space is limited.

Review Process

The Valentine School of Nursing admits students on a rolling basis, typically beginning in February, and there is a deadline to accept an offer of admission.

Careers

Graduates of our direct entry accelerated Master of Science in Nursing often initially work as staff nurses, with their CNL skill set later allowing them to pursue advanced roles in health care.

This is not an advanced practice role. Graduates of this accelerated master’s program will not be prepared for certification as a nurse practitioner but may pursue a post-master's certificate in that area.   

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans.  For price estimates, please review the SLU Cost Calculator.  

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students.  Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will be able to implement collaborative strategies to provide ethical, high quality, safe, effective, patient-centered care.

2. Graduates will be able to use scholarly inquiry including evidence-based practice and research application to improve decision-making and health outcomes.

3. Graduates will be able to integrate advanced competencies, skills, theories, and cultural sensitivity in relationships with patients and professionals.

4. Graduates will be able to design culturally sensitive patient care that includes health promotion and disease prevention.

5. Graduates will be able to facilitate the improvement of health care through leadership within health care systems and communities.

6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate competence in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing that builds on foundational nursing knowledge.

7. Graduates will be able to utilize health care informatics and technologies to support practice.

8. Graduates will be able to advocate for policies that improve the health of the public and the profession of nursing.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
NURS 4600	Pharmacology in Nursing	3
NURS 5010	Nursing Strategies in Physiological Health Alterations	6
NURS 5015	Nursing Strategies in Psychosocial Health Alterations	4
NURS 5020	Health Care Systems & Policy	3
NURS 5025	Informatics and Quality Improvement	3
NURS 5035	Foundations in Nursing Care	3
NURS 5080	Advanced Pharmacology	3
NURS 5115	Advanced Health Assessment for the Generalist Nurse	3
NURS 5145	Nursing Strategies for Health Promotion	3
NURS 5170	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NURS 5205	Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Generalist Nurse	3
HCE 5500	Ethics in Nursing& Health Care	2
NURS 5601	Clinical Studies I	4
NURS 5602	Clinical Studies II	3
NURS 5603	Clinical Studies III	4
NURS 5604	Advanced Clinical Studies	4
NURS 5605	Practicum in Clinical Leadership	5
NURS 5606	Clinical Nursing Leadership for Advanced Generalists	3
NURS 5607	Advanced Synthesis of Nursing Concepts	1
NURS 5608	Physiological Adaptations of the Complex Client	2
Total Credits		65

Non-Course Requirements

Students will complete 1000 clinical hours.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid

Year One
Fall		Credits
Critical course:  NURS 4600	Pharmacology in Nursing	3
Critical course:  NURS 5115	Advanced Health Assessment for the Generalist Nurse	3
Critical course:  NURS 5170	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
Critical course:  NURS 5035	Foundations in Nursing Care	3
Critical course:  NURS 5145	Nursing Strategies for Health Promotion	3
	Credits	15
Spring
Critical course:  NURS 5010	Nursing Strategies in Physiological Health Alterations	6
Critical course:  NURS 5015	Nursing Strategies in Psychosocial Health Alterations	4
Critical course:  NURS 5205	Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Generalist Nurse	3
Critical course:  HCE 5500	Ethics in Nursing& Health Care	2
	Credits	15
Summer
Critical course:  NURS 5601	Clinical Studies I	4
Critical course:  NURS 5602	Clinical Studies II	3
Critical course:  NURS 5020	Health Care Systems & Policy	3
	Credits	10
Year Two
Fall
Critical course:  NURS 5603	Clinical Studies III	4
Critical course:  NURS 5604	Advanced Clinical Studies	4
Critical course:  NURS 5025	Informatics and Quality Improvement	3
Critical course:  NURS 5080	Advanced Pharmacology	3
	Credits	14
Spring
Critical course:  NURS 5605	Practicum in Clinical Leadership	5
Critical course:  NURS 5606	Clinical Nursing Leadership for Advanced Generalists	3
Critical course:  NURS 5607	Advanced Synthesis of Nursing Concepts	1
NURS 5608	Physiological Adaptations of the Complex Client	2
	Credits	11
	Total Credits	65

Licensure Examination

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the professional licensure examination; however, the Missouri Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 335.066, states, “Completion of an educational program leading to a degree or diploma in nursing does not guarantee eligibility to write the licensure examination.” Background checks are required of applicants for clinical rotations and again to apply for licensure.

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Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact the Valentine School of Nursing's recruitment and enrollment staff:

Undergraduate Inquiries
314-977-8995 
slunurse@slu.edu 

Graduate Inquiries
314-977-8976 
gradnurse@slu.edu