Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing

Qualified Candidates
This program accepts licensed registered nurses (RN) with a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing.*

There are two track options for CAS applicants:

1. Those who are already advanced practice nurses (APN): nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified nurse anesthetists (CNA), and certified nurse midwives (CNM)
2. Nurses who are not advanced practice nurses (APN).

* RNs who have a master’s degree in a related field will be required to take additional courses during the program. Pre-application advisement is required. Please rnms [at] mghihp.edu (contact the School of Nursing) for more detailed information.

GRE

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction and clinical education at the MGH Institute is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  Applicants who have not completed either an undergraduate or graduate program where English is the language of instruction must demonstrate English Language proficiency as part of your application to the MGH Institute of Health Professions.  If you have questions about the language requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions.

• Applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Guyana, an Anglophone country of Africa, or an English-speaking country of the Caribbean are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Applicants who are candidates for graduation from an accredited degree-granting program in the United States or at an English-speaking school in one of the countries listed above are also not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Acceptance to the IHP will be contingent upon successful completion of this degree prior to matriculation.

Please note that in some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required by the academic program even if you are a citizen of a country in which the (or one of the) national language(s) is English. Decisions about the need for TOEFL or IELTS scores are at the discretion of the academic program to which you are applying in coordination with the department of OES.

The IHP accepts 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. The minimum TOEFL (internet-based) score accepted is 89 and the minimum IELTS score accepted is 6.5.  

• To forward your TOEFL score please contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS).  The 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 the 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.

Please contact the Office of Admissions if you have any questions about the MGH Institute’s English Language requirements. 

Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each college and/or university attended directly to NursingCAS, even if a degree was not received from that institution. For transcripts to be considered official they must be in their original signed and sealed envelopes when received. Please visit our Program Page in NursingCAS for additional information and requirements.
 
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 of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.

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 advanced practice nursing profession helping 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 three (3) recommendation letters will be reviewed as part of your application. 

Resume or CV

Applicants are required to submit a current resume or CV.

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

Please contact the School of Nursing directly.

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

You may email or call the admission office.

What is your mailing address?

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

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?

Please see General Information for Prospective International Students.