Eligibility & Admission

Application Deadlines

Summer 2025

  • Deadline: February 1, 2025 
  • Classes Start: May 19, 2025

Fall 2025

  • Application opens November 1, 2024
  • Deadline: April 1, 2025
  • Classes Start: August 26, 2025
Apply Now
 

Criteria 

To be eligible for the Post-Baccalaureate to DNP program (all tracks), you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with an unencumbered RN license from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program. 

If an individual has a non-BSN degree and an unencumbered RN license, they are still able to apply. Students who are admitted with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, may need to take up to five foundational nursing courses before completing graduate-level courses, eg. ethics, statistics, research, community health nursing, and community health practicum. 

An interview via phone may be requested. We are only accepting into the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Options students from the following states: WA, ID, OR, MT, CA, NV, UT, AK, WY and AZ. 

Application Requirements

If documents have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), your application may be denied.

Official Transcripts

Submit one official transcript from each college or university attended.

  • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.3 please include an explanation of GPA.
  • If you previously attended Gonzaga or are a current student, please note that GU transcripts are ordered by your admissions counselor on your behalf.

Official Transcripts can be mailed or emailed to:

Graduate Admissions Operations
AD Box 102
502 E. Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258-0068
gradtranscripts@gonzaga.edu

Three Recommendations

Your three references will be contacted directly by us via email with directions for submitting their letters of recommendation and an evaluation checklist on your behalf.

  • One recommendation must be from your immediate supervisor, who is the individual who completes your yearly performance evaluations and is able to evaluate professional practice, leadership, interpersonal skills, communication, critical thinking, and judgment.
  • The other two recommendations should be from professional colleagues who can evaluate your professional practice, leadership, interpersonal skills, communication, critical thinking, and judgment.
  • Recommendations from family members or friends are not accepted.
 

Statement of Purpose

Submit a 500-1000 word essay that is well written, organized, and includes the following:

  • Reasons for pursuing a DNP degree and how Gonzaga University’s DNP program will prepare the candidate to meet his or her professional goals
  • Personal and professional strengths
  • Professional experiences
  • Interest in specific track within DNP program (FNP, PMHNP)

Current RN License

Provide proof of registered nurse license from a program accredited by CCNE, NLNAC, ACEN, CNEA.  (Screenshot acceptable)

Current Resume or Professional Curriculum Vitae

Provide an updated professional resume or curriculum vitae.

Transferring Credit

You are able to petition to transfer up to 15 credits from an accredited doctoral program. 

Transferring of credits is subject to approval from faculty and the Registrar's Office.

Military-Connected Students and Veterans

  • Currently, all active-duty military members must have permission/approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO), Military Counselor, or the Military Service prior to applying.
  • For more information on how to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits, please visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs How to Apply page.
  • Visit Gonzaga’s Military & Veteran Students for more information regarding benefits and student support

Questions?

Contact: 

 Meg Martens
Application Specialist
Call or Text: (509) 313-6243
Email: martens@gonzaga.edu

Information is subject to change.