HOW TO APPLY

Ready to take the next step on your journey to becoming a Yale Nurse? Below you'll find detailed application instructions for each of our degree programs.

Application Instructions

Click the program you are interested in applying to for detailed instructions and application requirements:

All GEPN applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Applicants should also be aware of the GEPN prerequisite requirements and be prepared to fulfill them if admitted to the program.

All MSN applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

All YSN online PMHNP program applicants must complete and submit an online NursingCAS application and pay a nonrefundable application fee. A completed application must include the following elements: 

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation from those in a supervisory capacity in either an academic, professional, or clinical setting 
  • Official transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, including institutions where transfer credits were received
  • World Education Services (WES) evaluations of any coursework taken outside of the United States or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction
  • Personal statement of 600 words and short-answer essays of 200 words that address prompts provided in the online application
  • If required to submit a GRE result, please order the test result to be sent using YSN’s GRE code of 1115. The official test results must be received by the application deadline for your application to be considered complete.   GRE results are not valid if older than five years and must be sent directly from ETS to YSN using code 1115. As it can take time for the results to be transmitted, please arrange to take the exam far enough in advance to ensure that the results are received at YSN by the application deadline. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date.

Eligible applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field (e.g. MPH, MBA, MHA) and a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. (Connecticut licensure is not required.) If the applicant’s BS degree is not in nursing, the master’s degree MUST be in nursing.

All DNP applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Personal statement (prompt is available in the application)
  • Writing sample consisting of an example of academic writing (a thesis or praxis), an opinion piece or editorial, or article or research paper.

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing and a current license to practice as an RN and as an Advanced Practice Nurse or Certified Nurse Midwife in the United States prior to the start of the first semester of the Clinical DNP program. Licensure and certification are required where the student will practice and complete clinical practica.

All DNP applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendations, including from a recent faculty member and a recent supervisor or clinical preceptor (in your MSN program)
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Personal statement (prompt is available in the application)
  • Sample of scholarly writing from a recent formal paper (written in your MSN program)

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

All post-master's certificate applicants must submit an online application along with a non-refundable application fee. You are required to select a single area of specialty when you apply, and we encourage you to research the different specialities available to identify one which best aligns with your interests. In addition to the online application, the following elements of a complete application are required:

  • Current resume/CV
  • Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically through the application system
  • Official copies of transcripts for any postsecondary institutions attended, regardless of whether a degree was sought or obtained, and/or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
  • English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • A personal essay and 3 short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
  • Current RN License

Note that only complete applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee. Applicants should allow enough time for official transcripts to arrive by the appropriate deadline.

The PhD program is administered by the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Prospective students who have a master’s degree in nursing (or equivalent) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree are eligible to apply.


For detailed application instructions, please consult the PhD application process page.

YSN welcomes applications from applicants who are not U.S citizens or permanent residents. International applicants should be aware of different requirements and procedures that apply to their applications. Please review the below to ensure you understand these requirements and contact the Office of Admissions if you have questions.

  • Transcript/credential evaluations: Any transcripts from institutions outside of the US or Canada must be evaluated by World Educational Services. YSN will not accept transcripts or credentials from foreign institutions that have not been evaluated by WES.
  • English language proficiency: A valid English language proficiency exam result such as TOEFL or IELTS us required from all applicants whose (1) native language is not English and (2) who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are required to submit a valid English language proficiency exam result, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants holding or completing only a graduate or professional degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are still required to submit an exam result unless the graduate program was four or more years in duration. When ordering test reports from ETS, you must include the proper institution code for YSN (#3998).
  • Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Examination: Prior to enrolling in the School, graduates of foreign schools of nursing must pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination, as well as the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States. Information on the CGFNS examination can be obtained from either the United States Embassy or the nurses’ association in the foreign country of residence.
  • Visa documentation: Yale's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) coordinates the student visa application process for admitted applicants. Successful applicants are provided with detailed information on how to begin the process of applying for an F-1 student visa. OISS provides guidance on the visa application process, assists with visa paperwork and documentation, and ensures a smooth transition for admitted international students.

General Tips

No matter which program you're applying to, the following tips will help make the application process a smooth one:

•  Carefully review eligibility and application requirements to ensure that you are eligible to apply to the program you're interested in.

•  It can take time for institutions you've attended to issue official transcripts, and for the application system to receive and process them. Make sure you order your transcripts early enough to meet any applicable deadlines.

•  Make sure your recommenders are people who can comment on the quality of your work from a supervisory perspective. For example, these might be faculty, managers, supervisors or preceptors. It's best to avoid obtaining recommendations from friends, colleagues, or family.

•  Take the time to read the personal essay and short answer prompts carefully and to craft submissions that substantively respond to them. Avoid using generic or general essays that you have used for other institutions.

•  Applying can be a complex process. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask the admissions office. We're here to help.

Meet the Director of Admissions

Lisa Lombardo has extensive experience and a track record of success in graduate admissions, recruitment, and marketing. At Providence College, she established the Graduate Office of Admissions for a growing portfolio of programs, leading the implementation of an online application system and collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders across campus to centralize graduate admissions for more than twenty certificate and graduate programs. Her previous roles at the UConn School of Business and Connecticut College included positions as a digital marketing specialist, admissions officer, and administrative coordinator. Lisa also has a background in book publishing, where she honed her editorial and project management skills. With a proud family legacy in nursing and public health, Lisa is excited to bring her talent for data-driven enrollment management and collaborative team approach to help build the healthcare workforce and scholars of tomorrow.

Lisa Lombardo, MA

Director of Admissions

Connect with us

There are many ways to connect with us to learn more about YSN programs and the admissions process. Click each item below to learn more.

Copyright 2023 © Yale University

All rights reserved

Contact

ysn.admissions@yale.edu

FacebookTwitterLinkedinInstagramYouTube