MSN Frequently Asked Questions

Are Drexel's nursing programs accredited? 

Yes. Drexel's nursing programs are fully accredited by the NLN-AC (National League for Nursing - Accrediting Commission) and the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools (the same accreditation as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, New York University, Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania).

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Must I already hold an RN certification in order to participate in Drexel's MSN programs? 

Yes. Having your RN licensure is an absolute requirement to being considered for any of Drexel's MSN programs.

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Are GRE scores required for admission into Drexel's MSN programs? 

No.

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How does someone with an international degree go about applying to Drexel's online MSN programs? 

In addition to the general admissions requirements, anyone who has been born outside of the United States is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have an official score report (indicating a minimum score of 600) sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Drexel University before their file is evaluated.

TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered. Information regarding the TOEFL can be obtained by contacting:

Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-921-9000, or 609-771-7100
http://www.toefl.org 

In addition, international students are required to list on their application all schools attended, including primary and secondary schools. Along with your application, you must enclose official transcripts (mark sheets and degree certificates) in your native language and in English from all colleges and graduate/ professional schools that you attended. Do not send transcripts from secondary schools. If your school issues only one transcript for life, you may send a notarized photocopy, bearing the seal on each page.

Applicants are responsible for contacting World Education Service for evaluation of transcripts:

World Education Service, Inc. (WES)
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745
212-966-6311
http://www.wes.org 

Applicants are responsible for supplying all necessary documentation.

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What exactly is the RN-MSN Bridge program and who can participate? 

The RN-MSN three-course bridge program is offered to RNs who have a BA/BS degree in a field other than nursing and wish to pursue their MSN degree. It is not a stand alone degree program. To be considered for admission, students must apply to the MSN program they are most interested in pursuing and submit the admissions criteria for that program. Once they have been accepted into the graduate program, they will be instructed to take the Bridge Program courses prior to registering for courses within the MSN program.

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Is it possible to transfer credits into Drexel's online MSN programs? 

Yes. Course descriptions will need to be reviewed in order to determine if they are applicable to one of our programs. Transcripts are reviewed on an individual basis.

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How are the clinicals arranged? 

Clinical sites are arranged by the student and can be set up in your home area. This site must be approved by the Program Coordinator. You do not have to be employed by your clinical site. While rotating at a particular site you will need to identify a clinical preceptor as your supervisor that will report back to our Field Experience Coordinator regarding your progress.

Please see NP programs location requirements on overview page for clinical information.

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Will I ever be required to come to campus? 

For most of the MSN programs, the only program requirement that will not be completed online is the clinical which can be arranged conveniently near your own home.

However, the MSN Adult Acute Care, MSN Adult Psychiatric Mental Health, and the MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner programs do require on campus visits.

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How long does it take to complete one of Drexel's online MSN programs? 

The time to complete the program depends on how many courses the student transfers in and how many courses they take per quarter. Generally, students take 1-2 courses per quarter based on their family and work commitments. Students may take as few or as many courses as they want per term, as long as the program is completed within seven years.

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Do you also offer Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN) programs online? 

Yes. To view all of the graduate and undergraduate nursing programs Drexel offers online, please click here.

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Are there any available tuition discounts for employees or members of partnering health systems, associations, or corporations? 

Yes. Drexel has a large network of partners all over the country who benefit from reduced tuition rates. To find out if your employer or association is one of Drexel's partners, please visit our network of partners webpage. If you are interested in learning how your company or association can become a partner, please fill out the form located at www.drexel.com/partners/partnerinforequest.aspx, call toll-free at 877-215-0009 or email at info@drexel.com.

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