Admission Criteria - DNP Program

Admission to the doctoral program is based upon a set of criteria indicative of potential success. These criteria, in addition to professional experience, are evaluated as a composite, and the potential for success is determined by the graduate faculty. The outcomes of the faculty assessment is acceptance, deferment, or denial. DNP student admission is once a year, in the fall.

Criteria indicating potential success include:

• A Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) from a regionally accredited (CCNE or NLN) or internationally accredited school.
• A valid and current national certification in specialty nursing (NP/CNS—which attests to 500 clinical hours) if applicable at the time of entry.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in graduate study.
• Successful completion of a graduate level statistics course within the past 5 years.
• Official transcripts from each university/college attended.
• Portfolio with evidence for potential scholarly work which includes:
  • CV/Resume
  • Essay 1: A clear statement of goals and expectations for entering the DNP program and how you anticipate the profession of nursing as well as the community where you practice will be better served by your completing the degree.
  • Essay 2: A discussion of the type of clinical project the student hopes to undertake in the DNP program.
• Three (3) professional recommendations:
  • One (1) addressing clinical competence.
  • Two (2) addressing academic ability.
• Copy of current FL nursing license.
• Copy of BLS (Basic Life Support).
• A personal Interview may be requested.
• Preadmission Testing: All applicants must take and achieve a satisfactory score on the English Assessment Test (EAT). The EAT provides students with a professional evaluation of their reading and writing skills. Based on the EAT results, an applicant may be required to enroll in an English writing course. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) may be required. If required, one of these preadmission tests must have been completed within the previous five (5) years and the student must have achieved an acceptable score (GRE minimum score of 900; MAT minimum score of 400). For Barry alumni, preadmission testing is waived for applicants with an graduate GPA of 3.3 or greater. However, for Barry alumni applicants with a GPA of less than 3.5, preadmission testing is required.
• Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening: Clinical agencies require students to be fingerprinted, pass drug screening and background check, and clear the HHS/OIG list of excluded individuals and the GSA list of parties excluded from federal programs. Compliance with this requirement and satisfactory findings are essential for clinical placement and progression. Students who fail to submit to a background check or students whose background checks indicate a conviction as specified in Florida Statutes Title XXI, Chapter 435.04 Level 2 Screening Standards or have a positive drug screen will be unable to enroll in or remain in the nursing program.