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 Science in Nursing (MSN): this program is designed for registered nurses who wish to obtain the training necessary to become advanced pracrtice 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 (MSN): this program 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 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.
• 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.

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 WES evaluation of coursework taken outside the US or Canada
• English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
• A personal essay and short answer essays (prompts to essay questions and short answer essays are available in the application)
• Writing sample (DNP only)
• GRE score results are NOT required UNLESS cumulative GPA in the bachelor's degree was below 3.0.

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.

Applicants who did not earn a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in a bachelor's degree program are required to submit official GRE scores. If required to submit GRE results, performance of at least 50th percentile in each section is required for admission.

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 in a bachelor's degree program.

The only program with formal prerequisite requirements is the Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN). Applicants to the GEPN program are required to complete four prerequisite courses before beginning the program. These courses do not have to be completed at the time of application or admission. If admitted, they must be completed by June 15th in the year in which the student begins the GEPN program. For more information on the prerequisites, please see here.  

The NursingCAS cycle for Fall entry will open in mid-August of the year prior. For example, the application for Fall 2025 entry opens in mid-August of 2024.

The majority of YSN programs only allow new students to begin in fall. The exception is the Online MSN in Psychiatric-Mental Health, which also accepts applications for spring entry. For information on spring entry deadlines and requirements, please see the online MSN page.

Yes! YSN offers a comprehensive program of scholarship funding to support future advanced practice nurses with the cost of the program, including both 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.

We are thrilled to hear from prospective international applicants and encourage and welcome applications from all around the world. International applicants should note that some application requirements are different from those for domestic applicants. For instance, if you did not receive your bachelor's degree from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, you will be required to take the TOEFL exam. Additionally, for any coursework completed outside of the United States or Canada, we require credential evaluations from a service like World Educational Services (WES). These additional requirements help ensure that our program remains accessible to a diverse group of students from all over the world.  

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.

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