How To Apply
Each of our programs has different application requirements, see below for details. For specific deadlines, please visit the academic program for which you are applying. If you have any questions, please reach out. We are happy to help.
Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of the application. All aspects of your application, such as academic history and record, demonstrated interest in the program, research experience, work history, exposure to health care, letters of recommendations, and more are reviewed and considered.
If you are a current Penn student looking for information on submatriculation, click here.
Please Note: All application requirements must be uploaded or completed before the application is submitted. One active application is permitted at a time, do not submit an application for multiple programs or multiple terms.
Undergraduates and Transfers
High School Students & First Time Bachelor’s Applicants
High school students interested should apply through Penn’s central undergraduate admissions office.
If possible, we suggest you schedule a campus visit to experience first-hand the opportunities available at Penn.
If you are interested in transferring to Penn Nursing, we’ll need some additional information from you beyond Penn’s transfer process.
Application Requirements
A complete transfer application consists of the following:
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A completed Common Application and Penn-specific essays
- Please see Penn Undergraduate Admissions Transfer section for full details
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Two recommendations (for additional information, click here):
- One Academic Recommendation from your college professors; we encourage you to select recommenders who can speak knowledgeably about your abilities and chance of success in our rigorous nursing program
- One Other Recommendation: This may be a second teacher recommendation or a non-academic recommendation. We don’t prefer one option over the other (academic vs. non-academic) and encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
- All high school and college transcripts: submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Penn
- SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT with writing scores is Optional this year
- GPA: average GPA for admitted transfer applicants is a 3.5 GPA
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
Master’s Degrees
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited BSN program, as well as all undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required.
- Course requisite and verification: statistics class
- Essay responses: two questions
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following sources: academic, employer, and professional)
- Licensures*: copy of active RN license(s): all master’s students are required to have an active Registered Nursing License(s), as progression into the clinical component requires an active Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License, and as specified by individual programs in Delaware (compact state) and New Jersey
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
Required Immunizations, Certifications, & Screenings
All students at Penn Nursing must fulfill our immunization requirements as well as CPR certification, drug screen and background checks, licensure requirements, and other program-specific qualifications.
*Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. Proof that you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination is required prior to reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
If you are completing the NCLEX® in another state, please review the requirements to obtain a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License. See Item 6: Licensure by Endorsement With Temporary Practice Permit.
Visit the program for which you are applying for program-specific requirements.
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited BSN program, as well as all undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required.
- Course requisite and verification: statistics class
- Essay responses: two MSN questions and one doctoral essay question
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following sources: academic, employer, and professional)
- Licensures*: copy of active RN license(s): all master’s students are required to have an active Registered Nursing License(s), as progression into the clinical component requires an active Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License, and as specified by individual programs in Delaware (compact state) and New Jersey
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
Required Immunizations, Certifications, & Screenings
All students at Penn Nursing must fulfill our immunization requirements as well as CPR certification, drug screen and background checks, licensure requirements, and other program-specific qualifications.
*Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. Proof that you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination is required prior to reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
If you are completing the NCLEX® in another state, please review the requirements to obtain a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License. See Item 6: Licensure by Endorsement With Temporary Practice Permit.
Visit the program for which you are applying for program-specific requirements.
Please note that you may only apply to one of the following programs: MPN or MPN/MSN option.
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Course requisite and verification: All prerequisite courses must be completed by June 15th of the enrollment year from a regionally accredited institution and have a grade of a C or higher.
- Transcripts*: unofficial copies from all post-secondary transcripts, including transcripts from classes you might have taken at a community college or while studying abroad. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required.
- Personal statement: you will be given the question once you start the application process
- Letters of recommendation: two (we recommend academic sources who can speak confidently to your ability and chances of success within this rigorous program)
- Video interview: question prompts will be available once you start the application process
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): Bachelor’s degree in any field of study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts program, as well as all undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Course requisite and verification: basic nutrition course and undergraduate biology and/or chemistry
- Essay responses: two questions
- Letters of recommendation: two (from the following sources: academic, employer, and/or professional)
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
*Ability to take up to two non-clinical courses.
Online application requirements as a non-matriculated student:
- Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
- CV or Resume
-
Transcripts: BSN transcript only*
- *MS in Nutrition Science (MSNS) applicants: A Bachelor’s degree transcript is required, not BSN.
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Licensure: Copy of valid RN License (upload into application)
- *Licensure is not required for MSNS applicants.
Deadlines
- Spring Semester (January entry): October 15
- Summer Semester (May entry): March 15
- Fall Semester (August entry): May 1
Doctoral Degrees
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): MSN or a Master’s degree in Nursing field with a GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited BSN, undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Course requisite and verification: graduate-level Research Methods Course with a grade of a B or higher
- Essay responses: two questions
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following: academic, employer, professional)
- Licensures: copy of official RN and APRN license(s) if applicable
- Verification of Master’s degree clinical hours
-
TOEFL results: for non-native English speakers
- Applicants who received an Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the United States or Canada are exempt from this requirement.
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): BSN and a Master’s degree in Nursing or related field e.g., Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master’s in Public Health (MPH), etc. with a GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited BSN, undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Course requisite and verification: graduate-level Research Methods Course with a grade of a B or higher
- Practice experience: two years leadership and fiscal management (or formal graduate coursework in finance/accounting) experience required, within the past 5 years preferred
- Essay responses: two questions
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following sources: academic, current supervisor, and professional; or one employer and two professional)
- Licensures: copy of official RN and APRN license(s) if applicable
- Clinical or field immersion hours verification: If applicable, complete and upload PDF form within application
-
TOEFL results: for non-native English speakers
- Applicants who received an Bachelor’s or MSN degree in the United States or Canada are exempt from this requirement.
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Virtual interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from accredited BSN, undergraduate, and graduate schools attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Course requisite and verification: introductory-level undergraduate statistics course taken at an accredited university with a grade of a B or higher
- Practice experience: Applicants must have a minimum of two years of ICU/critical care work experience (post-orientation) working with the most critically ill patients by time of matriculation. Our most competitive applicants typically have at least two years of experience at time of application. Neonatal ICU, Emergency Room, Recovery Room, Step Down Units, and Interventional Radiology will not be considered.
- Essay responses
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following sources: academic, employer, and professional)
- Licensure: copy of active RN license(s): all master’s students are required to have an active Registered Nursing License(s), as progression into the clinical component requires an active Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License, and as specified by individual programs in Delaware (compact state) and New Jersey
- Clinical or field immersion hours verification: If applicable, complete and upload PDF form within application
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Degree(s): Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Nursing.
- GRE scores: As of July 1, 2021, the GRE is no longer required.
- Essay responses
- Letters of recommendation: three (one of each of the following sources: academic, employer, and professional)
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Licensure: copy of official RN license(s)
- International Applicants: Click here for additional requirements
- Interview: we will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process
One of the driving factors of our admissions decision is fit with faculty. You are encouraged to reach out to faculty who align with your research interests and may be a good mentor during your PhD program. Please review our faculty research interests here.
Our Graduate Admission Committee cannot properly evaluate a candidate or offer an interview until all required application items have been received.
Certificate Programs
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
-
Transcripts*: Unofficial transcripts from your accredited Bachelor’s** program, undergraduate, and graduate schools must be uploaded for review purposes.
- *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- **Nutrition Certificate requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
- **Integrated Nursing Care of Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate requires a BSN.
- Essay responses: one
- Letters of recommendation: one
-
Licensure: Copy of your active RN license(s)*
- *Nutrition Certificate does not require an RN license.
- Resume
- International Applicants: No visa sponsorship is available
*Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. Proof that you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination is required prior to reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
If you are completing the NCLEX® in another state, please review the requirements to obtain a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License. See Item 6: Licensure by Endorsement With Temporary Practice Permit.
For program specific information, please visit our Certificate Programs page.
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $50 (non-refundable)
- Transcripts: *Unofficial transcripts from your accredited BSN program, undergraduate, and graduate schools must be uploaded for review purposes. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
- Essay responses: one
- Letters of recommendation: one
- Licensure: Copy of your active RN license(s)*
- Resume
- International Applicants: No visa sponsorship is available
*Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. Proof that you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination is required prior to reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
If you are completing the NCLEX® in another state, please review the requirements to obtain a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License. See Item 6: Licensure by Endorsement With Temporary Practice Permit.
For program specific information, please visit our Certificate Programs page.
Online application requirements:
- Application fee: $80 (non-refundable)
- Transcripts*: unofficial transcripts from their original Nurse Practitioner coursework that include courses taken in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment, and your clinical courses, to verify the requirements for NP certification. *Official transcripts are only required if offered admission.
-
Verification that you’ve completed the required statistics class.
- Streamlined Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program Applicants: this is not required.
- One letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor
- Responses to essay questions
-
Licensure: Copies of your active RN license and active NP certification and/or license.*
- Streamlined Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program Applicants: Not required to obtain a Pennsylvania nursing license, unless they will be completing their clinical rotations in Pennsylvania.
- Interview: We will contact you if you qualify for this step in the application process.
- International Applicants: No visa sponsorship is available
*Licensure
You are required to have a Pennsylvania Registered Nursing License prior to beginning clinical rotations. If you do not have a Pennsylvania license but you are licensed to practice in another country, you must complete the CGFNS Certification Program. We need proof you’ve passed the CGFNS Qualifying Examination before reviewing your admissions application. See the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website for more details.
Applicants to the Streamlined Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program are not required to obtain a Pennsylvania nursing license, unless they will be completing their clinical rotations in Pennsylvania.
Related Links
Transcripts Delivery
Electronic Delivery
Mailing Address*
ATTN: Application Materials
Admissions Office
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Claire M Fagin Hall, Suite M-5
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217
*Mailed transcripts may take may take up to six weeks to arrive.
Do you have any questions?
Contact Admissions to get answers! Give us a call at (215) 898-4271 or send an email to admissions@nursing.upenn.edu.
