Application Deadline
October 15th
for Summer admission
Fall Deadlines: March 1 and July 1
Priority Fall (September) Start – Application Deadline: March 1 – Apply by this date for priority consideration and to receive your admission decision sooner.
Final Fall (September) Start – Application Deadline: July 1 – Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until this date, with full consideration for all applicants.
| Application Deadline | Post-Master’s Certificate Program |
|---|---|
| The AGNP Primary Care Certificate is not accepting new applicants at this time. | Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner |
| March 1st and July 1st for Fall | Family Nurse Practitioner |
| March 1st and July 1st for Fall | Nurse Midwifery |
| March 1st and July 1st for Fall | Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
| October 15th for Summer | Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
| October 15th for Summer | Family Nurse Practitioner in Emergency Care |
| October 15th for Summer | Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner |
Admission Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing and advanced practice degree (MSN or DNP) from nationally accredited programs
- GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Current unencumbered RN license. A NJ or Compact State RN license will be required after acceptance to the program and within the first semester of study. Students are required to maintain current licensure throughout the program.
- Successful completion of an undergraduate descriptive/inferential statistics course and physical assessment course
- Personal and Goal statements ‐ Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following:
- How have your personal qualities and experiences influenced your career choice and how will they contribute to attaining this certificate?
- Discuss your reasons for choosing this specialty in relation to your career goals. How will this certificate impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation?
- Two letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency, and personal character. The letters should be provided by a former faculty or a professional colleague and at least one letter should be from an individual in a supervisory role.
- Resume/CV
- Official transcript(s) of all prior college work
- Fully submitted online application including paid application fee
- If necessary, an interview may be offered to qualified applicants.
- Newly admitted students must submit updated official transcripts/documents verifying completion of all “in progress” degrees, coursework, or licensure before starting the program. Failure to comply will result in admission being rescinded.
*Please note that GRE testing is not required.
Requirements for Certain Specialties
- Post-Master’s Certificate Nurse Practitioner students who did not complete Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and/or Advanced Physical Assessment during their previous graduate studies or prior to admission will be required to take these courses. A gap analysis to determine what/if any additional courses are required for the respective program will be completed by the Specialty/Program Director upon admission.
- The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate requires current certification as an PNP/FNP from PNCB or ANCC as well as a current APRN license in NJ. Applicants should already have an MSN or DNP degree as a Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner.
- For the Nurse Midwifery application, a Personal Statement, limited to one page which includes the following:
- Describe your personal experiences and qualities that demonstrate your interest in and dedication to working in midwifery.
- What are your professional goals as a midwife and how will the Rutgers program further your achievement of those goals?
Application Tips
- Applicants can view their most current admissions status through the online application system.
- The online application contains an admissions checklist which must be completed in order to be considered for admission to the program.
- Applicants are required to submit admission documents through the online application system (the applicant checklist).
- Applicants are required to submit official transcripts for all previous college work.
- Electronic transcripts (recommended) can be sent to transcripts_nursing@gradadm.rutgers.edu
- Paper transcripts can be sent to Office of Admissions & Recruitment – School of Nursing, 65 Bergen St. (Room 601), Newark, NJ 07107
- For Rutgers Graduates Only: The School of Nursing Admissions Office will automatically obtain your Rutgers academic transcript after you submit your online application. You do not need to provide it yourself. However, you must still submit transcripts from any non-Rutgers schools you attended.
Once the admissions process begins, applicants with fully completed applications (all supporting documentation received) generally receive their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks.
Gap Analysis
Upon admission to the program, a gap analysis will occur to determine the proper plan of study based on previous credits/degrees earned. In some cases, prospective post-master’s certificate students may be advised to pursue an alternate path, such as an MSN or DNP program at Rutgers SON, to reach their certification goals.
International Applicant Ineligibility
This program is ineligible for international applicants.
Licensure & Clinical Compliance for Nursing Programs
At Rutgers School of Nursing, we are dedicated to preparing ethical and skilled nursing professionals. To be licensed in most states, a criminal history background check is a prerequisite for licensure as a registered professional nurse (RN) per the state’s Board of Nursing. Since eligibility criteria may vary, applicants should check with the Board of Nursing of the state in which they plan to apply for licensure to determine the eligibility criteria.
All nursing students in clinical courses are required to complete a criminal history background check. Depending on your program, clinical sites may require additional screening, such as drug testing and/or fingerprinting to ensure compliance with their policies and standards. Please review Clinical Clearance Requirements for individual Rutger’s nursing programs. These practices reflect the nursing profession’s commitment to trust, accountability, and community safety. If you have questions or need support, our team is here to help guide you on your journey
Accessibility Accommodations
Many students have questions about disclosing their disability needs when they apply to Rutgers Health programs. The short answer is you don’t have to disclose if you’re not comfortable sharing that information with us at the application stage. Some examples of accommodations needed may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, interviewing accommodations, or accommodations during visitation. If you need accessibility accommodations during the application process or interview process for admissions at Rutgers Health, you can explore your options by contacting the Rutgers Health Office of Disability Services or by calling 973-640-0058.
Rutgers Health doesn’t discriminate against disabled students, and students are not required nor expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are required during the application process. You can rest assured, though, that we are committed to creating an equal access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.
Rutgers Health doesn’t discriminate against disabled students, and students are not required nor expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are required during the application process. You can rest assured, though, that we are committed to creating an equal access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.