School of Nursing

bsu.edu/nursing
Health Building, Room 490, 765-285-5571

Programs

• Master of Science (MS) in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Administrator Concentrations
•  Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Executive Cognates
  •  Post-Baccalaureate entry or Post-Master’s entry
• Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator

When applying, you'll be asked to identify your area of concentration when selecting the program of study.

Application Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Application Deadline: Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered until all available program spaces have been filled or until the Graduate School application deadline of two (2) weeks to the start of the term/semester. Please contact the graduate program to discuss opportunities available before applying.

To complete your application, you will need to upload the required materials:

• Supplemental forms: You will need to complete supplemental form(s) as part of your online application. You can access supplemental form(s) within your Applicant Status Portal. On these supplemental forms, you will be asked to disclose any criminal background, provide information on your employment and educational history, upload your current RN license, detail outline of your nursing background, and discuss your academic and career goals.

• Three letters of recommendation: These letters should be from a professional colleagues or supervisors who can discuss your work ethic, dependability, maturity, independence, ability to work well with others, etc. Letters from university instructors who can evaluate your academic abilities related to your potential for success in graduate school are also accepted. Recommendations from family or friends are not acceptable. Letters must also include the date, full contact information and be signed. Letters must be on letter head paper to include the date, full contact information and be signed.

• Transcript/credential evaluation showing your complete academic history

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

• Reside in and complete all clinical hours in a state where the School of Nursing is authorized to offer its programs. If admitted, the same requirements apply.
• Be a graduate of a NLNAC, ACEN, NLN CNEA, or CCNE accredited program in nursing.
• RN-MS Option applicants must hold an associate degree in nursing from a NLNAC, ACEN, or NLN CNEA accredited program and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
• Applicants in process of completing an undergraduate degree may apply to the program but must be able to provide proof of successful completion of their nursing degree (via official transcripts) prior to the first day of their desired term of admission.
• Have a minimum overall 3.0 undergraduate and/or master’s GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Applicants who do not have an overall 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale, but who have a minimum 3.0 GPA for each nursing degree earned (associate, baccalaureate, RN-BS completion) will be considered for admission.
  • Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator applicants with an overall undergraduate GPA under 3.0 may apply and will be considered for admission on an earned admission status.
  • A probationary/conditional admission is not available for Family Nurse Practitioner applicants.

• Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in state of practice.
  • Applicants who do not hold an RN license at the time of application, due to being in process of completing an undergraduate nursing degree, may apply but must be able to show proof of an active, unencumbered RN license in their state of practice prior to the first day of their desired term of admission.

ADMISSION TO NURSING

• Admission into the program is competitive.
• Applications are only good for one semester.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee admission into the program.
• Meeting or exceeding the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
• The Graduate Nursing Programs are only offered online [asynchronous, synchronous]. We do not offer an on-campus option.
• Campus visits may be required when enrolled in certain NP clinical courses.
• Clinical experiences may require travel and that any travel costs shall remain the responsibility of the student.
• Admitted students must successfully complete all required health clearance requirements, including a background check, drug screen, and other requirements for clinical practice.
• Applicants who are or will be recent graduates are able to apply without any experience as an RN; however, if admitted into the program, the student may be required to show proof of having worked a minimum of 500 hours as an RN prior to starting any clinical courses. The same requirements apply to applicants who are RNs, but who at the time of application are not working as a RN.