Master of Science in Nursing: Admissions  

Admission requirements

Thank you for your interest in our Graduate Nursing Program. If you have not already done so, please take a look at our Nursing Homepage at http://nau.edu/CHHS/Nursing/Degrees-Programs/Graduate-Studies/ where you can find helpful information about our graduate program options.

For the Master of Science (MS) in Nursing, our application deadlines are July 1 for a fall start, October 15 for a spring start, and March 15 for a summer start. Applications are completed online through the Graduate College and your application is then sent to the School of Nursing. You may access the application and other important information regarding admission, tuition, and fees through the Graduate College at www.nau.edu/gradcol. There is also a $40.00 per credit hour program fee.

All admission requirements can be found at http://nau.edu/CHHS/Nursing/Degrees-Programs/Graduate-Studies/Admissions/

Before you apply for admission into the Master of Science (MS) in Nursing, you should have:

  • Applied to the Graduate College of the University.
  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program; or an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited program and with a baccalaureate degree in another field.
  • A minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all nursing course work of the baccalaureate program or the associate’s degree in nursing program. If the applicant’s GPA is below 3.0, we recommend taking two graduate nursing courses. If the applicant’s grades are “B” or better, he or she could then apply to the graduate program.
  • RN Licensure:
    • MS-Generalist students: A current RN license, in good standing. Graduate students living in Arizona during their enrollment at Northern Arizona University must have an RN license to practice nursing in Arizona.
    • MS-FNP students: A current RN license, in good standing, to practice as a registered nurse in Arizona or eligibility to obtain an Arizona license, or meet the Arizona Board of Nursing regulations regarding multistate licensure.
  • Completion of an undergraduate introduction to statistics course from a college or university with a grade of “C” or better, or a Pass. Another option is completion of a graduate course in statistics, passed with a grade of “B” grade or better, and completed prior to enrollment in NUR 530 (EBP).
  • Completion of an undergraduate course in nursing research with a grade of “B” or better.
  • For applicants with an associate’s degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in another field, completion of undergraduate public health nursing (theory and clinical) course(s) passed with a grade of “B” or better is required.
  • Recommendation from three professional persons knowledgeable about your potential to work effectively in advanced professional and scholarly roles.
  • A comprehensive statement about your experiences, interests and goals.
  • If applying to the MS-FNP track, we recommend 3-5 years of general nursing practice before applying. However, students may begin their core courses sooner and will be considered on an individual basis.
  • A structured interview with faculty may be required.

Once admitted to the Graduate Nursing Program, documentation of the following is required:

  • Current RN License: All graduate students are required to have a RN license in good standing. All graduate students are required to have documentation of a current RN license, in good standing, to practice as a registered nurse in Arizona or eligibility to obtain an Arizona license, or meet the Arizona Board of Nursing regulations regarding multistate licensure.   Graduate students living in Arizona during their enrollment at Northern Arizona University must have an RN license to practice nursing in Arizona.  
  • Proof of Health Insurance: It is the responsibility of each student to provide his/her own health insurance. Students, for their own protection, are required by the clinical agencies to carry health insurance throughout the program.  Students will not be allowed into the clinical unless they show evidence of health insurance. University students may obtain health insurance through the Campus Health Services on the NAU campus if they do not have a private policy.  No waivers are accepted.
  • CPR—American Heart BLS HCP: Students must maintain a current American Heart Association CPR card (level C).
  • Physical Exam:  Prior to entering the program, a health history and physical exam are required (current within six months) and documentation of current immunization is required. The completed form must be in the School of Nursing prior to the semester of enrollment. This data is used to confirm that a student is in good physical and mental health for participation in the program.
  • Tuberculin Skin Test:  Required annually. If positive, proof of follow-up medical care is required. (If diagnosis of active tuberculosis is made, clearance from the Public Health Department is required before admission or for continuation in the nursing program.). In cases where a positive tuberculin test result is present due to previous exposure or vaccination, a chest x-ray or guantiferon gold and sign/symptom checklist will be required. http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/default.htm
  • Hepatitis B Vaccine:  The Hepatitis B vaccine or titers are required for all students. It may be obtained through your private physician or Campus Health Services on the NAU campus.
  • Tetanus/Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap) vaccination require one-time dose of Tdap to adults younger than age 65 years who have not received Tdap previously or for whom vaccine status is unknown to replace one of the 10-year Td boosters.
  • Varicella: Evidence of immunity to varicella in adults includes any of the following:  

    • Documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine at least 4 weeks apart.
    • Laboratory confirmation of immunity through lgG antibody detection.  

    Reference:  MMWR (2007).  Prevention of Varicella:  Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization  Practices (ACIP); 56(RR04); 1-40.  
  • Current Immunizations Records: Documentation is required. Some agencies will also require documentation of PPD, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B immunizations or titers.
  • Fingerprint Clearance Card: All students are required to have a current fingerprint clearance card on file in Student Services. Some agencies will require documentation of finger print clearance or background check of students prior to the clinical experience. Students will assume the costs and responsibility of getting the fingerprints completed as necessary prior to the clinical experience.  A valid fingerprint clearance card issued from the Department of Public Safety in Arizona is required.
  • Photo ID (e.g., NAU ID, driver’s license, passport)

Student personal, health, and immunization records are maintained in the School of Nursing Student Services. Students are required to keep the above information current and updated annually in their student files in the School of Nursing Student Services.

Certain diagnostic tests may be required to meet contractual obligations with the clinical agency. These tests are at the expense of the student.

Recommendations for Malpractice (Liability) Insurance: Professional liability insurance is provided by the State of Arizona in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes §46-621 and §46-622. However, FNP Student Professional Liability Insurance (MS-FNP graduate students) or MS Student Professional RN Liability Insurance (MS-Generalist graduate students) is strongly recommended.

Contact: School of Nursing, Graduate Program, graduatenursing@nau.edu, 928-523-6770