Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN or a CCNE accredited program with an undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0 (on a 0-4 scale). At the discretion of the School of Nursing chair and two senior faculty members, a candidate may be admitted on probation if the GPA is between 2.75 and 2.99; this candidate will have to attain a "B" or better in all courses in the graduate program.
  2. A valid New York State RN license and current registration.
  3. Health insurance and malpractice/liability insurance with a current identification number and expiration date.
  4. Evidence of personal and professional qualifications, and potential for graduate study from at least two professional references: one from the applicant's undergraduate program (faculty or director) if possible; one from a current, immediate or previous work supervisor.
  5. At least two years of experience as a Registered Nurse in clinical nursing practice is required.
  6. Satisfactory completion of undergraduate courses in in Elementary Statistics, Principles of Nursing Research, Anatomy and Physiology, Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology.
  7. A personal statement (essay) that reveals evidence of good communication and writing skills, and ability to identify career goals that are consistent with the purposes of the MS program.
  8. For international applicants whose native language is other than English, a minimum score of 550 on TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Information and application forms are available from: TOEFL Program, Educational Testing Services, Box 966, Princeton, N.J. 08540.
  9. A completed health form verifying current immunizations/vaccinations as specified on the form, and freedom from health impairments that interfere with the performance of nursing responsibilities. After admission to the program, this will be an annual requirement. A completed Drug Screening and Background check and finger printing is required before starting Clinical Practicums.