The University of Rochester School of Nursing uses a comprehensive, holistic review process during which each application receives individual consideration. We seek applicants who:
- clearly understand the nurse practitioner specialty role to which they are seeking admission,
- are highly motivated and prepared to pursue the rigorous program of study
- demonstrate intellectual curiosity
- and are committed to upholding the values of the school and advanced practice role.
Program Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Nurse Practitioner programs:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school or equivalent master’s RN license-qualifying degree in nursing (e.g., direct master’s entry [DME])
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your most recent relevant degree
- RN licensure from New York State
- Clinical experience if applying to one of the following specialties:
- Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: one year RN experience in acute care
- Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: two years NICU experience in the last five years
- Statistics course with a grade of C or above
- English language proficiency
Application Requirements
To complete an application for the Nurse Practitioner program, create an account and complete all sections of the application. Submit the following materials by completing within or uploading to your application before the deadline:
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Two letters of recommendation (Note: we will not accept letters from friends, family, or non-healthcare supervisors)
- Required:
- One professional reference from an advanced practice colleague (NP preferred; CNS, CRNA, PA, MD, or CNM acceptable) who can speak to the quality of your nursing work, professional conduct, and potential for success in an advanced practice role
- And either:
- One academic reference from a prior professor or clinical instructor who can speak to the quality of your student work and your potential for success in a master's program, or
- One professional reference from a nursing supervisor who can speak to your professional conduct, nursing performance, communication and leadership skills, and potential for success in an advanced practice role
- Current resume or CV
- Current RN license
- Short-answer responses (200-word limit) to a series of prompts within the application
- TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores for applicants who are non-native English speakers
Detailed instructions can be found in the application portal. Learn more about how to complete the application and upload these materials.
Application Review Process
Once you complete your application, you may receive a follow-up email to schedule an interview with members of our Admissions Review Committee. We look forward to reviewing your application!