Georgian Court-Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing will launch a 24-month Direct-Entry Master of Nursing program in fall 2022, according to a Feb. 7 announcement.

This will be the only such program in the state, Georgian Court said.

“The DE-MSN is another example of the many ways Georgian Court meets labor market demands, delivers the experiences students need to excel in the workforce, and positions graduates to give back to the community,” said GCU President Joseph Marbach. “Our strong partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health is also a factor in the continued growth and success of nursing programs at Georgian Court. Working closely with New Jersey’s largest health provider offers a tremendous advantage for our nursing students.”

The DE-MSN launch follows two years after the university introduced its 14-month accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program, which allows those who already have a bachelor’s degree to transition into the field.

This truly is one of a few of its kind throughout the nation. Most of the DE-MSN programs are usually affiliated with larger institutions, and we are fortunate enough to have it here because of our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health.
— JoAnn Cummings, program director

The new DE-MSN program is for those who want to enter the profession as a master’s-prepared RN. Georgian Court said the track will help students pursue leadership roles within professional nursing and give them a foundation for future advanced practice roles and specialties.

“This truly is one of a few of its kind throughout the nation,” said program director JoAnn Cummings. “Most of the DE-MSN programs are usually affiliated with larger institutions, and we are fortunate enough to have it here because of our partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health.”

The 80-credit direct-entry master’s-degree curriculum goes beyond bedside care to include emerging fields like data mining, informatics and quality performance.

“There are so many excellent programs for nursing in New Jersey. We’re lucky to have that, but two things set us apart from all others: our student-centered faculty and our partnership with a major health network,” said nursing school Dean Theresa Wurmser.

“I’m a member of the HMH nurse executive team, so I really have the ability to learn and better understand nursing and all the challenges and opportunities that are there,” said Wurmser.