A new Direct-Entry Master of Nursing (DE-M.S.N.) program offered by the Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing and Wellness at GCU will launch this fall, giving career-changers and current health care workers another pathway to the profession. The 24-month program, taught in-person, is the only one of its kind in New Jersey.
“The DE-M.S.N. is another example of the many ways Georgian Court meets labor market demands, delivers the experiences students need to excel in the workforce, and positions graduates to give back to the community,” said GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D.
“Our strong partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health is also a factor in the continued growth and success of nursing programs at Georgian Court,” he said. “Working closely with New Jersey’s largest health provider offers a tremendous advantage for our nursing students.”
Interested in GCU's new DE-M.S.N. degree? Submit this form to receive more information or call 732-987-2770.
The DE-M.S.N. Master’s Degree: Another Degree of Success
The 2020 launch of GCU’s 14-month, accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (A.B.S.N.) is another example. It allows those who already have a bachelor’s degree to transition into the field.
The new DE-M.S.N. program, meanwhile, is for those who want to enter the profession as a master’s-prepared registered nurse. It also will help students pursue leadership roles within professional nursing and give them a foundation for future advanced practice roles and specialties.
“This truly is one of a few of its kind throughout the nation,” said program director Jo Ann F. Cummings, Ph.D., RN, APN, PPCNP-BC, BCEN. “Most of the DE-M.S.N. programs are usually affiliated with larger institutions, and we are fortunate enough to have it here because of our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health.”
Faculty and Experiences Make the Difference
The 80-credit direct-entry master’s-degree curriculum also includes critical courses that go beyond bedside care. Increasingly, hospitals and health care facilities need professionals who can navigate emerging fields like data mining, informatics, and quality performance.
Such future-focused insight is one of the advantages of learning from faculty who hold joint appointments at Georgian Court and Hackensack Meridian Health locations. Several are nurse leaders and researchers.
“There are so many excellent programs for nursing in New Jersey. We’re lucky to have that, but two things set us apart from all others: our student-centered faculty and our partnership with a major health network,” said nursing school Dean Theresa A. Wurmser, Ph.D., M.P.H., RN, NEA-BC.
“I’m a member of the HMH nurse executive team, so I really have the ability to learn and better understand nursing and all the challenges and opportunities that are there,” said Dr. Wurmser.
One example: Georgian Court students were the first to travel to the Meadowlands mega site to help give vaccinations during the height of the pandemic.
“As part of Hackensack Meridian Health,” she added, “Georgian Court nursing students are able to really have extraordinary opportunities.”
Learn more about the new Direct-Entry M.S.N. program, including curriculum requirements.
