Belmont’s School of Nursing receives applicants for admission and most applicant credentials for graduate nursing programs exclusively through the Nursing Central Application Service (Nursing CAS). Applications are considered on a rolling basis until all spaces in the entering class are filled.
Candidates are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible. Selected candidates will be invited to an Interview Day held throughout the academic year.
Admission Requirements
- BSN to DNP
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited baccalaureate-granting institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from all undergraduate coursework. A student may transfer up to six graduate hours from another institution upon the recommendation of the Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee. Transfer courses taken more than 5 years prior to application are not acceptable.
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Proof of a current Registered Nurse (RN) license from the applicant's state of residence and/or practice.
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A Tennessee RN license or a license from a state that is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is required for clinical experiences in Tennessee. This requirement can be completed after admission, but prior to enrollment for students who will be finishing their bachelor's degree by June 1.
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A completed application file (per the Application Steps below), including:
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Two references, one from a faculty member familiar with your undergraduate nursing work and a second from a nursing supervisor who can evaluate clinical work.
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A writing sample describing your education goals and professional career goals
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If invited, a successful on-campus interview.
- BSN to DNP Frequently Asked Questions
- MSN to DNP
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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in advanced nursing practice, nursing education or nursing administration from a nationally accredited nursing program (CCNE or ACEN [Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing formerly NLNAC]) with a minimum 3.5 GPA preferred.
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Candidates with advanced practice in nursing (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife or clinical nurse specialist) will typically hold current national certification.
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A completed application file (per the Application Steps below), including:
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Two references with at least one from a doctorally-prepared nurse
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A writing sample that addresses your professional goals, identification of a topic for your scholarly project should you be admitted to the DNP program, and potential locations for project implementation
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If invited, a successful on-campus interview.
- MSN to DNP Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
The program can be completed in 6 consecutive semesters of full-time study plus some coursework during the summers. This equals 33 months to complete the program.
What is the minimum GRE score required for the program?
We do not require GRE scores.
How can I find information about tuition and fees?
The Office of Student Financial Services has information regarding tuition and fees on its website.
Can I work while I go to school?
Many students find that the adhering to Belmont's rigorous clinical expectations make it difficult or impossible to maintain outside employment after the first clinical semester. While some students do choose to continue working, the responsibility for managing the balance between class, clinical and work requirements falls entirely on the student.
Are classes offered at night or on weekends?
The 5000 level graduate courses meet just once a week during the day and are clustered on 2 to 3 days per week. The 6000 level graduate courses are offered in a hybrid format with on-campus meetings on 4 weekends each semester.
Are any classes offered online?
All our courses have an online component, so comfort with computers is really important. Belmont graduate nursing classes combine on-campus experiences with appropriate technology, however, none of our classes are offered completely online. We have found the personal student-instructor contact in the classroom is a valuable component in our students' success.
Can I work while I go to school?
The DNP program is constructed for nurses who are working. If you are entering the DNP program with an MSN, it’s manageable to work full-time during the two year program of study. You will be very busy, but you can be successful.
Are classes offered at night or on weekends?
Courses are offered in a hybrid format with monthly on-campus meetings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Are any classes offered online?
All our courses have an online component, so comfort with computers is really important. However, none of our classes are offered completely online. We have found the personal student-instructor contact in the classroom is a valuable component in our students' success.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
The program can be completed in 4 consecutive semesters over 2 academic years (21 months) of full-time study,
What is the minimum GRE score required for the program?
The GRE is not required for the post-master's DNP.
How can I find information about tuition and fees?
The Office of Student Financial Services has information regarding tuition and fees on its website.
Guaranteed Admission for Belmont BSN Alumni
Belmont students and alumni who meet the minimum requirements and are guaranteed direct admission for Fall 2023.
The College of Health Sciences and Nursing will provide coupon codes for current Belmont students and alumni to waive the application fee. Starting in Fall 2023, Belmont alumni will also receive 20% discount on tuition. Email gradnursing@belmont.edu for more information.Applications Steps
- Create an account for your online Nursing CAS application.
- Log in and complete all sections as directed:
- For applicants to the MSN or BSN-to-DNP programs only, please enter all previously completed and yet to be completed college courses (you will need a copy of transcripts of all colleges attended).
- Download Transcript Request Forms for each college attended to arrange for an official transcript to be sent to NursingCAS.
- Complete all sections in the Program Materials. Click on each tab at the top of the program page for instructions.
- Submit your completed application to Nursing CAS with the appropriate program designated.
- Belmont will contact you regarding the status of your application. Update your file as necessary.
- If selected to interview, come to campus when invited and plan to be available that day for up to 3 hours, typically beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Post-Admission Requirements
After you’ve been accepted, you must complete the following requirements before enrolling:
- $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by a specific deadline after acceptance, applied to your first semester’s tuition.
- Final official transcript of coursework that was in progress at the time of your application, sent directly to Belmont
- Documentation of licensure or certification information, as requested
- A background check, as directed by the School of Nursing, with favorable results
- Required immunizations
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Program orientation
If any of these requirements are not satisfied, admission to the program may be rescinded.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
- International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting official TOEFL scores (minimum of 550 PBT or 80 iBT) or by successful completion of ELS Language Center Level 112.
- International applicants with college level course work from foreign institutions must have their transcripts evaluated by a credential evaluation service such as World Education Services or Joseph Silny & Associates.
- In order to be issued an I-20 for the desired entry term, international applicants must be admitted no later than June 1 to begin enrollment in the fall.
Upcoming Information Session
- You're invited to join us for our next online information session on Tuesday, March 21st at 6:00 PM Central time! During this session, we will cover various program- and admissions-specific information about all of our graduate nursing programs. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the event. Click here to register!