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Admission to Graduate Nursing Programs

Applications for the MSN program are reviewed twice a year.

Deadline Entry

  • April 15 for fall of same year
  • October 15 for summer of the following year

Applying for Full Admission

  • To apply for Summer 2009 or later, you may apply online or submit a paper application.
  • Official transcripts for ALL previous college and/or university work. Please note: Transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate School from the post-secondary institution or hand-delivered by student in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution. In both instances, the transcript should come in a letterhead envelope.
  • Submit Ohio RN license number (on application form). The license number will be verified on the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) website and a copy of license verification will be added to file.
  • Two completed recommendation forms.
  • 2-4 page essay (additional details in catalog).
  • Professional resume
  • Additional requirements for international applicants.
All admission materials must be submitted to:

Graduate School
Towers Hall, Otterbein College
One Otterbein College
Westerville, OH 43081

To receive more information about these programs or to schedule an appointment to discuss your individual program needs, please call 614-823-3210 or call toll free 1-888-749-8550, or e-mail grad@otterbein.edu.

Admission Standards and Criteria

Below are links to the admission standards and criteria of the Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Masters in Nursing Programs.

Master of Science in Nursing Admission Standards and Admission Criteria

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.

Post-Masters in Nursing Admission Standards and Admission Criteria

Admission to the Post-Masters Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner Program is open to graduates of institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by appropriate regional accrediting agencies, NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) and/or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited baccalaureate nursing programs, and masters nursing programs who hold a current Ohio registered nurse license. 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.

Admission Criteria: Post-Masters NP Programs

  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. Masters degree in nursing.
  4. Current licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.
  5. 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.
  6. Congruence of the applicant's goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein College Nursing Department.
  7. Two years full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years.
  8. 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.