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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
COLLEGE OF NURSING
Admission for Master’s Degree Subsection: 5.3.3
Section 5.0 - Student Policies Originating Date: May 1982
Responsible Reviewing Agency:
Professional Graduate Nursing Affairs Committee
 Revised: November 1990
Revised: March 1999
Revised: September 1999
Revised: February 2008
Revised: September 2008
Revised: February 2012 (at GAC Meeting)
Revised: April 2012 (at GAC Meeting)
Revised: October 2014
Revised: March 2016
Revised: May 2016
Revised: March 2021
Revised: February 2024

Policy

Applicants from accredited baccalaureate programs in nursing are considered for admission to the CON’s Professional Graduate Nursing Degree Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. United States citizens, prior to admission to the graduate program, must be legally licensed to practice nursing in one of the 50 states. Foreign citizens not legally licensed to practice nursing in the United States shall provide evidence that they have the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students, prior to enrollment in clinical courses, must meet Registered Nurse Licensure requirements in the particular state/states in which they are participating.

Applicants with an Associate Degree from an accredited program may apply to the CON’s LEAD specialty program. Applicants must refer to this specialty area for additional details.

English as a Second Language

Applicants whose language of nurture is not English must present current (within the last 5 years) scores from instruments that measure listening, structure, reading, writing and oral communication competency in the English Language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Pearson Test of English are acceptable examinations to demonstrate English language competency.

Applicants whose language of nurture is not English and who have completed a nursing degree from an accredited English–speaking university may have the English proficiency requirements waived.

  1. The minimum scoring standards are as follows:
    1. Internet Based TOEFL (iBT): minimum score of 22 in the Reading, Listening and Writing sections and a minimum score of 26 in the Speaking section.
    2. Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 59 in the Reading, Listening and Writing sections and a minimum score of 71 in the Speaking section.
    3. IELTS: minimum score of Band 6.5 in Reading, Listening and Writing sections and Band 7 in Speaking.
  2. International applicants who originate from a country whose native language is English will be evaluated individually
  3. Any student who presents with a question of English proficiency upon faculty or student service advisor interview must demonstrate English proficiency according to the standards listed above.

Faculty representing specialty areas recommend applicants for admission to the CON’s Professional Graduate Nursing Affairs Committee.

The CON’s Professional Graduate Nursing Affairs Committee reviews all recommendations for admission from specialty areas; a majority vote is required after establishment of a quorum. Preference is given to residents of Nebraska, to individuals who wish to pursue study that can be adequately supported by UNMC CON resources, and to those who have adequate preparation.

  1. The following guidelines may be used to evaluate applicants:
    • BSN to MSN track: A BSN degree from an institution with a nursing education program that was accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) at the time of graduation with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Post-Graduate track: A master's or doctoral degree from an institution with a nursing education program that was accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) at the time of graduation with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • A personal statement that responds to specific questions addressing educational and professional goals including the applicant’s area of practice interest.
    • Curricula vitae or professional resume.
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including non-nursing coursework.
    • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from persons holding a doctorate) submitted electronically by the recommender.
    • Interview conducted in person or via electronic technology.
    • On occasion faculty representing a specialty area may recommend admission for an applicant whose GPA is below the required minimum. Additional qualifications may be considered such as leadership and practice experience in the nursing profession.
  2. Admission is recommended for the most highly qualified applicants based on a match of career goals with the specialty and college’s resources.