The Direct Entry pathway allows you to apply to a doctoral program when you apply to the Generalist Entry Master’s (GEM) in Nursing (MSN) for Non-Nurses: Clinical Nurse Leader program. This allows you to seamlessly transition to one of six select doctoral programs after completing the GEM program.
The following doctoral programs are included in the Direct Entry pathway:
- Adult Health and Gerontology Primary Care (DNP)
- Advanced Public Health (DNP)
- Family (DNP)
- Primary Care Pediatric (DNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health (DNP)
- Nursing Science (PhD)
Applications to the Direct Entry pathway program are completed through NursingCAS at the same time as your GEM application. You must commit to one doctoral program.
If you are accepted into the Direct Entry pathway program, you will be assigned a faculty adviser from your selected doctoral program. Your faculty adviser will help you plan the next stages of you career while you are still in the GEM program.
You must maintain good standing throughout the GEM program to retain early acceptance in the doctoral program. In addition, you must complete the following:
DNP
- Successfully complete a GEM capstone project related to DNP specialty area (agreed upon by student, DNP program director and the GEM capstone faculty).
- Student must consistently demonstrate academic progression and meet the requirements of GEM program.
- Volunteer/Work experience in inpatient or community setting associated with DNP specialty area prior to graduating from the pre-licensure program and obtaining an RN license.
- Pass NCLEX-RN before enrolling in DNP program.
- Work experience as a RN associated with DNP specialty area prior to starting the DNP program.
PhD
- GEM capstone project related to the student’s research interest (agreed upon by student, PhD faculty mentor and the GEM capstone faculty).
- Student must consistently demonstrate academic progression and meet requirements of GEM program.
- Volunteer/work experience with research projects prior to graduating from the prelicensure program and obtaining an RN license.
- Pass NCLEX-RN before enrolling in PhD program.
- GEM student must spend required GEM volunteer hours working on their PhD faculty mentor’s research. This experience can also be gained through a paid research assistant position.
Other doctoral degree options
The Direct Entry pathway is a selective program with a very limited number of available spots. Students are advised to explore the option of applying to a doctoral program at RUSH after completing a prelicensure program. Individuals who successfully complete the GEM program at RUSH University are eligible to transfer up to 12 credit hours of coursework towards a doctoral program.