Application Requirements for Graduate Nursing Programs
ALL APPLICANTS: Your completed* application packet must include:

1. Completed GU-SON application form. (Please be sure to hit the 'Submit Your Application' button.)
2. Application Fee: A $50 application fee must accompany each application. Make your checks payable to Graceland University. Payment can be made by credit card, over the phone, or by calling your admissions officer. The application fee is non-refundable, unless requested within three business days of Graceland receiving the fee.     
3. Official transcript in a sealed envelope:
   If you are applying to the Postgraduate Certificate or the D.N.P. program, we require the transcript only from the school where you earned your M.S.N.
   
   D.N.P. applicants must be Advanced Practice Nurses.
   
   If you are applying to the M.S.N. Program, not the R.N.-M.S.N., we require your B.S.N. transcripts only and any transcripts from schools if you want any master's-level classes to transfer.   
4. The State Board of Nursing online license verification: Visit your state's official website to access online license verification for your current R.N. Licensure in the United States. Print your individual licensure verification, including its expiration date, and include in your application packet. You may also use the Nursys® website. In most cases, this should not cost anything.
5. PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
   We require three separate references, submitted by current or former employers, or individuals professionally acquainted with you and familiar with your academic competencies and goals (not relatives, friends, family physician or clergy). References from master's or doctoral-degreed nurses are preferred.
   Reference Form for M.S.N., Postgraduate (pdf) 
6. Transfer credit petition, requesting a maximum of 10 credits, if applicable.
   M.S.N. - Petition for Transfer Credit (pdf)
7. The Joint Commission institutes regulations in order for hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, etc., to gain or maintain accreditation status. One of these regulations requires that "all persons who are involved in patient care activities, i.e., employees, volunteers and students, must have criminal background checks as well as other health care related checks." Criminal background checks must be initiated by the student and completed as part of the application process prior to being accepted into any program.
   
   Validity Screening Solutions will charge $57 for this service (plus $1 if paid by credit card). The fee must be paid by the student in order to begin the process.
   
   To do your background check, please go to https://www.validityacademics.com. Enter the username and password listed below:
   Username: studentcheck
   Password: mrd78452
   
   Follow the detailed instructions on the screens. It is very important that you print and send us the confirmation sheet (the last page of the application).
8. Enrollment Agreement Form. This form is attached to an email you will receive after you fill out the online application.

• 
  PLEASE NOTE:

  * Completed applications include all the necessary items listed in 1-8. Transfer credit petition is optional (7).

  Only completed applications will be reviewed.

  If you are seeking financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA form. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The GU School of Nursing's school code is 001866. This should be done at your earliest convenience.

  ---

  Please return all materials together in an envelope, including transcripts and reference letters.

  Applications are due:
  
  The first Monday in June for the Fall Semester
  The first Monday in October for the Spring Semester
  The first Monday in February for the Summer Term

  Please allow five to seven business days for mail. Direct your questions to the Applications Coordinator at 800-833-0524, ext. 4722.

  All completed applications should be sent to: Graceland University School of Nursing, Attn: Admissions, 1401 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050

  ---

  For International Students Only:

• Complete numbers 1-7 above, if applicable.

  Prior to consideration for admission, students who received their undergraduate degree from a country other than the United States or Canada must submit a CGFNS evaluation with a TOEFL score of 550 or higher on the written exam, or a 79 or higher on the online exam and GPA equivalency. For further information or assistance, you may contact CGFNS at www.cgfns.org.

  Contact 800-833-0524, ext. 4722 for further instructions or for additional documentation needed.