Post-MSN to DNP Application Requirements

NURSING@SIMMONS

At Simmons, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider your personal, professional, and academic experiences as a whole in order to evaluate your preparedness and potential for success in the program.

Post-MSN to DNP Application Deadlines

May 2024

Early Action Deadline
November 29, 2023

Priority Application Deadline
January 30, 2024

Final Application Deadline
March 29,2024

Classes Begin: 
May 13, 2024

In order to be considered for admission to the Post-MSN to DNP program, you must submit the following:

  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • One- to two-page personal statement
  • Transcript(s) of your academic record
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, if your native language is not English. The School of Nursing TOEFL code is 3761. The TOEFL is waived for applicants who have graduated at the bachelor’s or master’s level from a regionally accredited U.S. Institution or post secondary institution abroad that is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the host country in English-speaking countries only.
  • Supplemental documents from your professional portfolio (optional)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required, but if you feel GRE scores will strengthen your application, please contact an Admission Counselor at 1-855-461-7466.

Curriculum Vitae

Your CV must include:

  • Your educational background, including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded, and/or anticipated date(s) of receiving degree(s)
  • Relevant employment history, including:
    • Job title (including unit), job description, and relevant duties performed
    • Employment dates of each position
  • Community service or volunteer experience
  • Evidence of awards, publications, presentations, and memberships
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression

Personal Statement

You must submit a one- to two-page essay that addresses the following:

  • Your educational and professional goals and how the DNP program will facilitate reaching these goals. Include your preliminary ideas for a DNP Project.
  • Your professional practice since graduation from your RN and/or APRN program. In what ways have you demonstrated leadership in your clinical practice?
  • How do you envision the role of the DNP in the future of health care delivery?
  • Why are you choosing Nursing@Simmons?

Transcripts

Sealed, official academic transcripts must be received by mail from all postsecondary institutions you have attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned. This includes community colleges, institutions you may have attended as a non-degree student, or schools where you enrolled but withdrew from classes. If you have any questions when determining if you need to submit a transcript as part of your application, please reach out to your admission counselor. Failure to submit transcripts from all postsecondary institutions can result in dismissal from the program.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, please specify that your transcript(s) be sent to Application Services or select “Simmons University – Nursing@Simmons” if listed as an option through the vendor. This will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

All coursework from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by World Education ServicesInternational Education Research FoundationEducation Credential Evaluation, or AACRAO International Education Services. Please allot additional time in the application process to have your transcripts evaluated by these organizations.

Please have official transcripts and other official application materials mailed to:

Simmons University
Application Processing Center
Nursing@Simmons
PO Box 30096 [015-002]
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required, and all must be written within one year of the date of submission. Letters must be submitted by:

  1. A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of your skills in the clinical setting and how those skills will translate into the DNP role.
  2. A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of your academic record. If you have been out of school for five years or more, a recent nurse educator, preceptor, or clinical instructor can provide the academic recommendation.
  3. A current clinical, professional colleague who can comment on your clinical performance and leadership abilities.

Professional Portfolio (Optional)

You are welcome to upload up to three supplemental items from your professional portfolio for the admission committee to review. The professional portfolio is not mandatory for admission to the program, but it will offer you the chance to show the admission committee evidence of educational and professional successes.

Professional portfolio items may include:

  • Professional publications
  • Professional presentations
  • Any research you have conducted as part of your previous degree programs or as part of your professional, clinical career as an APRN

NOTE: Nursing@Simmons is in the process of receiving approval from some states. An Admission Counselor can help you determine the program’s status in your state.

To speak with an Admission Counselor, call 1-855-461-7466, or request more information below.