Entry Level Master's in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader
A Direct Path into Nursing for Career Changers
Pepperdine's Entry-Level Master's in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader (ELM-CNL) program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and will allow the graduate to enter the nursing profession with a master of science in nursing degree. The curriculum prerequisites provide a strong foundation for nursing courses while cultivating the development of critical thinking, communication, and other core skills. Nursing-specific courses are organized around the nursing process and prepare students with knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to function in accordance with the registered nurse scope of practice and to meet competency standards of a registered nurse. Grounded in the University's Christian mission, the curriculum cultivates the development of compassionate nurses who are prepared to provide evidence-based care across the care continuum and lifespan in a variety of settings with diverse individuals and communities.
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now open. Deadline: May 1, 2026.
ELM-CNL Program Highlights
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Specialization
Step into nursing leadership—graduate prepared for the CNL exam and equipped to mentor, manage, and improve patient care.
850+ Clinical Supervised Hours
Get placed in a clinical placement opportunity near you to expand your nursing skillset.
Quick Facts
Format: In person, daytime and some evening classes
Location: Pepperdine Calabasas Campus
Start Terms: Fall and spring
Length: 7 semesters, 29 months
Units: 104
Innovative Curriculum
The Entry-Level Master's in Nursing program is designed to prepare you for the complexities of modern healthcare with hands-on learning and cutting-edge resources.
Faith-Driven Education
As the nation's highest-ranked Protestant Christian university according to U.S. News & World Report, Pepperdine is grounded in Christian values and prepares you to transform healthcare systems and impact communities locally and worldwide.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The 30,000 sq. ft. Calabasas campus features advanced simulation labs, nursing skills labs, and the latest technology to enhance learning.
Licensure Preparation
After two years of prelicensure preparation, you will be equipped for the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for the Clinical Nurse Leader exam.
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's Entry Level Master's in Nursing program
and start your journey toward becoming a registered nurse today.
Get In Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn about the opportunities that await you.
Attend An Info Session
Learn more about your program by signing up for a virtual information session.
Start Your Application
Begin your application to Pepperdine today through NursingCAS.
School of Nursing Faculty Highlights
Michael Jermakian
Assistant Professor, Geriatric Nursing Content Expert
Teaches NURS260: Pathopharmacology
Louella Graham
Clinical Instructor, Medical Surgical Nursing Content Expert
Teaches NURS170: Professionalism in Nursing Practice: Roles and Resilience
Important Dates
Admission Deadlines
Application Deadline - Fall 2026 Cohort
Entry-Level Master's in Nursing Admissions
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ELM-CNL program consists of the following academic requirements. All application materials must be submitted in order for the admissions committee to review your application.
- Two reference letters (one from a supervisor and one from a faculty member)
- Two personal essays; one about Pepperdine University's Christian Mission and one about your call to nursing.
- Valid CPR certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) in Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Completion of an undergraduate degree (BA/BS) with an overall GPA of 3.300 or higher from a regionally accredited educational institution
- Official transcripts for the past 7 years from all colleges or universities attended
- Complete the required prerequisite courses or their equivalents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Not sure if you've met the prerequisites?
We know many applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds. To help you determine what previously completed courses may count toward our ELM-CNL prerequisites, you can use the tool assist.org to explore course equivalencies.
Why Pepperdine's School of Nursing
A Premier Christian School
Since the University's founding in 1937, Pepperdine has always had a singular mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in Christian faith and values. As one of the few ELM programs based at a Christian university, we believe that healthcare is not just about treating diseases; it's about caring for people. This philosophy is woven into every aspect of our curriculum, as we encourage students to approach nursing with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.
Our Mission
Grounded in Christian values, Pepperdine University School of Nursing's mission is to develop compassionate and caring nurse leaders who will positively influence the nursing profession, transform healthcare systems, and impact communities locally and worldwide.
Learn more about the School of Nursing's mission, vision, and values
Student Experience for a Lifetime of Success
We believe student success extends beyond the classroom. The Pepperdine College of Health Science's student services department are here to help you access essential resources and foster community and wellness.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid at Pepperdine University College of Health Science is dedicated to offering outstanding financial aid packages to our students. Discover more about the scholarships, grants, and financing options available to students across all income levels.
Facilities Highlight
High-Fidelity Emergency Room
Pepperdine is proud to offer one of the few dedicated simulated ER spaces on the west coast—giving students rare, cutting-edge training opportunities. This room features manikins and technology that replicate real-world emergency scenarios, allowing students to practice responding to high-stress, time-sensitive situations in a safe environment. From trauma cases to critical illness, students build clinical judgment, emotional readiness, and confidence. Combined with hands-on experience during clinical rotations, this simulation lab ensures students are well-prepared—mentally and technically—for the fast-paced demands of real emergency care settings.
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's ELM-CNL program
