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Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.

We accept applications for our DNP program year-round. You can apply at any time for an upcoming open term, if the deadline has not passed. The Admission committee reviews and releases admission decisions on a rolling basis. Review the general information and requirements detailed below prior to submitting your application. Please note the deadlines for the different DNP tracks.

Application Deadlines

TermApplication DeadlineTerm Starts
Fall July 1 Late August

Requirements

  1. Complete Application Form

    We prefer that you submit your application online. You may also download an application form and mail it to:

    Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
    Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management
    820 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200
    Chicago, IL 60611Official transcripts

  2. Official Transcript

    Applicants must submit official transcripts. Certified copies of transcripts are acceptable. If you have attended Loyola University Chicago, you do not need to request transcripts.

    If applying to an APRN track (NP or CNS) option, your transcripts must show you have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

    If applying to the Systems Leadership track option, your transcripts must show you have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.
    1. Two Letters of Recommendation

      Applicants must submit two professional recommendations. It is important that you choose recommenders who know you well and can evaluate your current or prospective clinical and leadership abilities, critical thinking, and potential for successfully completing a nursing doctoral program. (e.g. a current or former supervisor, manager or a nursing professor).

      It is suggested that one recommendation come from a healthcare professional that is doctorally-prepared (e.g. a nurse that holds a DNP or PhD degree, this includes nursing professors, a physician that holds an MD or DO degree, a pharmacist that holds a PharmD degree).  If you are applying to the DNP Systems Leadership track it is required that one recommendation come from a healthcare professional that is doctorally-prepared.

      These recommendations should be one page in length, detail the reasons why the recommender thinks you would be a good fit for your program of choice, and explain why (based on experiences with you) the recommender believes you will be successful in a graduate nursing program.

       

      Electronic submission of the recommendation letters is preferred. Providing your recommender's email address within the online application will immediately prompt a personalized, private link by which the recommender can submit a letter on your behalf. Recommenders may also choose to submit letters to us by email at gradapp@luc.edu or via mail at the address listed below. Letters must be sent directly by the recommender. If letters are sent via mail by the applicant, they must arrive in their original unopened envelope sealed by the recommender. Opened letters or copies submitted by the applicant are not considered official.  

       

      Loyola University Chicago
      Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management
      820 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200
      Chicago, IL 60611

    2. A Personal Statement

      DNP in Systems Leadership:

      Please provide an organized personal statement (generally under 1,000 words) which includes responses to the following questions:
      - How has your previous work experience and professional interests prepared you to be successful in the Loyola graduate program?
      - Why do you think the Loyola DNP program is a good fit with your interests?
      - Briefly tell us why the DNP versus PhD is a better fit for your future career goals.
      - Describe future career goals. Include your personal vision of yourself as a leader in healthcare, describing how the DNP program will help you operationalize this role.

      DNP APRN Tracks:

      Please provide an organized personal statement (generally under 1000 words) which includes responses to the following questions:
      - Why are you choosing this particular program of study? Specifically include your rationale for choosing the program to which you have applied. Make sure to comment on the role to which you are applying (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist), the population (family, mental health, adult, etc.) and/or specialty (emergency, oncology, substance use disorder).
      - Why do you think the Loyola graduate program is a fit with your interests?
      - How has your previous work experience and professional interests prepared you to be successful in the Loyola graduate program?
      - Describe future career goals. Include your personal vision of yourself as a leader in healthcare, describing how the DNP program will help you operationalize this role.

      DNP Post-Grad Certificate:

      Your statement should be double-spaced and should respond to the following topics:
      - Provide a statement describing how your work experiences and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the program to which you have applied. Make sure to comment on the population (family, mental health, adult, etc.) and/or specialty (emergency, oncology, substance use disorder).
      - Discuss how completing the program you have selected will help you meet your professional goals.
      - If you are applying to a Nurse Practitioner program, describe how you see yourself working specifically in the advanced practice nurse practitioner role.

    3. Grade Point Average (GPA)
      Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their graduate program.
    4. Current curriculum vitae or resume
    5. Current Nursing License
      Students, including international students, must hold a current U.S. license and be eligible for endorsement in Illinois.
    6. Application Fee
      A $50 application fee is required for applications sent by mail. There is no fee if you apply online.

    *The DNP Admissions Committee will contact you to schedule an interview to discuss your goals.

    You may also be required to submit:
    1. English language test requirement. An official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 79 on the Internet-based or 550 on the written-based test is required. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 6.0 is required. The minimum acceptable score on the PTE exam is 53. We must receive test scores directly from the testing service; copies and faxes are not accepted as official documents. 

      This requirement is waived for individuals who have completed a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree program or those who are citizens of or have completed a bachelor's degree at a recognized institution at which the language of instruction is English in these countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

      Programs may offer a waiver for the language requirement under certain conditions. Contact the program director or enrollment advisor for more information.
    2. Transcript evaluation. You must submit an official transcript evaluation for all postsecondary schooling outside of the U.S. (except study abroad coursework), regardless of the language of the instruction or transcript. We accept evaluations from Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. The evaluation report must show that your non-U.S. education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in nursing degree or a U.S. master's in nursing degree, contingent upon application requirements, to be considered for admission. 
      Please request a General Evaluation with Grade Average and send the have the official report to: 

      Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
      Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management 
      820 N. Michigan Ave., suite 1200 
      Chicago, IL 60611 

      We must receive the report directly from the evaluating organization. Copies and faxes are not accepted as official documents. Applicants enrolled in a program should request the evaluation during the last term of enrollment or after graduation. 

      For more information, please visit International Admission.

    3. Background Check. While not required for admission, you need to complete a criminal background check before you can begin your clinical practicums. The results of your background check may impact our ability to place you in a clinical practicum.

    If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Enrollment Management at 312.915.8900.