Yale School of Nursing
Request Information
Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing

Yale Nursing for Non‑Nurses

No nursing background? No problem. Earn your Master of Science in Nursing and become a board-certified Yale nurse practitioner in just three years.

3 yrs
to NP licensure
6.6:1
student-faculty
80%+
receive scholarships
8
specialties
Get in touch

Request Information

Get program details, deadlines, and connect with admissions.

Loading...
3Years

From any bachelor's degree to a board-certified nurse practitioner.

YSN pioneered the direct-entry model for non-nurses, and has spent decades perfecting it. The program is a full-time, intensive prelicensure year, followed by two additional years in your selected MSN specialty track.

Three years total to board certification. No prior nursing experience required.

Why Yale

What sets a Yale nursing education apart

01

No Prior Nursing Experience Required

YSN was the first school to pioneer the direct-entry model. Become a board-certified nurse practitioner in just 3 years, regardless of your undergraduate background.

02

World-Class Faculty & Clinical Mentorship

Learn from distinguished faculty who maintain active clinical practices. With a 6.6:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll develop your skills alongside leaders at the forefront of nursing.

03

Technology-Enhanced Education

Over 8,000 sq ft of newly renovated simulation space and cutting-edge augmented reality technology give Yale students a distinct clinical advantage.

04

World-Renowned Yale Quality

Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the US, with multiple specialties in the top 10. Prospective employers actively seek Yale graduates.

05

A Curriculum to Fit Your Interests

Choose from eight specialties to align your studies with your passion, from pediatrics and midwifery to psychiatric-mental health and acute care.

06

Unparalleled Academic Support

From academic advising to mental health resources, Yale is committed to your wellbeing and success throughout the program and beyond.

By the numbers

NPs are on-call and in-demand

96.2%
of US NPs prescribe medications
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
$129K
median NP salary in 2024
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
35%
projected job growth over 10 years
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
40.6%
of US NPs hold hospital privileges
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
The Specialties

Choose a specialty right for you

GEPN applicants select a specialty at the time of application. Research each track carefully, your chosen area shapes your entire advanced nursing focus.

Adult/Gerontology NP, request information
01Adult/Gerontology NP (Primary or Acute)→
Care for adults and older adults in a variety of settings, including acute and critically ill patients.
Family Nurse Practitioner, request information
02Family Nurse Practitioner→
Provide primary care across the lifespan: pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Nurse Midwifery, request information
03Nurse Midwifery→
Assist with pregnancy and childbirth; provide family-centered primary health care.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, request information
04Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary or Acute)→
Provide comprehensive care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Psychiatric-Mental Health, request information
05Psychiatric-Mental Health→
Care for individuals with psychiatric needs using pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic approaches.
Women's Health, request information
06Women's Health→
Care for women from adolescence through later life: gynecology, prenatal care, and primary care.
Questions

Frequently asked

Are scholarships available? +
Yes! Over 80% of our student body receives scholarship support. YSN offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships to domestic and international students. Scholarship consideration is built into the regular application process, no separate application required. Learn more on the financial aid page.
How much does it cost? +
For a comprehensive breakdown of tuition costs, visit the tuition and fees page.
What is GEPN? +
The Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) program is an accelerated pathway for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to become registered nurses and advance into specialized nursing practice.
Who is eligible to apply? +
The GEPN program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and wish to become advanced practice nurses. No prior healthcare experience is required, only a strong academic background, genuine commitment to nursing, and the ability to articulate how your goals align with YSN's mission.
How long does the program take? +
The GEPN program consists of a full-time, intensive prelicensure year, followed by two additional years in your selected MSN specialty track, three years total to board certification.
How do I apply? +
All GEPN applicants must apply via NursingCAS. You'll need to submit an application, official transcripts, a personal statement, resume/CV, and 3 letters of recommendation. For the complete requirements and deadlines, visit the program page.
What clinical experience will I gain? +
GEPN students complete hands-on clinical placements at top hospitals, community health centers, and specialty care settings, ensuring comprehensive training across diverse patient populations.
Do I need to choose a specialty when I apply? +
Yes. Applicants must select an MSN specialty when applying. Your chosen specialty determines your advanced nursing focus after the prelicensure year. Admission is based in part on the fit between your background and your selected specialty, so take time to research each track carefully before applying.

Ready to learn more?

Connect with our admissions team and get the details you need.

Request Information
Request Information