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Yale University
School of Nursing
P.O. Box 9740
New Haven, CT
06536-0740
203.785.2389




Frequently Asked Questions


Does the School of Nursing offer an undergraduate degree in nursing?

Although the School of Nursing does not offer an undergraduate degree in nursing, our Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing is for those with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines but no previous nursing education.

What is the GEPN program?

The Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) is a three-year full-time course of study that combines preparation in basic nursing with advanced preparation in a clinical specialty and in nursing research. The first year of the program of study is designed to provide a solid foundation in basic nursing theory, nursing process, biological science, nutrition, and pharmacology. This content is reinforced by clinical experience in medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, maternal-newborn, and community health nursing settings. The curriculum also includes a course that addresses current issues in nursing and health care. Upon completion of the prespecialty year, the student moves into a clinical specialty area and continues with the study of relevant nursing theory, practice, and research.

Do I have to choose a clinical specialty when I apply to the GEPN program?

Yes, students must select a specialty since they are admitted into this specialty when accepted into the program. Any change in the choice of specialty is made only with the approval of the Specialty Directors and the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

What are the course prerequisites for the GEPN program?

There are no prerequisites required to enter the GEPN or MSN program.

Do I need to send transcripts from EVERY college I've attended?

Yes, we require an official transcript of your grades from EVERY college, university, or professional school that you attended.

As a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse, do I need to have professional nursing experience before I apply?

Although nursing experience is considered desirable in some situations, it is not required for admission.

What does the acronym APN represent?

Nursing is a profession rich with acronyms. APN stands for advanced practice nurse, an umbrella term given to a registered nurse (RN) who has met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the 2 to 4 years of basic nursing education required of all RNs. Under this umbrella fall four principal types of APNs

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
    • Nurse Practitioners work in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, or their own offices and are qualified to handle a wide range of basic health problems. Most have a specialty - the specialties offered at the School of Nursing are:
      • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
      • Adult Nurse Practitioner
      • Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
      • Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
      • Oncology Nurse Practitioner
      • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
      • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
      • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
    • NPs conduct physical exams, take medical histories, diagnose and treat common acute minor illnesses or injuries, order and interpret lab tests and X-rays, and counsel and educate clients.
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
    • Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are licensed health care practitioners educated in the two disciplines of nursing and midwifery. They provide primary health care to women of childbearing age including: prenatal care, labor and delivery care, care after birth, gynecological exams, newborn care, assistance with family planning decisions, preconception care, menopausal management and counseling in health maintenance and disease prevention.
    • The Nurse-Midwifery curriculum at the School of Nursing is designed to prepare clinically competent nurse-midwives who provide family-centered primary health care to women. Course and clinical work focus on the independent management of primary care; care for women and newborns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods; and family planning and gynecological care.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
    • Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are educated in the disciplines of nursing and a clinical practice specialty of primary or acute care. Health care provided by CNSs includes complex problem evaluation, health assessment, health promotion and counseling, psychotherapy, patient advocacy, and expert consulting services. CNSs practice in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, private practice offices, hospitals, specialty practice offices, schools, nursing homes, community health centers, mental health facilities, and homeless shelters. CNSs practice in a collaborative and interdisciplinary manner in the management of client care.
    • At the School of Nursing, we offer the following CNS specialties:
      • Cardiovascular
      • Oncology
      • Psychiatric-Mental Health
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
    • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics given to patients each year, and are the sole providers of anesthetics in 85 percent of rural hospitals. These nurse specialists work in almost every setting in which anesthesia is given, including operating rooms, dentist's offices, and ambulatory surgical settings.
  • The School of Nursing does not offer a CRNA program.

Do you offer a BSN/MSN bridge program?

No, we do not.

How long is the master's program?

The GEPN program is three years in length and must be done on a full-time basis. The MSN for RNs can be done on a part-time or full-time basis; part-time study is normally during a three- or four-year period; full-time consists of two years of study.

Does the School of Nursing offer joint degree programs with other professional schools at Yale?

Yes, three separate joint degree programs are offered

  • Nursing and Divinity
  • Nursing and Public Health

Students must apply separately to, and be admitted by, both the School of Nursing and the School of Divinity, School of Management, or School of Public Health.

What is considered a competitive GRE score?

We consider a score of 500 per section and a score of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing to be competitive, although applicants are neither accepted nor denied solely based on GRE scores.

Can I waive the GREs?

Requests to waive the GRE must be sent in writing to the YSN Admissions Committee and are considered on a case-by-case basis. In certain cases, when the applicant has completed an advanced degree, such as a Master's degree, we will consider waiving the GRE test, in lieu of a Master's thesis or published scholarly article.

If I am not accepted to the Master's Program, can I reapply?

Yes, but applicants to the School of Nursing who have applied three times to the same program without an offer of admission will not be allowed to apply to that program again.

How many references are required?

Three letters of reference are required. Applicants are advised to seek references from individuals who are or have been in a position to objectively evaluate academic or work performance.
The following guidelines can be used in asking for references

  • If you have been out of school two years or less, submit two academic references and one work reference.
  • If you have been out of school longer than two years, submit one academic reference and two work references. It is important to submit an academic reference, if at all possible.

The application asks that you list the names and addresses of your three references. Your application is not considered complete until the School receives references from the three referees you have listed on the application. If you need to change a reference, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (203) 737-1793.

Can a placement file be used in place of references?

A placement file can be used in lieu of one reference, even if the file contains more than one reference.

Can my letters of recommendation be sent in before submitting my application?

Yes, letters of recommendation, as well as GRE scores and transcripts, can arrive prior to the application. Your application will not be considered complete, however, until all components of the application are received by the Admissions Office. You can contact the Office of Student Affairs at (203) 737-1793 to check on the status of your application.

What should I do if English is not my first language?

Applicants whose first language is other than English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as one of the admission requirements. For additional information, please consult the TOEFL website: http://www.toefl.org/.

If I am the graduate of a foreign nursing school, what steps must I take prior to application?

Prior to enrolling in the School, graduates of foreign schools of nursing must pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination as well as the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become a registered nurse (R.N.) in the United States. Information on the CGFNS examination can be obtained from either the United States Embassy or the nurses' association in the foreign country of residence. (Please note: this process could take up to three months to complete).

Does the School of Nursing offer a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Yes. Information on the PhD program can be found in our PhD Program section.

General Information &
Application Forms


Program Descriptions &
Course Information





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