VCU School of Nursing to offer fast-track master’s degree in fall 2026

By Joe Schilling
School of Nursing

Addressing the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals, Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Nursing will introduce a fast-track master's degree in fall 2026 that is designed for career changers and individuals with non-nursing undergraduate degrees.

The new program will provide a direct pathway for students to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree and pursue licensure as a registered nurse. They will build a strong foundation in core nursing principles - including health assessment, health promotion and care management - and develop clinical reasoning, physical assessment and technical skills through hands-on experiences in settings such as community health centers, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Over the last five years, the VCU School of Nursing has made strategic expansions to address the persistent national nursing shortage, with initiatives that include expanding prelicensure program admissions by 100%, introducing new academic programs and increasing scholarship support to retain students and propel them into the profession. The school also has developed new academic programs, and the fast-track master's degree, which is designed to be completed in 20 months, could appeal to candidates whose see nursing as a new career opportunity.

"This program reflects our commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce pipeline," said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Nursing. "We are excited to welcome new students from a myriad of academic backgrounds and experiences and support their journey to becoming skilled nursing professionals."

Applications for the inaugural cohort open March 30. Like the school's other prelicensure programs, the master's program will offer a rich learning environment with state-of-the-art simulation labs, experienced faculty and extensive clinical placement opportunities to ensure students receive meaningful hands-on experience.

"Our mission is to produce the next generation of nurse leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of the health care system," said Mark Tanner, D.N.P., associate dean of academic affairs and interim associate dean of undergraduate programs. "Our new master's program offers a valuable experience to students who can leverage their previous education and embark on a rewarding career in nursing."

For more information, including admission requirements and application deadlines, visit the Master of Nursing website or contact Alex Fisher, assistant director of recruitment, at [email protected] or 804-827-0046.

This story was originally published on the School of Nursing website.