Eligibility Requirements
New students may begin the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Executive Leadership program in the fall, spring or summer semesters. Candidates seeking admission to Edgewood College's DNP program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a nursing program accredited by a national nursing accreditation body and received at least a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale from an accredited master's degree program.*
- A graduate statistics course completed in the last three years is strongly recommended before admission, but is absolutely required by the end of the first semester in the DNP program (unless a graduate statistics course was successfully completed as part of a master's degree conferred within the last three years)
- Hold a current registered nursing license
- Practiced for a minimum of one year as a Registered Nurse in the United States (preferred)
- Will complete an interview with the program Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee
BSN-prepared candidates may be considered for the DNP program by first successfully completing the MSN degree
*BSN-prepared candidates with a master’s degree in a discipline other than nursing may also be considered for admission. If a candidate’s master’s degree is not an MSN, his/her program of study will be evaluated for coursework that prepares him/her for DNP study. Non-MSN candidates may be asked to submit a portfolio of professional practice that highlights their knowledge, skills, and application of the MSN Essentials (i.e., research, health care policy, ethics, role development, foundations of nursing, human diversity and social issues, and health promotion). These students are often required to enroll in additional coursework prior to beginning the DNP program.
Application Process
Candidates for the DNP program apply using this application. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the School of Nursing for admission consideration. A completed application includes the following items:
- Complete DNP application
Official post-secondary transcripts from all institutions attended
- Reason for Study Essay
- Express your professional objectives and how Edgewood College’s DNP program will contribute toward your role as a nursing leader
- Describe an issue related to quality of practice or healthcare system improvement you are considering for your DNP project (preliminary ideas)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Two letters must come from nursing colleagues (at least one from a supervisor) that can address potential competency in graduate level studies
- One letter should come from a former faculty member from your MSN program who is qualified to evaluate academic competence for doctoral study
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- A scholarly writing sample that best exemplifies your writing and composition skills (this can be a sample from your master's program)
- Proof of licensure (required) and certification (optional)
- International students must submit TOEFL scores. Learn more.
Once applicants successfully complete the online application, they will receive an email request to submit additional materials (transcripts, essay, letters of recommendation, resume, and licenses) directly to Edgewood College.
**Note application process exception for candidates who already have an Edgewood College MSN: Those who have earned an MSN from Edgewood College within the past 3 years and received at least a 3.3 GPA are guaranteed admission into the DNP program upon application. If a candidate has not met the minimum 3.3 GPA requirement, he/she must apply and meet for an interview to be considered for admittance.
Application Deadlines:
- August 1st for Fall
- January 1st for Spring
- May 1st for Summer
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