Admissions

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Prospective students who are registered nurses and hold a master's degree in nursing are considered for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program on a competitive basis. Additional admission requirements are outlined below.

Applications are received through the Midwestern University website. The University Admission Team reviews each application for completeness and refers complete applications to the Graduate Nursing Program Admissions Committee for review.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Practice program, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:

  1. Completion of a Master’s degree in nursing granted by a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Current and unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse.
  3. Submission of current resume or curriculum vitae to highlight current clinical, educational, or administrative practice related to nursing that can serve to facilitate the successful completion of an advanced nursing degree.
  4. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  5. Submission of a personal response in one page or less to "Why am I pursuing this degree?"

Application Process and Deadlines

To be considered for admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions the following:

  1. A completed Application for Admission form.
  2. Official transcripts verifying completion of a master’s level degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program and satisfactory completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade of a “C” or higher. “C-" will not be accepted.
  3. Official final transcripts from all colleges attended post-bachelors.

Please be advised that applications are due by July 31st (early submissions are encouraged) through the Midwestern University website.

Questions related to the Midwestern University Admissions Portal can be directed to the office of admissions (888/247-9277 or 623/572-3215; admissaz@midwestern.edu), and general admissions questions can be directed to the Program Director (Dr. Logue, mlogue@midwestern.edu)

Please note: The receipt of the application materials and the file status can be tracked on the University's website. Upon receipt of the application, the Office of Admissions will send instructions for accessing account information. Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions at the above address of any changes in mailing address and/or e-mail address.

All requests for withdrawal of an application must be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax, or letter to the Office of Admissions.

Selection Process

The DNP program at Midwestern University uses a rolling admissions process. Completed applications are reviewed, and decisions to admit candidates are made regularly during the admission cycle until the class is filled. The admissions committee reviews all completed applications to the DNP program and then formulates and submits a recommendation to the Dean for final approval. The Dean, via the Office of Admissions, notifies applicants in writing of admission decisions. Applicants are notified of their selection status no later than two weeks after completing their file.

Reapplication Process

After receiving either a denial or an end-of-cycle letter, prospective students may reapply for the following year's admissions cycle. Before reapplying, applicants are encouraged to seek input from a counselor in the Office of Admissions on strengthening their application. To initiate the reapplication process, prospective students must complete and submit new applications and proceed through the standard application procedures.

Transfer Policy

Transfer students must apply to the program and, if qualified, participate in an admissions interview. Requests for transfer credit consideration must be submitted in writing by the student no later than July 31. The request must include supporting documentation, including official transcripts, course syllabi, or course descriptions. Qualified students may transfer up to 9 semester credit hours (didactic only) of doctoral-level credits for the DNP, with individualized course evaluations by faculty that ensure alignment with program quality and accreditation standards. All transfer requests are reviewed prior to matriculation to provide clear, upfront decisions and a seamless start to your program. Transfer credit decisions are based on equivalency of course content, academic quality, and alignment with program outcomes and accreditation standards. All transfer credit requests are subject to approval by the Admissions Committee, which determines the number and type of graduate credits accepted, including both semester and quarter credit equivalencies. Note: Clinical specialty and practicum courses are non-transferable due to variability in clinical hours, supervision, and regulatory requirements. * Refer to the section below for the post-baccalaureate DNP practice hours exception.
 
DNP Program
  • *Students may transfer up to 400 practice hours from a prior MSN program
  • Must provide:
    • Official documentation of completed hours
    • Verification of supervised clinical or practice experience
DNP Program Requirement: Total program hours must meet a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours per AACN Essentials.
 
Note:
  • Programs may impose stricter limits based on specialty, certification, or regulatory requirements.
  • Course must be completed at a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum grade of B or higher
  • Completed within the past 5 years
Time Limitations on Applicability
  • Accepted transfer credits apply only to the program of admission
  • Credits cannot be re-applied to future programs without reevaluation