Adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist How to apply

University of Missouri-Columbia
Doctor of nursing practice
Adult gerontology nurse and patient hands.
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How to apply

Fulfill the admission requirements:

  • Completed baccalaureate or master’s degree from a nationally accredited nursing program.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 for applicants with a master’s degree in nursing.
  • For applicants without a master’s degree, an average GPA of 3.3 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing course work.
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements for their BSN or MS also may provide additional evidence documenting examples of outstanding professional leadership, practice and/or scholarship for special consideration.
  • If English is not your native language, please submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test), an IELTS score of at least 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 59 or a Cambridge C1 Advanced score of at least 180.

Application dates

This program accepts rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We recommend applying early as applications are considered as they are received.

To start classes in Apply by Classes begin
Fall Feb. 15 August
Summer Feb. 15 June
Spring Sept. 30 January

Gather your papers

Applying will be easier and faster if you gather these required documents beforehand:

  • Transcripts of all previous college or university education. Unofficial transcripts suffice for application; if you are accepted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • Additional evidence of your outstanding professional leadership, practice or scholarship for special consideration if you don’t meet the GPA requirements.
  • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or C1 Advanced score reports for applicants whose native language is not English. For information on sending test scores, visit the Grad School website.
  • Complete an interview.
    • Kira Talent is the platform utilized to complete your interview. Kira is integrated with Nursing CAS, and you will be able to access and complete your interview through CAS.
    • There are both video recorded verbal questions and written questions.
  • Copies of current, unencumbered registered nurse license(s.)
  • Copies of all advanced practice nursing certification and/or credentialing/recognition documents (for applicants with masters’ degrees).
  • Verification of clinical hours from previous MSN and/or certificate programs.
  • Curriculum vitae documenting education, work experience, leadership, professional organization activities and scholarly endeavors (e.g. publications, presentations, research, honors, awards).
  • Three professional recommendations from master’s or doctorally prepared nurses or faculty members who can address your potential or ability to function in the advanced practice nursing role (i.e. clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, collaboration and communication with other health professionals, and leadership abilities).
  • If you are currently enrolled in a nursing program, submit at least one recommendation from a current faculty member in that program.
  • Do not include recommendations from friends, fellow staff nurses or ministers.
  • Submit names and contact details for recommendation providers within the online application.

Complete the NursingCAS application

The Sinclair School of Nursing processes applications for this program through NursingCAS, the centralized application service for nursing programs.

Apply here

Complete the MU Graduate School application

After you’ve been notified that your application to the program has been reviewed and accepted by the Sinclair School of Nursing, you will formally apply to MU through the Graduate School.

Carefully follow the instructions on the application site.

  • Degree/Delivery: Doctorate- Distance (Online/Remote Site/etc.)
  • Academic Program: Nursing/Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Sinclair School of Nursing

Program contact