MS in Nursing: Admissions

Mount Saint Mary College offers two master of science in nursing tracks:

1. Adult Health (Adult Nurse Practitioner) and,
2. Family Health (Family Nurse Practitioner).

Admissions

Students may enter the master of science in nursing program at the beginning of the fall, spring or summer terms. Applications may be submitted at any time but should be on file at least six weeks before the beginning of the desired entry date. Applications are valid for one year from the date received. Students who do not register in the term for which they are accepted may apply in writing for admission within the one‑year limit.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN or a CCNE accredited program with an undergraduate Grade Point Average of 2.75 (on a 0‑4 scale). If graduate study is presented as the basis for admission, a GPA of 3.0 or above is required.
2. A valid New York State R.N. license and current registration.
3. Health insurance and malpractice/liability insurance with a current identification number and expiration date.
4. Evidence of personal and professional qualifications, and potential for graduate study from at least three professional references:one from the applicant's undergraduate program (faculty or director) if possible; one from a current, immediate work supervisor; one from a previous work supervisor.
5. One year of experience as a registered nurse in clinical nursing practice is preferred.
6. An onsite writing sample.
7. Satisfactory completion of undergraduate courses in elementary statistics, principles of nursing research, and physical assessment.
8. Computer literacy as demonstrated by one of the following:  a.) successful completion of the undergraduate course CIT 1050 (Microcomputer Applications I) or higher level course computer science course; it cannot count toward graduate requirements; b.) approved transfer credit from other post‑secondary educational institutions; c.) approved computer courses in secondary school, business school or adult education that are deemed sufficient to satisfy the requirement;  d.) demonstration of computer literacy through a proficiency test administered by the Division of Mathematics and Information Technology. The test consists of four parts: essential terminology, word processing, disk management techniques, and either desktop publishing or database/spread sheet concepts. A passing score of 70 or higher is required.
9. A personal statement (essay) that reveals evidence of good communication and writing skills, and ability to identify career goals that are consistent with the purposes of the MS in Nursing program.
10. For international applicants whose native language is other than English, a minimum score of 550 on TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Information and application forms are available from: TOEFL Program, Educational Testing Services, Box 966, Princeton, N.J. 08540.
11. A completed health form verifying current immunizations/vaccinations as specified on the form, and freedom from health impairments that interfere with the performance of nursing responsibilities. After admission to the program, this will be an annual requirement.
12. An interview with chair of the Division of Nursing and/or graduate program coordinator.

Application Procedures

Applicants for admission must submit the following:

1. A completed application form and a non‑refundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended, undergraduate and graduate; student copies are not acceptable.
3. Photocopy of New York State RN license/registration and malpractice insurance identification. Students must carry $1 million/$3 million coverage.
4. Three letters of recommendation.
5. Personal statement (essay) of interest, qualifications and career goals.
6. Official TOEFL score report, if applicable.
7. Completed health form.
8. Verification of health insurance.

Upon receipt of all documents, the applicant will be notified and instructed to arrange an appointment for an interview with the chair of the Division of Nursing and/or the graduate program coordinator.

Transfer Credits

A minimum of 24-27 credits of the 42-45 required must be taken at Mount Saint Mary College. A student may request transfer of up to 18 semester hours from another accredited graduate school provided each specific course is approved for transfer by the Division of Nursing. The course content must be comparable to a required course in the M.S. in nursing curriculum, must have been taken within five years of matriculation at Mount Saint Mary College, and must have been completed with a grade of "B" or better. Students requesting acceptance of transfer credit must submit official transcripts and complete course descriptions for review and approval by the Division of Nursing.