Nursing, M.S. (Accelerated)

The 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 A.M.S.N. 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. This in-person, hands-on program is high-touch at our nursing school on the campus of Saint Louis University in St. Louis.  

SLU's School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. In 2022, our AMSN National Council Licensure Examination pass rate was 100%. U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Schools survey consistently ranks our graduate programs among the top in the nation. The A.M.S.N. program provides a seamless transition for those graduates interested in becoming a nurse practitioner upon the completion of their master’s program.

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

Curriculum Overview

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 750 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 of four 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

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.   

Admission Requirements

The 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 3.00 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 gradnurse@slu.edu for an unofficial transcript review.

Licensure Disclosure

For information about whether this program meets any state board of nursing's educational requirements for eligibility to take a state licensure exam, please see our Professional Licensure Disclosure page.

Requirements for International Students

Due to the rigor of this accelerated program, international students are recommended to have an 80 on the computer-based TOEFL (iBT) or a 6.5 on the IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency.

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

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support 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

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 pay the associated fee through NursingCAS. Select Saint Louis University. 
• Step 2: Transcripts
  Please submit your official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended directly to NursingCAS. They will provide details when the application is initiated. If you have completed college coursework outside the U.S., you must submit: 
  • The official evaluated transcript needs to come from an accredited credential evaluation service (WES or ECE).
  • The official foreign transcript.
• Step 3: Resume
  Attach your professional resume within the NursingCAS application. 
• Step 4: Professional Goal Statement
  Attach your professional goal statement within the 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

The priority deadline for applications is June 1, and applications are accepted through July 15.

Review Process

SLU's School of Nursing admits students on a rolling basis. A completed application will be reviewed and a decision will be made within four weeks.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

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 Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing 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 Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certificate program at Saint Louis University's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 665 K Street N.W., Suite 750, Washington, D.C., 20001. The commission's phone number is 202-887-6791.

1. Knowledge for Nursing Practice: Integrates an understanding of nursing’s distinct and shared disciplinary perspectives and applies theoretical and empirical knowledge from the humanities and natural, social, behavioral and nursing sciences to form the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice.

2. Person-centered Care: Engages in nursing care through the relational lens, which fosters caring relationships, mutuality, active participation, and individual empowerment in the delivery and communication of compassionate person-centered nursing care through cura personalis.

3. Population Health: Collaborates with diverse stakeholders for the advancement of effective partnerships, health policy and improvement of equitable population health outcomes related to the social determinants of health.

4. Scholarship for Nursing Discipline: Applies, translates and implements best evidence and client values into clinical decision-making.

5. Quality and Safety: Enhances quality of care while minimizing risk of harm to clients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance.

6. Interprofessional Partnerships: Collaborates across professions with care team members, clients, clients, families, communities and other stakeholders to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience and strengthen outcomes.

7. Systems-Based Practice: Effectively and proactively coordinates resources to provide safe, quality and equitable care to diverse populations within complex healthcare systems to address social and structural determinants of health.

8. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies: Utilizes information processes and technologies to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services.

9. Professionalism: Cultivates a sustainable professional nursing identity, accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition and ethical principles that reflect nursing’s characteristics and values.

10. Personal, Professional and Leadership Development: Participates in activities and self-reflection through Ignatian pedagogy that foster personal health, resilience and well-being while supporting the acquisition of nursing expertise, lifelong learning and the leadership continuum.

Non-Course Requirements

Students will complete 750 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.

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.

Apply for Admission

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

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

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