Online Master of Science in Nursing Program: Admissions Made Easy

>>>Sean: Hello, I'm Sean Mohr, senior enrollment advisor for Bradley University.

>>>Rebecca: Hi, my name is Rebecca and I'm an enrollment advisor here at Bradley University. Thank you again for joining us today. Here's a look at our agenda.

We will begin by discussing an overview of the online MSN program details. We will provide insight regarding admission requirements. We will share an application checklist and lastly, we will provide a few tips to assist you during the application process.

>>>Sean: Here's an overview of our Master of Science in Nursing program. Courses are 100% online. Classes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, you're able to attend class on your schedule. Your clinicals are done in your local area and you have the flexibility to choose your own preceptor.

>>>Rebecca: Bradley University is recognized for quality and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The master's degree programs in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. We have been ranked number 2 among regional universities in the Midwest by the U.S. News and World Report for 2022

>>>Sean: We offer five concentrations.

Our online master of science in nursing - adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner is specifically for individuals who want to work in outpatient facilities and primary care offices. Things of that nature.

We also offer an adult gerontology - acute care nurse practitioner option for individuals who want to focus more on inpatient facilities, working in hospitals, intensive care units, and things of that nature.

There is a family nurse practitioner concentration for individuals who want to focus more on becoming a mid-level practitioner for patients across the lifespan.

We offer a nursing administration concentration for individuals whose career path lies more with leadership, management, and administration.

And we offer a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialization as well.

>>>Rebecca: The online master of science in nursing program details.

There is approximately a 20-hour commitment each week for all of our online master of science in nursing programs.

Students can start with multiple entry points including a nursing diploma, associate degree in nursing, and a bachelor’s of science in nursing.

Program credit hours vary by concentration based on the entry point.

The current cost per credit hour is $950, not including books and minimal university fees.

>>>Rebecca: A successful Bradley candidate is ambitious, dedicated and a lifelong learner. They’re future focused, resilient and agile, and they possess strong learning abilities and a strong academic background.

>>>Sean: Admission considerations. We offer two entry points into our master of science in nursing degree programs. An individual must have a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited college or university, or have an associate degree in nursing, or nursing diploma from a regionally accredited college or university. If you have an ADN (associate degree in nursing), diploma, or non-nursing baccalaureate degree, you will be required to complete 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses within the program. Also, an applicant will need to have a current unencumbered nursing license.

>>>Sean: Here is our admissions checklist. You'll need to provide us with proof of a current nursing license, a copy of your current resume or Curriculum Vitae. We require 2 recommendations, a 500-word admission essay, and official transcripts from your prior institutions as part of the admissions process. However, we will use your unofficial transcripts if that's more convenient for you to obtain.

>>>Rebecca: Crafting your admission essay. The essay is one of the most important parts of your application. We ask that it reflects your own thinking and analysis while demonstrating your writing skills. In the essay, you're going to want to explain your achievements and work experience relevant to your interest in and capacity for graduate study. You'll want to include professional goals, commitment to graduate education, and any potential clinical preceptors. You will want to list at least one potential preceptor, including their name, their title, and where they work. Your academic advisor will not contact them until you submit an official request for a preceptor. They just want to see that you're starting to think about who you would use.

>>>Rebecca: Perfecting your resume. Be concise and specific. Write in active language and don't overuse jargon terms. Highlight leadership or other professional experience and projects or teams that you have worked on. Include all full-time work experience with clear descriptions of positions held, and responsibilities within that position. Ensure there are no significant work experience gaps on your resume. If there are gaps you can work with your enrollment advisor to supplement your application with an explanation letter. Describe and quantify your achievements. And pay attention to formatting. Your font choice should be simple and legible. Choose a font size between 11-12.

>>>Sean: Here are some do's and don'ts when gathering your application materials. Please make note of application deadlines. Ensure you are completing the application for the online program versus the on-campus program. Order transcripts electronically. Reach out to your references as soon as possible. Let them know to expect an email with the next steps. You should always proofread all your documents, and of course, schedule regular check-ins with your enrollment specialist.

Some things to avoid. Some of the don’ts. Don't disqualify yourself even if you don't meet some of our stated requirements. Talk to an enrollment specialist. Please don't procrastinate. Make sure you factor in the time to order transcripts and letters of recommendation. These things are outside of your control. Don't overthink your resume or personal statement. Connect with an enrollment specialist for help or feedback. Please don't ghost your enrollment advisor. We understand life gets busy and plans change, so stay in touch with us so we can help navigate the process for you.

>>>Rebecca: Here are some final tips to breakdown the application process into small achievable pieces.

Your enrollment advisor can assist you with the best timeline to submit application items. Transcripts and letters of recommendation are out of your control, so prioritize these items and request them early so that we give them enough time to respond before the deadline. It's a good idea to have backup references in mind for your letters of recommendation as well. Once we receive the required amount of recommenders, the others will be waived. Give yourself space and time to complete your essay. Think of it as your first homework assignment and remember if you are too busy to complete your application and materials in a timely manner, you should consider if you are ready for graduate level coursework.

>>>Sean: Thank you so much for your interest in Bradley University. We hope you found this video helpful. Please reach out to an enrollment advisor with any questions you may have, and we will be happy to assist you. We can be reached by phone, by email, or you can schedule an appointment on our appointment calendar.