Vanderbilt University School of Nursing: MN, MSN & DNP Pathways (2026)
Nashville-based graduate nursing school with a Master of Nursing (MN) accelerated path to NCLEX-RN, nationally known MSN nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery tracks, DNP, and PhD. Figures below use Tennessee Board multi-year NCLEX tables and VUSN’s published 2025–26 per-credit tuition.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
VUSN integrates with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and emphasizes simulation (including high-fidelity and immersive technologies) while offering an accelerated MN for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s in another field—then layered APRN specialties through MSN, PMC, or DNP for RNs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing sits on the Vanderbilt campus near downtown Nashville and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, giving MN and APRN students access to a major academic medical center ecosystem. Rather than a freshman BSN, VUSN focuses on graduate credentials: the MN for non-nurses who want RN licensure at the master’s level, MSN specialties for already-licensed RNs, post-master’s certificates, practice doctorates, and a PhD in nursing science.
Most MSN specialties use an online or hybrid format with short on-campus intensives, while the MN is full-time and in person—important for applicants comparing flexibility versus relocation to Middle Tennessee.
Tennessee’s published BSN–MSN NCLEX report lists Vanderbilt under “Master’s for Initial Licensure.” The rightmost column in Vanderbilt’s row shows a 96% first-time pass rate (140 passed / 146 first-time candidates). An earlier column in the same row shows 97% (131/135). VUSN separately reports PreSpecialty and MN rows on its exam pass rates page. Confirm the newest tables with the Tennessee Board of Nursing NCLEX publication and VUSN Licensure and Specialty Certification Exam Pass Rates.
Reasons students choose Vanderbilt
MN for career changers
Four-semester, pre-licensure master’s for applicants with a prior bachelor’s in a non-nursing field, with optional Prespecialty routing into an APRN track.
Broad APRN MSN menu
Adult, family, emergency, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and women’s health/gender-related NP tracks plus nurse-midwifery and nursing informatics per VUSN specialty pages.
Online-forward graduate delivery
Most MSN specialties blend distance learning with periodic campus sessions; Nursing Informatics is described as fully online.
Transparent exam outcomes
VUSN publishes multi-year NCLEX and certification pass tables by specialty, supporting due diligence before you apply.
Practice-rich Nashville hub
Proximity to VUMC and regional systems supports high-acuity clinical learning for MN students and specialty preceptorships.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects programs described on nursing.vanderbilt.edu as of the review date. Vanderbilt does not advertise a traditional pre-licensure BSN for first-time college students; RN preparation for non-nurses is the MN.
Pre-licensure (master’s entry to RN)
Master of Nursing (MN)
Accelerated curriculum (66 semester credit hours over four full-time semesters) for applicants with a bachelor’s outside nursing; graduates take NCLEX-RN. Generalist MN admits fall and spring; requires living within commuting distance of campus.
Master of Nursing Prespecialty
Same MN coursework, but you select an APRN or nurse-midwifery specialty at application and continue seamlessly via post-master’s specialty coursework—no second application. Fall start only.
Post-licensure graduate (RNs with a BSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice specialties including AGACNP, AGPCNP, ENP, FNP, NNP, PNP acute/primary care, PMHNP (lifespan), women’s health/gender-related NP tracks, dual WHNP/AGPCNP, certified nurse-midwifery, and nursing informatics. Most are online/hybrid with limited campus time; informatics is fully online per VUSN.
Post-Master’s Certificates (PMC)
Certificate pathways to add or change APRN roles; includes a nursing education PMC option.
Doctoral
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Practice doctorate with pathways that build on MN or MSN preparation; details vary by entry point—see DNP admissions.
PhD in Nursing Science
Research-focused doctorate with separate admissions contact (vusnphd@vanderbilt.edu per VUSN).
Tracks, specialty names, and delivery can change. Always confirm active specialties, start terms, and clinical placement rules on the official VUSN program and admissions pages before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Tennessee Board of Nursing’s published BSN–MSN NCLEX Pass Rates tables (first-time candidates, master’s-for-initial-licensure section), Vanderbilt University appears with five consecutive “No. / Pass / % Pass” triples. Reading the table in the same left-to-right order as other schools in that PDF, the final (rightmost) triple for Vanderbilt is 140 passed of 146 first-time takers (96%). The third triple from the left is 131/135 (97%).
For the same report’s aggregate row covering all Tennessee program types, the rightmost statewide first-time pass rate shown is 90.94% (footnote states totals include AD, BSN, and MSN programs), which helps contextualize Vanderbilt’s master’s-entry performance—but always compare using the Board’s documented methodology.
VUSN’s internal table distinguishes legacy PreSpecialty reporting from newer MN cohorts (for example, it lists 97% PreSpecialty and 100% MN for calendar year 2024 in the NCLEX section of the exam pass rates page).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (TN BON, Vanderbilt “Master’s for Initial Licensure,” latest column) | 96% (140 / 146) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (earlier column, same TN BON row) | 97% (131 / 135) |
| Tennessee aggregate (same publication, footnoted all-program totals) | 90.94% in rightmost aggregate column—see source PDF |
| Source | Tennessee Board of Nursing — BSN–MSN NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF); VUSN exam pass rates. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting period. Always confirm the newest first-time rates, test volumes, and definitions with the Tennessee Board of Nursing and Vanderbilt School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
VUSN’s graduate admissions page states an important visa distinction: because of federal limits on online credit in F-1/J-1 programs, MSN, PMC, and DNP pathways are not structured for F-1 or J-1 study. The Master of Nursing program is described as welcoming international applicants under separate guidance. Applicants with a TN (NAFTA) visa may still apply to MSN/PMC/DNP with employer documentation per VUSN.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS minimums (e.g., TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 6.5 cited for many international applicants) plus possible program director interview—confirm on the VUSN admissions page.
- Transcript evaluation: Course-by-course evaluations through agencies such as WES, ECE, SpanTran (TEC), Josef Silny, or IERF as listed by VUSN.
- Tennessee Board of Nursing / Department of Health: For any RN or APRN licensure question, confirm eligibility with Tennessee’s nursing regulation office.
- Immigration & clinical compliance: visa type, work authorization, immunizations, and background checks can affect clinical placement—coordinate early with admissions and the clinical placement office.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Verify every requirement with Vanderbilt School of Nursing, Vanderbilt Global Education, and the Tennessee Department of Health.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Vanderbilt’s nursing admissions operate at the graduate level with specialty-specific caps. MN applicants need a strong academic science foundation; MSN applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license and a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited BSN unless an exception is published. Expect holistic review (statement of purpose tailored to one specialty, transcripts, three references with at least one master’s-prepared author, and possible interviews for select populations).
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline / review | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MN (generalist) | Spring priority Jul 15 · Fall priority Oct 15 (rolling afterward) | Applications open May (spring) & Aug (fall) per VUSN MN page. |
| MN Prespecialty | Fall-only start · Fall priority Oct 15 | Must choose specialty at application; tied to seamless PMC progression. |
| MSN / PMC | Fall priority Oct 15 | Rolling review after priority; early decisions ~December for competitive specialties. |
Prerequisites (high level)
- Statistics (all applicants).
- Non-nurse MN applicants: human anatomy, physiology, microbiology (within five years), lifespan development or developmental psychology, nutrition—per VUSN MSN/MN admissions.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Not publicly disclosed as a single threshold—assume selective review |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on VUSN MSN/MN admissions page reviewed here—confirm for your cohort |
| Standardized tests | GRE requirements not highlighted on the pages cited; verify with admissions if applicable to your specialty |
Tip: Because specialty seats are limited, align your personal statement with a single specialty, document healthcare exposure, and submit early if you need scholarship or clinical placement in Middle Tennessee.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
VUSN publishes unified per-credit tuition for graduate nursing students rather than a flat “sticker price.” Use the credit loads in your program plan of study to estimate totals, then add mandatory fees and living expenses from the school’s cost-of-attendance budget.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2025–2026 academic year) | $2,057 per credit hour for MSN, MN, PMC, DNP, and non-degree nursing coursework as stated on VUSN’s admissions page |
| Fees (annual examples from same page) | Health insurance $4,074 · Student services $791 · Student health $1,012 · One-time transcript fee $100 · Estimated books $2,500 (not billed centrally) |
| Estimating totals | MN example: 66 semester credits × $2,057 ≈ $135,762 tuition before fees/living—illustrative only; specialty semesters add cost. |
| Source | VUSN — MSN, MN, Post-Master’s Certificates (Tuition and Fees section). Confirm updates with Student Accounts / financial aid. |
Financial aid
VUSN notes that most students receive some aid and provides scholarship and federal aid guidance on its Financial Aid & Scholarships page. Complete FAFSA and school-required forms on the timelines admissions publishes.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Vanderbilt publicly emphasizes board outcomes for pre-licensure MN students and national certification exams for APRN graduates. Use both state board files and VUSN’s detailed exam pass tables when modeling risk.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (master’s initial licensure) | 96% (140/146) in latest column of TN BON PDF row; 97% (131/135) in earlier column—see NCLEX section |
| APRN certification exams | Annual first-time pass percentages by specialty (2022–2024) on VUSN exam pass rates page; varies by specialty and certifying body |
| Employment after MSN (school language) | VUSN’s MSN overview states strong advanced-practice employment outcomes but does not specify a cohort year on the page we reviewed—treat as school marketing copy until you confirm methodology with admissions |
| Source | TN BON NCLEX PDF; VUSN exam pass rates; VUSN MSN overview |
Is Vanderbilt the Right Fit for You?
Choose VUSN when you want a graduate-only culture with research-tier resources and can manage private graduate tuition. Reconsider if you need a low-cost public BSN, cannot relocate for the in-person MN, or require a fully on-campus MSN in another city.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Already hold a bachelor’s and want an accelerated MN rather than a second bachelor’s.
- Are licensed RNs seeking elite APRN training with flexible online delivery.
- Value transparent board exam reporting and large academic medical center adjacency.
- Plan to invest in a private nursing school with robust financial aid counseling.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an entry-level BSN immediately after high school.
- Cannot commute or relocate for MN face-to-face labs and clinicals.
- Require F-1/J-1 compatibility for primarily online MSN/DNP programs.
- Need the lowest possible in-state public tuition as the top priority.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Nashville anchors Middle Tennessee’s referral hub. Vanderbilt University Medical Center provides quaternary care steps from campus, while HCA Healthcare, Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar facilities, and the Nashville Veterans Affairs medical center add breadth for adult, pediatric, perinatal, mental health, and procedural experiences.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Flagship academic medical center adjacent to campus; high-acuity exposure for many MN rotations. |
| HCA Healthcare headquarters & TriStar hospitals | Large multi-hospital network headquartered in Nashville offering community through tertiary settings. |
| Ascension Saint Thomas | Major faith-based system with hospitals and specialty institutes across Middle Tennessee. |
| Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (VA) | Federal veterans’ care system providing additional complex-care learning environments. |
Clinical schedules depend on cohort, specialty, and preceptor availability—verify placement policies on VUSN’s clinical placement pages.
Student Experience & Campus Life
The School of Nursing’s physical home at 461 21st Avenue South includes classrooms, simulation environments (including immersive technologies highlighted on MN pages), and student services teams for advising, clinical clearance, and records. Graduate students split time between online coursework and focused Nashville residencies depending on program. Student organizations, diversity initiatives, and interdisciplinary events connect nursing students with the wider Vanderbilt community.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Nashville, TN
- Address
- 461 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240, US
- Telephone
- Main 615-322-4400 · Admissions 615-322-3800
- Contact email
- VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
- Website
- nursing.vanderbilt.edu
Official links
Your Next 7 Days checklist
- Open MN or MSN pages and save the plan-of-study PDF that matches your specialty.
- Audit prerequisites (statistics for everyone; sciences for MN non-nurses) against official transcripts.
- Confirm whether any entrance exam applies to your pathway—VUSN pages reviewed here did not list TEAS for graduate entry; still verify with admissions.
- Attend a virtual or on-campus session and note priority deadlines (Jul 15 / Oct 15 for MN; Oct 15 for MSN).
- Download the latest Tennessee NCLEX PDF and bookmark VUSN exam outcomes.
- Draft your statement of purpose for a single MSN specialty or articulate MN vs. Prespecialty goals.
- Start the application portal and request transcripts early (electronic to CDM@vanderbilt.edu).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offer a traditional BSN?
No. VUSN is graduate-focused. Non-nurses pursue the accelerated Master of Nursing (MN) for RN licensure. Licensed RNs enter MSN, PMC, or DNP pathways. Confirm details on nursing.vanderbilt.edu/programs.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Vanderbilt master’s initial licensure programs?
The Tennessee Board’s PDF lists Vanderbilt under “Master’s for Initial Licensure.” The rightmost triple shows 96% (140/146); an earlier triple shows 97% (131/135). VUSN’s exam pass page adds PreSpecialty vs. MN columns for calendar-year reporting. Confirm the newest tables with the Tennessee Department of Health and VUSN.
How much is Vanderbilt School of Nursing tuition in 2025–2026?
VUSN lists $2,057 per credit plus fees (health insurance, student services, student health, transcript, books estimate) on its MSN/MN admissions page. Multiply credits in your plan of study and add fees for a personal budget.
Can international students use an F-1 visa for Vanderbilt’s MSN program?
VUSN states MSN, PMC, and DNP programs are not compatible with F-1/J-1 regulations because of substantial online instruction. MN rules differ. Verify with admissions and an immigration attorney.
What is MN Prespecialty at Vanderbilt?
It is the same MN licensure prep with a guaranteed seat in a chosen APRN specialty after RN licensure—one application up front, fall-only start, and continued coursework without reapplying.
Does Vanderbilt require TEAS for nursing?
Graduate admissions materials reviewed here emphasize prerequisites and references rather than TEAS. Always confirm with VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu for your cohort.
Where are Vanderbilt nursing clinicals?
MN students need Nashville-area access. MSN students coordinate clinicals across regions with VUSN’s clinical placement office, including Middle Tennessee vs. out-of-state placement designations.
Is Vanderbilt nursing CCNE-accredited?
VUSN publishes CCNE accreditation statements for MN and MSN on its accreditation pages. Reconfirm status and review cycles directly with CCNE and the school.
How competitive is Vanderbilt School of Nursing?
VUSN does not publish an acceptance rate. Small specialty cohorts and national applicant pools mean you should present strong academics, clear specialty fit, and early application when scholarships or campus-limited seats matter.
References
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing — programsnursing.vanderbilt.edu/programs
- VUSN — Master of Nursingnursing.vanderbilt.edu/programs/mn
- VUSN — MSN, MN, PMC admissions & tuitionnursing.vanderbilt.edu/admissions/msn-mn-pmc
- VUSN — Licensure & certification exam pass ratesnursing.vanderbilt.edu/…/exam-pass-rates
- Tennessee Board of Nursing — BSN–MSN NCLEX Pass Rates (PDF)tn.gov (PDF download)
- Tennessee Department of Health — Board of Nursing hubtn.gov/health/…/nursing-board
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
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 NCLEX/TN BON alignment, VUSN tuition disclosures, graduate program scope, and international-student policy accuracy.
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 Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy