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

 

Overview

The MGH Institute Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program welcomes applications from individuals holding a bachelor’s degree but no nursing experience.  The intensive, three-year program culminates in both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing.

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Important Application Dates

For Program Starting: Fall 2021
The NursingCAS Application Cycle 2020-2021 is now: Open
The Application Deadline: April 1, 2021*

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Application Process

The Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program participates in NursingCAS, the Centralized Application Service for Nursing. All students are required to apply to NursingCAS. 

Updates to the application requirements and related policies due to COVID-19, can be found here.

Items to submit directly to NursingCAS:

  • Application with the application fee
  • Official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended
  • Official GRE score report (program code 2198)
  • Reference letters (2)
  • Personal Statement
  • Diversity Statement
  • Resume
  • MGH Institute Custom Questions

*In order to be eligible for review, NursingCAS applications must be completed on or prior to the deadline. Please note: you should allow several weeks for all required documents to be received and processed by NursingCAS.

Application Process

The MGH IHP is committed to accepting students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The application materials submitted should reflect the applicants complete academic background, outline their motivation for pursuing a nursing career, and inspire confidence that the applicant will be successful at IHP. All materials submitted are carefully reviewed after a file is complete, and a variety of factors are used to determine eligibility, including:

  • Overall baccalaureate grade point average above 2.70 or Overall graduate grade point average above 3.30
  • Cumulative average of grades in prerequisite courses above 2.0
  • Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with minimum scores of:
    – 135 on Verbal Assessment
    – 135 on Quantitative Assessment
    – 3.5 on Analytical Writing
  • Ability to write clearly, logically and with good grammar and spelling
  • Documentation of overcoming significant life challenges
  • Service to the community
  • Evidence of compassion, leadership and professionalism
  • Understanding and commitment to inclusivity
  • Consistently strong references
 
 

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Requirements

Admission into the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEN-Masters) program requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation that documents minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher. (Please see the Transcripts section for additional information).

Prerequisite Coursework

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, completion of the courses listed below is required to satisfy the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program's prerequisite requirements. They must be taken at a fully accredited college or university.

All of these courses are offered online by the MGH Institute. Learn more about our online prereqs or select a course below to view its description.

  • Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a minimum letter grade of C or higher.

  • Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last ten (10) years. Time is measured from the time of course completion to the time of anticipated matriculation. Applicants with extenuating circumstances may apply for a waiver of the 10-year policy by submitting the DEN Prerequisite Time-Limit Waiver Form.

  • Applicants may have prerequisite coursework planned or in process at the time of application with no more than two(2) outstanding prerequisites during the semester prior to anticipated matriculation.

  • All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the program.

  • Complete and submit our Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Prerequisite Inquiry Form if you have any questions about prerequisite course equivalency and/or suitability. Upon submission of the form, replies can be expected by email within 5-7 business days.

 

Tests

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 89 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.

 

Transcripts

Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each college and/or university attended, and should be sent directly to NursingCAS. Transcripts will be required even if a degree was not received from that institution. 

Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor’s degree outside the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher

 

Documents

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 two (2) recommendation letters will be reviewed as part of your application. 

 

FAQs

How do the curriculum plans for each of the advanced practice specialty tracks differ?

Each advanced practice nursing specialty within the Direct-Entry Master of Science degree has its own curriculum plan.  See DEN curriculum plans.

Who can I contact for more information about the academic program, curriculum, or course requirements?

Please contact the School of Nursing.

Who can I contact for more information about the application process, my application status, or what documents to submit?

If you require assistance with the application process or have questions about the requirements, please email the admission office or call (617) 726-1304 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.  

What is a good way for me to learn about the MGH Institute of Health Professions?

Please refer to the Upcoming Admissions Events webpage for additional information and upcoming dates for all of our informational webinars and virtual events. 

What is your mailing address?

MGH Institute of Health Professions
Office of Enrollment Services
36 1st Ave.
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA  02129

 

How can I tell if my prerequisites were taken at a regionally accredited institution?

All prerequisite courses must be taken at an institution that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies. Please refer to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website for additional information on regional accreditation and regionally accredited institutions.

I’ve been placed on a waitlist.  What now?

Admission to MGH Institute is very competitive, and we cannot offer admission to all qualified candidates.  A waitlist of qualified applicants is maintained in order to continue to offer admissions if places become available.  We notify waitlisted students as soon as possible as places become available. Direct-Entry Master of Science Nursing applicants can find more info on the Waitlist Information page.

Can I defer my admission to a future term?

Deferral requests for the DEN program are not permitted with the exception of military deployment. To request a deferral, email the admission office.

Are there other Conditions of Admission?

Yes.  If applicable, final transcripts and test scores must be submitted to satisfy the conditions of admission.

I’m an international student. Can I receive an F-1 visa?

Not all programs at MGH Institute are eligible for F-1 visa status. Please see General Information for Prospective International Students.