Admission Requirements

• Master of Science in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).  
• Licensed and certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  Other Advanced Practice Registered Nurse applicants may be considered if the following courses were completed to cover the lifespan:  Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics.  
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework.
• Evidence of satisfactory completion of the following courses through the lifespan:  advanced physical assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology at the graduate level with a grade of B or better.
• International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. 

Two years of recent, full-time experience as a family nurse practitioner is preferred but not required.

Post-Admission Requirements

Health and Safety Compliance

All students entering their respective nursing program are expected to be compliant with all health & safety requirements of the University, MCN, and the clinical sites they are assigned to or have selected, at all times. In addition to any University and MCN expectations, all students engaged in a clinical for credit are subject to any applicable policies and/or procedures of the clinical site, including immunizations and other requests. Upon admission, students receive a comprehensive list of health & safety compliance requirements that must be adhered to prior to nursing course registration.  These include but are not limited to the following: immunizations, blood titers, TB skin test, influenza vaccination, criminal background checks, and drug tests. Upon clinical assignment and throughout the semester as applicable, students are provided with any additional clinical site-specific requirements beyond those outlined upon admission. If clinical rotations require more than ISU/MCN, (i.e., COVID-19 vaccination proof, weekly testing, etc.), students must meet the requirements of their clinical site by providing documentation as directed by the clinical site (i.e., directly to the site following their guidelines for compliance and/or through the College with an appropriate release). Students must comply with these requirements to receive an override to register or remain registered for clinical.  More details related to health and safety can be found in the Health and Safety section of the Student Handbooks.  Students should refer to their Health and Safety packets to be aware of requirements and deadlines.

Orientation

There is a required orientation for students accepted into the PMHNP Certificate program that before classes begin in the summer.  Details for the orientation are sent by e-mail two weeks in advance of orientation day.