MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Admissions

Application Timeline

Applications for full-time and part-time study are accepted on a rolling basis. Final deadlines are generally two weeks prior to the start of classes.

• Spring start application deadline (begin classes in January): January 1

• Fall start application deadline (begin classes in August): August 1

Applications are evaluated once all materials are received by Quinnipiac. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible for their desired semester. Class sizes are limited.

Admission Requirements

• Earned BSN with a 3.0 GPA

• Passed undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or better (some candidates may receive conditional acceptance and take a Quinnipiac statistics course) 

• Hold an unencumbered and unrestricted RN license

• Completed at least one year of full-time experience as a registered nurse (approximately 2,000 hours)

Please note that admission is competitive and meeting the minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission into the program.

The Nurse Practitioner programs at Quinnipiac University are currently accepting applications from students residing in the following states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Pennsylvania. Potential students residing in other states should contact Graduate Admissions to inquire further regarding future opportunities for applications from students in other states. Due to requirements of the New York Office of the Professions, students are unable to complete clinical requirements for APRN licensure programs in the state of New York. New York students should plan to complete clinical requirements in Connecticut or New Jersey.

At this time, the School of Nursing only makes clinical placements for students in Connecticut. Students outside of the state are required to identify their own clinical sites and preceptors. The School of Nursing provides guidance and recommendations to students for identifying potential preceptors in other states.

Any student who plans to relocate to a new state during their program must inform their program director immediately as this may impact the students ability to continue their out of state clinical practice. If the school is not approved to place students in the new state, this may jeopardize student progression in the program unless they are able to complete clinical rotations in an approved state.

Required Documents

A complete application consists of the following:

• Completed application form

• Nonrefundable application fee of $45

  • payable by credit or debit card; do not send cash or check

• Current resume

• Copy of unencumbered and unrestricted RN license

• Official transcripts

  • It is the applicant's responsibility to request official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate and professional schools attended (including part-time and summer study). If the applicant received transfer credit from another institution, it is still necessary to have an official transcript sent from the original university. These transcripts must be provided to Quinnipiac University in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to graduate@qu.edu

• Minimum of one reference

  • Competitive applicants will provide a minimum of one reference from professional supervisors or faculty who can speak specifically to the applicant’s professionalism, strengths and opportunities, and clinical experience in selected specialty

• Personal statement (see below)

After acceptance, nurses will complete a background check and drug screen; instructions will be provided by our School of Nursing.

Personal statement

Please answer the following essay questions in your personal statement and stay within the maximum word limit of 300 words per question.

1. Describe why you want to be a student in the Quinnipiac School of Nursing MSN program. Your answer should emphasize:

   • Your interest in selected specialty

   • How your professional experience prepares you for advanced practice in your selected specialty

   • Your career goals

2. Describe your graduate program readiness. Your answer should emphasize:

   • Professional Self-Assessment: Reflect on your current professional strengths and areas where you see opportunities for growth. How have these aspects shaped your journey thus far, and how do you believe they will influence your success in a graduate-level online nursing program?

   • Resilience: Share an example of a professional challenge or setback you have faced. How did you navigate this situation, and what lessons did you take away that have strengthened your approach to challenges moving forward?

   • Balancing Commitments: Describe how you currently manage your responsibilities across your professional and personal life. As you transition into graduate studies and clinical, what changes or adjustments do you anticipate needing to make to maintain this balance while excelling in your academic and career goals?

Quinnipiac University supports equality of educational and employment opportunity. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.