The Admission Process
How will I hear from the Office of Admissions about my application?
Your application will be submitted through a centralized application system called NursingCAS. All application materials (e.g., essay, CV, recommendations, etc.) are submitted to NursingCAS. Once your application is complete and transmitted to Rush, it will be evaluated in either a pooled or rolling review process as determined by the program to which you are applying. We will use the email address you provide for all contact regarding your application status. You should also check your status frequently within NursingCAS.
What do I need to do for my interview?
Applicants chosen for interview will receive email notification. Instructions will follow on how to schedule interviews on preselected days. The interview is strongly considered in the admission decision and applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear understanding of the degree, program, and role to which they are applying
- Leadership potential through academic co-curricular activities, community service, unit-based or hospital committee participation, precepting, charge nurse responsibilities, etc.
- The ability to clearly articulate career/professional goals.
What happens to my application after I complete my interview?
After all qualified applicants have been interviewed your application will be reviewed either in a “pool” with the other applicants or on a rolling basis for that cohort. Admission recommendations are then forwarded to the Admissions and Progressions Committee of the College of Nursing. It is their charge to offer admission to qualified candidates.
Program/Course Information
Can I take one class at a time?
No, we do not allow students to take one class at a time. You must commit to finish the program according to the plan of study provided to you when you began your matriculation.
Can I start taking classes before I am accepted or matriculated?
Yes, you can take courses as a student-at-large (SAL) prior to applying to a DNP or MSN for RNs program. Applicants to the GEM and PhD program cannot take SAL classes. There are some restrictions and some employers will not provide tuition reimbursement. Taking classes as an SAL does not guarantee you admission. Please visit the Office of the Registrar Student-at-Large Information for more information.
Will graduate-level classes taken at other universities transfer in for credit?
We consider classes for transfer credit on a case-by-case basis. After you are accepted into the program, you will be assigned an advisor who can help you with the transfer credit request process. Please save course descriptions and course syllabi for all courses you want considered for transfer.
Application to Transfer Between Programs Policy
1. A NursingCAS application must be completed when an enrolled student wishes to change their program concentration and/or degree. The transfer must be approved; there is no guarantee of movement from one program to another.
2. The Program Director in the proposed concentration/degree determines the necessary requirements for the review process.
3. The Registrar processes changes at the end of each term.
4. The change is official as of the start of the new term if student accepted into the proposed major/concentration.
5. If permission is granted and as space permits, students will only be allowed to transfer to an already matriculating cohort of students.
I already have my MSN in an advanced practice specialty area. What are my program options to earn a DNP degree?
You may apply for:
1) any advanced practice specialty MSN-DNP program that is different from your first specialty area or
2) one of the Transformative Leadership DNP tracks, either Systems or Population Health.
International Students
I am an international student - how can I get information about testing, transcripts, and licensure?
Required Testing: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for applicants who are non-native speakers of English. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has completed a minimum of three years of higher education AND received their baccalaureate degree in the United States.
Can international students apply to the Rush University College of Nursing?
As many courses are taught in an online format in our DNP programs, we regret we are unable to accommodate international students in the US on a student visa.