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As you begin your health profession journey at WesternU, we are here to provide you guidance and direction from prospective student to applicant to student to Doctor of Nursing Practice. We are here to serve you from day one, step one.

  • Application Process

    Step 1: Authorization For Out-Of-State Students

    State and federal laws require that colleges and universities obtain authorization to offer online degree programs in any state where their students reside. If you are an applicant from outside California, please confirm we have authorization in your state.

    International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our Office of International Student and Scholars (OISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the OISS website to learn more.

    Step 2: Prerequisites And Application Requirements

    The next step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

    Step 3: Preparing And Submitting Your Application

    The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

  • Prerequisite Courses

    Required Courses:

    • Research (2 graduate semester units)

    All ​Prerequisites:

    • Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
    • Must be completed with a grade of “B-” or better
    • Must be completed by the spring term prior to matriculation
    • May not be taken on an advanced-placement, pass/no pass or credit/no credit basis
    • All coursework taken from non-U.S. institutions (including Canada) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
  • Application Requirements
    ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE OF MAY 1ST

    COMPLETION OF PREREQUISITE COURSES AS OUTLINED

    • Completion of the prerequisite courses as outlined above
    • Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.
    • Individuals with a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in nursing and with a Master’s degree in another field will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
    • Registered Nurse (RN) active and unencumbered licensure in the state where practice hours will be completed
    • Verification of post-baccalaureate clinical/practice hours
    • 2 Reference Forms
      • To be completed by an employer or faculty member (non-relative)
      • Forms will be sent electronically to your recommender based on the information you provide in your application.

    Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – If Required

    • International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – If Required

    • The TOEFL is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools
    • TOEFL scores are valid for two years
    • Internet-Based test (IBT) minimum score: 80
    • Computer Based test minimum score: 213
    • Exceptions:
      • The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed six semester units of the communication requirement from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
      • You have a confirmed bachelor’s degree at the time of application from a regionally accredited U.S. institution