Full Admission Requirements to the Graduate Nursing Program

Each student must submit an application to both the USI Office of Graduate Studies and the CNHP BSN to DNP Program. Applications are not reviewed until all materials have been received.  Applicants must be admitted to USI Graduate Studies before their materials can be reviewed by the CNHP Graduate Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee. (See Office of Graduate Studies, Admission to Graduate Studies).    

The USI Department of Graduate Studies section of the graduate e-bulletin outlines several policies that are specific to graduate study. The Academic Information and Policies includes the University’s Progress toward the degree and retention policies.  USI Bulletins.

Note: Individual degree programs may have additional/higher requirements, which would be indicated on its academic program page in the bulletin.

The USI Distance Learning has parameters specific to geographic location and distance education through USI.  Updated information about this subject may be found at: https://www.usi.edu/distance/

The minimum criteria to be considered for admission to the Graduate Nursing Program includes: 

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school.
2. Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
3. Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better). As a graduate student, you are expected to competently read and analyze nursing research and scholarly literature and interpret the statistical data. In order to facilitate your successful progression through the graduate program, it is highly recommended that you hone your statistical knowledge prior to taking N602: Evidenced Based Practice for Advanced Nursing.
4. Unencumbered RN license (see RN license)
5. International students: Demonstration of a TOEFL score of 525 on the written exam, 197 on the computerized exam,
   or a score of 6 on the IELTS.
6. Successful completion of the application process to both the Office of Graduate Studies and
        the BSN to DNP Nursing Program.

One year full time or two thousand hours of clinical practice as a Registered Nurse within the last five years is strongly recommended prior to program completion.

 RN LICENSE

Holding an unencumbered RN license is a prerequisite for being admitted to and remaining in this nursing program.  An RN license will not be considered to be unencumbered if action has been taken or is being proposed against the license by any agency of government, or if the RN has entered into or is currently discussing an agreement with any agency of government concerning the license or if any restrictions have been imposed by an agency of government on an RN’s ability to practice the nursing profession or if any restrictions are being proposed by an agency of government.  An applicant or student is required to immediately advise the Program Chair in writing if their RN license has been encumbered or if any agency of government is proposing to encumber an RN’s license.

After review by the Program Chair of any action involving the encumbrance (or proposed encumbrance) of a license, the student may not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences of the program.  Failure to report an encumbered RN license to the Program Chair, as required above, may result in dismissal from the program, particularly where the encumbrance prevents the student from performing any part of the clinical experience.