How to Apply

Post Graduate Certificate Program NursingCAS Application Instructions

We are pleased you are considering our program to advance your nursing career! Below is a list of instructions to assist you in the application process for the Post Graduate Certificate program.

Applicants interested in the University of Minnesota's Post Graduate Certificate program apply through NursingCAS. NursingCAS is the online, centralized application service for nursing programs.  Follow the steps below to start your application:

  1. Visit the NursingCAS website.
  2. Click on “Create Account” and complete the required fields in order to start your application.
  3. Search for University of Minnesota programs.
  4.  Locate and add the appropriate application for the specialty area you wish to apply to. 
    • Post-Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner will facilitate consideration for the Adult/Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty. 
    • Post-Graduate Certificate - Primary Care & Clinical Nurse Specialist application will facilitate consideration for the remainder of the specialties offered.  Please look for a question within the application where you will designate the specialty you are applying for. 

Follow the guidelines below for the University of Minnesota requirements and note that your application will not be considered until ALL elements listed below are completed, submitted, and verified through NursingCAS.

Application Tips!

All materials must be submitted to NursingCAS and applications must be verified to be considered. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for NursingCAS to receive and verify your application once all materials are received.  Please take this into consideration for meeting deadlines.

After submitting your application you should monitor your NursingCAS application portal regularly for completion of tasks such as receipt of your transcripts and submission of recommendations. Notifications regarding your application will only be sent through your NursingCAS portal, and it is your responsibility to be checking and taking action on necessary tasks.

Are you pursuing a concurrent application to the Post-Master’s DNP program?  Please begin working on the requirements of your Post-Graduate Certificate program application, but do not submit until instructed to do so.  Your Post-Master’s DNP application should be completed and submitted first.  See here for additional information on the Post-Master’s DNP application.  

Required portions of the NursingCAS application for your Post Graduate Certificate Application to the University of Minnesota.

Personal Information 

Please complete all seven sections of the Personal Information section as thoroughly as possible

Academic History

There are five sections in the Academic History section. Please follow the instructions below for completion.

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1. High School Attended

This section is not required for the University of Minnesota.

2. Colleges Attended

The University of Minnesota requires a complete academic history including official transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions where course registration existed. In addition to transcripts reflecting awarded degree, this includes transcripts reflecting:

  • awarded or in-progress degrees
  • in-progress coursework
  • PSEO/CIS coursework
  • coursework that was transferred to another institution
  • study abroad experiences 

Please follow the instructions provided by NursingCAS within the application, their applicant resources, and consult our step-by-step guide for transcript ordering options. All transcripts must be received by NursingCAS. Transcripts sent directly to the University of Minnesota will not be accepted.

Once your application is submitted and transcripts are received, NursingCAS will review the materials to ensure a complete academic record is collected.  It is not uncommon for NursingCAS to identify additional transcript needs and alert applicants to this.  Please watch your application portal and messages closely until your application has a verified status.  

3. Transcript Entry

This section is not required for the University of Minnesota.

4. Standardized Tests

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency based upon the requirements outlined by the University of Minnesota Graduate School.  TOEFL and IELTS are preferred.  Please follow the score submission instructions provided by NursingCAS to ensure your official score report is received by NursingCAS. 

  1. TOEFL Score Instructions
  2. IELTS Score Instructions
  3. If you will be utilizing Duolingo to satisfy this requirement please contact gophernursing@umn.edu for guidance in submitting your scores. 

5. Diploma in Nursing

This section is not required by the University of Minnesota.

Supporting Information

There are four sections in the Supporting Information section. Please follow the instructions below for completion.

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1. References

Three references are required for the application. References may come from the following individuals with at least one being from someone who is responsible for professional or academic performance evaluation and those noted with (*) as preferred. The references should attest to your potential for success in the post graduate certificate program (including preparation, initiative, and aptitude) and your commitment to the profession. 

  • Supervisors*
  • Unit Leaders/Educators *
  • MD/Advanced Practice Providers*
  • Current or Past Faculty/Professors*
  • Professional Colleagues 

    Please encourage your reference writers to submit the reference form using their professional (work) email address if possible. Use of the document upload option for submission of their letter is also preferred rather than utilizing the text entry option.  

    NursingCAS has a helpful guide for applicants available here. This website has tools for your recommender if they encounter issues with their submission.

2. Achievements

This section is optional. We encourage applicants to list all honors and awards on their CV/Resume.

3. Experiences

This section is optional. We encourage applicants to list experiences on their CV/Resume.

4. Licensure and Certifications

Use this section to enter all licensures and certifications. Candidates must hold an RN license and an APRN certification (NP, CNS, CRNA, or Midwife) by the start of the program. If you will not have your RN license or APRN certification at time of application, you will be required to provide documentation of your license and certification before you can start the program.

If you are an international nurse, you must obtain a Minnesota license by the end of your second semester in residence. You will need to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam and the NCLEX exam in order to obtain a Minnesota license. You are encouraged to take the CGFNS exam in your home country prior to enrollment. For more information, contact the Minnesota Board of Nursing or call 612-617-2270.

5. Diploma in Nursing

This section is not required by the University of Minnesota.

Program Materials

This section directs you to complete program-specific requirements. Please navigate to the University of Minnesota’s program and follow the instructions to complete the Documents and Questions sections.

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1. Documents

The following document uploads will be required for a complete application: 

  • Nursing license
  • APRN license 
  • Essay/Personal Statement 
  • Short Answer Essay - Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity
  • Curriculum vitae/resume


Detailed Essay Instructions: 

Essay/Personal Statement: Upload one document that answers the two essay questions. Save the document as "YourLastName UofM Essay" Upload the essay to the Personal Statement section. Each question response should be 250-500 words long.

Please answer the following two questions:

  1. What are your short-term and long-term professional goals for after you complete a post-graduate certificate? Please be as specific as possible. If there is a particular specialty area and/or client population you want to focus on during your graduate study, please elaborate.
  2. Describe your professional leadership, research, and work experience in relation to practice settings, client populations served, number of years of experience, and how they have prepared you for graduate education in nursing.


Short Essay Response: Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

Please answer the following short essay question in 500 words or less. Save the document as “YourLastName UofM Other”. Please upload in the "Other" document category.

Why is understanding and appreciation of equity, inclusion, and diversity important to healthcare, specifically the nursing field? As a doctorally prepared nurse how do you contribute to making society a more inclusive and equitable place?

2. Questions

Please respond to each application specific question included in this section of the application.