Post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program

The non-refundable application fee is $80, payable through NursingCAS. For information on application fee waivers, visit the NursingCAS website.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check their NursingCAS application account frequently to make sure documents have been received and processed by the deadline.

Detailed information about how to submit the application and required documents is also available while you are filling out the NursingCAS application.

NursingCAS sections:

Academic history

• Send official post-secondary transcripts from all institutions where you earned a degree or completed any coursework directly to NursingCAS. This includes higher education institutions where you may have completed dual-enrollment credits while still in high school. Transcripts may take up to four-six weeks to process. For information about how to submit transcripts, see the “help with transcripts” section of the NursingCAS website.
• Applicants that have transcripts from institutions that do not issue records in English, are required to provide a course-by-course transcript evaluation by either World Education Services, Inc. or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. For additional information, refer to the NursingCAS FAQs section.
• Transcripts sent to the U-M School of Nursing will not be accepted. If you have any questions during the process of submitting transcripts, please contact NursingCAS directly.
• Current or previous University of Michigan students are required to request transcripts to be sent to NursingCAS through the Office of the Registrar.

Academic history helpful hints:

• Late receipt of transcripts is the primary reason why applications are considered incomplete.
• We require an official transcript from all academic institutions, even if credit for these courses are on your BSN transcript.

Program materials section

Personal statement

• Provide an answer to the following question: What are your professional and educational goals as they relate to the graduate program to which you are applying? (700 words maximum). The answer should state your reason for pursuing the program. It is most effective when you have researched the program and can communicate an understanding of the scope of practice. You should elaborate on how the degree and specialty best fit your professional and academic goals.

Personal statement helpful hints:

• Personal statements are most efficient when they include details regarding in-depth knowledge of your program of interest, as well as clear goals for your career.
• Personal statements are a perfect place to relay information to the admission committee that we do not have from other parts of your application.
• Incorporating information about how it is you chose to become a nurse can be effective and/or experiences you had that led you to this specialty.
• If there is something in your academics or resume that should be addressed, feel free to use the personal statement to touch on this as well.

References

• Three recommendations are required for admission consideration. Recommendations must be sent directly to NursingCAS. If a recommender needs assistance please direct them to contact NursingCAS.

• Recommenders should be able to comment on your potential success as a graduate student and as an advanced practice nurse in the area for which you are applying. It is recommended that references have a master's level nursing degree or higher.

• Hard copy or electronic versions of recommendations sent directly to the school will not be accepted.

References helpful hints:

• It is encouraged that applicants send their evaluation requests early in the application process to make sure recommenders have adequate time to complete the request.
• Be sure to update your recommender on your goals in applying to graduate school so that he or she can speak eloquently about your skill sets.

Resume

• The U-M School of Nursing requires the submission of a one - two page resume with your NursingCAS application. 

• Your resume should be well-written, formatted appropriately, and easy to read.

• Highlight important educational and professional experiences, including volunteering, professional associations, leadership, research, job shadowing, and awards. 

Resume helpful hints:

• Example of Nursing Resume
• Resumes should be current and no longer than two pages.
• Applicants should keep information relevant to nursing-specific experiences and leadership activities.
• We do not require specific work experience prior to applying for a program, however, we encourage applicants who have work experience to share their passion and knowledge for advanced practice nursing throughout their application.
• For individuals with limited to no work experience as an RN, it is recommended that applicants job shadow, volunteer, and/or complete additional experiences to understand the role of an advanced practice nurse.
• Involvement in extracurricular leadership activities are a good item to have on your resume. Examples include involvement in Student Nurses Associations or student groups while in school or participating in unit committees while working.
• Achievements and awards can also be included in your resume, such as Daisy awards or departmental recognition.

We recommend taking the first steps on your application at least five-six weeks before the application deadline. All application materials must be received by NursingCAS by the deadline in order to be considered for admission.

Post-master’s to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program applicants must have:

• Master Science (MS) in a nursing focus, Master Science in Nursing (MSN), or Master Nursing (MN) from an AACN, CCNE, or NLN-accredited nursing program. Applicants may apply pending completion of the master's degree; conferral must be received prior to the selected term of application.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an AACN, CCNE, or NLN-accredited nursing program.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in both graduate and undergraduate (BSN) programs.

All admitted students must obtain a current, valid RN license from any state within the USA prior to their first term of enrollment in the U-M School of Nursing. 

Graduate applicants qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:

• You are a native speaker of English.
• You are an applicant from Puerto Rico.
• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• You completed all of your graduate education and earned a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Graduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• You are a current U-M student.

Does not meet English proficiency exemption:

• A one year graduate degree does not meet an English exemption.
• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes, that degree does not meet the exemption. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution.
• If you have questions about qualifying for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination, please contact the Office of Admissions and Records at [email protected].

• English proficiency exemption documentation

If you think you qualify for an exemption based on receiving a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English only, you must have your previous institution submit a letter directly to the School of Nursing following these guidelines:

• The letter must state that the language of instruction for all courses taken at the institution was English only.
• The letter must be signed, stamped, dated, and sent in a sealed envelope directly from a school official to the School of Nursing.
• Documentation sent directly from students will not be considered for an exemption. *

Letters may be sent to the following address:

Admissions & Records
400 N. Ingalls St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482

Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

English language test information

• Scores must be sent directly to the University of Michigan
• Test scores are valid for two years after the test date.
• Official score reports must be received from the testing agency no later than the program application deadline. 
• Tests accepted are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for graduate applicants.
• Only the highest total score from one test date will be considered in the admissions process.
• Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted.

TOEFL (Preferred)

• Total score must be 94 or higher
• We accept TOEFL internet-based-test
• Official scores should be sent directly to the University of Michigan, School Code 1839.
• For  testing information, please view: https://www.ets.org/toefl

IELTS 

• Total score must be 7.0 or higher
• We accept IELTS, IELTS indicator exam
• Official scores should be sent directly to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor or have them mailed to the following address:

Admissions & Records
400 N. Ingalls St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482

• For  testing information, please view: https://www.ielts.org/en-us

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission consideration to the post-MSN to DNP program.

You are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible. Admission decisions are sent on a semi-rolling basis by email.