FAQ

Average Cum. GPA: 3.4-3.6
Average Prerequisite GPA: 3.5-4.0
Please note: The GRE is now optional
Average GREs of admitted students before GRE requirement change:
Verbal: 155 (145-165)
Quantitative: 153 (145-161)
Analytical Writing: 4.5 (3.5-5.5)

Minimum grade of 3.0/‘B’ in each course:
Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (2 courses with labs)
Microbiology (with lab)
Developmental Psychology – Lifespan
Introductory Statistics (should include inferential statistics)
Please note:
All science courses require on-site labs
All science courses must have been completed within the last 6 years

If you completed coursework at a Washington university or community college, download the Comparable Course Guide to see which courses can fulfill nursing prerequisite course requirements.

If your courses are not listed on the guide, or if they are from an out-of-state college,  you must submit course syllabi from the college for each applicable course. You can upload the syllabi in your applicant portal before submitting your application.

If you would like us to confirm if your courses meet the prerequisite requirements, you can fill out the Prerequisite Review Request Form and submit it online with your unofficial transcript and syllabi.  The processing time depends on the volume of received requests. Please submit your request early to ensure that you can receive the review results prior to the application deadlines.

No. Prior work or volunteer experience in health care is not required for admission.

Applicants should only apply to one program at a time. Feel free to contact a graduate admission counselor for assistance in selecting a program that fits your career goals.

Yes. Each application is evaluated and reviewed. Additional information may be supplied. Strength in other areas is considered when an item is slightly below minimum criteria.

80-120 applications have been received each year on average.

1. Submit your PLU application account at choose.plu.edu/apply.
2. Once all items are received and application is complete, the file is sent to School of Nursing for review.
3. The School of Nursing Recruitment, Admission and Progression (RAP) Committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations for admission, waitlist, or denial for each application.
4. All applications that completed by the December 1 priority date are reviewed as a single group; any applications completed after the deadline are considered later. Offers of admission/waitlist may be given, on a space available basis, through late May.
5. Students admitted to the waitlist may be offered admission as late as June, if a space becomes available. The School of Nursing regularly contacts waitlisted applicants with the status of the admission process.
6. Any applicant who does not begin the program in one academic year must submit a new application to be considered for admission in any following academic year. This applies to applicants who:
   • decline an offer of admission to the program
   • decline an offer of placement to the waitlist
   • are not moved from the waitlist to placement in the program
   • are denied admission to the program

Yes. A limited number of qualified applicants are placed on a wait list.

Yes. ELM students can apply to DNP program in the fall of the second year of the program.

*Students must finish MSN coursework prior to beginning DNP.

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) – teach the next generation of nurses in technical schools, community colleges and universities
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL®) – a newer role for advanced practice nurses, the CNL “oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations” (AACN).

For general information about nursing education and careers, see: https://www.allnursingschools.com/about/commonly-asked-questions/