Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 243
DIRECT-ENTRY MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Program Name: Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing( DEMSN) Degree: Master of Science in Nursing Program Accreditation: The baccalaureate degree in nursing / master’ s degree in nursing / Doctor of Nursing Practice program and / or post-graduate APRN certificate program at Gwynedd Mercy University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education( www. ccneacreditation. org). CCNE; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750; Washington, DC 20001 Program Modality: In person, hybrid and online courses Program Director: Catherine Razzi
Description: The DEMSN is the foundation to prepare a student holding a previous non-nursing Bachelor’ s degree for entry-level practice as a registered nurse. The scope of practice includes direct and indirect care to individuals, families, and communities. This degree differs from the Baccalaureate degree in that the program not only prepares students to sit for state licensure but also prepares students to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader certification examination.
Academic Criteria for Admission, Progression and Retention
Applicants must have a bachelor’ s degree in another field from a regionally accredited college of university and earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. A grade of“ B-” or better is required in all prerequisite courses; Prerequisite courses must be completed within the last seven( 7) years at the time of admission.
• Required Prerequisite Courses: NOTE: All prerequisite courses must be completed within the last seven( 7) years at the time of admission. o Nutrition, taught by a Registered Dietician( 3 credits) o Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan( 3credits) o Statistics or Biostatistics( 3credits) o Microbiology with Lab( 4 credits) Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab( 4 credits) o Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab( 4credits) o Chemistry for the Allied Health Sciences with Lab( 4 credits)
• Essay( 750 words or less) addressing their motivation to pursue the profession of nursing and why they have chosen the MSN option; The applicant can also include information / evidence of their prior work or volunteer experience in healthcare and / or demonstrated team leadership.
• Interview in-person or virtually
• Two satisfactory letters of recommendation that can be from the following: an academic professional; a health care provider with whom the student has worked or volunteered with; a current supervisor.
Once the student is accepted, no courses may be taken outside of Gwynedd Mercy University. Curriculum Sequence: see DEMSN Program Guidebook Academic Standards / Grade Requirements: See DEMSN Program Guidebook Attendance Policies: See DEMSN Program Guidebook Academic Progress,( Probation), and Program Dismissal: See DEMSN Program Guidebook