The George Washington University School of Nursing launched its Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) degree program Aug. 24. Designed for people with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees interested in changing careers, the program provides a four-semester graduate nursing education with a focus on increased immersive clinical hours, concept-based learning and leadership development.
“DEMSN programs provide students with an opportunity to become registered nurses in a shortened period of time and at an advanced level,” said School of Nursing Dean Susan Kelly-Weeder, whose previous experience with DEMSN programs led her to advocate strongly for establishing the option at GW. “The focus on systems approaches to care and leadership development produces a graduate whose focus is beyond the bedside, who can help move healthcare forward for all.”
“GW’s DEMSN program is a transformative pathway for individuals who want to enter nursing with a strong leadership skill set,” said Jennifer Walsh, program director and associate professor of nursing. “What makes it truly unique is that leadership is woven into the curriculum from day one. And because we’re located in the nation’s capital, students have unparalleled opportunities to learn at the intersection of clinical practice, health policy and social impact.”
While most nursing graduate programs are designed for already‑licensed nurses seeking advanced practice or leadership roles, the DEMSN program prepares students to enter nursing with a master’s degree. Graduate students are also eligible for additional financial aid options unavailable to students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree.
In addition, Walsh said, the program “is designed to seamlessly flow into advanced practice and/or doctoral studies for graduates wishing to advance their education on a faster track.”
DEMSN students will complete 900 total clinical hours—exceeding national prelicensure norms—with placements secured by the school at healthcare facilities across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Placement locations include School of Nursing partners MedStar Washington Hospital Center, GW Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center and Inova Health.
Beginning in the first semester, participants will complete clinical rotations twice a week in small groups with a clinical faculty member. Toward the end of the program, students also will complete a one-on-one clinical preceptorship.
These clinical experiences are “intentionally structured within a competency‑based education framework,” Walsh said, giving students “repeated, scaffolded opportunities to demonstrate mastery across the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) four spheres of nursing care: wellness and disease prevention, chronic disease care, regenerative/restorative care and hospice/palliative care.”
“Nursing is at a critical inflection point. We need more practice‑ready clinicians, stronger pipelines into the profession and nurses who understand the broader systems shaping health outcomes,” Walsh said. “This program brings new talent into nursing from diverse professional backgrounds—business, education, public health, science, government and the military. Their previous experiences become strengths in the classroom and clinical settings.”