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How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step on your journey to becoming a Yale Nurse, here is where you'll find detailed application instructions for each of our degree programs.  

Still have questions or need more information?  Don't worry, we're here for you every step of the way on your journey to Yale!

Application Instructions

Click the program you are interested in applying to for detailed instructions and application requirements:

Accordion Example
Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN)

All GEPN applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline. Applicants should also be aware of the GEPN prerequisite requirements and be prepared to fulfill them if admitted to the program.

Master of Science in Nursing

All MSN applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Online Master of Science in Psychiatric-Mental Health

All YSN online PMHNP program applicants must complete and submit an online NursingCAS application and pay a nonrefundable application fee. A completed application must include the following elements: 

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Personal statement of 600 words and short-answer essays of 200 words that address prompts provided in the online application
  • GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Leadership

Eligible applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field (e.g. MPH, MBA, MHA) and a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. (Connecticut licensure is not required.) If the applicant’s BS degree is not in nursing, the master’s degree MUST be in nursing.

All DNP applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Personal statement addressing prompt provided in the online application
  • Writing sample consisting of an example of academic writing (a thesis or praxis), an opinion piece or editorial, or article or research paper.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Clinical

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing and a current license to practice as an RN and as an Advanced Practice Nurse or Certified Nurse Midwife in the United States prior to the start of the first semester of the Clinical DNP program. Licensure and certification are required where the student will practice and complete clinical practica. 

All DNP applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Personal statement addressing prompt provided in the online application
  • Sample of scholarly writing from a recent formal paper (written in your MSN program).

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Post-Master's Certificate

All post-master's certificate applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • Evidence of current RN license

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD program is administered by the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Prospective students who have a master’s degree in nursing (or equivalent) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree are eligible to apply.

For detailed application instructions, please consult the PhD application process page.

General Application Tips

No matter which program you're applying to, the following tips will help make the application process a smooth one:

•   Carefully review eligibility and application requirements to ensure that you are eligible to apply to the program you're interested in.

•   It can take time for institutions you've attended to issue official transcripts, and for the application system to receive and process them. Make sure you order your transcripts early enough to meet any applicable deadlines.

•  Make sure your recommenders are people who can comment on the quality of your work from a supervisory perspective. For example, these might be faculty, managers, supervisors or preceptors.  It's best to avoid obtaining recommendations from friends, colleagues, or family.

•  Take the time to read the personal essay and short answer prompts carefully and to craft submissions that substantively respond to them.  Avoid using generic or general essays that you have used for other institutions.

•  Applying can be a complex process.  If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask the admissions office. We're here to help. 

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