The BSN to DNP program lets you bypass the MSN and go forward into your future

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s DNP program, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics. Click here to view the Admissions Checklist: Doctoral Nursing Programs.

Applicants for the BSN-DNP program must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or earned a BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the master’s degree.

Students entering through the above pathway must achieve a final grade of B (3.0 GPA) or better in NURS 800 Principles of Advanced Nursing Practice AND NURS 805 Transition to the DNP.

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale can petition for admission to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program of study. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc. 

If a student is admitted as a result of the petition, the student will need to obtain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) during the first doctoral-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University. 

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall 2021
July 12, 2021

Spring 2022
November 15, 2021

Summer 2022
April 4, 2022

Program Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Evidence of Active Nursing License

Applicants must have a valid, active and clear/unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN).

• Applicants holding the equivalent of an RN licensure or certification outside the U.S. must submit a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Academic Report from the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
• All students must maintain licensure throughout the program of study.
• License information should be submitted here.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

• The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
• The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
• The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.  

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.