Admission Standards: MSN Program

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) is open to graduates of institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by appropriate regional accrediting agencies, and NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) and/or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited baccalaureate nursing programs. Applicants must hold a current Ohio registered nurse license and give evidence of the intellectual, academic and personal ability to succeed in graduate studies. Admission shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, marital or veteran status.

Applicants for admission will be reviewed each quarter by the Nursing Professional Review Committee. The most qualified applicants will be selected on a space-available basis. It may be necessary for some students to take undergraduate courses to meet prerequisites of selected graduate courses.

Admission Criteria: MSN Program

1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.
2. Baccalaureate degree from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited program in nursing.
3. Current licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.
4. Evidence of capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate course work is required.
5. Congruence of the applicant's goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein College Nursing Department.
6. One year full-time or part-time equivalent nursing working experience within the last five years is required for the NSA and AHC majors. Two years full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years is required for the ANP and FNP majors.
7. Ability to articulate one's professional goals and express one's self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay.

* Candidates that do not meet all the admission criteria, but who wish to be considered for admission must submit a petition form requesting special consideration along with their application materials. For example, the inclusion of GRE scores may strengthen the candidate's position, if the application does not meet the criteria of a minimum grade point average.