Application requirements are applicable for the following concentrations:

• Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner
• Advanced Practice Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Healthcare Systems Leadership

This progam does not qualify for a student visa.

Applications for Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner will open June 1st and will close October 1st.

Applications for Healthcare Systems Leadership will open June 1st and will close December 1st.

Deadline for Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner and

Advanced Practice Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is extended to October 15th.

Spring

Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be uploaded with your electronic application and may be used for departmental admission review purposes. If offered admission, you will be directed and required to submit to the JMU Graduate School an official transcript from any institution from which a degree has been awarded to finalize your admission. Transcripts are considered official if they are sent to JMU directly from the issuing institution.

BSN- DNP Admission Requirements:

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing an AACN or NLN accredited school of nursing
• License as registered nurse in the state of Virginia
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Hold a current unrestricted R.N. license from the USA. Note, applicants must also hold an unrestricted RN license in the state where practicum will be completed.
• Resume or curricular vita
•  A GPA of 3.2  
• 2 letters of recommendation (preferably one academic and one professional).  Reference contact information is entered in the CAS application system. An email request will automatically be sent to the referrer on your behalf.
• An essay/personal statement describing professional goals and how obtaining the DNP will enhance these goals. Additionally the essay should identify a topic of clinical interest or a practice problem that you could address as the topic for your final scholarly DNP project. The scope of the project should be large enough that it would result in a system-wide change, the establishment of new services, or the revision of policy at the organizational, state, regional or national level.
• An interview with nursing faculty may be required. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate educational goals, communication and decision-making skills, and current leadership and practice role activities.
• For international students, you will need to pass the CGFNS Exam (both parts), apply for Virginia R.N. License, and have either: an IELTS score of 7, Duolingo score of 105, or TOEFL score of 80 or higher required. Contact program director for more information. Additional documentation will be required upon admission.

The Two-Part Application Process

• Submit all required documents to NursingCAS
• Submit a personal statement and professional goals.
• Provide a Resume/CV outlining education, relevant work experience, community service or volunteer activities, and leadership or professional engagement experience.
• Provide two (2) professional recommendations that attest to the applicant's academic ability, professional competency, and personal character.  Reference contact information is entered in the CAS application system. An email request will automatically be sent to the referer on your behalf.
• Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools where college credit was earned, not just degree-granting institutions.
• Please DO NOT submit required documents within the JMU Graduate School application.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents, including professional recommendations, have been submitted. October 1 deadline.
• All applicants are encouraged to submit their applications to NursingCAS at least 4 weeks prior to the deadline listed or the desired enrollment period, as it can take up to 4-6 weeks for NursingCAS to receive and verify applicant transcripts. Please do not wait on transcripts to be received by NursingCAS before submitting your application. This will help to ensure that your application is reviewed in a timely manner.

• Application --> Visit the Online Application at this link
• Application fee

The JMU School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are graduate-level, clinical programs.  Based on Code of Virginia § 23.1-407.1 (https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia/2020/title-23-1/chapter-4/section-23-1-407-1/), the James Madison University School of Nursing (SON) Program will not deny admission to any applicant solely on the basis of criminal history.  However, for any applicant who has been admitted, but not yet enrolled, the Graduate Programs may inquire about the applicant’s criminal history.  The Graduate Program may then withdraw an offer of admission to anyone whom James Madison University determines has a criminal history that poses a threat to the institution’s community. Therefore, for individuals admitted to the JMU SON Graduate Programs:

• It is required that a criminal background and sexual offender check be completed. 
• These must be completed prior to enrollment.  Additional checks may be required later in the Program, just prior to the start of fieldwork. 
• The student must comply with these additional checks in order to remain a student in good standing within the Program and before clinical placement can take place. 
• The cost of these background checks will be the sole responsibility of the student. 

 It is imperative for prospective students to understand that depending on the information appearing on the criminal history record, it is possible that the student may not be able to participate in a clinical site practicum, which will prevent progression in the program.  Students may seek placement at alternative sites; however, it is possible that program completion would be in jeopardy if all fieldwork cannot be completed. 

International Graduate Information

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program does not qualify for a student visa.

Programs that are primarily online do not qualify for student visa.

If you graduated outside of the USA, you will need to pass the CGFNS Exam (both parts), apply for Virginia R.N. License, and have a IELTS score of 7, Duolingo score of 105, or TOEFL score of 80 or higher.

Details regarding transcripts and credential evaluations from non-US academic institutions can be found on the Transcripts & Credential Evaluation webpage. 

This Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program concentrations meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please refer to the JMU Professional Licensure Program Status by Jurisdiction Index to determine if this JMU program meets the educational requirements specified by the associated licensing or certification agency in the state or territory in which you are located and other states and territories. Requirements vary by state and are subject to change. The information provided is current as of the review date indicated in the table.