School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice Admission Requirements

The applicant must:

• hold an earned Master of Science degree with a concentration in nursing from an accredited institution
• hold an unencumbered license at a level consistent with the focus of DNP study
• hold national certification (or be eligible for certification) in an advanced practice role
• have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the graduate level
• provide documentation of clinical and leadership excellence
• have completed graduate-level course work (with a grade of B or better) in research, nursing theory, and health policy for the Nurse Executive track
• have completed graduate-level course work (with a grade of B or better) in research, nursing theory, health policy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment for the Advanced Practice track.

These admission requirements are general requirements for all UNDNP students in the program. Specific detailed requirements broken down for the individual tracks (Nurse Executive and Advanced Practice) are listed below. These detailed requirements are specific based on the coursework required by each track. Please refer to the specific track for the application checklist for detailed requirements.

Checklist of items required for Nurse Executive Track application

Students will submit the following*:

• Application submitted through the Graduate College
• Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (to be sent to the Graduate College).
• Copies of all RN and APN licensure (if applicable), national certifications and credentialing.
• If not nationally certified as nurse executive or nurse leader, at the time of application, provide copy of the certification the student is eligible for and proof that student meets these criteria (example: student will provide certification eligibility criteria and supporting documents of her/his individual eligibility).
• Current resume or CV.
• Three letters of recommendation to validate current competency in nursing practice and leadership roles at the advanced practice level and the potential for doctoral study.
• Submit a goal statement not to exceed 500 words, a typewritten document describing career objectives and areas of interest in advanced practice or leadership roles. Include reasons for pursuing a doctor of nursing practice degree and specific interest in the University of Nevada program. The statement should describe past experiences and achievements in nursing practice, leadership, and scholarship.

Advanced Practice Track

• Hold an earned master’s degree in nursing (MSN or MN). Exceptions to this will be made on a case-by-case basis and only for those students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a master’s degree in another health-related field (e.g., MPH, MHA, etc.). Coursework from non-nursing master’s degree must have significant content from nursing or a nursing focus. At a minimum, graduate level coursework must demonstrate a substantial study of Nursing Theory, Research, and Health Policy.
• Have completed graduate-level course work with a grade of B or better in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, nursing theory, research, and healthcare policy.
• Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher at the graduate level.
• Hold an unencumbered license as a registered nurse and as an advanced practice nurse commensurate with state licensure.
• Hold national certification in an advanced practice role from a nationally recognized certification/credentialing organization

Checklist of items required for application

Students will submit the following*:

• Application submitted through the Graduate College.
• Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (to be sent to the graduate college)
• Copies of all RN and APN licensure, and national certifications
• Current resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation to validate current competency in nursing practice and leadership roles at the advanced practice level and the potential for doctoral study
• Submit a goal statement not to exceed 500 words, a typewritten document describing career objectives and areas of interest in advanced practice or leadership roles. Include reasons for pursuing a doctor of nursing practice degree and specific interest in the program. The statement should describe past experiences and achievements in nursing practice, leadership and scholarship.

*All documents should be completed at the time the application is submitted to the graduate college/school.