DNP Admission Requirements

DNP Admission Requirements

To enroll students with the greatest potential for completing the DNP program successfully, the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing will consider the criteria listed below for full acceptance, in addition to general requirements for admission to The Graduate School.

Application coming soon.

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an NLN or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing.
  • Cumulative undergraduate and any graduate courses taken GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for full admission.
  • Nursing practice experience (one year recommended).
  • Have a current license as a Registered Nurse in the United States or United States Territories. The unencumbered active license needs to be in the U.S. state or territory in which the student resides and in which the student is completing the practicum project.
    • Submission of a copy of the current nursing license is required.
  • Completed application, the non-refundable application fee of $55.00 ( $60.00 for international students) and official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework must be sent directly from each institution to the Graduate School Admissions Department.
  • Successful completion of the following courses or equivalent at a graduate level (or concurrently with approval from the director of the DNP Program): 
    • Advanced Pathophysiology
    • Advanced Pharmacology
    • Advanced Health Assessment
    • Epidemiology and Global Health 
  • A personal statement describing the applicant's experience and objective in undertaking graduate study in the chosen specialty.  The personal statement should be at least 500 words and describe:
    • The development of the student’s interest in DNP education in Population Health,
    • Any special circumstances that the student believes require further clarification,
    • The student’s academic strengths and areas needing further development, and
    • The student’s professional goals and how this specialization will help the student achieve them.
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae of educational and work experience.
  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors, supervisors, or professional colleagues, two of which must come from individuals with a minimum of a master's degree in nursing, who are qualified to evaluate professional nursing experience, academic competence, and potential to undertake a doctoral degree program.