FAQ

Do I need years of clinical experience before I can apply?

A minimum of one year of recent clinical practice is required of MSN applicants; for Nurse Anesthetist applicants, one year of recent critical care experience.

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Do I need to submit GRE or MAT test results?

The GRE/MAT is not required for MSN or Post-Masters applicants.

ANESTHETIST PROGRAM APPLICANTS who earned a cumulative BSN grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 or greater on a 4.0 scale are not required to submit GRE test results.  Applicants who earned a GPA of less than 3.4 must submit GRE test results.

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Do any of my undergraduate courses count towards my master's degree?

If you took certain graduate level research or elective courses that fit with our graduate program, yes, those credits may count towards your master's degree.

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Can I transfer previously completed graduate level courses?

Villanova University permits graduate students to transfer a maximum of 6 credits, provided they were completed prior to admission to Villanova University. Courses may be transferred either as elective requirements or in lieu of required courses. Those transferred in lieu of required courses must have been taken within 6 years of admission to Villanova University.

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Are any courses online?

Yes, the core courses Clinical Ethics, Advanced Pathophysiology, Nursing Science and Nursing Research are online.

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How many credits are required?

MSN programs range from 39 - 55 credits.

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I have interests in several areas. Can I be part of more than one concentration?

Yes, for instance you may be in our pediatric nurse practitioner program and also get a post-master's certificate in nursing education.

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How long will it take me to finish?

Full-time students should be able to finish in 18 to 24 months. Part-time students typically take around 2.5 years to finish the program but have up to five years to complete all requirements for graduation.

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Is there a PhD option?

Yes, if you are in the master's level nursing education concentration, you can select courses that help you transition seamlessly into the PhD program that prepares nurses as teacher-scholars for careers in academic settings. There is a separate PhD application process.

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When are classes held?

Graduate classes, except for practicum and anesthesia courses and certain nurse practitioner courses, are scheduled for 5:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Core courses are also offered online.

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When are applications accepted?

Applications are accepted all year. Deadlines for review of application for admission are:

     February 1st - Fall (Early Decision)
     May 1st - Fall
     November 1st - Spring
     September 30th - Nurse Anesthesia program

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Can I still work while in the program?

Many of our non-nurse anesthesia students are able to continue to work during most of the graduate program. However, the clinical hours required for practicum courses does make it difficult to work during the week days.

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I am an international student, what admission examination do I need to take?

All non-native English speakers are required to submit either official TOEFL or IELTS results. TOEFL: Applicants must score a minimum of 540 on the paper-based test or 83 (25 in speaking) on the iBT (internet-based test) in order to be considered for admission. When you register for the TOEFL, please request that your results be sent directly to Villanova - our institutional code is 2959. IELTS: Applicants must score at least 6.5 overall (7 in speaking band) in order to be considered for admission.

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