General Admission Requirements for Masters Level Programs
Our programs are designed for baccalaureate prepared nurses, who have obtained a degree in nursing from a school accredited by NLNAC, CCNE, or other accrediting institutions recognized by the Department of Education. Our applicants are licensed as a Registered Nurse in the United States, its protectorates or territories, and are serving on active duty in the Uniformed Services or employed by the Veteran�s Administration.
The Uniformed Services University Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) employs a �whole person� philosophy when evaluating applicants for admission into our programs. The assessment of an applicant�s potential for success is evaluated in a variety of ways, encompassing every element of the application packet. This allows for a global assessment of the applicant.
The GSN outlines important attributes that help to identify students likely to be successful in a Master�s level curriculum. These attributes are outlined below and should be addressed in the required letters of reference.
- Evidence of critical thinking skills
- Evidence of the ability to communicate
- Evidence of the ability to be academically successful
- Evidence of character, honesty, and integrity in their profession
- Evidence of initiative, self-direction, and motivation
Evaluating several components of the application packet assesses these attributes. Some of the key elements assessed include:
- Transcripts (Including GPA and type of course work)
- GRE scores
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Work history
- Professional certifications (i.e. CCRN, CNOR)
General Prerequisites
The following are general pre-requisites for admission into the FNP, CRNA, and CNS programs. Specific requirements for each program are also outlined below.
- Current RN license
- A target GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The GPA will be calculated on more recent coursework, with emphasis on those courses relevant to the nursing specialization.
- GRE scores within the last five years. There is no minimum requirement, but to be competitive, the target Verbal and Quantitative scores should be 1000 or higher. MAT scores are not accepted.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three letters of reference addressing the attributes of success as outlined above. The letters may be copies that have been submitted to the service-specific selection boards. Please refer to specific program requirements for types of references required.
- A written personal statement reflective of your professional and personal strengths, as well as your motivation for graduate study as an advanced practice nurse.
- Applicants should be practicing a minimum of eight hours per week in direct patient care (e.g. primary care, medical-surgical, critical care, emergency room).
Additional Pre-requisites for Master�s Level Programs
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
- Two years of nursing practice experience. Outpatient or ambulatory care nursing experience is desired.
- Three letters of reference from individuals as outlined below:
- Person in chain of command
- Immediate supervisor
- Optional source (preferably from an individual who can adequately assess your potential for success)
Nurse Anesthesia Program
- 1. Organic chemistry or biochemistry, organic chemistry preferred. It is preferable the courses are completed within five years of application.
- One year of experience as a RN in an acute care area. Acute care is defined as work experience during which the applicant has developed as an independent decision-maker capable of using and interpreting advanced monitoring techniques based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles.
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification prior to matriculation.
- Three letters of reference from individuals as outlined below:
- Person in chain of command
- Immediate supervisor
- CRNA on active duty or recently retired
- Applicants must also meet their service specific criteria.
Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
- Two years of perioperative nursing experience is desired. This experience should be as recent as possible.
- Three letters of reference from individuals as outlined below:
- Person in chain of command
- Immediate supervisor
- Optional source (preferably from an individual who can adequately assess your potential for success.)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
- Two years of nursing practice experience. Psychiatric nursing experience is desired. (Army Applicants) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Course (66-C School) preferred.
- Three letters of reference from individuals as outlined below:
- Person in chain of command
- Immediate supervisor
- Additional source (preferably from an individual who can adequately assess potential for success as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner)