Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program admits students once a year, with a fall start date. Applicants are evaluated based on the admission requirements set by both the University of Utah and the College of Nursing, as well as the overall applicant pool. The College of Nursing follows the University of Utah’s policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in its admission decisions.
To apply for the DNP program, candidates must complete a single application that serves both the University of Utah Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Nursing. Due to the competitive nature of admission to our specialty tracks, applicants may only apply to one specialty track.
All application materials, including three letters of recommendation, must be submitted by December 1 for the following fall semester. Admission status notifications will be sent out in February.
Applying to the DNP program requires completion of one application that is used by both the University of Utah, Office of Graduate Admissions, and the College of Nursing. Due to the competitive nature of admission to our specialty tracks, applicants may only apply to one specialty track. Complete applications (including three letters of recommendation) are due December 1 for the following fall semester. We will notify DNP applicants of their admission status in February.
To apply to the DNP Program, you must have:
- Educational Background: An earned or in-progress bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Additionally, the nursing program must be accredited by either CCNE or ACEN.
- Degree Completion: BSN-DNP applicants may participate in the admissions process while completing the bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. However, if recommended for admission, the degree must post before starting the program.
- Post-MS to DNP Specialty Track: Applicants will possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in either Nursing or a non-nursing field.
- GPA Requirement: A 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA in the undergraduate career, or otherwise demonstrable academic readiness for graduate-level studies. Degrees from competency-based institutions will automatically be awarded a 3.0 GPA.
- License Requirement: An active, unrestricted Utah state RN license. New Nurse License Compact Rules require nurses moving from one compact state to another compact state to apply for licensure in their new Primary State of Residence (PSOR) within 60 days.
- Patient Care Experience for Neonatal DNP Applicants: The National Certification Corporation requires the equivalent of 2 years of full-time clinic practice experience (within the last 5 years) as a registered nurse (RN) in the care of critically ill neonates or infants in critical care inpatient settings is required before a student begins clinical courses. Students may enroll in preclinical courses while obtaining the necessary practice.
Applications open in August for Fall 2026. All application materials must be submitted by December 1.
- Submission of FutureU application. Click HERE to apply.
- An individual, up-to-date transcript for every college you have attended. Unofficial copies may be submitted for initial review, but official transcripts must be submitted if you are recommended for admission.
- Resume
- Responses to essay questions included in the application (limit of 1-2 pages).
- Three letters of recommendation, in addition to University Recommendation Form.
- Verification of RN license. If the RN license will not be posted by the application deadline, please upload a document stating the anticipated date of the NCLEX.
International graduate applicants can click here for information and resources.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on December 1 to begin study the following fall. Incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.
Admitted Student Intent to Enroll
To secure your place in the upcoming DNP fall cohort, click here to submit the non-refundable $500 intent to enroll fee. The $500 deposit will be credited toward your first semester’s tuition.
If the enrollment deposit is a financial challenge, you may request a deposit extension in writing to gradstudentinfo@nurs.utah.edu.