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  1. Programs
  2. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  3. DNP Application & Admission Criteria

DNP Application & Admission Criteria

Application Instructions

All applications for the DNP Program need to be submitted via NursingCAS.

Applicants need to submit the following:

  • Completed application form
  • Non-refundable application fee
  • Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education
  • Admission test scores, if applicable
  • Three letters of professional recommendation indicating the reviewer’s support of the student’s ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program. At least one recommendation should come from a current or recent direct supervisor. These letters will be submitted by the reviewer through NursingCAS.
  • Personal essay addressing the questions:
  1. Share life experiences that have influenced your interest in progressing your nursing career.
  2. Describe a time when you advocated for an individual from a disadvantaged group in a healthcare setting.
  3. Describe how your personal strengths, experiences, & abilities will contribute to your success in nursing school and your career in nursing (community service, leadership experience, healthcare experience).
  4. Explain the academic challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that have affected your ability to achieve your goals. How did you respond to the situation?
  5. Why did you choose your area of concentration?
  6. What are your expectations for the program?
  7. What are your expectations of your DNP project?
  • Completion of the Experience Survey
  • Current CV or resume

All completed applications are to be submitted to the SON Admissions Office, which will forward them to the SON Admissions Committee for review and appropriate action.

The SON Admissions Committee completes the decision assignment in the online system and submits it to the SON Admissions Office, which will notify applicants of the admission decision. Applicants who do not qualify for admission to full graduate status may be considered for provisional status/ except for international applicants.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice should meet all of the following criteria:

  • Current RN license in U.S. State/Territory or location where student will complete clinical requirements
    International applicants should see the section below on Admission of Students from Other Countries and Policy 201.
  • GPA ≥ 3.0 in most recent degree from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program
    • Applicants to the BSN-DNP Program must have a BSN or an entry-level MSN from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
    • Applicants to the MSN-DNP Program must have a MSN or a master’s degree in a related field. Applicants who do not have a MSN must have a BSN from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
  • For students who have not taken an undergraduate statistics course or did not achieve a B- or better, they must complete a series of modules covering basic statistics concepts developed by the SON statistical faculty prior to enrolling in NUR 2011.
  • Clinical experience for select focus areas** (required or preferred for selected majors and concentrations)
  • Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
  • Evidence of ability to communicate in writing through the required personal essay
  • Specific Areas of Concentration/Majors may have additional eligibility criteria.

**Clinical Experience for Select Focus Areas

  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
    Equivalent of 2 years full time (within last 5 years) nursing experience in the care of critically ill newborns, infants, and children in critical care inpatient settings (preferably Level III NICU). Students may enroll in pre-clinical courses while obtaining practice experience.
  • Health Systems Executive Leadership
    Minimum of 2 years of leadership or management experience.
  • Nurse Anesthesia BSN to DNP
    Minimum 1 year full-time ICU/critical care nursing experience (within last 5 years) by start of program (may apply if employed in ICU/critical care and will have required experience before admission term). Taking the GRE is optional but may be considered supplemental information in the holistic admission process.

Application Deadlines

International Applicants

Tuition and Fees

Provisional Admission - DNP

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