DNP Program

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the DNP program in nursing must have:

  1. Completed University of Utah application to Graduate Admissions. http://www.sa.utah.edu/admiss/graduate.htm
  2. Completed College of Nursing application form.
  3. Official transcripts from ALL previous institutions of higher education attended must be sent to the College of Nursing and to the University of Utah’s Graduate Admissions Office.
  4. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  5. Statement of professional goals.
  6. Three (3) professional references.
  7. Current copy of resume/vita.
  8. Verification of licensure as an RN or APRN if appropriate in at least one of the jurisdictions of the National Council State Boards of Nursing.
  9. A personal interview may be required.
  10. Applicants for whom English is a second language must score 50 or higher on the "Test of Spoken English.
  11. The following Nurse Practitioner Programs require a minimum of two years, with preference for more, professional post licensure work experience:
    1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    2. Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
    3. Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
    4. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
  12. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for BS-DNP applicants
    1. NOT required for applicants with a cumulative GPA or 3.20 or higher
    2. REQUIRED for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.19 or lower; score cannot be in excess of five (5) years old

Note: GRE scores are not required for the Master’s to DNP program.

Applicants to the Master’s to DNP must have evidence of completion of a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution and evidence of credentials within their specialty (if appropriate).

Applicants to the joint degree MPH/DNP program will have to be meet eligibility criteria and be accepted by both programs.

Applicants to the BS-DNP Program must complete the following:

  • An elementary statistics course (C grade or better) within the past five (5) years.
  • An upper division Physiology course (500/5000 level or above) within the past five (5) years is required for some BS-DNP specialties.
  • A Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution.

International Applicants

In addition to the requirements listed above, international applicants must:

  • File an International Student Application for Admission obtained from the International Admissions Office, 250 Student Services Building, (801) 581-3091.
  • Pass both the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is a second language. TSE score must be 50 or higher. TOEFL score must be 500 (173 computer score) or higher.
  • Provide evidence of certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

Questions? Call the Graduate Academic Advisor at 801-585-6658.