Grad Nursing Common Questions
As you consider one of Creighton’s graduate nursing programs you may have questions. We’ve got the answers. Our recruiters have compiled these commonly asked questions about our degrees for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post Graduate Certificate programs.
Application Questions
For the most up to date deadlines visit the program of interest page below:
Post-Graduate Certificate students start into their clinical rotations immediately upon starting the program. The application deadlines are far in advance because clinical placement requests are due up to four months before the first term.
Due to regulatory requirements in the states listed below, we are unable to accept or enroll students who intend to reside in any of these states while pursuing a graduate nursing degree:
- Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee and Oregon.
You can start the application process at any point. We recommend applying early to ensure that we receive all application materials prior to the deadline. Please note: If you are applying through NursingCAS, there is about a week turnaround time between when your application is completed through their system, and when it is sent to us. Keep this in mind when applying close to the deadlines.
The personal statement should be 2-3 pages in length (double-spaced) and include the following:
- What are your reasons for selecting Creighton University and why you are considering your specific track? (Peds, Family, Neonatal, Psych, Adult Acute, Education, Leadership, etc.)
- Describe your future professional goals related to leadership and/or evidence-based practice.
- Discuss how you envision your advanced nursing education will prepare you to reduce health disparities, promote cultural awareness, or engage in population-focused health promotion activities.
- If applicable, provide a rationale for any of the following discrepancies on your transcripts. Part of this rationale should provide an explanation of what has changed to promote success in this program.
- Grades that are lower than a C
- Courses with a W (withdrawals)
- Other considerations (extended leaves, previous enrollment in professional programs, misconducts, dismissals)
You are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Your references must come from the following:
- One must be from a nursing employer/supervisor. If you have never been employed, a recommendation from a clinical instructor or preceptor in your nursing program is required.
- The other two forms may be from another instructor, another employer, or a professional colleague.
- If you’re applying during your last semester of your BSN, one recommendation should be from a recent clinical instructor and/or preceptor.
You can choose to apply either directly through our website or NursingCAS. Do not apply through both systems. If you apply through NursingCAS, you will not need a supplemental application through our system. Please be sure to visit our website to have a clear understanding of our admissions requirements.
No. We are able to access those transcripts for you, however, any non-Creighton transcripts that you previously submitted to Creighton for your previous degree may need to be resent.
All official transcripts should be sent through NursingCAS. Visit NursingCAS to learn more about sending official transcripts.
Program Questions
For the most up to date deadlines visit the program of interest page below:
Coursework for the graduate nursing programs is offered online. Students are required to travel to our campus in Omaha, Nebraska during the program. The amount of campus visits will vary depending on the program and track. For more detailed information, please contact a nursing enrollment specialist at nursing@creighton.edu
Students are responsible for finding their own preceptors. For specific questions about preceptors and hours required, please contact a nursing enrollment specialist at nursing@creighton.edu.
The graduate programs are financial aid eligible. Students can complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for federal aid. The College of Nursing offers endowed scholarships for current students, but does not award scholarships upon acceptance into the program. You are welcome to contact Creighton’s Financial Aid Office with further questions at 402.280.2731 or gpfinaid@creighton.edu
Transfer credit hours will be evaluated on an individual basis once a student is admitted. A maximum of 9 semester hours can be accepted.
The DNP Plus program is a combination of our Post-Graduate DNP program and one of our Post-Graduate Certificates. It is designed for Master’s Prepared APRNs who would like to complete their terminal DNP degree and certify in an additional specialty. The DNP Plus is offered in conjunction with our Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Pediatric Acute Care, Neonatal, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate Programs.
Admissions Requirements
We require at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
We require at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA with all previous college credit. Due to the academic rigor of the program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool, it is rare to be admitted with a GPA below the 3.0 mark. The admissions committee will review all complete applications and weigh acceptance on all aspects of the application. This includes your, GPA, pre-requisite grades, personal statement and recommendation forms. Having below a 3.0 can be grounds for denial.
Professional nursing work experience is required prior to first clinical course, please see below for details.
- Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Nursing Education and Nursing Administration and Leadership– minimum 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience in direct patient care
- Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan NP – minimum 2,000 hours of direct patient care nursing experience in psychiatrics
- Neonatal NP – minimum 4,000 hours of direct patient care nursing experience in a level III or level IV NICU
- Pediatric Acute and Primary Care NP – minimum 2,000 hours direct patient care nursing experience in pediatrics
Due to the specific features and requirements of these programs, international students cannot be admitted. Unique situations may be discussed with your admissions advisor.
No, we do not require the GRE.
Pre-Requisite Questions
MSN, BSN to DNP
- Undergraduate-Level Statistics and a Physical Assessment or Health Assessment Course with a C (2.0) or higher.
Post-Graduate DNP, DNP Plus
- Graduate-level statistics course with a C (2.0) or higher.
MSN, BSN to DNP
- Pre-requisite courses need to be completed prior to the application deadline.
Post-Graduate DNP, DNP Plus
- If students do not have a Graduate-level Statistics course completed before they apply, they will need to take the course at Creighton during the program.
No, we do not have a time-limit for the pre-requisite coursework.
Pre-requisites can be taken through any accredited institution and must meet our semester hour requirements. Courses can be taken online or in person. If you have questions about specific courses we can accept, please email nursing@creighton.edu.
You need to have a C (2.0) or higher for each prerequisite course.
AP credit can be accepted for the undergraduate statistics requirement. In order to accept AP credit as a pre-requisite, the test has to be listed on an official transcript as a transfer credit for that course. If it is not listed, we will need a letter from the institution stating that the AP exam was accepted as credit for the course.
In order to accept a course that is listed as “P” we have to prove that the lowest possible grade to receive a “P” is a C (2.0) or higher. If it is a C- (1.67) or lower, we cannot accept courses listed as “P”.
