Admission Requirements

The post-master’s DNP program is designed for nurses who have a master’s degree from a fully-accredited institution in one of the following areas: nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nursing informatics, nursing leadership, or public health nursing.

Admission to Elms College is by formal application to Graduate Admissions.  To be considered for admission to the Elms College Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, Health Systems Innovation and Leadership (HSIL) track, the ideal candidate will have met the following requirements in their application:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing or other master’s degree
    (* MBA, MPH, MHA).  Gap analysis will be reviewed for admission eligibility of applicants with another graduate degree*. 
  • Complete the DNP Application.
  • Submit a professional portfolio which should include a Curriculum Vitae or resume of professional accomplishments.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing. 
  • Official transcripts indicating completion of a master’s degree in nursing or other graduate degree. 
  • Current unencumbered Registered Nurse or APRN licensure at time of application. 
  • Elms College seeks to enroll students with strong academic preparation who show the greatest potential to succeed. Two letters of reference pertaining to the candidate’s academic ability and clinical practice with an interest to pursue this degree are preferably an academic and/or professional­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ recommendation.
  • Written Statement of Purpose: “My intent in applying to the Elms College Doctor of Nursing Practice program is…”
  • A telephone or Zoom interview prior to admission with the Program Director. 

    APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION DEADLINE
    Applications are reviewed based upon date of submission.

    Revised 3-20-2024

Submission of DNP Application

Please note that the applicant’s signature is required in order for the application to be considered complete. The application and application documents for the DNP program are to be submitted directly to grad@elms.edu or mailed to:

Elms College Graduate Admission
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013