Academics

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Admission

The first class admitted to the DNP program will be post-master’s students, entering study in Fall 2010. Applications from individuals with a baccalaureate degree in nursing will be accepted after September 1, 2010 for Fall 2011 admission. Admission criteria for the post-BS applicant will be similar to those for the post-MS applicant; with some exceptions. Detailed criteria for post-BS applicants is forthcoming.

Post-MS Application

Listed below are the admission criteria and a summary of materials required to complete the application for the DNP program as a post-master’s applicant. Applications are considered once a year for Fall admission. Priority for admission to the first class will be given to master's prepared advanced practice nurses who are nationally certified or eligible for certification.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is February 1. Applications must be complete and received by the deadline in order to be reviewed and processed for consideration.

Post-MS Admission Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate and master’s program in nursing



• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 (4.0 basis) for the MS degree in nursing



• A graduate level statistics course with a grade of B or better completed within five years of application. If the course has not been completed at the time of application, the grade must be submitted prior to beginning study in the program.
  
  Graduate Level Statistics Course Requirement - (download PDF)



• International applicants must submit an official English proficiency test score prior to admission. A minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 600 for the paper-based test (PBT), 250 for the computer-based test (CBT), and 100 for the internet-based test (iBT) is required by the School of Nursing. An alternative to the TOEFL is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the minimum score set at 8 or the MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) with a required minimum score of 85.



• Licensure as a professional nurse



• One year of professional nursing experience is required, preferably related to the population of interest



• Evidence of certification as an advanced practice nurse if applicable

Application Process

The application materials required for consideration by the School of Nursing and the address where they should be sent are indicated below.

• Graduate School application - Complete the Graduate School application using the UW-Madison Graduate School Electronic Application available at:
  http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/admissions/appinstr.html



• Official transcripts - One complete set of official transcripts from all institutions attended that includes a graduate level statistics course completed within five years of application



• For international students only - Official TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB scores



• Photocopy of nursing license - U.S. applicants should submit a copy of their current state’s nursing license. International applicants should submit a photocopy of their home country license as well as credential evaluation and examination results from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (http://www.cgfns.org).



• Application essay - In essay form, please submit a Professional Statement. Your statement should be a maximum of 1000 words (4 pages), typed and double-spaced. The statement will be used to evaluate your potential for success in the DNP program. Please address each of the following:



• Role - Briefly describe your current professional role. Include your motivation for pursuing doctoral study and clearly describe your vision of how the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will help you attain your short and long-term goals.



• Problem-solving ability - Identify and describe a significant clinical and/or system problem. Propose steps that you could take to investigate this problem including possible outcome criteria and potential barriers.



• Leadership ability - Describe a situation in which you have demonstrated leadership ability. Identify how you envision being a leader in nursing or health care in the future.
• Letters of recommendation - Letters of recommendation are required from three individuals who can address your clinical knowledge and leadership strengths as well as academic skills including oral and written communication. As a guideline, individuals who understand the demands and rigor of graduate education in nursing and can speak to your ability to succeed in graduate school should complete letters of recommendation. We ask that at least one recommendation is completed by a nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree. In your online application for admission, provide contact information for 3 to 4 individuals. A recommendation request will be sent, by email, to each of your references.



• Curriculum vitae or resume



• Post-Master's Verification Form - (download PDF)

Submit the required application materials to:

Graduate Admissions
University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing
K6/145B, Clinical Sciences Center
600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792-2455

Telephone: (608) 263-5180
Fax: (608) 263-5296
E-mail: gradadmit@son.wisc.edu