Program Structure & Learning Format

Saint Leo University’s Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) is an accelerated, cohort-based nursing program designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice in just 20 months.

The program consists of 64 total credit hours delivered across five semesters, combining in-person instruction with flexible online learning to support a modern, student-centered experience. Because students enter the DEMSN program having already completed a bachelor’s degree, general education coursework, and all nursing prerequisites, the curriculum is fully focused on nursing content—allowing for a faster, more efficient pathway into the profession. This structured, cohort-based model supports academic success, peer collaboration, and on-time completion. The program consists exclusively of nursing coursework, including:

• Program Length: 20 months (5 semesters)
• Total Credits: 64 semester hours
• Format: Hybrid (in-person + online coursework)
• Cohort Model: Progress with the same group of students
  • 752 Didactic (Theory) Hours
  • 144 Skills Laboratory Hours
  • 672 Clinical Practice Hours
     

Program Student Learning Outcomes

On completion of the DEMSN program, students will be able to:

1. Integrate foundational and advanced knowledge from nursing and other disciplines into clinical judgement, innovative nursing practice, and leadership roles.
2. Utilize comprehensive health assessment and clinical judgment skills supportive of a Culture of Health to promote health, prevent disease, and coordinate holistic, culturally competent, equitable person-centered care within complex healthcare systems.
3. Facilitate interprofessional partnerships that support and improve health outcomes for people, populations, and healthcare systems.
4. Promote safety in nursing practice utilizing current evidence, organizational and leadership skills, innovative technologies, and quality improvement processes.
5. Demonstrate accountability for quality nursing practices, professional growth, and clinician well-being consistent with Saint Leo University Core Values.
    

Admission Requirements

Saint Leo University plans to admit students three times annually (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters). Admission requirements for the DEMSN program are:

• Conferred bachelor’s degree, non-nursing discipline of study
• Successful completion of prerequisite courses within 7 years with a grade of B or higher
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab – 8 credits
  • Microbiology with Lab – 4 credits
  • Human Growth and Development - 3 credits
  • Statistics – 3 credits
• ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score of 72 or higher