Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN)
2026 Admission is Now Open!
Admissions and Aid
From its founding over 100 years ago as the first school within a university to prepare nurses under an educational rather than an apprenticeship program, to the present day, where it continues to generate the innovative ideas and practices that have helped shape modern-day nursing.
Where will your Yale journey take you?
Which YSN Program is Right for You?
Those with no previous nursing background or experience
Trains those with no nursing education or experience to become board certified nurse practitioners in just three years of full-time study! Choose from one of eight specialties available.
RNs who want to advance their careers as nurse practitioners
Master of Science in
Nursing (MSN)
A two-year program allowing registered nurses to become board certified as nurse practitioners. Choose from one of eight specialty areas, including a fully online specialty in Psychiatric-Mental Health.
RNs who want the flexibility of a PMHNP program without relocating
Hybrid MSN in Psychiatric-Mental Health (Hybrid MSN)
A two-year program blending interactive online classes with immersive on-campus experiences and small cohorts - so you can advance your education without pausing your life or your career.
Master's prepared nurses seeking leadership or advanced clinical roles
Post Master's Doctor of Nursing
Practice (DNP)
A three-year program combining online coursework with intensive on-campus experiences, allowing advanced students to focus on leadership or clinical practice.
Nurse practitioners who want to expand their scope of practice
Post-Master's
Certificates (PMC)
A part-time program designed to allow nurse practitioners to obtain board certification in a new area of practice. Choose from one of five available specialty areas.
Nurse scholars who want to advance the science of nursing
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
A full-time program designed to prepare nurse scientists to conduct original research that drives innovation in health care and nursing practice.
Explore and Learn
Get a head start on your application with these handy instructions!
Request more information on the program you're interested in
Make a personal one-on-one appointment to meet with a team member
Join us for an upcoming virtual information session or campus tour
Contact a current student directly or schedule a personal meeting
Learn about all of the financial aid opportunities available at YSN
Got questions? We've got answers!
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The YSN Advantage
Globally recognized standard of excellence
Yale School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the United States and worldwide. Employers across health systems seek out YSN graduates because they know a Yale education reflects exceptional quality, rigor, and preparation for advanced practice.
Innovation-driven, technology-rich learning
Students benefit from a cutting-edge simulation center, virtual reality tools, and advanced clinical labs designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments. This hands-on approach equips graduates with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving profession.
More than a century of distinction
Joining YSN means joining a 100+ year legacy of leadership and innovation. From the first graduate entry nursing program to the nation’s first professorship in psychiatric nursing, YSN has shaped modern nursing education and continues to define excellence in the field.
Expert faculty grounded in real-world practice
YSN’s faculty are not just leading educators - they’re practicing clinicians who bring firsthand insights from hospitals, clinics, and communities. Students learn directly from experts who model evidence-based care and translate theory into practice every day.
Unmatched clinical guidance and support
Unlike many schools where students must find placements on their own, YSN’s Clinical Support Unit leverages a vast network of partners to help identify and coordinate outstanding clinical experiences - so students can focus on learning, not logistics.
Customized pathways for focused professional growth
With a range of concentrations and flexible study options, students can tailor their coursework to align with their passions and career goals—whether deepening clinical expertise or expanding into new populations and areas of impact.
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ysn.admissions@yale.edu