Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Admissions Guidelines

The College of Nursing participates in Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Find out how to apply.

We evaluate all applicants on the following:

  • A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution.
  • GPAs of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) - Rush will receive GPA calculations from NursingCAS only after they have received all of your official transcripts.
    • Cumulative GPA - all college level coursework
    • Prelicensure Nursing GPA - only nursing courses before licensure
  • Substantive answers to personal essay questions (included in Program Materials section of NursingCAS).
  • Three professional letters of recommendation. One letter must come from current supervisor/manager (the person who is responsible for your performance evaluation). Two letters should come from individuals in leadership positions who can speak to your clinical abilities (i.e. an APRN, CNS, nurse educator, medical director). Recommendations from friends, relatives, or co-workers will not be accepted and will cause your application to be delayed or denied. 
  • Resume or CV that includes the following information:
    • Community service.
    • Educational, leadership and professional organization activities.
    • Scholarly activities, including publications, presentations, research, honors and awards.
    • Work experience.
  • Registered nurse licensure in the United States.
  • GRE scores, are not required.
  • TOEFL scores, if required.
  • Personal interview(s) with faculty.
  • A minimum of six months of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience by the application deadline.

If you fail to submit accurate or all required information, we will remove your application from consideration for admission.

Enrollment Restrictions for Certain State Residents

The AC PNP program is available in a distance format but not in all locales. Restrictions might apply.  Please email the program director prior to application.  Due to state restrictions, you cannot enroll in this program if you reside in one of these U.S. states.

Common Applicant Questions for all Nursing Programs
  • Request Info
  • Register for an Info Session
  • Apply Now
  • Upcoming Application Deadlines
    Summer 2024 (MSN to DNP) 
    Application: Open
    Deadline: January 2, 2024
    Term Starts: May 6, 2024

    Fall 2024 (BSN to DNP & MSN to DNP for nonAPRNs)
    Application: Open
    Deadline: October 2, 2023
    Term Starts: September 3, 2024
Admissions Contact
Elizabeth Miranda
Admissions Specialist

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Attend an information session

Learn more about the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NP) program at an online information session.