Frequently Asked
Questions

Different programs at YSN have different eligibility criteria, so it’s important to make sure you understand the requirements of the particular program you are interested in. Please see below for more details on the eligibility requirements for each of our programs:

• Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN): this program is designed for those without a nursing degree or background. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but no specific major is required. There is no minimum amount or type of work experience required to apply to this program.
• Master of Nursing (MN): this program is designed for those without a nursing degree or background who wish to become registered nurses. Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but no specific major is required, and no prior nursing experience is necessary.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): this program is designed for registered nurses who wish to obtain the training necessary to become advanced practice nurse practitioners. Applicants must be registered nurses (or in the process of finishing a program leading to sitting for the NCLEX and obtaining licensure). Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing must have graduated with a credential (such as ASN or AA) from a school of nursing approved by the licensing board of the state in which it is located.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): YSN offers DNP pathways at two entry points. The RN-to-DNP is designed for registered nurses who wish to complete advanced practice specialty preparation and doctoral study together; applicants must be registered nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. The Post-Master’s DNP is designed for master’s trained nurses who wish to pursue advanced clinical training or leadership in nursing at the doctoral level. For the clinical DNP, applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing and a current license and certification to practice as an advanced practice nurse or midwife in the United States. For the Leadership DNP program, applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field (e.g., M.P.H., M.B.A., M.H.A.) and a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. The Post-Master’s DNP is not available to applicants who reside outside of the United States.
• Post-master’s Certificate: Applicants must have current Connecticut R.N. licensure, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a master’s degree in nursing in a specialty area, and at least one year of post-master’s clinical nursing experience. In addition, applicants must be licensed and certified to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

Because each program has unique requirements, prospective applicants should carefully review the application instructions to ensure they are eligible and understand the application process and requirements for the program they are interested in.

All applications to YSN degree programs must be submitted through NursingCAS, the common application for nursing schools and programs. For detailed instructions on how to use NursingCAS, please see this page.

Each program has unique requirements, but in general the elements of a complete application include:

• Completed NursingCAS application, including nonrefundable application fee
• 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 TEC (formerly SpanTran) or WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
• English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native or first language is not English and who has not completed 4 years of undergraduate education in the United States, Canada, or Great Britain
• A personal statement (the prompt is available in the application)
• Writing sample (DNP only)
• Asynchronous interview and written prompt (GEPN, MSN, PMC) or virtual interview (DNP)
• GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA as calculated by NursingCAS in the bachelor’s degree was below 3.0. (MSN and GEPN only)

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.

For detailed tuition and fee information, please see this page.

The GRE is not required for admission to any YSN degree programs UNLESS the applicant has not achieved a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 as recalculated by NursingCAS. If required to submit GRE results, performance of at least 50th percentile in each section is required for admission. GRE scores are valid for 5 years. This requirement only pertains to GEPN and MSN applicants.

Two programs have formal prerequisite requirements: the Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) and the Master of Nursing (MN). Applicants to the GEPN program are required to complete four prerequisite courses before beginning the program. Two of the prerequisites must have been completed at the time of application, and all four courses must be completed by August 15th before the student’s first term begins. For more information, please visit this link.

Applicants to the MN program are also required to complete four prerequisite courses (Human Anatomy & Physiology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology II, General Chemistry, and Microbiology, each with a lab) before beginning the program. None of the prerequisites must be complete at the time of application, but all four courses must be completed by December 15th before the student’s first term begins. All courses must be taken at an accredited college or university, may be completed in person or online, must have been completed within the eight years prior to application, and require a grade of B (3.0) or better.

The Kira Talent Assessment is an application requirement for GEPN, MN, MSN, and PMC applicants. After you submit your application, you will receive login details for Kira Talent from YSN. The assessment takes approximately 25–30 minutes to complete and includes both written and video-response questions. For more information about the Kira Talent Assessment, visit this link.

The NursingCAS cycle for Fall entry will open in August of the year prior. For example, the application for Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 entry opened on August 6, 2026.

Because these deadlines can be adjusted or extended, applicants are encouraged to check the relevant program websites and stay in contact with the admissions office to keep up to date with any changes to deadlines.

The majority of YSN programs only allow new students to begin in fall. The exceptions are the Master of Nursing (MN) and the Hybrid MSN in Psychiatric-Mental Health, which accept applications for spring entry.

Yes! YSN offers a comprehensive program of scholarship funding to support future advanced practice nurses with the cost of the program, including both partial tuition merit-based and need-based scholarships. Consideration for these scholarships is part of the application review process, and there is no separate scholarship application required. International applicants are eligible for this funding on the same basis as domestic applicants.

For more detailed information on financial aid opportunities, please see this page.

International applicants whose bachelor’s degree was earned outside the United States or Canada must have a Course-by-Course International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) prepared by The Evaluation Company (TEC, formerly SpanTran) or World Education Services (WES) as part of the application process. Also, anyone whose native or first language is not English and who has not completed four years of undergraduate education where the medium of instruction was English is required to demonstrate their English fluency. More information on the unique requirements for international students is available here.

We are happy to connect prospective students with current students through our student ambassador program. You can email a current student or even schedule a one-on-one meeting using a convenient online calendar. To learn more about student ambassadors, please see this page.

Yes! We are here to support you throughout this process. You can always email the admissions team at ysn.admissions@yale.edu, or make a one-on-one personal appointment with a team member.

Entry terms and deadlines vary by program. The deadlines for each program and its entry term are below:

PhD applications are handled by the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

There are many ways to connect with us to learn more about YSN programs and the admissions process. You can:

• Request information about our programs
• Make a personal appointment with an admissions team member
• Attend an upcoming virtual event