Admission to the MSN Program

Students entering the MSN program must:

1. Complete the graduate application ($35 fee);
2. Have a confirmed baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing school;
3. Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended;
4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) from their BSN program;
   1. Applicants not meeting these criteria may be considered for acceptance to a graduate program if the following standards are met:
      1. Students who apply to the graduate program who graduated from an undergraduate program with a minimum 2.75 GPA or higher; and
      2. their most recent two semesters (or three quarters) of undergraduate coursework earned a minimum GPA of 3.00.
      3. These students are highly encouraged to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to show the admissions committee their readiness for graduate work.
5. Hold an unencumbered RN license (South Dakota RN license may be required for FNP students depending on clinical placement);
6. Submit two professional letters of reference (one from a supervisor/manager, one from a professional such as nursing educator, physician/nurse practitioner);
7. Submit a statement of purpose (discuss intellectual interests, relevant clinical experience, and reasons for pursuing the MSN degree at Presentation College);
8. Hold current certification in CPR for the Healthcare Provider (certification is valid for 24 months but must be valid concurrently with the entire academic semester, from the first to last day of class, and mid-semester renewal is not permitted);
9. Submit proof of current immunizations (see Health, Background Screening(s) Certification, and Documentation Requirements in the current Nursing Student Handbook for immunization policy);
10. Complete national criminal background screening - students living or performing clinical practicum in the state of Minnesota are also required to complete, by state law, a state criminal background screening (see Criminal Background Screening(s) in the current Nursing Student Handbook for policy); and
11. Attend initial interview.

Non-resident alien and English as a Second Language (ESL) students – see Acceptance Policies - Undergraduate - Non-Resident Alien and ESL Students located in the Admissions section of the catalog.