Advanced Practice Nursing Programs Admissions

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Graduate from an accredited bachelor’s program in nursing.
  • International students must graduate from a comparable program aligned with AACN Baccalaureate Essentials
• Meet English Proficiency requirements (if applicable)
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent “B” average)
  • Applicants who do not meet this criterion may be considered for conditional admission
• DNP only: Evidence of successful completion of an upper-division statistics course within the past five years. Alternatively, an upper-level statistics course may be taken during the first semester. Accepted upper-level statistics courses at Purdue are STAT 30100, SOC 38200, SOC 58100, STAT 50100, STAT 51100.
• Post-Graduate Certificate ONLY (FNP, PCPNP, PMHNP): Must meet all admission requirements and have earned a graduate degree in nursing or a health-related field (e.g., MMPH, MBA-Healthcare Concentration, MHA, PhD, DNP, etc.)

Additional Requirements

• DNP applicants: Evidence of successful completion of an upper-division statistics course within the past five years
  • If not completed, an approved statistics course may be taken during the first semester
  • Accepted Purdue courses include: STAT 30100, SOC 38200, SOC 58100, STAT 50100, STAT 51100
• Post-Graduate Certificate applicants (FNP, PCPNP, PMHNP):
  Must hold a graduate degree in nursing or a related field (e.g., MPH, MBA with healthcare concentration, MHA, PhD, DNP)

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Purdue University Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Two official (original) transcripts from each institution attended
  • Transcripts should be sent to gradadm@purdue.edu
• A 300–500-word essay outlining your reasons for pursuing the program, along with your career goals and practice interests
• Academic history statement
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Letters should address the applicant’s clinical ability, work experience, professional nursing contributions, and potential for success in graduate study
  • Recommended sources include supervisors or former faculty
• Curriculum vita (CV) or resume.
• Copy of your Indiana RN license (compact licensure may be accepted)

Application Deadline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.

Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by April 1, and admissions continue until each specialty is filled. 

International Application Deadlines

Fall Session

• April 30 for international students outside the U.S.
• May 30 for international students inside the U.S., excluding currently enrolled Purdue students
• July 15 for international students inside the U.S. currently enrolled at Purdue University (excluding combined degree, concurrent degree, or certificate students)

Spring Session

• October 15 for international students outside the U.S.
• November 15 for international students inside the U.S., excluding currently enrolled Purdue students
• December 15 for international students inside the U.S. currently enrolled at Purdue University (excluding combined degree, concurrent degree, or certificate students)

Summer Session

• February 15 for international students outside the U.S.
• March 15 for international students inside the U.S., excluding currently enrolled Purdue students
• April 15 for international students inside the U.S. currently enrolled at Purdue University (excluding combined degree, concurrent degree, or certificate students)
  

How Applications Are Reviewed

The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on a comprehensive review of:

• Academic performance, with emphasis on science coursework
• Patterns of course withdrawals or repeats
• Application materials and personal statements
• Letters of recommendation
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Initiative in exploring nursing practice environments
• Completeness of the application

Qualified applicants may be invited to participate in a personal interview.

Admission Decisions

Admission is competitive and offered to the most highly qualified applicants.

If you receive an offer of admission, you must accept within 14 days of notification from the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars. 

Questions

Please visit our FAQ page or contact:

Graduate Program Administration Specialist
gradnursing@purdue.edu