Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

prelicensure bsn/upper division

Students must be formally admitted to the School of Nursing, which is an upper division major. Admission to UNCG does not guarantee admission to the upper division major.

Minimum Criteria for Admission to the upper division major are printed in the UNCG Catalog. They include:

  1. Overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
  2. A grade of “C” or better in the following courses: BIO 271/271L or KIN 291/291L; BIO 277/277L or KIN 292/292L; BIO 280/280L; CHE 104; STA 108; HDF 111; PSY 121; NTR 213; PHI 121 or PHI 220; and SOC 101 or ATY 100.
  3. No more than two of the above prerequisite courses may be repeated to earn the minimum grade or better.  Prerequisite courses may be repeated only one time.
  4. Scores for the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) must be submitted electronically by the application deadline, February 1st. Information regarding the ATI TEAS test is available on our website.
  5. Matriculation into the upper division is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory evaluation signed by the student’s physician of the applicant’s physical and emotional health to provide nursing care. Forms will be sent to the students who are admitted to the upper division. 

*Due to the competitive nature of this program, successful applicants typically present much higher credentials for admission. 

Applications are available each year in the School of Nursing or on our website from December 1st through February 1st. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended must be submitted by February 1st, as these grades and GPA are also taken into consideration during the admissions process.

Priority Admissions Priority in admission (subject to space availability) will be granted to students who meet the following criteria:

  1. Enter UNCG as a new, first year student on a 4-year plan of study.
  2. Earn and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 by the end of the third semester.
  3. Complete all but one of the following required science courses by the end of the third semester, with a 3.0 (B) or better in each course completed. Courses must be completed at UNCG. These courses may not be repeated.:
    • CHE 104 General Descriptive Chemistry II
    • BIO 271/271L Human Anatomy (or KIN 291/291L Clinical Human Anatomy)
    • BIO 277/277L Human Physiology (or KIN 292/292L Clinical Human Physiology)
    • BIO 280/280L Fundamentals of Microbiology
    • And at least one of the following pre-requisite courses:
      • NTR 213 Introductory Nutrition
      • STA 108 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • PHI 121 Contemporary Moral Problems or PHI 220 Medical Ethics or RCO 203
  4. Complete three (3) semesters at UNCG (minimum of 45 semester hours). All the courses above, must be completed by the end of the spring semester, to matriculate into the nursing program that summer.
  5. Overall score of 78% or above on the ATI TEAS. Two scores accepted.
  6. Meet all other admission requirements for the upper-division nursing major.

The School of Nursing will now offer direct admission to the nursing program for first-year students entering UNCG. Instead of waiting to apply in your sophomore year, you can apply for direct admission to the nursing program when you apply to UNCG. This means that as you complete the prerequisite courses you can already be admitted to the nursing major. Take advantage of the direct admission opportunity: Apply by November 1, our Fall 2024 Early Action Deadline, for consideration. 

  • Direct Admission to Nursing for First Year Students
    • Select nursing as major.
    • Minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Progression to Upper Division Nursing Courses
    • Maintain an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
    • Freshmen admit students must maintain a letter grade of C or above in all nursing prerequisite courses.
    • Students can repeat two nursing prerequisite courses in which they earn less than a C.
    • Prerequisite courses may be repeated only once.
    • Students who earn less than a C in three or more nursing prerequisite and/or science courses will be dismissed from the nursing program and will be advised to select a different major.
    • Prior to starting upper division nursing courses, First Year Direct Admits along with transfer admits must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and a negative urine drug screen and other SON requirements to participate in clinical experiences.
  • Students are notified of the School’s decision regarding acceptance in early to mid-March.
  • Admission is extremely competitive as the number of applications typically exceeds the number of available spaces each year.
  • Application for admission is possible while students are still completing the prerequisite courses; however, unconditional admission cannot be granted until all admission criteria have been successfully completed.
  • Students may not enroll in required nursing courses without being admitted to the School.

The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standardized test required for the School of Nursing application to the Upper Division, pre-licensure BSN program. UNC Greensboro’s School of Nursing consistently has received many more applicants than we can provide seats for, making for a very competitive admission process. The applicant’s GPA (grade point average) has been used as the primary admission criteria; however, a GPA can be very different between universities. In addition, the wide variety of electives and various degrees’ students take has made the GPA a less reliable predictor of success in nursing school. Thus, the faculty of the School of Nursing approved the use of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as the standardized test for students to take.

The ATI TEAS measures basic essential skills in the academic content area of reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage. The test is intended for use primarily with adult nursing program applicants. The objectives assessed on the ATI TEAS are those which nurse educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants.

*The deadline for the application to the Upper Division, including the ATI TEAS results, is February 1st.

We do not require students to have their CNA I certification in order to begin the nursing program.

However, we encourage students to become certified and work as a CNA I if they have the opportunity to do so through their high school or local community college for several reasons, including the following:

  • Determine whether nursing is the right choice for you
  • Develop rapport with patients, nurses, and other health care professionals
  • Increase level of confidence in working in the health care setting
  • Having the advantage that you are certified prior to beginning the nursing program (hint: Getting the CNA II will be a much easier process)
  • Building your resume

Veterans access program (VAP)

  • Fill out a VAP application form.
  • Applicants should designate admission to the nursing major and must meet the equivalent of the required pre-requisite courses for the nursing program.
  • Submit military coursework and experience as a portfolio for individual course credit evaluation by nursing faculty
  • Complete a UNCG undergraduate application, which may require submission of transcripts, contact information, and names of previous colleges and universities.
  • Individual basis.
  • VAP students should seek the advice of the UNCG VA Certifying Official regarding filing for benefits.
  • The Post-9/11 GI Bill (PL 110-252, Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008) provides tuition, books, supplies, counseling support and a living stipend, and educational support depending on your status and usage.
  • UNCG has a Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DoD MOU) and Yellow Ribbon designation which may offset most of the out-of-state charges for eligible recipients that are not North Carolina residents. The UNCG Veteran Students Support Fund helps veteran students pay educational costs, depending on funding availability.

RN to BSN

The RN to BSN Pathway is for students that are already registered nurses (RNs) and desire to attain their BSN.

  • Students must hold a current, active unrestricted RN license in North Carolina or in a state covered by the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact before enrolling in the required Nursing courses and maintain licensure at all times while enrolled in the Nursing courses. For questions, see the NC Board of Nursing website.
  • The minimum GPA requirement for University admission is a cumulative 2.0 transfer from all previously attended higher education institutions.
  • RN to BSN applicants do not need to apply to the Upper Division.
  • Pre-Admission advising is provided for all prospective students by the RN to BSN Program Specialist, Lavonne James 

Application deadlines are:

Fall Entry – Due August 1st

Spring Entry – Due December 1st

Summer Session 1 – Due May 1st

Summer Session 2 – Due June 1st

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

accelerated master’s program (AMP)

To be eligible, students must have:

  • Completed 60 credits in the pre-health curriculum
    • 30 of the required pre-health credits must be earned at UNCG. Transfer credits and requirements by waiver do not count towards the 30 hours of earned UNCG credit required by the AMP.
  • Been admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program
  • A GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
  • Applications must include:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
    • A list of three academic and/or professional references.
  • A personal statement describing why you are interested in the AMP program leading to the MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management degree.
  • An interview with MSN faculty will be required. 
  • All applicants must meet the technical standards required of all nursing students as stated in the University Catalog.
  • Students must have reliable internet access and other resources that support online learning, such as a laptop and basic computer literacy. Examples of software applications that will be used include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Teams. The courses will be delivered using a Learning Management System. 
  • Students must have current American Heart Association Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) certification, immunizations, and other clinical requirements by the deadlines provided in the admission documents.
  • A criminal background check is required; information for obtaining this will be provided in the admission documents.
  • Admission is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory evaluation of the applicant’s physical and emotional health to provide nursing care. This evaluation form will be sent to students who are admitted to the Prelicensure Entry-Level Concentration program and must be signed by the student’s physician. This is a requirement of the North Carolina Board of Nursing. 
  • Health insurance is required for all students enrolling in 6 or more credit hours each semester.

Application deadline is April 15th

Leadership & management concentration/Post-baccalaureate certificates

Applicants to the Nursing Leadership and Management Concentration must have or provide the following:

  • Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the fifty states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international applicants. Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.
  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. 
  • A satisfactory score must be achieved on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test taken within 5 years, if the BSN GPA is less than 3.2.
  • Minimum of one year clinical experience full time.
  • A personal statement is required for consideration of admission.
  • An interview is required for selected applicants.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.
  • An undergraduate statistics course and basic health assessment course
  • Students must have current American Heart Association Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) certification, immunizations, and other clinical requirements by the deadlines provided in the admission documents.
  • A criminal background check is required; information for obtaining this will be provided in the admission documents.
  • Evidence of all immunizations identified on Parts A and B of the UNCG Health History and Immunization Form excluding the Meningococcal vaccine.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
  • Applications must include:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
    • A list of three academic and/or professional references. (Preferred references include (1) current or past nursing supervisors, (2) academic faculty and/or advisors, and (3) other nursing/healthcare leaders. References from peers, co-workers, or family members should not be submitted.).
  • A personal statement must be attached to your application. Address the following questions in your personal statement:
    • Future professional goals in nursing and match with the program
    • Factors that would support your success in graduate school (academic and clinical strengths)
    • Factors that may interfere with your studies and strategies for overcoming them and maintaining work/life balance while in graduate school.
  • The priority application and final application deadlines will be announced annually.
  • All applicants must meet the technical standards required of all nursing students as stated in the University Catalog.
  • Students must have reliable internet access and other resources that support online learning, such as a laptop and basic computer literacy. Examples of software applications that will be used include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Teams. The courses will be delivered using a Learning Management System. 
  • To meet the University’s requirement for full-time status, students must enroll in a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours during fall and spring semesters and 6 graduate credit hours in summer semesters.
  • Health insurance is required for all students enrolling in 6 or more credit hours each semester.

Application deadline is July 1st

FNP Concentration

Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration program must have or provide the following:

  • To help ensure a diverse and equitable admission process UNCG school of nursing utilizes a “Holistic admission” process that considers a number of factors for admission that may not be captured in a traditional admission process (such as prior experience as a nurse and involvement with professional and community organizations). 
  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing science from a U.S. college or university accredited by an institutional accrediting association or completion of a bachelor’s that is equivalent to a U.S. degree from an international college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned.  
  • Current unrestricted RN license. If not NC RN, license or compact state license, applicants would need to acquire NC RN license prior to start of the program. 
  • Current/Updated Resume/CV 
  • Three professional recommendations that attest to applicant’s academic ability, readiness for graduate school, professional competency, and character with at least one reference from a healthcare provider (RN, DO, MD, NP, PA). 
  • Transcripts from each institution where applicant earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for 1 semester or more, earned 12 or more credit hours, or took classes related to graduate study interests 
  • Any applicant who has never studied at a U.S. institution must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must not be more than 2 years old. UNCG SON will consider IELTS score of 7.0 or a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based test) with minimum sub-scores of 22 in Reading, 22 in Listening, 26 in Spelling and 24 in Writing. 
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee prior to the admissions deadline. 
  • Applications must include: 
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. 
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards. 
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities. 
    • A list of three academic and/or professional references (at least one reference from a healthcare provider (RN, DO, MD, NP, PA). 
  • A personal statement addressing your career goals. 
  • Complete applicant materials will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 
  • Acknowledgement of acceptance from applicants will be required within two weeks of receipt of acceptance. 
  • All applicants must meet the technical standards required of all nursing students as stated in the University Catalog
  • Students must have reliable internet access and other resources that support online learning, such as a laptop and basic computer literacy. Examples of software applications that will be used include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Microsoft Teams. The courses will be delivered using a Learning Management System.  
  • This intensive concentration has both full time and part time options. Flexibility is needed for clinical rotations which may be held during days, nights, and/or weekends.    
  • To meet the University’s requirement for full-time status, students must enroll in a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours during fall and spring semesters and 6 graduate credit hours in summer semesters. 
  • Students must have current American Heart Association Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) certification, immunizations, and other clinical requirements by the deadlines provided in the admission documents. 
  • A criminal background check is required; information for obtaining this will be provided in the admission documents. 
  • Evidence of all immunizations identified on Parts A and B of the UNCG Health History and Immunization Form excluding the Meningococcal vaccine. 
  • Health insurance is required for all students enrolling in 6 or more credit hours each semester. 

Application Deadline for Fall (August) admission is May 1st

DNP

Post-Baccalaureate DNP  — Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) concentration

Post-Baccalaureate DNP-AGPCNP applicants must meet the following Application and Admission Requirements:

  • Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the 50 states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international students. Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.
  • A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
  • An inferential statistics course, a chemistry course, and health assessment course at the undergraduate level are required prerequisite courses.
  • To help ensure a diverse and equitable admission process UNCG School of Nursing utilizes a “Holistic admission” process that considers a number of factors for admission that may not be captured in a traditional admission process (such as prior experience as a nurse and involvement with professional and community organizations).
  • A resume.
  • A personal statement of 400 words or less that discusses the applicant’s nursing background and discusses future goals.
  • Three professional nursing references (mix of educational and professional sources).
  • An interview is required for applicants.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.
  • Minimum of one year full time clinical nursing experience.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
  • Applications must include:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
  • A list of three academic and/or professional references.
  • A personal statement of 400 words or less that discusses the applicant’s nursing background and discusses future goals.
  • An interview is required for applicants.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.

Application deadline is July 15th

POST-BACCALAUREATE DNP — NURSE ANESTHESIA CONCENTRATION

  • Degree requirements:
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
    • Entry level MSN also accepted
  • GPA:
    • Minimum 3.2 GPA (cumulative)
    • Undergraduate science grades are reviewed carefully
    • Science GPA minimum 3.0
  • GRE:
    • Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) within five years of application.
    • Scores should be competitive in the > 50% percentile range
    • This requirement may be waived for applicants who have earned master’s degrees at the Program’s discretion
  • Nursing License:
    • Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the 50 states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international students. Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.
  • Certifications:
    • Basic Life Support (BLS); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification must be from the American Heart Association. ACLS alone does not meet the BLS certification requirement.
    • PALS course completion is preferred prior to the time of interview. However, as long as the PALS course date has been scheduled and documentation is provided by the applicant, we will schedule an applicant to interview.
  • Required course work:
    • Health Assessment
      • Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate Health Assessment course.
      • In an undergraduate Health Assessment course, students are introduced to the body’s organ systems and functions and must show mastery through hands on demonstration of physical assessment skills for each organ system. 
      • Course content should include collecting and interpreting verbal and observational data from the patient and/or family/caregiver, interpreting lab and other noninvasive and invasive testing data, collecting and interpreting patient history data, and interpreting data collected from the hands-on physical assessment of the patient.
      •  If you have taken a course that is not listed as a Health Assessment course, specifically, UNCG will need to review the course syllabus and the course description for the course you completed in your undergraduate nursing program to determine if it meets the prerequisite criteria.
      • There are no expiration dates for prerequisite course work.
    • Chemistry:
      • Satisfactory completion of undergraduate Chemistry (three semester hours minimum). Biochemistry may be accepted in instances where an undergraduate Chemistry course was not part of the plan of study for the degree.
      • Chemistry courses must meet undergraduate GEP (general education program) requirements and include a lab component.
      • High School AP coursework and “testing out” at college acceptance is not accepted
    • Statistics:
      • Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate course in Statistics. 
      • High School AP coursework and “testing out” at college acceptance is not accepted.
      • Statistic courses must meet undergraduate GEP requirements
  • Clinical experience:
    • A minimum of one year of continuous full-time acute care experience in a critical care setting – adult experience is required- MICU, SICU, CCU, CTSU, Neuro ICU, etc.
    • PACU and ED experience is not considered to be acute care experience in a critical care setting
  • Shadowing:
    • A minimum of 2 shadowing experiences with a CRNA.
    • The CRNA should document the type of shadowing experience or experiences, sign and date and give to the applicant.
  • CCRN certification
    • Applicants will not be considered for admission until they have received their CCRN certification.
  • References:
    • Three (3) references are required as part of the application process- 1 from an immediate supervisor and 2 from colleagues
    • References should come from individuals who work with you on a daily basis and can attest to your work ethic and experience.
  • Admission to the nurse anesthesia concentration program is competitive. Prior to enrollment, all students accepted to the program must furnish, before enrollment, complete immunizations, vaccinations, licensure, TB testing, flu shots, drug screen, and background check as requested by the UNC Greensboro Graduate School.
  • To help ensure a diverse and equitable admission process UNCG School of Nursing utilizes a “Holistic admission” process that considers a number of factors for admission that may not be captured in a traditional admission process (such as prior experience as a nurse and involvement with professional and community organizations).
  • The UNCG DNP nurse anesthesia concentration program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, creed, veteran status, any protected classes, or any factor protected under state or federal law in its programs or activities. This is required to maintain our accreditation with the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
  • The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy:
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Act, which applies to the clinical sites where students are required to work, specifically states that religious exemption from medical examinations, immunizations, or treatment does not apply for healthcare provider if these examinations, immunizations, or treatments are necessary for the protection of the health and safety of others.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
    • Applications must include: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
  • A list of three academic and/or professional references. (1 from an immediate supervisor and 2 from colleagues. References should come from individuals who work with you on a daily basis and can attest to your work ethic and experience.)
  • A personal statement of 400 words or less that discusses the applicant’s nursing background and discusses future goals.
  • An interview is required for applicants.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.

The application deadline is October 1st

Post-Master’s DNP Concentration

Post-Master’s DNP applicants must meet the following Application and Admission Requirements:

  • Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the 50 states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international students seeking to study in the U.S.  Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.  International students who complete their entire course of study outside the U.S. must be approved to practice as a Registered Nurse or the equivalent title in their home country.
  • Master’s degree in Nursing with the specialty of Nursing Leadership/Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Informatics from a program accredited by a nationally recognized nursing accrediting agency.  International students who complete their entire course of study outside the U.S. must hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing from an approved University in their home country. Additionally, they must have clinical experience in an advanced nursing role in their home country.
  • All APRNs must hold national certification appropriate to their specialty. If national nursing specialty certification is not available in the home country, this certification is not required to apply for the DNP.
  • Applicants with a Master’s degree in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from a program accredited by a nationally recognized nursing accrediting agency are eligible for admission after successful completion of the UNC Greensboro School of Nursing 15-credit Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing with the Nursing Leadership and Management specialty.
  • An undergraduate statistics course is a required prerequisite course for the Post-Master’s DNP
  • To help ensure a diverse and equitable admission process UNCG school of nursing utilizes a “Holistic admission” process that considers a number of factors for admission that may not be captured in a traditional admission process (such as prior experience as a nurse and involvement with professional and community organizations).
  • A resume.
  • A personal statement of 400 words or less that discusses the applicant’s nursing background and future goals.
  • Three professional nursing references (mix of educational and professional sources).
  • An interview may be required.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
  • Applications must include:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
  • A list of three academic and/or professional references.
  • A personal statement of 400 words or less that discusses the applicant’s nursing background and discusses future goals.
  • An interview is required for applicants.
  • Nonresidential international students are required to participate in a telephone interview.

Application deadline is July 15th. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

PhD

PHD

Applicants must have the following credentials:

  • Upon admission to the Ph.D. program, students are expected to submit a current unrestricted RN license. International students must submit a nursing license from their home country validated by CGFNS.  Even though not required, Ph.D. students are recommended to obtain RN licensure in North Carolina in the event that the license is required for research assignments or, assistantships or dissertation data collection.
  • Satisfactory TOEFL scores for international applicants
  • An inferential statistics course within the past five years or permission by the Program Director. 
  • Master’s or DNP degree in nursing from a school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. If your master’s GPA is 3.2 or greater you do not need to take GRE. If your master’s GPA is lower than 3.2, please contact the Director to discuss.
  • In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a 300-word statement of research goals in doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults.
  • Selected applicants must participate in an interview with Graduate Nursing Faculty.
  • Please refer to the preceding enrollment requirements for all graduate nursing students.
  • Applicants must submit an application to the Graduate School online portal with the appropriate application fee.
  • Applications must include:
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards.
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities.
    • A list of three academic and/or professional references.
    • A personal statement of research goals in doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults must be attached to your application. Address the following questions in your personal statement:
    • The 300-word statement should address:
      • Why you want to pursue a PhD in Nursing
      • Why you have chosen UNCG
      • Your career goals
      • Areas of research interest
      • UNCG PhD faculty with whom you would like to work
    • You should have a general idea of your area of research interest, as you want to make sure that there are faculty here to guide you. As you progress through the program, however, your ideas will evolve as you learn more about the research process and your area of research interest.
  • We will consider your entire portfolio, your writing skills, and whether there is a good match between your research interest and our faculty expertise.
  • Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
  • Documentation of CPR certification, current liability insurance coverage as specified by the School of Nursing, and a criminal background check prior to enrollment in practicum or research experiences in education or health care agencies.
  • The plan of study options are full-time (9 semester hours per semester) and half-time (6 semester hours per semester). The half-time plan can be completed in four years. The more intense full-time plan can be completed in three years.
  • Seven-year time limit for completion of PhD nursing program.
  • It is difficult to work and carry 9 hours of course work. It is possible to take fewer than 6 hours per semester; however,  it is difficult to complete the program within the limit of 7 years.
  • Health insurance is required for all students enrolling in six or more credits each semester. Students are responsible for all costs associated with their own health care.
  • Prior to enrollment in classes, PhD students are required to complete the UNCG health history form and Parts A and B of the immunization schedule (with the exception of the meningococcal vaccine) and forward these documents to Student Health Services.

The application deadline for August admission is June 15th. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

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