For more information contact:
Email: nursing@gwumc.edu
Phone: (202) 994-7901

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Entrance Requirements

The DNP Program accepts students for the fall semester each year. The application deadline is March 30. The committee reviews completed applications only after the March 30 deadline. Interviews are scheduled in early April, and the committee's decisions are generally sent out by May 1.

To apply for the program, please review and complete the requirements for the entry option that fits your current credentials.

Please note that the GRE is not required for this program.

Entry Option 1 (BSN-prepared nurse)

1. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program of nursing with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. The department currently does not accept applications from RN's with a bachelor's degree in another field.
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. An active RN license
4. Resume or curriculum vitae
5. A 500 to 750-word essay that includes the following:
   1. Academic and career goals and a discussion of how the DNP program will contribute to these goals.
   2. A discussion of a major issue in contemporary nursing and how this issue should be addressed.
6. An interview (either by telephone or in person) with faculty to discuss career goals and previous experience in nursing (to be arranged by the department admissions committee). Interviews are held at the discretion of the committee and not extended to all applicants.
7. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit official scores on the test of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) is required for admission. The IELTS is an acceptable alternative to the TOEFL. Passing is an overall band score of 6.0, with no individual score below 5.0. The requirement is waived for international applicants who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning.
8. Compliance with required university policies regarding student admission requirements

Entry Option 2 (MSN-prepared nurse)

1. A Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited program of nursing with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 in one of the following areas:
   • Adult Nurse Practitioner
   • Family Nurse Practitioner
   • Nursing Leadership and Management
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. An active RN license
4. Resume or curriculum vitae
5. A 500 to 750-word essay that includes the following:
   1. Academic and career goals and a discussion of how the DNP program will contribute to these goals.
   2. A discussion of a major issue in contemporary nursing and how this issue should be addressed.
6. An interview (either by telephone or in person) with faculty to discuss career goals and previous experience in nursing (to be arranged by the department admissions committee). Interviews are held at the discretion of the committee and not extended to all applicants.
7. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit official scores on the test of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based), or 100 (Internet-based) is required for admission. The IELTS is an acceptable alternative to the TOEFL. Passing is an overall band score of 6.0, with no individual score below 5.0. The requirement is waived for international applicants who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning.
8. Compliance with required university policies regarding student admission requirements

The Admissions Process

We require that you use the Apply Online service to submit your application. Simply click Apply Online and follow the instructions provided.

Be aware of deadlines and program admission requirements.

• A non-refundable application fee of $60.
  Please make a check or money order payable to The George Washington University and include your social security number on the front. Cash will not be accepted. This fee is waived for applicants who are GW graduates or who are currently registered as degree candidates at GW.
• A completed and signed application form.
  Be sure to indicate the degree, major, and track (where applicable) for which you are applying. 
• A typed statement of purpose.
  In an essay of 250 to 500 words, describe your reasons for undertaking study in the Health Sciences at The George Washington University. You should state your academic objectives, career plans, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
• Official or certified copies of transcripts.
  One official or certified transcript is required from each college or university attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Each transcript must be sent to you in a sealed envelope and forwarded unopened with your application packet. Unofficial transcripts and photocopies are not acceptable. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be provided. Translations alone will not be accepted.
• Recommendations.
  Two recommendations must be returned with your application packet in sealed envelopes, with the signature of the person completing the recommendation written across the seal. Recommendation forms are provided with the application. You must allow enough time for your recommendations to be returned to you so they may be submitted with your application packet before the deadline. Generic recommendations provided by career or placement offices will be accepted only if they provide all essential information requested on the GW recommendation form.
• GRE is required for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Immunohematology Programs

If you are accepted, an offer of admission will be sent to you. The offer of admission is valid for the semester stated in the admissions letter. Upon notification of acceptance, you must return your declaration of intent with a check or money order covering the tuition deposit and the orientation fee. This will be required of all students, including those readmitted. The deposit will be applied to your tuition and is not refundable.