The Doctor of Nursing Practice application will open Spring Term on June 1st and December 1st is the deadline.  Fall Term will open on October 25th and March 15th is the deadline.  

Spring, Fall

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.

The Two-Part Application Process:

1. Apply to The Graduate School
2. Apply to NURSINGCAS
   • Submit all required documents.
   • DO NOT submit these within the JMU Graduate School application. 

 Criteria for DNP Program entry with MSN degree:

1. Official Transcripts. Applicants must submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Applicants must have completed a Master’s Degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited institution. A minimum of 3.2 GPA for graduate work is preferred.
2. Registered Nurse Licensure. An unencumbered Registered Nurse license must be presented in the state where you plan to do your clinical practica.
3. Advanced Specialty Certification. For Nurse Administrator applicants, national certification is desired but not required. Other applicants should have the APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) designation in their home states and national board certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Leader, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in their areas of specialty (as appropriate). Applicants without national certification will be individually evaluated but must submit evidence of their specialty expertise.
4. Hold current CPR and health records
5. Meet the School’s technical standards for admission.
6. Letters of Recommendation. Strong professional references from two individuals are required: one (1) academic reference and one (1) from a current clinical supervisor. Reference should be current, from within the last two (2) years. Applicants are strongly encouraged to select a doctorally prepared nurse as one of the three recommenders.
7. Curriculum vitae or resume.
8. Personal Statement (APA Format, 500 words or less):
   1. Why you are choosing this particular program of study;
   2. Your plans upon completion of the doctoral degree; and,
   3. How your work and life experiences will enhance your success in this DNP Program
9. Interview. After the initial review of the application, applicants may be contacted for an interview.
10. Technology Requirements. James Madison University School of Nursing considers the Internet communication link an essential learning resource for doctoral students. DNP students will be required to have a home computer, printer and Internet service provider that has high speed broadband Internet access and webcam technology.
11. 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.

For questions or additional information about the MSN Program, please contact the Graduate Nursing Program at (540) 568-2909 or nursinggradprograms@jmu.edu

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

International Graduate Information

International applicants are welcome to apply, however, this program is offered online only. 

Visas to study in the United States can only be issued for primarily in-person programs. A visa cannot be issued for programs that are primarily online.

If you studied outside of the USA, you will upload a credential evaluation of your non-U.S. college or university degrees and transcripts from one of the services listed at this link: Credential Evaluation

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. 

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.