George Mason University

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

The RN-to-BSN Pathway for students holding current registered nurse (RN) licenses may be completed in one year (full-time) following completion of general education and nursing prerequisite course requirements. Part-time options are also available.

The accelerated RN to BSN pathway allows registered nurses to progress quickly through the BSN program while meeting the objectives of the undergraduate curriculum. Upon completion of all required general education (except ENGH 302) and elective prerequisite courses as well as nursing prerequisite courses, RNs can complete the BSN program in two semesters (27 credit hours).

Admission into the RN-to-BSN program is based upon the completion of general education and nursing prerequisite courses, a diploma or associate degree in nursing, admission into the university, and a current license as a registered nurse. Admission into the program is twice a year (Fall and Spring terms) and all the nursing prerequisites must be complete by the end of the term before beginning the program. The RN to BSN program can be completed in one year if the student is full-time. Students who currently hold a current RN license are not eligible for admission into our Traditional Pathway or our Accelerated Second Degree Pathway. Applicants with a current RN license are only eligible for admission into our RN to BSN Pathway.

BSN Program Details

The Traditional Pathway is a two-year curriculum following the completion of general education and prerequisite requirements. The Traditional Pathway in nursing must be completed on a full-time basis.

The Traditional BSN program is a competitive program and program enrollment is limited due to the number of clinical spaces available. Admission into the program is once a year (Fall term only) and all general education (except English 302) and nursing pre-requisite courses must be complete by the end of Mason’s Spring term (not Summer term) before the program begins (thus courses need to be complete by May 20th).

Applications for the program become available in December. The deadline for submission is January 15th. Students must also apply to Mason through the Office of Admissions. For information regarding university admission requirements, eligibility, and deadlines, please visit the Office of Admissions website. Students must submit the online undergraduate admissions application prior to submitting the BSN Departmental Application. This will ensure that students receive a G#, which is required for the BSN application. Admission into Mason does not mean applicants have been admitted into the Nursing program. Currently enrolled Mason students need only apply using the BSN Departmental Application.

Be aware that completion of the general education/elective prerequisite course requirements and the nursing pre-requisite course requirementss does not guarantee admission into the program. Admission into the nursing program is competitive. It is extremely important for all applicants to have a back-up plan. The CHHS Office of Student Affairs will send decision letters via U.S. mail by the end of April.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

The Accelerated Second Degree Pathway is a 12-month curriculum for students holding a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing. The Accelerated Pathway in nursing must be completed on a full-time basis.

The Accelerated Program is a competitive program and enrollment is limited due to the number of clinical spaces available. Admission into the program is once a year (Fall term only) and all the nursing pre-requisites must be complete by the end of Mason’s Spring term (not Summer term) before the program begins (thus courses need to be complete by May 20th).

Applications for the program become available in December. The deadline for submission is January 15th. Students must also apply to Mason through the Office of Admissions. For information regarding university admission requirements, eligibility, and deadlines, please visit the Office of Admissions website. Students must submit the online undergraduate admissions application prior to submitting the BSN Departmental Application. This will ensure that students receive a G#, which is required for the BSN application. Admission into Mason does not mean applicants have been admitted into the Nursing program.

Be aware that completion of the nursing pre-requisites does not guarantee admission into the program. Admission into the nursing program is competitive. It is extremely important for all applicants to have a back-up plan. The CHHS Office of Student Affairs will send decision letters via U.S. mail by the end of April.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) is proud to announce the approval of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nursing's highest professional practice degree. George Mason University School of Nursing has developed an innovative DNP program including post - baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) and post - masters (MSN to DNP) options. The DNP program provides an opportunity for nurses to become experts as nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, or clinical nurse specialists. Classes will be offered in a variety of ways: executive format on the Prince William or Fairfax campuses, on-line core courses, and advanced clinical expertise development in traditional format at Prince William or Fairfax campuses. Our executive format includes 12-hours of frontloaded class work on-campus, followed by once-a-month on-campus classes, with the rest of the course materials offered on-line.

Admission to the DNP is competitive and applicants will be considered once-a-year for fall admission only. A graduate level statistics class would be helpful, but is not required for admission. However, all students must show evidence of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years. Although interviews are not a routine part of the selection process, some applicants may be asked to appear for an interview at the discretion of the faculty committee on admissions.