Johns Hopkins School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
JHSON’s flagship pre-licensure path is the MSN Entry into Nursing (graduate entry for career changers)—plus MSN leadership, DNP, PhD, and certificates. This guide cites Maryland Board of Nursing first-time NCLEX-RN data for the Direct Entry MSN row and official JHSON tuition language; confirm every detail for your entry term.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
On the East Baltimore campus, JHSON pairs graduate-entry pre-licensure training (MSN Entry) with Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning resources, optional Inside, Outside community-focused clinical tracks, and proximity to Johns Hopkins Medicine—while published NCLEX outcomes for the Direct Entry MSN pathway appear in Maryland Board of Nursing annual RN PDFs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing sits on the East Baltimore health-sciences campus, steps from Johns Hopkins Hospital and a dense network of specialty centers. Unlike many schools that route new nurses through a traditional BSN, JHSON’s headline pre-licensure offering is the MSN Entry into Nursing—a four-semester, full-time, on-campus program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want RN licensure with master’s-level preparation from day one.
According to JHSON admissions, the school highlights strong national graduate rankings (for example, U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 nursing graduate rankings and QS world nursing rankings as described on the school’s news pages). Rankings shift by year and methodology—treat them as orientation, not a guarantee of fit.
According to the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN statistics for FY 2023 (July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023), Johns Hopkins University is listed under Direct Entry MSN Programs with 291 first-time testers and 249 passing, for an 85.57% first-time pass rate. The same table reports a 85.44% aggregate first-time pass rate for all Maryland Direct Entry MSN programs (352 of 412 testers)—benchmark context from the identical official report. Confirm newer fiscal-year PDFs on the Maryland Board of Nursing education NCLEX statistics page and verify cohort labels with the Board and JHSON.
Reasons students choose Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Graduate-entry path to RN licensure
The MSN Entry program compresses rigorous pre-licensure preparation into four semesters and awards an MSN while positioning graduates for NCLEX-RN and early leadership roles—details and competency-based design are described on the MSN Entry page.
Simulation and immersive learning
JHSON points students to the Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning for high-fidelity practice before and alongside hospital and community rotations.
Inside, Outside clinical innovation
A small cohort can pursue the Inside, Outside track with clinical experiences focused outside traditional inpatient hospitals—community clinics, outpatient sites, and longitudinal preceptorships.
Doctoral depth on the same campus
After RN licensure, alumni can continue into DNP and PhD programs with published transfer-credit allowances from MSN Entry (limits vary by track—read the doctoral pages).
Baltimore–Washington clinical corridor
MSN Entry FAQs note clinical placements in Baltimore City and within about a 60-mile radius—students should plan for transportation across a major Mid-Atlantic healthcare market.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below mirrors JHSON Academics and linked program hubs (March 2026). Johns Hopkins does not advertise a standalone traditional BSN for new undergraduates on that academics hub; pre-licensure RN preparation is centered on the MSN Entry into Nursing pathway for career changers with a prior bachelor’s degree.
Pre-licensure (RN preparation)
MSN Entry into Nursing
Four-semester, full-time, in-person program for applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree; graduates earn an MSN and become eligible for NCLEX-RN after completing the curriculum. Includes prerequisites (17–21 credits) and competency-based progression (C+ or better to advance). See program page.
Post-licensure / leadership MSN
MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership
Full-time, part-time, and online tracks for nurses seeking systems and leadership roles; dual MSN/MBA listed under dual-degree programming.
Doctoral
DNP (multiple tracks)
Includes Advanced Practice, Post-Master’s, Executive Practice, nurse anesthesia (CRNA), and dual DNP/MBA, DNP/MPH, DNP/PhD combinations per JHSON doctoral and tuition PDF listings.
PhD in Nursing
Research doctorate preparing nurse scientists; credit transfer from MSN Entry is described on the doctoral FAQ with program-specific caps.
Certificates & prerequisites
Post-master’s certificates
Examples on the Tuition & Fees page include Healthcare Organizational Leadership, Nursing Education, Pediatric Acute Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP certificates—confirm active cohorts with admissions.
Prerequisites for Health Professions
Online science and statistics prerequisites priced per course on Tuition & Fees; JHSON states these credits are not eligible for federal Title IV aid.
Tracks, delivery modes, and cohort availability change. Always confirm the exact program name, campus requirement, and accreditation status on JHSON’s catalog and with the admissions office.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Maryland publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass counts by program type. Johns Hopkins’ pre-licensure MSN cohorts appear in the Direct Entry MSN table row labeled Johns Hopkins University (not the BSN table). Always read the footnotes and required-passing-rate lines packaged with each PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Direct Entry MSN, FY 2023) | 85.57% (249 of 291 first-time testers)—Johns Hopkins University row, Maryland Board of Nursing PDF |
| Maryland Direct Entry MSN aggregate (same FY 2023 table) | 85.44% (352 of 412 first-time testers)—context only from the same official report |
| Maryland required passing rate (noted in FY 2023 PDF) | 74.89%—provided in the same MBON document for interpretation alongside program rows |
| Newer fiscal years | Download FY 2024, FY 2025, or later RN PDFs from the Maryland Board of Nursing education NCLEX statistics page (tables may also appear on mbon.maryland.gov mirrors). |
| Source | Maryland BON — NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDF. Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. JHSON maintains a dedicated International Students hub covering transcripts, English exams, and visa considerations. Use the checklist below, then confirm details with admissions and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS expectations for degree programs; MSN Entry links to standardized test guidance for non-native English speakers.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluations may be required; F-1 applicants must complete prerequisites before I-20 issuance—JHSON lists earlier transcript deadlines (May/October anchors) for visa processing.
- Maryland Board of Nursing: Confirm NCLEX-RN eligibility, criminal background, and documentation for Maryland licensure or endorsement.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical placements must align with visa work/practical training rules; not all sites may be available to international students.
Policies change frequently. Verify with JHSON admissions and the Maryland Board of Nursing—this content is guidance, not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Applications for master’s and doctoral nursing programs at JHSON run through NursingCAS. The admissions office states that no supplemental application fee is charged beyond NursingCAS (see Tuition & Fees). Holistic review includes academics, experience, recommendations, essays, and—for MSN Entry—a virtual interview/video essay.
Application timeline (MSN Entry into Nursing)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall entry | November 1 | First deadline listed on the MSN Entry page |
| Fall entry | January 15 | Second deadline listed on the MSN Entry page |
| Spring entry | July 1 | First deadline listed on the MSN Entry page |
| Spring entry | October 1 | Second deadline listed on the MSN Entry page |
| All programs | Official deadlines page | Confirm NursingCAS program codes and term availability |
Admissions snapshot (MSN Entry)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Prior degree | Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field from a regionally accredited institution (or comparable international degree per JHSON international guidance) |
| Minimum cumulative GPA | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale across all prior college work (MSN Entry requirements page) |
| GRE | Accepted but not required |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on published MSN Entry criteria (March 2026)—confirm if a future catalog adds exams |
| Other requirements | Three recommendations (two academic, one professional), resume, written essay, official transcripts, virtual interview/video essay; TOEFL/IELTS if English is not native language |
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Fall 2025 cohort profile (school-reported) | MSN Entry page lists sample demographics (e.g., average age 26, 17 countries represented)—marketing snapshot, not a predictor of admission |
Honest tips for applicants
Because MSN Entry is accelerated, admissions teams look for evidence you can manage an intensive science sequence and rapid clinical ramp-up—use your essay and interview to show resilience, teamwork, and clarity about nursing’s demands. Complete prerequisite planning early, especially if you need F-1 visa timing (JHSON lists earlier transcript deadlines for visa applicants). For other pathways (DNP, MSN HOL), requirements differ—open the specific program page before building your timeline.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
JHSON publishes estimated costs and reminds students that indirect expenses (housing, food, transportation) vary. MSN Entry materials note a 2–3% annual planning bump for some indirect costs and that final fall 2026 figures may post in late spring—read the linked PDFs for your exact start term.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| MSN Entry into Nursing tuition (estimated) | $28,000 per semester for four semesters (tuition held flat year two), pending JHU Board of Trustee approval—per MSN Entry Tuition & Other Costs section |
| Additional MSN Entry costs | Living expenses, course materials, transportation, and fees (program page); see JHSON cost PDFs for your cohort start |
| Online prerequisite courses (2025–26 listing) | $1,125 per 3-credit course; $1,500 per 4-credit course—pay at registration; not eligible for federal student aid per Tuition & Fees |
| Deposits & fees (general SON policy) | $500 non-refundable acceptance deposit ($1,000 for DNP Nurse Anesthesia); $500 matriculation fee; health insurance and health service fee requirements described on Tuition & Fees |
| Scholarships (MSN Entry page) | Merit and need-based awards considered at admission; published ranges from $5,000 to full tuition—confirm methodology with financial aid |
| Source | MSN Entry program page; JHSON Tuition & Fees; Financial Aid & Scholarships. Confirm current amounts with JHSON Student Financial Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After MSN Entry, graduates sit for NCLEX-RN and may enter staff nursing roles or continue into doctoral preparation. This section repeats only board-cited licensure exam data; employment percentages are not reproduced here without a clearly linked, dated school outcomes report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Direct Entry MSN) | 85.57% (FY 2023, 291 testers)—Maryland Board of Nursing PDF; see NCLEX section for links |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not reproduced here without a cited, dated JHSON consumer outcomes document—check the school’s official outcomes or career pages |
| Source | Maryland BON FY 2023 NCLEX-RN PDF; Johns Hopkins School of Nursing admissions and career resources. Confirm current cohort data with JHSON. |
Is Johns Hopkins School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Choose JHSON if you want a graduate-level, accelerated route to RN licensure in a major academic medical center environment—and you are prepared for private graduate tuition and a full-time Baltimore-based schedule. Look elsewhere if you need a traditional four-year BSN, part-time pre-licensure study, or the lowest-cost public option.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want an MSN while becoming an RN.
- Thrive in fast-paced, simulation-heavy, high-expectation academic environments.
- Plan to stay in the Mid-Atlantic for clinical commuting or want access to Johns Hopkins–affiliated learning ecosystems.
- May pursue DNP or PhD nursing study soon after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a part-time or fully online pre-licensure program (MSN Entry is full-time and primarily in person).
- Are seeking a traditional BSN right out of high school (not the pathway JHSON highlights on its academics hub).
- Require the lowest total tuition and fees (compare Maryland public universities and community college ADN-to-BSN routes).
- Cannot arrange transportation to clinical sites within ~60 miles of Baltimore.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Baltimore anchors Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, LifeBridge Health, and numerous community health centers and public agencies. MSN Entry clinical learning draws from sites in Baltimore City and within about a 60-mile radius—students should expect a mix of acute, community, and specialty experiences rather than a single employer.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins Hospital & Johns Hopkins Bayview | Flagship quaternary-care campuses associated with Johns Hopkins Medicine—common touchpoints for students rotating through the Hopkins ecosystem (specific units vary by semester). |
| University of Maryland Medical Center | Academic medical center in downtown Baltimore; part of a large multi-hospital system serving complex urban patient populations. |
| MedStar Health | Multi-hospital network with several Baltimore-area facilities; broad primary through tertiary services. |
| Community & FQHC partners | Inside, Outside and public-health coursework emphasize outpatient and community agencies—aligns with population-health competencies in the MSN Entry curriculum. |
| Regional demand | The Baltimore–Washington corridor remains a high-volume employer of RNs and advanced-practice nurses; exact job availability varies by specialty and credential. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Students take most non-clinical MSN Entry courses inside the School of Nursing building on the East Baltimore campus, using formats from traditional lecture to flipped classrooms. Clinical rotations occur off-site plus in the simulation center. Admissions hosts tours, virtual sessions, and recruitment events—check the Visit calendar. Student life also connects to wider Johns Hopkins University resources, though graduate nursing schedules are demanding.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Baltimore, MD
- Address
- 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, US
- Telephone
- +1-410-955-7548
- Contact email
- jhuson@jhu.edu
- Website
- nursing.jhu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Johns Hopkins School of Nursing site and the MSN Entry into Nursing page for curriculum, deadlines, and prerequisites.
- Compare your transcripts to the MSN Entry prerequisite list (science labs, statistics, lifespan development, nutrition) and plan any remaining courses—including JHSON’s online prerequisites if needed.
- For MSN Entry, confirm testing requirements: the program lists GRE as accepted but not required and uses a virtual interview/video essay—there is no TEAS requirement on the published criteria page.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offer a traditional pre-licensure BSN?
No—JHSON’s public academics hub centers pre-licensure RN preparation on the MSN Entry into Nursing program for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. If you need a traditional undergraduate BSN, consider other Maryland programs and confirm pathways with those schools.
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for Johns Hopkins Direct Entry MSN in Maryland data?
The Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 PDF lists Johns Hopkins University under Direct Entry MSN Programs at 85.57% first-time pass (249 of 291 testers, July 2022–June 2023). Download newer fiscal-year RN PDFs from the Maryland Board of Nursing and confirm cohort labels with the Board and JHSON.
How much does Johns Hopkins MSN Entry into Nursing cost?
The program page cites about $28,000 per semester for four semesters (with tuition held flat in year two), pending trustee approval, plus living costs, materials, and fees. See JHSON Tuition & Fees and cohort-specific PDFs.
What are the MSN Entry application deadlines at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing?
Published MSN Entry deadlines are Fall: November 1 and January 15; Spring: July 1 and October 1. Cross-check the master application deadlines page and NursingCAS.
Does Johns Hopkins MSN Entry require the TEAS exam?
Published MSN Entry criteria list GRE optional, interview/video essay, transcripts, recommendations, resume, and personal essay—no TEAS appears on that requirements list (March 2026). Reconfirm if you apply for a later catalog year.
What prerequisites do I need for Johns Hopkins MSN Entry?
Seventeen to twenty-one credits of sciences (anatomy/physiology or A&P sequence with labs, microbiology lab), nutrition, lifespan development, and statistics with inferential content—minimum B-. Courses may be in progress when you apply but must be complete before matriculation; JHSON offers online prerequisites.
Where will I complete clinicals in the Johns Hopkins MSN Entry program?
Program FAQs state placements in Baltimore City and within roughly 60 miles of campus, with first-semester assignments made by the school and limited guarantee of preferred sites later. Students need dependable transportation.
Is Johns Hopkins School of Nursing accredited?
JHSON advertises CCNE-accredited nursing programs. Verify each pathway and the effective dates on the school’s accreditation page and the CCNE directory.
What graduate programs does Johns Hopkins offer after MSN Entry?
Alumni may pursue DNP (multiple tracks), PhD, post-master’s certificates, and dual degrees such as DNP/MBA—see Doctoral programs. Credit transfer limits from MSN Entry vary by program.
References
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing — homenursing.jhu.edu
- MSN Entry into Nursing programnursing.jhu.edu/programs/masters-entry/
- JHSON Tuition & Feesnursing.jhu.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX education statisticshealth.maryland.gov/mbon
- Maryland BON — NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDF (Direct Entry MSN table)nclex-rn-stats-fy2023.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment between JHSON’s published MSN Entry, tuition, and academics pages; the Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 NCLEX-RN PDF (Direct Entry MSN row); and internal NurseOnShift Maryland URL conventions.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy