The MN program is a pre-licensure nursing degree that prepares graduates for entry into nursing. In order to be eligible for admission, students must have earned a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. Integration of liberal education is essential to the preparation of professional nurses. The Master of Nursing builds on prior baccalaureate education and challenges students to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of liberal education to a new discipline.
Prelicensure Competencies
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing has identified 12 competencies that students will achieve on successful completion of the Master of Nursing (MN) program. These competencies align with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and selected and appropriate graduate standards and guidelines (AACN, 2008). Competencies guide the curriculum and support the expected educational outcomes for MN students. In addition there are overarching statements that faculty believe are crucial to the development of lifelong learners in nursing. The statements are woven through the competencies and curriculum providing the conditions in which the discipline of nursing is practiced.
Curriculum
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Forms and Petitions
- Course Equivalency Petition (PDF)
- Academic Policy Petition (PDF)
- Leave of Absence Form (please review Leave of Absence Policy)
Transfer Credits
If you wish to use a course from another institution to meet curriculum requirements, you must file a petition. No more than 40% of the coursework on your official program of study may be transfer courses (this equates to 21 credits for the MN program). Coursework will be accepted if content is in compliance with Minnesota Board of Nursing rules and meets requirements of the MN program.
It is a transfer course if it is taken at another institution, taken for another graduate degree in a program at the University of Minnesota that is not part of the SoN (e.g., School of Public Health), taken before being admitted to the MN program and listed on your transcript as non-degree, or program courses petitioned and approved based on equivalent work/life experience.
Expenses
A detailed breakdown of student fees can be found at www.onestop.umn.edu. Rates are set in July for the next academic year.
In addition to books, web-based or electronic resources (e.g., e-books, electronic health record), and general supplies, other essential items such as a computer, high speed Internet, printer (including paper and ink), uniforms, clinical ID badge, a watch with a second hand or a digital watch that can track seconds, and a stethoscope (optional: check with course faculty) must also be considered in educational costs. Purchase of additional equipment may be recommended as clinical experiences and practicum placements warrant. Books (print and e-version), web-based/on-line resources, and other resources for the nursing major are higher than described in the general University website.
Practicum placements include off-campus locations. You should include reliable transportation costs in your educational planning, as you are responsible for providing your own transportation to and from practicum sites. Clinical rotations in the community will require a car (e.g., for home visits)—carpools will not work for individually arranged home visits or community assignments. The University of Minnesota provides access to hourly rental cars.
Hospitalization insurance is mandatory if you are carrying more than 6 credits. If you do not have a Boynton-approved private carrier, student insurance is required.
Long-term disability insurance is also mandatory for all Academic Health Center students. If, for example, you develop a condition preventing you from continuing your education, long term disability insurance will offset the future income lost due to your inability to practice in your chosen field. Upon graduation, you will have the opportunity to convert to your individual long term disability plan, or to a group trust contract.
Financial Aid
Full financial aid services are available through One Stop in Bruininks Hall, 222 Pleasant St. S.E., on the Minneapolis campus. Financial aid counselors are available during office hours Monday through Friday on a walk-in basis and by appointment.
Academic Calendar
The SoN follows the University of Minnesota’s academic calendar for spring and fall semesters. Summer courses are 10 weeks in length (check with program director or course faculty for schedules).
Professional Licensure
Examinations for state licensure may be taken after all program requirements have been completed and the degree awarded. Application and Registration to become licensed as an RN to practice is a two-part process that is described by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Please refer to this link for detailed instructions: https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm Go to Application & Registration.
- Application to the State Board of Nursing in the State/Territory where you want to be licensed
- Registering to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through Pearson VUE (national testing company).
The requirements for eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to obtain a RN license/registration are determined by the State or Territory, Board of Nursing or Regulatory Body (BON/RB) in the state/territory in which you plan to be licensed and practice.
Contact the Board of Nursing or Regulatory Body in the state/territory in which you intend to be licensed to learn their requirements.
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing is in compliance with the requirements for graduates to apply for licensure from the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Licensing exam fees, state board of nursing fees and other associated fees related to licensing are the responsibility of the student.
Please note that U of MN SoN prerequisites satisfy requirements for nursing licensure in the state of Minnesota. Other states may require lab components with anatomy, physiology, or microbiology courses in order to be licensed in that state. There may be other requirements as well that are specific to a State Board Nursing in another state or territory. Contact the State Board of Nursing in the state or territory where you plan to be licensed so that you are able to meet all requirements of that state.
To locate contact information for Member Boards: Boards of Nursing
In Minnesota, graduates who have passed the NCLEX exam may also choose to apply for a Public Health Nurse certificate (this is not required, but many graduates do this if they want to use the credentials "PHN" in Minnesota). Please contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing for more details.
2829 University Avenue S.E. #200
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-317-3000
Graduate Student Resources
There are various resources available to graduate students at the University of Minnesota to support academic, personal, and professional wellbeing. The Graduate Student Resource Guide, created by the Council of Graduate Students, is a regularly updated list that covers a wide range of areas, including (but not limited to) academic support, career development, wellness services, and financial assistance. Students can also reach out to their academic advisor for support in accessing University resources.