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Penn Nursing > Nursing Admissions > Graduate > Frequently Asked Questions

Master's Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is the application deadline to apply to the master's programs?

  2. What are the minimum requirements for acceptance?

  3. What standardized test is required for admission?

  4. Can I apply if I am still enrolled in a BSN program?

  5. Is an interview required for admission?

  6. How long will it take to make a decision on an application?

  7. Is RN experience required for admission?

  8. If accepted, can I begin the program at any time?

  9. How long will it take to complete a master's program?

  10. Can I work while completing the master's program?

  11. How is the admissions process different for post-master's candidates?

  12. What are the requirements for background checks, CPR, drug screening etc.?

  13. What are the minimum personal attributes and capabilities necessary for entrance to, continuation in, and graduation from the nursing degree programs at Penn Nursing?

 

  1. What is the application deadline to apply to the master's programs?

    A: The School of Nursing utilizes a deadline-driven process for full-time MSN applications. Part-time applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For details about these deadlines, please refer to the chart on the graduate admissions homepage.

  2. What are the minimum requirements for acceptance?

    A: Applicants must have completed a BSN program of study at an accredited college or university and a statistics course. A competitive applicant generally has a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their BSN program with GRE scores of 500 in both verbal and math. Penn Nursing does offer a GRE waiver to applicants. Applicants who have completed their BSN program in the United States with a GPA of 3.2 or greater on a 4.0 scale are eligible to have the GRE requirement waived. The eligibility is determined by each individual program director and the eligibility is not guaranteed.


  3. What standardized test is required for admission?

    A: If your BSN GPA is less than 3.2, then you must submit scores from the GRE general test. A competitive applicant has a minimum score of 500 in the verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 in analytical writing. Click here for moreinformation about the GRE waiver.

    If you are a non-native English speaker, you must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exam. We expect students to score a minimum of 100 on the iBT and 7.0 on the IELTS. For more information on requirements for international students, please visit this page.

  4. Can I apply if I am still enrolled in a BSN program?

    A: Yes, however your acceptance would be contingent upon the successful completion of your degree requirements and evidence of RN licensure.

  5. Is an interview required for admission?

    A: Yes, interviews can be conducted either in-person or over the phone.

  6. How long will it take to make a decision on an application?

    A: Decisions on part-time applications can typically be made within five to six weeks of receipt of the application and all supporting credentials. Decisions on full-time applications will be made sometime between the application deadline and the notification date. Please review the MSN Admissions homepage for details and please understand that any application will not be reviewed until all required materials are received.

  7. Is RN experience required for admission?

    A: The following programs require RN experience:

    • Neonatal CNS - 1 year RN experience (post-orientation) on a neonatal unit
    • Neonatal NP - 1 year RN experience (post-orientation) in a level III NICU
    • Pediatric CNS - 1 year RN experience (post-orientation) on a pediatric unit
    • Pediatric Acute/Chronic Care NP - 1 year RN experience (post-orientation) on an inpatient pediatric unit
    • Pediatric Critical Care NP - 1 year RN experience taking care of critically ill children
    • Pediatric Oncology NP - 1 year RN experience taking care of critically ill children
    • Nurse Anesthesia - 1 year (post-orientation) in an ICU setting


    RN experience must be met prior to the start of the clinical sequence. (Non-clinical courses may be taken while completing work experience.)
    RN experience may be suggested for other programs at the individual program director's discretion.

  8. If accepted, can I begin the program at any time?

    A: Part-time admission can be obtained for fall, spring or summer. For applicants interested in full-time study, the following programs begin in the fall for full-time students:
    • Family Health NP
    • Neonatal NP
    • Pediatric Acute/Chronic Care NP
    • Pediatric Critical Care NP
    • Pediatric NP
    • Pediatric Oncology NP

    The following programs begin in May for full-time students:
    • Adult Health NP
    • Gerontology NP
    • Nurse Anesthesia
    • Nurse Midwifery
    • Psychiatric Mental Health NP
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Program
    • Women's Health Care NP

    The Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program can begin full-time in the fall or summer.

    The Health Leadership and Nursing and Health Care Administration programs can begin full- or part-time in the fall, spring, or summer.

  9. How long will it take to complete a master's program?

    A: Full-time students can complete the master's program within 12-18 months. Part-time study can take on average between 2-3 years to complete a master's program.

  10. Can I work while completing the master's program?

    A: Many part-time students work while completing their master's program. Nurse anesthesia students are not permitted to work while completing the program.

  11. How is the admissions process different for post-master's candidates?

    A: Post-Master's applicants must complete an application for admission as well as submit official BSN and MSN transcripts and three letters of recommendation. MSN transcripts will be reviewed by the appropriate program director to determine which courses must be taken to meet the requirements of the MSN program certificate. For more information this process, please visit this page

  12. What are the requirements for background checks, CPR, drug screening etc.?

    A: All students at Penn Nursing must meet the requirements of the compliance policy. All students must fulfill the immunization requirements as well as CPR certification, drug screen and background checks, and other program-specific requirements.

  13. What are the minimum personal attributes and capabilities necessary for entrance to, continuation in, and graduation from the nursing degree programs at Penn Nursing?

    A: All students are required to consistently demonstrate a unique combinations of cognitive, behavioral, sensory, communication, psychomotor, and communication abilities and are required to perform these functions in a satisfactory manner. For details visit: http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/students/Documents/StatementPersonalAttributesandCapabilities.pdf.

To address additional questions, contact the School of Nursing Admissions Office at (215) 898-4271 or admissions@nursing.upenn.edu.

  


ENROLLMENT UPDATE 

Please see the MSN Admissions homepage for the latest information about which programs are full and which are still accepting applications.