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University of Rochester School of Nursing

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Accelerated Nursing Pathways


UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER SCHOOL OF NURSING

Prepare for a career in nursing through an accelerated pathway at one of New York's leading academic medical centers.

U of R School of Nursing

Learn More

To learn more, connect directly with a member of the admissions team at the U of R School of Nursing.

Through a partnership with the University of Rochester School of Nursing, Hobart and William Smith students can gain early admission to an accelerated nursing program after earning their bachelor's degree. Students may pursue either the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or the Master's Direct Entry (MDE) into Nursing Practice program, providing an efficient pathway to RN licensure and a rewarding healthcare career.

 

Available Programs

Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN)

The Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program prepares students to become registered nurses in three consecutive semesters. Students complete an intensive nursing curriculum designed to prepare them to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination and begin practice as an RN.

Master's Direct Entry (MDE) into Nursing Practice

The Master's Direct Entry into Nursing Practice program offers an accelerated path to RN licensure along with master's-level preparation. The program is designed for college graduates who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing.

 

Applying

How the Program works

HWS students interested in the University of Rochester School of Nursing pathway should plan ahead to complete the required prerequisite courses while earning their bachelor’s degree at HWS and apply through an Early Action process for admission in the fall semester immediately following their expected graduation from HWS.

To be eligible for the partnership, students must:

  • Have a cumulative HWS GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Remain continuously enrolled at HWS after acceptance to the School of Nursing through completion of their bachelor's degree.
  • Apply Early Action to either the ABSN or MDE program for the fall semester following their HWS graduation.
  • Complete a list of required prerequisite coursework and minimum grades. 

The first HWS students will enter the programs in fall 2027. For that entering class, the Early Action application opens Nov. 16, 2026, and closes Jan. 15, 2027.

Program Benefits

The partnership between HWS and the University of Rochester School of Nursing provides eligible students with a more direct path from their undergraduate education to professional nursing preparation.

HWS students receive:

  • A fast-tracked application process with early action on admission.
  • A waived application fee.
  • Access to accelerated nursing education through the University of Rochester School of Nursing.
  • The opportunity to prepare for RN licensure after completing a liberal arts bachelor's degree at HWS.
  • As part of URochester Medicine, the School of Nursing is embedded within an academic health system, giving nursing students access to clinical settings and interdisciplinary training. Its programs emphasize hands-on learning, faculty mentorship and the integration of nursing education with clinical practice.

Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid

MDE Tuition Scholarship

HWS students admitted through the affiliation receive a guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship from the University of Rochester. Additional scholarships may also be considered. Financial aid and scholarships for the MDE program are administered by the University of Rochester.

UR Nursing Scholars Program

The affiliation does not guarantee a tuition scholarship for students entering the ABSN program. However, students may be eligible for other University of Rochester funding opportunities, including the UR Nursing Scholars program where students pursuing the ABSN may have an opportunity to receive full tuition coverage. In exchange, participants commit to working at one of three URochester Medicine hospitals for three years after passing their RN licensure examination. Eligibility and program requirements are determined by the University of Rochester School of Nursing. 

Students entering either the ABSN or MDE program are required to pay a non-refundable deposit upon accepting an offer of admission.

Advising and Support

Scott MacPail

Reach out to Scott MacPhail for more information. 

Students interested in the pathway receive advising and support to help them plan for nursing school and meet program requirements.

Students should connect early with Scott MacPhail, Ph.D., Director of Fellowships and Health Professions Advising macphail@hws.edu, for guidance on prerequisite coursework, eligibility, application requirements and preparation for a career in nursing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why is the University of Rochester School of Nursing a good choice?

The University of Rochester School of Nursing combines nationally recognized nursing education with hands-on learning and access to a leading academic health system. The School is ranked No. 1 in Upstate New York, with its bachelor’s and master’s nursing programs both ranked among the nation’s top programs by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of URochester Medicine, students learn in an environment that brings education, research and clinical practice together. Students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation experiences, clinical training within the health system and mentorship from expert faculty—91% of whom actively practice in clinical settings.

Who is eligible for the University of Rochester School of Nursing pathway?

HWS students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, remain continuously enrolled at HWS through completion of their bachelor’s degree and complete the required prerequisite coursework and minimum grades. Students must also apply through the Early Action process for admission to the University of Rochester School of Nursing in the fall following their HWS graduation.

What nursing programs are available to HWS students?
Eligible HWS students may apply to either the Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) program or the Master's Direct Entry (MDE) into Nursing Practice program. Both are designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree outside of nursing and provide a pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
Do I need to major in a specific subject at HWS?
The partnership announcement does not specify a required HWS major. Both Rochester programs are intended for students who earn a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Students should work with their HWS adviser to make sure they are prepared to meet the School of Nursing's admission requirements.
When do I apply to the University of Rochester School of Nursing?
HWS students must apply through Early Action for admission in the fall semester immediately following their expected HWS graduation. For the first cohort entering in fall 2027, applications open Nov. 16, 2026, and close Jan. 15, 2027.
Is admission to the nursing program guaranteed?
No. The partnership provides eligible and qualified HWS students with early admission consideration and a fast-tracked application process, but the announcement does not state that admission is guaranteed.
How long does the Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program take?
The ABSN is completed over three consecutive semesters. The program prepares students to take the licensing examination and practice as registered nurses.
What is the difference between the ABSN and MDE programs?
The ABSN allows students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a second bachelor’s degree in nursing and prepare for RN licensure. The MDE provides a pathway to RN licensure while also providing master's-level nursing preparation.
Are scholarships available to HWS students?
Yes. HWS students admitted to the MDE program receive a guaranteed 30% tuition scholarship through the partnership. The application fee is also waived for HWS students applying through the affiliation.
Can ABSN students receive full tuition coverage?
The HWS affiliation does not guarantee a tuition scholarship for students admitted to the ABSN program. However, through the UR Nursing Scholars program, ABSN students who commit to working at one of three URochester Medicine hospitals for three years after passing their RN licensure examination can receive full tuition coverage. Eligibility and program requirements are determined by the University of Rochester School of Nursing.