Graduate Application Guide for Nurses

This guide explains how to apply to nursing graduate programs.
Pursuing a graduate degree in nursing can help nurses advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and specialize in areas of care such as nurse practitioner programs.
For those looking to become nurse practitioners or nursing researchers, advanced skills are necessary to provide the best care.
If you’re considering a nursing master’s degree, this guide covers the important details of applying to nursing graduate schools.

Nursing Graduate Program Prerequisites

Each nursing graduate program has its own admission requirements, but there are some common prerequisites for most schools. These typically include having a nursing degree (either an ADN or BSN) and a certain amount of clinical experience, depending on the program. Before applying, it’s essential to check with each school to ensure you meet their specific nursing grad school prerequisites.

Do You Need a Nursing Bachelor’s Degree for a Nursing Grad Degree?

Some nursing graduate programs require a nursing bachelor’s degree (BSN), while others, such as RN to MSN programs, are designed for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Schools offering these programs allow you to earn your MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) while building on your existing experience as a registered nurse (RN). If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, some programs may allow you to enter directly into an MSN program or offer direct-entry MSN options for non-nurses.

Prerequisite Classes for Grad Nursing Programs

Nursing graduate programs typically require certain coursework before admission. These might include:

• Statistics
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Psychology

These foundational courses prepare you for more advanced study. If you completed similar courses in your undergraduate program, check if they meet the nursing grad school prerequisites for your desired program.

Is Work Experience Needed for Nursing Grad Programs?

In many cases, nursing graduate schools will look for practical experience as part of your application. For example, if you’re applying for advanced practice nursing programs such as nurse practitioner programs, your application will benefit from relevant work experience. However, some programs, particularly those that admit recent nursing graduates, may not require work experience. RN to MSN programs may also have specific experience requirements depending on the track you wish to pursue.

Do You Have to Take the GRE or the MAT for Nursing School?

Some nursing graduate schools require standardized test scores as part of the application process. The two most commonly required exams are the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the MAT (Miller Analogies Test). Graduate nursing school test scores are often a critical factor in the application process.

• The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, whereas the MAT focuses on verbal reasoning through analogy-based questions.
• Some schools may accept either exam, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your strengths.
• If you’re wondering, “What is the GRE for nursing graduate school?”, the GRE is a general test that assesses reasoning skills in addition to basic math and verbal knowledge.

Additionally, many programs offer MAT/GRE waivers if you have an excellent undergraduate GPA or previous graduate-level work, which can streamline the application process.

MAT/GRE Waiver

Some people don’t test well or don’t have time to study. They can skip the test with a waiver.

Schools might waive GRE or MAT if you have:

– High undergrad GPA
– Experience
– Previous grad degree

You can apply for a waiver by contacting your school. They have different rules but need your application and proof.

MAT Scores Breakdown

MAT scores are digital and you get unofficial results after the test. Pearson, who runs the MAT, sends official scores to three schools you choose. You also get official scores with scaled scores and percentiles. A scaled score comes from your raw score, which is the questions you got wrong. It’s between 200 and 600. Percentiles show how you did compared to others. A score of 80th percentile means you did better than 80% of people.

Nursing grad schools use scores differently. Many need around 410. Some don’t have a minimum and consider scores with the rest of your application.

How I Improved My HESI Exam Scores and Succeeded in NCLEX-RN

If you think you did badly, you can skip sending your scores to schools. Choose “do not process this score” on the screen. You won’t get a refund, but schools won’t see the low score.

Score	Percentile
450-600	99th percentile
430-440	95th percentile
421-425	90th percentile
416-420	80th percentile
410-415	70th percentile
405-409	60th percentile
400-404	50th percentile

Source: Pearson Assessments

Understanding GRE Scores

GREs include three parts: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Scoring is quite simple. Verbal and quantitative reasoning are multiple-choice with scores from 130-170, in one-point steps.

Analytical writing has scores from 0-6, with half-point steps. This part has two essay questions. Two readers score your nursing program entry essay, and if their scores differ by more than one point, a third reader checks. Your score is the average of these.

The average/mean scores are:

• 150.37 for Verbal Reasoning
• 153.66 for Quantitative Reasoning
• 3.6 for Analytical Writing

You also get a report showing your percentile, explained below.

GRE Scores and Percentiles

Percentiles show how your scores compare to others’. Below are tables converting raw scores to percentiles. For example, a 170 scaled score in verbal reasoning means you’re in the 99th percentile. This means you scored better than 99% of other test-takers. A 170 in quantitative reasoning means you scored better than 96% of all test-takers.

Scaled Score	Verbal Reasoning Percentile	Quantitative Reasoning Percentile
170	99	96
167	98	89
164	94	81
160	85	70
154	63	50school

Source: ETS.org

How to Remember Important Information in Nursing School

Analytical Writing Score	Percentile
6	99
5.5	98
5	91
4.5	80
4	54

Source: ETS.org

Application Requirements for Nursing Graduate School

To be considered for nursing graduate admissions, you need to submit several key documents:

1. Transcripts

1. Almost all nursing master’s programs want official undergraduate transcripts. Usually, your previous school sends them directly to the graduate school.
2. Transcripts show if you have the needed degree (like ADN or BSN) and if you’ve taken required courses. They also give insight into your strong academic areas. Many schools consider both your overall GPA and your nursing GPA.
3. Some schools have no set minimum GPA, except if you want to skip the GRE or MAT test. Most schools with minimum GPAs ask for at least 3.0, but some selective ones want at least 3.5.

2. Test Scores

Most programs that require standardized testing (like the GRE or MAT) will request that you send your scores directly to the school. Some schools may also have minimum test score requirements for specific programs. Always confirm your school’s expectations regarding graduate nursing school test scores.

3. Resume

A strong resume helps demonstrate your qualifications, experience, and dedication to advancing your nursing career. List relevant work experience, training, certifications, and accomplishments that support your application. If you are applying to a highly competitive nursing master’s degree program, highlight any specialized experience related to your desired career path, such as clinical experience in your chosen area of practice.

4. Essays and Personal Statements

1. Nursing grad school might ask for a personal statement or an essay. Learning how to write a personal statement for nursing school can really help.

2. Your essay or personal statement is your chance to explain things or make up for weak parts of your application. So, spend time and effort on it. Make sure it’s free of errors. Clarity matters more than perfect grammar.

3. Different schools give different prompts, but most want to know your strengths and future plans. They want to see why they should accept you. Be honest and show your passion for nursing.

5. Letters of Recommendation

1. While your essay shows you, recommendation letters give a different perspective from colleagues and mentors. They should know you from school or work. Some schools also ask for letters about your character.

2. Avoid asking family. Choose professors or employers instead. Ask them early and give them time to write, maybe a few months.

3. They should start with stating their support for you. Then, they talk about your skills and dedication. Examples make letters stronger. You can see a good recommendation letter example from UC Berkeley.

6. English Proficiency Tests

1. Students from non-English-speaking countries usually need an English test. These tests show if you can follow English classes.

2. Some schools won’t give you visa papers without these scores. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are common. Check your school’s requirements.

7. Background Check and Drug Screening

Due to the nature of healthcare, almost all nursing graduate programs require a background check and drug screening as part of the admissions process to ensure safety for patients and staff.

How to Apply for a Nursing Master’s Degree

Applying for a nursing master’s degree is a multi-step process that requires careful preparation. You’ll need to gather all the necessary documents, including your transcripts, test scores, resume, and personal statement, before submitting your application. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Complete Nursing School Prerequisites: Ensure that you’ve met all the academic and clinical requirements.
2. Prepare Application Documents: Gather your transcripts, test scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume.
3. Submit Application: Apply to multiple programs if necessary, keeping in mind the deadlines and specific requirements for each.
4. Prepare for Interviews: If your program requires interviews, prepare by reviewing your application materials and anticipating possible questions.
5. Wait for Acceptance/Rejection: After submitting your application, you’ll receive notification of your acceptance or rejection, which may take several weeks.

What to Expect from a Nursing Graduate Program

Graduate programs in nursing vary widely depending on the focus and school. Generally, you can expect to engage in advanced coursework, clinical practice, and research projects. For example, in advanced practice nursing programs, you’ll learn specialized care practices, while in nurse practitioner programs, you may focus on diagnosing and treating patients.

Nursing career advancement is a common reason nurses pursue graduate studies. Earning a nursing master’s degree can open the door to roles in leadership, clinical specialties, and even education or research. After earning your MSN, you may pursue various nursing career paths after MSN, including becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist.

Rolling Admissions vs. Round Admissions

Some nursing graduate schools have rolling admissions, meaning they accept applications year-round. Others may have specific application rounds (such as fall, spring, or summer) with defined deadlines.

If you’re applying for nursing graduate admissions, keep track of the deadlines for the schools you’re interested in. For online nursing programs, the process may be more flexible, with schools offering rolling admissions or multiple intake periods throughout the year.

This guide provides an overview of what to expect when applying to nursing graduate programs, covering everything from nursing grad school prerequisites to how to craft an impressive nursing school personal statement. Taking the time to understand each aspect of the nursing graduate school application process will set you up for success and help you advance in your nursing career.