DNP Admission Requirements
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Admissions team, who will be happy to help. You may reach Admissions via email or by phone (toll free 1.888.333.9192).
Admission Criteria for DNP Program
- Official Transcripts. Applicants must submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Applicants must have completed a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited institution. A minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA for graduate work is preferred.
- Nursing Licensure. An unencumbered Registered Nurse license must be presented. In addition, applicants must have the APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) designation in their home states and national board certification in their areas of specialty as appropriate.
- Letters of Recommendation. Strong professional references from three persons who hold a doctoral degree addressing academic skills including oral and written communication as well as clinical competence. Applicants are strongly encouraged to select a doctorally prepared nurse as one of the three recommenders.
- Interview. An interview is required in person or by telephone. After initial review of the application, applicants may be contacted for an interview.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Professional Statement. The professional statement must include written essays responding to select questions and identification of a potential practice inquiry within selected populations to frame the program of study. See page 4 of the application.
- Technical Requirements. Vanderbilt School of Nursing considers the Internet communication link an essential learning resource for doctoral students. DNP students will be required to have a home computer, printer and Internet service provider that has high speed broadband Internet access.
