The Conway School of Nursing (CSON) employs a "whole person" philosophy for the evaluation of applicants. To be considered for admission to the DNP program, an applicant must meet University admission requirements and provide evidence of the following:
Post-Bachelor's and Post-Master's Applicants
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a program or school accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Transcripts of undergraduate study provide evidence of academic ability to complete the program.
- Transcripts of undergraduate study that give evidence of strong academic ability. A GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience (preferred). Clinical experience can also be obtained concurrently with coursework.
- A professional portfolio that includes:
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Registered nurse (RN) license from at least one state.
- Narrative description of current and past clinical practice.
- Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean, faculty member, or academic adviser and one from a current or former supervisor).
- Statement of reason for seeking a DNP degree and a short description of a potential topic for an evidence-based practice project. This may be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of clinical translational research that the applicant will address while in the program. The project description does not need to be fully developed, but the applicant should provide a general idea of their area of interest.
- Academic writing sample or publication.
Meeting the CSON's Health-Related Behavioral Standards for clinical programs.
Post-Master's Applicants Only
In addition to the above requirements, post-master's applicants must provide evidence of the following:
- A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a program or school accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Transcripts of graduate study that give evidence of strong academic ability. A GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- A professional portfolio that includes
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from at least one state.
- Certification in an advanced practice nursing specialty. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for applicants whose proposed plan of study incorporates completion of a post-master's nurse practitioner certificate.
- Previous graduate-level coursework in Health Policy, Bioethics, and Research. Can be completed as part of DNP coursework if not required for master's degree.Request Information
The Catholic University Conway School of Nursing employs a "whole person" philosophy for evaluation of applicants for admission to the online DNP program.
The applicant's potential for success is evaluated in a variety of ways including:
Post-Masters D.N.P. Applicants
- Earned baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing, from an accredited program or school, with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher from degree program accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Submission of a professional portfolio that includes:
-Statement of reason(s) for seeking the D.N.P. degree.
-Curriculum vitae or resume.
-Copy of license (as an RN and advanced practice license, if applicable) from at least one state.
-Certification in an advanced practice specialty. (Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for applicants whose proposed plan of study incorporates completion of an advanced practice post-master's certificate.)
-Narrative description of current and past clinical practice.
-Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean or academic adviser and at least one from a former employer).
N.B. Applicants who are concurrently seeking new preparation and eligibility for certification in an advanced practice population must have the approval of the Specialty Program Coordinator for enrollment in the post-master's certification component of their DNP.
Post-Baccalaureate Applicants
- Earned Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program or school, with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher from degree program accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Submission of a profession portfolio that includes:
-Statement of reason for seeking the D.N.P. degree.
-A writing sample that discusses a proposed topic of interest for an evidenced-based practice project. Proposed topic may be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or area of clinical research that the applicant will address while in the program. The paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format.
-Curriculum vitae or resume.
-Copy of RN license from at least one state.
-Narrative description of current and past clinical practice.
-Three letters of reference (at least one from a former dean or academic adviser and one from current or former employer)
-Publications (if applicable) - Meets the Conway School of Nursing's Health-Related Behavioral Standards for clinical programs.