Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Elms College Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty track, the ideal candidate will have met the following admission criteria. The following documents must be submitted with the completed application in order to be considered for admission.

The Elms College School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice advanced practice degree program has two pathways for entry:

  • The BSN to DNP (baccalaureate degree in nursing to doctor of nursing practice) is a projected three year full-time study program encompassing approximately 80 credits of required coursework; 1,000 hours of required clinical and immersion experiences; and distinguished completion of a capstone scholarly experience that builds toward the achievement of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and nurse practitioner competencies.
  • The MSN to DNP program is for students who have a master’s degree in nursing and are seeking to be an advanced practice nurse. The course of study will be approximately 70 credits for coursework; 1,000 hours of required clinical and immersion experiences; and distinguished completion of a capstone scholarly experience that builds toward the achievement of the AACN’s Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and nurse practitioner competencies.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for admission to the Elms College DNP program Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty track, the ideal candidate will have met the following criteria and requirements for Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Masters entry:

  • 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

Application for Admission Deadline

Early decision applications are due by January 21 each year for fall enrollment.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Sr. Kathleen Kirley ’66 School of Continuing Education recommends you familiarize yourself with individual graduate programs, their requirements, and other pertinent information contained in the graduate student catalog.

All applications are reviewed by members of the DNP Program Committee.

Acceptance letters with enrollment forms are issued by the Elms College School of Nursing DNP Program.

Records and Confidentiality

Any and all information submitted with this Application for Admission becomes the property of Elms College. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, your application materials will be kept confidential within the confines of Elms College. For further information regarding FERPA, please see the graduate student catalog.

Financial Aid for the DNP Program

Students may be eligible for financial aid through student loan programs.

Elms College Office of Financial Aid can assist students with information on loans, grants and scholarships. Call the Office of Financial Aid to receive information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at 413-265-2249. You may also go directly to the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to apply. Elms College’s school code is 002140. The FAFSA does not apply to International Students.

Many business and healthcare organizations may assist in funding through employee tuition reimbursement programs. Check with your Human Resources office.

International Students

International students, who are not United States citizens or permanent resident aliens, must submit an F-1 Visa Request Form and supporting documents. For those students whose native language is not English, the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Elms College’s board number for the TOEFL exam is 3283. For further information, please contact the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education 413-265-2445.

International Student Admission

International students are encouraged to apply to the Elms College graduate programs. International applicants must score at least 550 on the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and be eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts. In addition to the usual application materials, international applicants must complete a “Foreign Student Application Package” and abide by all relevant immigration regulations.

Transfer Credits

Students requesting to transfer credit from another graduate nursing program must submit a completed Transfer Credit Prior Approval Form along with a copy of the course syllabus and course transcript for review by the DNP administration and faculty. Upon review, the DNP administration and faculty may determine that the credit is not suitable for transfer into the Elms College School of Nursing DNP Program. A maximum of 12 graduate credits may, if deemed suitable, be transferred to the Elms College School of Nursing DNP Program. A minimum course grade of B (3.0) is required for transfer credit.

Advising

Upon acceptance of the applicant, the student will meet with an assigned advisor to develop their program of study.