Direct-Entry to MSN

Prepare for Graduate Nursing Programs

Ripon College offers pre-professional advising in nursing.

Although a person with an undergraduate nursing degree will have no trouble finding employment, to advance in this field it usually is necessary to obtain a graduate degree. Graduate entry-level nursing programs are available for those students who have earned a baccalaureate degree. Graduate programs in nursing include a master’s of science (M.S.), and doctoral degrees (Ph.D or D.N.P.). For graduate programs, an applicant must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. The graduate record exam (GRE) and an interview are often required.

Ripon is also pleased to offer several Direct-Entry programs as well.

Ripon College is proud to offer articulation agreements with five institutions:

Alverno College, Carroll University, Elmhurst University, Johns Hopkins University and Rosalind Franklin University.

This will provide a streamlined pathway for Ripon students to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) upon graduation.

Top-Tier Opportunities

Upon graduation Ripon students who complete the necessary prerequisites will be:

  • Guaranteed Admission or given preferential consideration for direct-entry MSN programs
  • Tailored academic advising at Ripon College, ensuring students are prepared for their chosen graduate nursing program
  • Complete their graduate studies in an seamless manner
  • Leveraging the foundation of their liberal arts education at Ripon College

Ripon prepared me very well for the MSN program at Elmhurst. While I did not have clinical rotations in any of my Ripon courses, I was very familiar with balancing the rigor of class/lecture and lab through my Ripon coursework.

Just as important as the coursework at Ripon was in preparing me for a graduate program, I believe the extracurricular activities I participated in set me up for success and allowed me to develop and enhance my leadership skills.

Katherine Kulas ’18

Biology, Master of Science Nursing | Nurse Practitioner

Requirements for Pre-Nursing Program
Post Degree Graduate entry-level nursing programs are available for those students who have earned a baccalaureate degree. Graduate programs in nursing include a master’s of science (M.S.), doctor of nursing (N.D.), and doctor of nursing science (D.N.Sc.). For these programs, an applicant must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. The graduate record exam (GRE) and an inter­view are required. Prerequisite course work varies between programs, and interested students should consider courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 211 and 312); Microbiology (BIO 314); Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 112); Organic Chemistry (CHM 111); psychology (PSC 110, 235 or 242); Sociology (SOC 110); English; and statistics (MTH 120 or PSC 211-212).

I feel my transition into grad school was much smoother than many of my fellow classmates at Carroll thanks to my experiences at Ripon. I was able to continue athletics while pursuing a major and two minors, in addition to working multiple jobs. This was extremely beneficial in preparing me for the time management aspect of an accelerated program. As members of the women’s basketball team, Coach Busalacchi held us to a high academic standard. For me, that has made the high GPA requirement of the MSN program easier to obtain.

Jordan Bukouricz ’23

Biology, Candidate for Master of Science Nursing

The fast track to direct entry

For more information about articulation requirements view our information document or reach out to our advisors today.

Faculty

Byron, Colleen

Professor of Chemistry, L. Leone Oyster 1919 Chair in Chemistry

Clark, Jacqueline

Professor of Sociology, Helen Swift Neilson Professor of Cultural Studies and Chair of Sociology and Anthropology (Fall 24Semester)

Followay, Brittany

Associate Professor of Exercise Science, Chair of Exercise Science, Graduate Program Director

Forbes-Lorman, Robin

Associate Professor of Biology

Manor, Julia

Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Assessment

Sisson, Barbara

Associate Professor of Biology, Chair of Biology

Willoughby, Patrick

Associate Professor of Chemistry

DO MORE YOUR WAY

Become the extraordinary individual you are meant to be at Ripon.