Pre-Nursing

Pathway to Nursing

Students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing can begin their studies at UMBC by following our Pre-Nursing curriculum, which consists of two years worth of pre-requisites (˜64 credits), followed by two years in a nursing program at another institution. As another option, students can decide to stay at UMBC to complete a degree in something other than nursing while also fulfilling pre-requisites for Pre-Nursing. Students will then be eligible to complete a second degree in nursing from another institution.

UMBC/UMSON Partnership Pathways

UMBC is proud to offer a collaborative partnership with the University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON), a premier school of Nursing in the country.  Students can indicate an interest in one of two pathways:

BSN Partnership Pathway (Two/Three Year)

For incoming freshmen, we offer a two to three year pathway, which ultimately leads to earning your BSN degree from UMSON.  Students will be eligible to sit for their RN license upon graduation.  Eligible students must indicate their intended program of study as Pre-Nursing prior to matriculation at UMBC.  As part of this collaboration, each year UMBC secures sixty seats in the UMSON class (both at the Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses), offered to those who have met certain academic requirements (see here for more information and timeline for this pathway).

MSN Partnership Pathway (Four Year)

Incoming freshmen, current students and transfer students have the opportunity to indicate an interest in our four year pathway, which requires students to earn their BS/BA degree first from UMBC, then continue at UMSON to complete their MSN degree in nursing.  This Entry to Practice degree offers students the opportunity to complete their nursing curriculum at an advanced graduate level, focusing on impacting patient care, improving outcomes and leading health care teams.  As part of this collaboration, each year UMBC secures sixteen seats in the UMSON class (both at the Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses), offered to those who have met certain academic requirements (see here for more information and timeline for this pathway).

Students interested in either pathway should contact Ms. Kelly Simer, Pre-Nursing Advisor, at 410-455-2729 or email kellysimer@umbc.edu for more information.  Current students should meet with Ms. Simer early in their academic career at UMBC to determine eligibility and requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pathway

  • Complete the necessary pre-requisites for all schools in which you are applying (˜2 years)
  • Apply to accredited BSN programs
  • Complete BSN degree (2 years)
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) licensure exams administered by the National Council of State Board of Nursing
  • Begin practicing as a licensed Registered Nurse (RN)

Examples of Schools with Traditional BSN Pathways:

  1. Bowie State University
  2. Notre Dame of Maryland University
  3. Stevenson University
  4. Towson University
  5. University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON)

Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)/
Entry to Practice Masters (MS/MSN) Pathway

  • Complete a Bachelor of Science (BS)/Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at UMBC while also completing the necessary pre-requisites for all schools in which you are applying (˜4 years)
  • Apply to accredited BSN (both accelerated and traditional) and Entry to Practice Masters programs (these are only for students who will have completed a degree at UMBC first)
  • Complete BSN/MS/MSN degree
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) licensure exams administered by the National Council of State Board of Nursing
  • Begin practicing as a licensed Registered Nurse (RN)

      Examples of Schools with 2nd Degree BSN & MSN Pathways:

  1. Coppin State University (Accelerated BSN)
  2. Johns Hopkins University (Entry to Practice MSN)
  3. Notre Dame of Maryland University (Accelerated BSN)
  4. Salisbury University (Accelerated BSN)
  5. Towson University (Entry to Practice MS)
  6. University of Maryland, School of Nursing (UMSON- Entry to Practice MSN)

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wages of registered nurses were $71,730 in May 2018.

(Reference: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, on the Internet here (visited February 13, 2020).