How to Apply

Visit the University of Minnesota School of Nursing NursingCAS Organization page and add the DNP specialty you are applying to.

You will be prompted to login to your account or create account before you can add a program.

Click on "Create Account" and complete the required fields in order to start your application.

If you are a reapplicant to the DNP program, please login with your previous account information and follow the prompts on the page.

Please select the following options within their respective drop down menus:

School: University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Location: Minnesota
Degree Type: Choose either DNP (Post-Baccalaureate) or DNP (Post-Master’s)
Graduate Level Track: Choose a specialty if you are pursuing the DNP Post-Baccalaureate
Delivery: Hybrid; On Campus for Nurse Anesthesia

After selecting your program, proceed to Review My Selections.
After reviewing, continue to your application.

There are 5 sections within Academic History, but only one is required.

There are five sections within Academic History, but only two are required. The Standardized Tests section is required if you need to complete the TOEFL.

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 
   
   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.
   
   International Coursework
   Applicants who have completed college-level courses outside the U.S. and Canada must have their international coursework evaluated. This can be accomplished by sending transcripts to a foreign credential evaluation service for a course-by-course evaluation. This evaluation must be sent to NursingCAS. If the international coursework was completed as part of a study abroad through a U.S. institution, only the U.S. transcript is required.
3. Transcript Entry 
   This section is not required by the University of Minnesota DNP program application.
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
      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 for the University of Minnesota

There are three sections within Supporting Information and two are optional.

1. Achievements
   This section is optional. We encourage applicants to list all honors and awards on their CV/Resume.
2. Experiences
   This section is optional. We encourage applicants to list experiences on their CV/Resume.
3. Licensure and Certifications
   Use this section to enter all licensures and certifications. Candidates must hold an RN license by the start of the program. If you will not have your RN license at time of application, you will be required to provide documentation of your license 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 website or call 612-617-2270.

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

Documents

Application requirements for the University of Minnesota School of Nursing DNP program include:

1. Nursing License
   Upload a photocopy or screenshot of your nursing license.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae/Resume
   Upload one document that contains your current Curriculum Vitae/Resume. Save the document as “YourLastName UofMN Resume”.

3. Personal Statement
   Essay: Please respond to the prompts described below. Prepare your responses carefully. This is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee about yourself in ways that might not be evident from your academic record. There is no length requirement for each response, but please do not let the essay exceed four pages in total. The essay format should be double spaced with a 12-point font.

   • Describe your understanding of the DNP degree - the competencies and skills you anticipate acquiring within the program, and how you will leverage your unique skills to impact change in your future professional career.
   • Describe specific experiences that have informed and prepared you for your chosen specialty. Please be as specific as possible.
   • Share how your background, education, employment, and other experiences have developed your potential as a leader. Elaborate on how being a doctorally prepared nursing leader will prepare you to lead healthcare system change.

   
   Save the document as "YourLastName UofM Essay"
   
   It is essential that students possess strong writing abilities in order to be successful in a doctoral program. Below are the competencies we evaluate when reviewing your application essay:

   • Ability to present thoughts in a logical, sequential, and analytical manner
   • Ability to clearly answer essay questions
   • Ability to use proper grammar, syntax,  and correct APA citation where appropriate.
4. Short Essay Response: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
   Please answer the following short essay question in 500 words or less.
   
   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?
   
   Save the document as “YourLastName UofM DEI”.
5. For Post Master's DNP Applicants ONLY: Detailed Scholarly Project Proposal
   Upload a document that tells the admissions committee about your Scholarly Project Proposal. Save the document as "YourLastName UofM Project". Please save in the "Other" document category.
   
   As part of the Post Master's option DNP academic requirements, students are required to complete a DNP Scholarly Project. This project is designed to address a quality improvement process or problem. In 1000 words or less, please identify a problem or process improvement that relates to your advanced practice that you plan to incorporate into your DNP Scholarly Project. Be sure to include the following topics: problem identification, proposed solution and desired outcome.
6. 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 DNP 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.
7. Questions
   Please answer all required questions for the University of Minnesota

Once you’ve completed all of the above steps and are confident of your materials, click the submit and pay field. Remember you will need to submit the application fee to NursingCAS.