Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP)

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program
• Preferred 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.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in acute care (can be obtained during the program)
• Resume/CV
• Official transcript(s) of all prior college work
• Fully submitted online application including paid application fee
• 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 degree?
  • Discuss your reasons for choosing this specialty in relation to your career goals. How will this degree 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 member or a professional colleague, and at least one letter should be from an individual in a supervisory role.
• If necessary, an interview may be offered to qualified applicants.

*Please note that GRE testing is not required.

Applicants are required to submit official transcripts for all previous college work.

• Electronic transcripts (recommended) can be sent to:
  e-transcripts@gradadm.rutgers.edu
• Paper transcripts can be sent to University Enrollment Services Admissions Processing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 65 Davidson Road, Suite 308, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8097

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 Failure to comply will result in admission being rescinded.

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.

• 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).Once the admissions process begins, applicants with fully completed applications (all supporting documentation received) generally receive their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks.

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.

See our Nursing Licensure Requirements page for more information

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 Rutgers 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.

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 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 students with disabilities, and students are not required or expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are needed during the application process. You can rest assured that we are committed to creating an equal-access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.