Program Details
Credit Hours: 69
Course Length: 12-16 weeks
Estimated Program Length: 20 months
Program duration may depend on course load and availability. Consult with your advisor.
The Entry into Practice (Direct Entry) Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) is a full-time, five-semester nursing program ideal for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to pursue a nursing degree and become a registered nurse. UWF DEMSN offers a 1:20 faculty-student ratio in the classroom and 1:8 faculty-student ratio in clinical courses, which means you’ll be part of a small group working closely with faculty who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in nursing.
Why Study Nursing at UWF?
At the core of our curriculum is evidence-based nursing care with an emphasis on care coordination to a diverse patient population along the wellness/illness continuum across all care settings. You’ll be ready to enter the nursing profession as a master's credentialed registered nurse prepared to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare system and advance into a leadership role.
Upon graduation, you can expect to be well-prepared to pass the National Council Licensure Examination - RN (NCLEX-RN) before launching an exciting career in healthcare. The University of West Florida School of Nursing achieved an overall 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025, while the Direct Entry MSN program achieved a 100% pass rate.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
What You Will Learn
The curriculum provides foundational nursing knowledge and practice expertise enhanced with master’s coursework in areas such as leadership, evidence-based practice and population health and promotion. You’ll have many opportunities to combine classroom knowledge with experiential learning, perfecting your skills and building self-confidence before the launch of your career. Over 600 clinical hours will expose you to clinical specialties such as labor and delivery, surgical, pediatrics, population/public health and mental health.
UWF offers classes through various delivery methods, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Though UWF makes every effort to provide on-campus classes in face-to-face programs, there is a possibility that some classes will have limited availability and may be offered online only. For more information, review the modes of delivery and instructional methods.
