Application Process
When to Apply
Below are the application periods for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) sequence and Nursing Leadership & Management sequence of our BSN to DNP program.
| Starting Term | FNP Sequence | Leadership Sequence |
| Fall | Apply Oct. 1, – Feb. 1, 2023 | Apply Oct. 1, – July 15, |
| Fall | Apply Sept. 1, – Feb. 1, | Apply Sept. 1, – July 15, |
Applications for the Fall 2023 FNP sequence remain open until target enrollment is met.
Supporting documents, including transcripts, essay, resume, references, RN license and any additional documents, are submitted in the online application. For initial application review, applicants must submit unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will be required after acceptance into the program.
An application review and the admission process generally takes 3 to 4 weeks. Admitted applicants must have cleared a criminal background check and drug screen along with specified health and safety forms through MCN before enrolling in first semester courses.
When are decisions made?
- For the Nursing Leadership & Management sequence, applicants are admitted on a rolling basis up until the deadline of July 15th.
- For the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) sequence, applications received by the February 1st deadline will be reviewed and eligible applicants will be interviewed in late February and early March. Admission status will be communicated by late March/early April. The College will continue to accept and review applications received after the priority filing date of February 1st as space permits.
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete an online application
Applicants can fill out an online application in GradCAS
All application materials, including transcripts, will be submitted as part of your GradCAS application. Make sure you have the following materials ready to upload to your application.
- Current resumé
- Essay outlining educational and professional goals: 2-3 pages, double-spaced
- Three professional or academic references selected
- A copy of your RN license
International applicants: Please refer to this site prior to submitting an application: https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/online-program-disclosure/ Additionally, international applicants must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). Applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements, https://illinoisstate.edu/admissions/international/requirements/, as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application process to ensure adequate time to review transcripts and Credential Evaluation Reports.
Step 2: Submit references
Note three professional or academic references in the online application. The form linked below will be available to your references to submit electronically through the online application.
References should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s potential to succeed as a graduate student. At least one reference from a nursing faculty member in the student’s baccalaureate program or a master’s prepared nurse is required.