DNP Admissions Criteria

The Catholic University School of Nursing employs a “whole person” philosophy for evaluation of applicants for admission to the DNP program. The applicant’s potential for success is evaluated in a variety of ways including:

Post-Masters DNP Applicants:

1. Earned Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees in nursing, from an accredited program or school, with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
2. GRE scores within the last 5 years
3. Submission of a profession portfolio that includes:

   a.	Statement of reason(s) for seeking the DNP degree.
   b.	Curriculum vitae or resume.
   c.	Copy of license (as an RN and advanced practice license, if applicable)  from at least one state.
   d.	Certification in an advanced practice specialty.
   e.	Narrative description of current and past clinical practice.
   f.	Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean or academic adviser and at least one from a former employer).
   g.	Publications (if applicable)
   h.	A 5-10 page proposal identifying an evidence-based practice project.  This may be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problems, or area of clinical research that the applicant will address while in the program.  The paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format.  In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project.

4. A graduate level statistics course completed within 5 years prior to program matriculation. 

Post-Baccalaureate Applicants:

1. Earned Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program or school, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
2. GRE scores within the last 5 years
3. Submission of a profession portfolio that includes:

   a.	Statement of reason for seeking the DNP degree.
   b.	Curriculum vitae or resume.
   c.	Copy of  RN license from at least one state.
   d.	Narrative description of current and past clinical practice.
   e.	Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean or academic adviser and one from current or former employer)
   f.	Publications (if applicable)
   g.	A 5-10 page proposal identifying an evidence-based practice project.  This may be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or area of clinical research that the applicant will address while in the program.  The paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format.  In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project.

4. A graduate level statistics course completed within 5 years prior to program matriculation

All students admitted to the program are required to submit a Graduate Health Form indicating they are able to participate in clinical practice.