Application Process and Requirements for the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing Program

When you apply, you must select which advanced practice nurse specialty you want. Specialty options for the Direct-Entry Master of Science are:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Family
• Pediatrics
• Women's Health
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan
• Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health

GRE

The General Test is required for admission and must have been taken within five years of application. A copy of your score report should be uploaded directly to your NursingCAS application. Score reports can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service  (see www.ets.org). The program code for MGH Institute of Health Professions is 2198.

In select circumstances, an applicant may be eligible to waive the GRE. Interested applicants can apply for a waiver of the GRE by submitting the School of Nursing GRE Waiver Request Form. GRE waiver requests received after the application deadline will delay the application from being reviewed for admission. Please plan accordingly. 

GRE Waiver Request Guidelines: The GRE may be waived for applicants to the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing, with program approval, if an applicant is able to provide official documentation of having earned a master's degree or higher.

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction at MGH IHP is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  If English is not your first language, or you have graduated from an undergraduate program in a non-English speaking country, or with instruction in a language other than English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of your application to IHP.  In some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required even if you are a citizen of a country whose primary language is English.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide test scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline and official score reports are required. 

Minimum TOEFL (internet-based) requirement is 80 and the minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5.

TOEFL and IELTS test requirements are automatically waived for students for whom English is a first language from the following countries: United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec).

For TOEFL, score reports can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service (ETS).  MGH Institute of Health Professions code is 3513.

For IELTS, a Test Report Form may be mailed to MGH Institute of Health Professions and score information will be verified by IHP directly. You may designate up to 5 schools to receive Test Report Forms at the time you register for the test.  To request additional Test Report Forms, contact your test center.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required for all applicants and must be submitted directly to NursingCAS. The personal statement should address:
 
What do you think is the most pressing issue in the healthcare system? In what way(s) do you envision your entry into the nursing profession could help address this issue? Please support your answers.
 
Statement should be approximately three (3) pages in length, double spaced.

Diversity Statement

A Diversity Statement is required for all applicants and must be submitted directly to NursingCAS. The Diversity Statement should address:
 
MGH Institute of Health Professions is committed to an inclusive campus climate that welcomes students who will enrich the diversity of thought and perspectives, and therefore, enhance the learning experiences of all. In what ways might you personally contribute to improving the experience of the campus as a welcoming and inclusive place to learn?
 
The Diversity Statement should be approximately two (2) pages in length, double spaced.

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to provide two (2) recommendation letters directly to NursingCAS. Recommendation letters should come from individuals who are able to address your academic ability, character, and integrity, as well as your potential for post-baccalaureate study. At least one letter should come from an academic reference and one should come from a professional reference. No more than four (4) recommendation letters will be reviewed as part of your application.