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 option should apply through NursingCAS. NursingCAS is the online, centralized application service for nursing programs. Visit the NursingCAS website and click “Apply Here”. Click on “Create Account” and complete the required fields in order to start your application.

Helpful Hint: We encourage you keep these instructions open when completing your NursingCAS application.

Please note that all applicants are required to submit a new application every year.

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.

Apply Early!

All materials must be submitted to NursingCAS and applications must be complete by the application deadline for consideration. It takes 4-6 weeks for NursingCAS to receive and verify your transcripts and calculate GPAs. Please take this into consideration for meeting deadlines.

You should monitor your NursingCAS application portal weekly for completion of tasks such as verification of your transcripts and receiving 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.

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

Once you initiate an account on the NursingCAS site, you will be directed to select the programs to which you want to apply. You will need to select at least one program to begin your application. After selecting your program(s), proceed to Review My Selections. After reviewing, continue to your application.

On the My Application dashboard, you will be able to complete the four application sections as well as manage your programs. Each section will ask for multiple pieces of applicant information; please follow the directions below carefully for the University of Minnesota requirements.

Helpful Hint: At any point, to return to the My Application dashboard, simply click on the blue icon with four boxes in the upper left corner.

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.

Expand all

1. High School Attended

This section is not required for the University of Minnesota.

2. Colleges Attended

Please follow the instructions provided by NursingCAS to add colleges. Official transcripts are required for the University of Minnesota. Please download a Transcript Request Form for each college, and submit the form to your Registrar. Transcripts sent directly to the School of Nursing will not be accepted.

3. Transcript Entry

In this section, enter details for the completed coursework from your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree that satisfies the prerequisite areas. You do not need to add all previously completed coursework for the post-graduate certificate application.

4. Standardized Tests

GRE

GRE scores are not required for Post Graduate Certificate applicants unless your master’s degree was granted on a Pass/No-Pass or non-letter grade base (GPA) system. If that is the case, applicants must submit official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that are no more than five years old. The GRE designation code for the School of Nursing is 5942. The preferred minimum combined verbal and quantitative score for the new GRE revised General Test is 297. The preferred minimum combined verbal and quantitative score for the older GRE General Test is 1,000.

If you have taken the GRE by the time that you submit your application, please enter your scores in the Standardized Tests area. If you have not, please indicate the date that you plan to sit for the exam. Please note, GRE exam scores must be received by the School of Nursing by the application deadline.

TOEFL

If English is not your native language, then you are required to submit TOEFL scores. Request to have your results sent directly to the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. The TOEFL institutional code for School of Nursing is 5942. A score of at least 587 (written), 240 computerized, or 95 (IBT) is required. Scores must be no more than two years old. You are exempt from taking the test if, within the past 24 months, you have completed 24 quarter credits or 16 semester credits in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning the United States.

If you have taken the TOEFL by the time that you submit your application, please enter your scores in the Standardized Tests area. If you have not, please indicate the date that you plan to sit for the exam. Please note, TOEFL exam scores must be received by the School of Nursing by the application deadline.

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.

Expand all

1. References

Three (3) references from past or current professors, supervisors, or professional colleagues are required. One (1) out of the three (3) references must be from someone who is responsible for performance evaluation (i.e., employment supervisor or current/recent nursing course instructor). 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.

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.

Expand all

1. Documents

Application requirements for the University of Minnesota School of Nursing Post Graduate Certificate program include:

  1. Current Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  2. Personal sStatement/Essay addressing the following prompts:

Detailed Essay Instructions: In this section 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.

Graduate students should possess strong writing abilities. The ability to express one’s thoughts in a logical, analytical manner is essential to being a successful graduate student. Below are the competencies we assess when reviewing your application essays, as well as the spontaneous essay you are asked to write as part of the interview process:

  • Ability to present thoughts in a logical, sequential, and analytical manner
  • Ability to clearly answer essay questions
  • Ability to use proper grammar and syntax

3. 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 answer all required questions for the University of Minnesota.