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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Admission

Admission to the Indiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) DNP program requires approval by the faculty and is based on the applicant's qualifications as evidenced by the admission criteria and application materials, including an admission interview. Acceptance into the DNP program is competitive.

DNP Program Tracks

  • Post-MSN Executive Leadership Track
  • Post-MSN Advanced Clinical Track
  • MBA or MHA to DNP Transition Option
  • MSN & DNP Dual Degree Track

DNP Admission Criteria

Applicants to all tracks will possess an unencumbered RN license in their state of practice.  All applicants for the Post-MSN and MBA or MHA to DNP tracks will have successfully completed a 3 credit hour, graduate-level Statistics course with a grade of B- (3.0) or higher.

  • Post-MSN DNP tracks: Earned a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited program, and earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MS in nursing or MSN) from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale
  • MBA & MHA to DNP Transition Tracks: Earned a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited program, and earned an MBA or MHA from an AACSB or CEPH accredited program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale for both degrees.
  • MSN & DNP Dual Degree track: Earned a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from an NLNAC, ACEN, or CCNE accredited program with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale 


DNP Application Packet Materials

Applicants will submit the online DNP application and provide the following supporting materials:

  • Official transcripts for all prior earned degrees and all prior post-secondary coursework. Official transcripts should be submitted directly to the Graduate Advisor electronically, or by mail to the address below; copies of transcripts uploaded into the online application will not be accepted.

  • Verification of master's clinical hours completed for post-MSN tracks; MSN Clinical Hour Verification form to be completed by the institution granting the master’s degree

  • Three professional references indicating ability to succeed in DNP program, including at least one from a nurse faculty member who has knowledge of the applicant's academic ability

  • Personal statement indicating your goals and ability to succeed in the DNP; 2-3 pages in length

  • Evidence of the capacity for writing as demonstrated by reports, published and unpublished papers, or a thesis

  • Current resume or CV

  • Copy of your current, unencumbered RN license and any certifications held

  • If applicant’s native language is not English, submission of proof of English proficiency by taking the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL)


All qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a formal admission interview with DNP faculty.

Graduate Advisor for Doctoral Programs
Indiana University School of Nursing
Center for Academic Affairs

600 Barnhill Drive, Room NU147
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107


For more information about the DNP program or the admission criteria, please contact:
Graduate Advisor for Doctoral Programs
Phone: (317) 274-2806


Last updated March 2020