Admission Requirements

The application deadline for the Fall Term is June 30.

Our Mission

The Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health prepares nurses for professional practice and leadership to meet the needs of a diverse society.

Admission Materials Checklist

1. Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
3. Active license and employment as a registered nurse.
4. Recommendations from three people who can attest to the applicant’s professional nursing performance in both formal and informal leadership.
5. Current resume documenting work history including levels of responsibility, areas of professional growth, and prior professional educational experiences.
6. Interview with Graduate Program Director or designee.
7. Submission of a written statement including the following:
   • Identification of a systems-level problem or issue aligned with the Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health’s mission to address the needs of a diverse society, which the candidate intends to explore for their DNP project
   • Describe your professional goals and how graduate nursing study at Elmhurst University will support achieving these outcomes
   • Identification of potential preceptor/facilitator
8. Official documentation of practice hours completed in MSN/M.S. courses.

Students graduating from our MSN or MENP programs qualify for an Accelerated Priority Admission to the DNP program.

Health Programs Admission & Enrollment Information

Admission to the University’s health programs — including Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nursing, and Occupational Therapy — is competitive, and enrollment is limited due to clinical placement capacity and accreditation standards. While applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements are eligible for consideration, meeting these requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission or a seat in a cohort.

Offers of admission are conditional and require timely completion of all post-admission steps, including submission of documentation, compliance requirements, health and background clearances, and enrollment confirmation by published deadlines.

Because cohort spaces are limited, applicants who do not complete required steps by the stated deadlines may forfeit their place, and the seat may be offered to another qualified candidate.

Each admission cycle is reviewed independently. Prior application or prior admission to a health program does not guarantee subsequent admission.

Apply to the Program Today

Ready to begin? Start your application to the DNP program. Connect with our admission team if you have questions about the process.

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