Degrees Vary from Bachelor's to Doctorate
Encompasses the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and care of physically ill, mentally ill, and disabled people of all ages, in all health care and other community settings.
For descriptions of this profession, see: Students section of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing or Explore Health Careers
Degree Obtained
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN
Master of Science in Nursing, MSN : Master of Nursing, MN
Doctorate in Nursing Science, DNS : Doctorate in Nursing Practice, DNP
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Accelerated BSN programs are typically 12-18 months
Accelerated, entry-level MSN programs are typically 3 years
Career Options
You can complete an accelerated program for adults with baccalaureate degrees in a field other than nursing. Consult the Students section of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for a list of accelerated BSN and MSN programs.
Clinicians at the MSN level (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
- Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
- Certified Nurse-Midwives
A DNP will likely be the standard for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the future.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The general course requirements for nursing vary depending on the program. Check directly with the school's website and Students section of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to determine the prerequisite courses.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; although, preference may be given to applicants who complete the required courses sooner. Apply fall of senior year.
APPLICATION SERVICE
Nursing's Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
- Available continuously
- Submission date opens in October
- Schools not participating in NursingCAS, apply directly to the school.
STANDARDIZED TEST
Typically the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required, but can vary by school.
The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning (Score 130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), and Analytical Writing (Score 0-6). The test takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is offered year-round at computer based test centers. You can register online. Unofficial scores are give on test day, with official scores available in 10-15 days.
Free and low-cost preparation materials:
- ETS
- Check with the Hubbard Center
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
- Overall and science GPA
- GRE scores
- Health-related experience
- Community service
- Leadership experiences
- Letters of recommendation
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
General:
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American College of Nurse-Midwives
- DiscoverNursing
- AllNursingSchools
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 765-658-4622, OR EMAIL HUBBARD@DEPAUW.EDU
