Nurse Practitioner program deadlines:

Fall applications open June 1st and close December 1st

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Concentration
• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Concentration
• Nurse Midwifery (NMW) option
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) option

Nurse Leadership programs:

Fall applications open January 1st and close on March 15th

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Concentration
• Nurse Administrator (NA) Concentration

Spring applications open June 1st and close December 1st

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Concentration
• Nurse Administrator (NA) Concentration

Fall only (FNP, AGPCNP, NMW and PMHNP concentrations)

Fall, Spring (CNL and NA concentrations)

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 othan JMU 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.

Please be advised, the NP programs require a valid Virginia RN license. The MSN CNL or NA programs do not require a Virginia RN license.

The Two-Part Application Process

1. Apply to The Graduate School

2. Apply to NURSINGCAS

• For details, visit https://www.nursingcas.org
• Submit all required documents - DO NOT submit these within the JMU Graduate School application.

• Students applying for the Nurse Midwifery or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will need to also apply and meet the Shenandoah University requirements.
• Have a Bachelor's degree in nursing or another field*, with a cumulative GPA of 2.8.(3.0 required for NP and Nurse Midwifery applicants)
• Hold a current unrestricted Registered Nurse License. For APRN concentrations hold a current unrestricted Virginia RN license from a compact state.
• Have relevant professional clinical experience
• Have taken undergraduate or graduate course in Statistics with a grade of C or higher.
• Hold current CPR certification and health records.
• Meet the School's technical standards for admission.
• Provide evidence of personal and professional qualifications in form of two (2) professional recommendations.
• 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.
• Participate in an interview, upon request.

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

* A transcript analysis will be completed on all students who have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program and an undergraduate baccalaureate degree in another field to determine any gaps in meeting the Essentials of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During this transcript review, the plan of study may include up to 11 extra credits.

• 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.  

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 graduated outside of the USA, you will need to pass the CGFNS Exam (both parts), apply for Virginia R.N. License, and have a 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.

The Post Graduate Nurse Midwifery Certificate and the Post Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate is awarded by Shenandoah University, http://www.su.edu/nursing/graduate-degrees-post-masters-certificate/nurse-midwifery-programs/ . Please contact the programs to determine in which U.S. states and territories the program meets the educational requirements for certification.