Admissions Requirements

We are honored that you are considering applying to Radford University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and certificate programs. This page is a resource to guide you through the application process. Remember, our staff is here to assist you at any time and we are more than happy to help.

Not all online programs are available in all states. The graduate college will notify you when you apply.

Application Deadline: March 1 for priority consideration.

• Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.
• Application term closes on June 1.

1. You apply directly through the Radford University College of Graduate Studies and Research.  Please submit a completed College of Graduate Studies and Research online application and pay the appropriate application fee.
   
   
2. Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited. Please apply as early as possible to allow for all necessary processing. Apply by March 1st for priority consideration. Applications received after March 1 will be considered on a space-available basis and the application term will close on June 1.
   
   
3. Provide three letters of reference. These letters of reference should be from professional contacts that address the applicant's potential for advanced practice nursing. Please make sure one reference letter is from an academic setting and can attest to the applicant's academic ability and potential for success in the chosen program of study.
   
   
4. Provide three satisfactory recommendation forms. Note: these recommendation forms should be from the same three contacts used to provide letters of reference.
   
   
5. Arrange to have official transcripts sent from all previous academic institutions since high school.  Applicants must have a minimum cumulative BSN grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in an undergraduate nursing major. For a post-master's program track, applicants must have a 3.5 GPA from a nationally-accredited graduate nursing program.
6. Meet major course prerequisites, including undergraduate or graduate-level statistics and nursing research. These course need to have been       successfully completed.
7. Provide a professionally written essay describing your career goals and how a graduate credential will assist in meeting those goals. Ideally, the potential for practice in a rural area should be addressed. Specific instructions provided in application.
   
8. Provide a paper demonstrating scholarly writing that is recent (within 5 years).  ​Those students applying for the Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate Program are not required to submit writing samples. Additionally, a sample of previous academic writing or publication needs to be included with ​APA references.
   
   
9. Provide a professional resume or curriculumn vitae that includes prior education and professional practice, documenting a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical nursing practice as an RN or advanced clinical mursing practice with certification as an NP or CNS within the last three years.
   
   
10. After the materials are received, additional information will be requested such as your licenses and certifications.
    
    
11. Qualified applicants who meet admission requirements will be interviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee.  For PMHNP Program applicants, there will be an interview, which includes the PMHNP Program Coordinator.