Duke University School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Admissions (2026)
Duke School of Nursing in Durham offers a Master of Nursing (MEPN) pre-licensure pathway, MSN and DNP programs, a PhD, and certificates—backed by Duke Health and strong regional clinical demand. Figures below cite Duke’s published tuition and the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX report; confirm updates with both sources.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Duke is transitioning pre-licensure applicants from the sunset ABSN to the on-campus Master of Nursing (MEPN)—four full-time semesters, Center for Nursing Discovery simulation, and eligibility for NCLEX-RN—while the MSN/DNP portfolio remains a major draw for licensed RNs seeking distance-based APRN education.
Overview & Why Students Choose Duke University School of Nursing
Located on Duke’s Durham campus, the School of Nursing emphasizes equitable care, innovation, and practice-ready education tied to one of the country’s largest academic health systems. For pre-licensure students with a prior bachelor’s in a non-nursing field, Duke’s Master’s Entry to the Practice of Nursing (MEPN) awards a Master of Nursing (MN) and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN; the legacy Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is ending in Spring 2026 with no new admits, per Duke.
Licensed RNs can pursue distance-based MSN and DNP pathways (including nurse anesthesia, which holds separate COA accreditation), a research PhD, and postgraduate certificates—reflecting Duke’s long-standing focus on graduate nursing education and specialty certificates.
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 NCLEX-RN first-time testing pass rates publication, Duke University’s BSN program row shows a 100% first-time pass rate. Future MN cohorts will appear in Board reports as graduates test; confirm the latest year and program row with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and Duke.
Reasons students choose Duke University School of Nursing
Duke Health & Research Triangle
Clinical experiences connect to Duke University Hospital and a dense regional healthcare market, including UNC Health and community partners across the Research Triangle.
Center for Nursing Discovery
High-fidelity simulation and accredited simulation labs support pre-licensure and advanced practice skills.
Graduate breadth
Eight APRN MSN majors plus DNP tracks (including CRNA) and a nursing PhD, with specialty certificates and post-graduate options.
Holistic admissions
Duke emphasizes holistic review for MN, MSN, and DNP programs with rolling timelines and published priority dates for MN.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following aligns with Duke’s published academic programs list: pre-licensure Master of Nursing (MEPN), post-licensure MSN and DNP (including nurse anesthesia), PhD, specialty certificates, and post-graduate certificates. The Accelerated BSN is ending in Spring 2026 and is not admitting new students.
Pre-licensure
Master of Nursing (MN) — MEPN
Four full-time on-campus semesters for applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree; prepares for NCLEX-RN. Duke lists rolling admissions with priority windows (e.g., fall: Sept–Dec 1; spring: Jan–May 1).
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Duke states this program ends Spring 2026 and is no longer admitting new students; pre-licensure applicants are directed to the MN program.
Post-licensure & graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Eight APRN majors (e.g., AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, NNP, PNP acute/primary, PMHNP, WHNP) and health systems majors; Duke notes some systems majors may not accept new students—verify on the program page.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Practice doctorate including Nurse Anesthesia (COA-accredited per Duke). Tuition varies by track (e.g., higher semester averages for nurse anesthesia).
PhD in Nursing
Research-focused doctorate for nursing science and academic careers.
Specialty & post-graduate certificates
Specialty certificates (e.g., cardiology, oncology) and post-graduate APRN certificates aligned with Duke majors.
Tracks, start terms, and acceptance of new students can change. Confirm the current catalog, ABSN wind-down, and MSN systems-major status on Duke’s academic programs page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 NCLEX-RN first-time testing pass rates (annual report), Duke University is listed with a 100% first-time pass rate in the BSN program category for that reporting year. This reflects Duke’s pre-licensure BSN/ABSN pathway as reported by the Board; the newer MN (MEPN) cohorts will appear under the Board’s program labels as graduates begin testing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | 100% (NC BON 2024 report, BSN program row for Duke University) |
| Source | North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates and 2024 one-year RN pass rates (PDF). Confirm current cohort data with the school and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Duke University School of Nursing and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Meet Duke’s scores for your program; see Duke’s international student requirements.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluation if your degree is non-U.S., per Duke MN guidance.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Duke University School of Nursing’s international office and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Duke School of Nursing uses holistic admissions across programs, weighing experience and mission fit alongside grades and test scores where applicable. The MN program publishes clear minimum GPA and prerequisite rules; MSN and DNP use rolling review. Program-specific nursing acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed for this guide.
Application timeline (MN example)
| Entry Term | Priority window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Sept–Dec 1 | Applications after Dec 1 reviewed space-available. |
| Spring | Jan–May 1 | Applications after May 1 reviewed space-available. |
| MSN / DNP | Rolling | Applications reviewed as completed until cohorts fill (see program pages). |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (MN) | 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Duke MN admissions) |
| GRE | Not required for MN (per Duke MN FAQ) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed as required for MN on materials reviewed; confirm for other pathways on the relevant admissions page |
| Interview | Not required for MN; optional campus visits by arrangement |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition is published per program on Duke’s site. Figures below are from Duke School of Nursing pages for 2026–2027 where indicated; fees add to billed costs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| MN (MEPN) estimated tuition | ~$30,952 per semester estimated (2026–27); ~$123,808 estimated over four semesters (Duke MN tuition page) |
| MSN / DNP per credit | $2,345 per credit hour (2026–27); average fully enrolled MSN ~$16,415/semester; average DNP ~$17,135/semester (non-CRNA); Nurse Anesthesia higher per Duke DNP tuition page |
| Fees (examples) | Technology $200/semester; health fee (Fall/Spring) $523.50 (2026–27); matriculation $500 one-time; see Duke fee tables |
| Source | MN tuition, MSN tuition, DNP tuition. Confirm with Duke. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Licensed employment and placement percentages for Duke are not stated on this page without a dated school source. Use NCLEX data from the Board and Duke’s program outcomes or consumer information pages when available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 100% first-time (NC BON 2024, BSN row). Confirm newer years on the NC BON site. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on the sources used for this review; see Duke outcomes or career services |
| Source | NC BON pass-rate publications; Duke program outcomes pages |
Is Duke University School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Duke fits applicants who want a research-intensive private school tied to a major academic medical center and who can manage premium tuition and selective holistic admissions.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want MEPN or graduate nursing at a top-ranked school with Duke Health adjacent to campus.
- Value simulation (Center for Nursing Discovery) and structured pre-licensure or distance-based APRN models.
- Plan to work in the Research Triangle or want national mobility with a recognized brand.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest in-state public tuition or a traditional four-year BSN (Duke’s pre-licensure route is MN; ABSN is ending).
- Require a part-time or online MN—Duke describes MEPN as full-time on campus with limited employment.
- Prefer small cohorts at lower cost community college ADN pathways without graduate-level pre-licensure pricing.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Durham sits in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, a dense cluster of hospitals, biotech, and ambulatory networks. Duke nursing students routinely connect to Duke University Hospital and the broader Duke Health system; regional peers include UNC Health, WakeMed, and numerous community sites used for varied clinical experiences.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Duke University Hospital | Flagship quaternary hospital; major referral and specialty center for the region. |
| Duke Health network | System-level ambulatory, specialty, and community access across the Triangle. |
| UNC Health & WakeMed (examples) | Large regional systems supporting diverse student rotations beyond Duke-owned sites. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Duke School of Nursing is headquartered at 307 Trent Drive on the Duke campus. Pre-licensure students use the Center for Nursing Discovery and related simulation resources; graduate students often combine online coursework with on-campus intensives. Student support includes the Student Success Center and NCLEX coaching referenced by Duke for MEPN. Student organizations and honor societies vary by year—check the school’s student life pages.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Durham, NC
- Address
- 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, US
- Telephone
- +1-919-684-4248 · Admissions toll-free 877-415-3853
- Contact email
- SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
- Website
- nursing.duke.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Duke School of Nursing academic programs page and open the handbook for your program.
- For MN, map anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, and development prerequisites to your transcripts (minimum grades per Duke).
- Confirm whether your pathway requires TEAS/HESI or other tests—MN materials reviewed do not require the GRE.
- 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
Is Duke University School of Nursing a good school for nursing?
Duke is nationally recognized for graduate nursing education; CCNE accredits Duke nursing programs including the legacy ABSN pathway (sunsetting per Duke), the Master of Nursing (MEPN) pre-licensure route, MSN, post-graduate APRN certificate, and DNP programs, with the Nurse Anesthesia DNP accredited by COA (per Duke). According to the NC BON 2024 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates publication, Duke’s BSN program row was reported at 100% for that reporting year. Confirm current program labels, cohorts, rankings, accreditation, and outcomes with Duke and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Does Duke still offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
Duke states the ABSN program ends in Spring 2026 and is no longer admitting new students; pre-licensure applicants are directed to the Master of Nursing (MEPN) program. Confirm status on Duke’s academic programs page.
What are the admission requirements for Duke Master of Nursing (MEPN)?
Duke lists a bachelor’s in any field, minimum 3.0 GPA, English proficiency, technical standards, prerequisite sciences and statistics, three recommendations, and holistic review. GRE is not required. Confirm materials and deadlines on the MN admissions page.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Duke University School of Nursing?
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 NCLEX-RN first-time testing pass rates publication, Duke University’s BSN program row was reported at 100% for that reporting year. Confirm future cohorts, program row labels (including MN/MEPN), and newer years on the NC BON site and with Duke.
How much is Duke School of Nursing tuition?
For 2026–2027, Duke publishes about $30,952 estimated tuition per semester for MN (four-semester total about $123,808) and $2,345 per credit for MSN/DNP, plus fees. See Duke’s MN, MSN, and DNP tuition pages for your track.
What MSN nurse practitioner majors does Duke offer?
Duke lists eight APRN majors (e.g., AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, NNP, PNP acute/primary, PMHNP, WHNP) and health systems majors; some systems majors were marked as not accepting new students on the school site. Verify current availability.
Does Duke require the TEAS for nursing?
MN admissions materials reviewed for this page do not list the TEAS as a requirement. Other programs may differ—check the admissions page for your pathway.
Where do Duke nursing students complete clinicals?
Duke emphasizes Duke Health and regional sites; MSN materials reference broad clinical placements. Confirm site lists for your program with the school.
Is Duke School of Nursing online?
MSN and DNP are largely distance-based with intensives; the MN (MEPN) is full-time on campus with no online option per Duke. Match format to your goals.
References
- Duke University School of Nursing — academic programsnursing.duke.edu/academic-programs
- Duke MN tuition & feesnursing.duke.edu/…/mn-tuition-fees
- Duke MSN tuition & feesnursing.duke.edu/…/tuition-fees-msn
- Duke DNP tuition & feesnursing.duke.edu/…/dnp-tuition-fees
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesncbon.com/nclex-pass-rates
- NC BON — 2024 one-year RN pass rates (PDF)1-year-rn-pass-rates-2024.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 accuracy of program names, Duke tuition figures, and North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX citations.
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 North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-30 · Last reviewed: March 30, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy