Graduate certificate programs are available as stand-alone certificates OR concurrent with a University of Washington graduate degree. Application requirements for graduate certificates vary by program. Visit the page of your program of interest to review the admissions and application process requirements.
Certificate program | Program begins | Application opens | Application closes | Decisions released |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winter Quarter | September | October 15 | December | |
Spring Quarter | January 15 | March | ||
Autumn Quarter | May 1 | June | ||
Spring Quarter | September | January 15 | March | |
Autumn Quarter | September | May 1* | June | |
July 15* | August | |||
Winter Quarter | September | October 15 | December | |
Spring Quarter | January 15 | March | ||
Autumn Quarter | May 1 | June | ||
Autumn Quarter | September | May 1 | June |
*The Palliative Care graduate certificate has a priority deadline of May 1. All applications are due by July 15.
Get in touch with the School of Nursing for guidance on crafting the strongest application, understanding important deadlines, and exploring our online events.
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July 02, 2024 - 7 minute read
Nursing is a career unlike any other. The general public highly respects nurses , and with good reason. Nurses make it their life’s work to help others. If you’re considering a career switch, why not become a nurse?
Nursing offers diverse specialties — from oncology to pediatrics and beyond — and room for advancement. Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , it boasts a consistently high job growth rate and excellent salary potential. What’s more, getting started can be easier than you might think.
At Concordia University Irvine, our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program helps make the transition to nursing possible. Our ABSN program prepares students to become caring, compassionate, competent nurses, ready to serve their community.
Let’s take a closer look at how to get into nursing school as a transfer student or career switcher.
To qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), you need to earn a nursing degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN degree is traditionally a four-year program that combines core college classes (such as English and math) with the nursing curriculum. However, if you’re a transfer student or an established professional thinking of transitioning to a new career, you may be able to graduate sooner.
You can apply for an accelerated BSN program if you meet the qualifications. These programs confer a BSN in far less than four years. Most ABSN programs take less than two years to complete; for example, Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN allows you to graduate in as few as 15 months.
Imagine the benefits of graduating with your nursing degree in as few as 15 months. Graduating sooner means you can begin earning a nursing salary and contribute to your community faster than with a traditional BSN program.
However, before applying to an accelerated nursing program, you’ll need to confirm that you meet the qualifications. Each ABSN program has its own admissions requirements, but, in general, you'll need a non-nursing bachelor's degree or a minimum number of non-nursing college credits. There are also typically minimum GPA requirements.
Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN program admissions requirements include a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in any discipline or a minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution. You must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale).
To determine whether you qualify for Concordia’s ABSN program, contact one of our specialized admissions counselors, who will walk you through the application process and ensure your application is competitive.
When determining how to get into nursing school, such as an ABSN program, you should research your options thoroughly. What should you look for in a nursing school?
Here are a few factors to consider:
You’ll want to choose an accelerated nursing program with a recomprehensive curriculum covering everything you need to succeed as a licensed registered nurse, from pathophysiology to nursing research, and beyond. A challenging curriculum will more thoroughly prepare you to tackle the modern challenges you’ll encounter in your nursing career.
A school’s nursing philosophy and mission may also influence which program is right for you. At Concordia University Irvine, our ABSN program is informed by Christian values and founded on the mission to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and compassionate nurses.
Once you’ve settled on the right nursing school, you can begin the actual work of getting into nursing school by contacting an admissions counselor. It’s best to have a copy of your unofficial transcripts on hand, as your counselor will review your prior non-nursing college credits to determine eligibility.
You should also have a list of any questions about the program. Before concluding the call, your admissions counselor will help you put together a plan for applying based on your current situation. That application plan may include taking some prerequisite courses.
Not every prospective nursing student needs to complete the prerequisite courses. It ultimately depends on your prior college education. Prerequisites are often required to ensure that nursing students begin the program with a solid academic foundation. It’s essentially a success strategy designed to support your progress.
Concordia’s ABSN program requires prerequisites such as chemistry, microbiology, statistics, and lifespan development psychology. As a Christian school, we also require courses in Christian Theology and the New Testament.
[CALLOUT: Wondering how to become a nurse online ? Read more to learn what to expect.]
While you’re completing prerequisite courses, it’s a good idea to gain entry-level experience in the healthcare field. Having some experience can help your nursing school application stand out from the rest. Furthermore, some ABSN schools, such as Concordia University Irvine, require it. To apply to our ABSN, you’ll need at least 75 hours of patient care experience to be completed at the time of submitting an application.
You can’t work as an RN just yet, of course, but there are other possibilities to explore, such as the following:
Once you’ve completed the required courses and obtained patient care experience hours, you should be ready to finish your application package. Your admissions counselor will be an invaluable resource as you assemble your materials.
At Concordia, you can submit your application prior to completing the prerequisite classes if you only have three remaining and they are in progress.
Each school has different requirements for its application package. At Concordia, the application materials include:
Now that we have established how to get into nursing school, the next step is to research financial aid options . Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year you’re a student to determine what federal aid you qualify for, such as federal grants and student loans. You should also look into private student loans and apply for any eligible scholarships.
By this point, you know how to get into nursing school, but you can do a few other things to increase your chances of success.
Consider the following quick tips:
[CALLOUT: What was nursing like at the height of the COVID pandemic? Explore one Concordia alumna’s story in frontline nursing .]
At Concordia, we make getting into nursing school easier with help from our specialized admissions counselors, who will take the time to work with you one-on-one throughout the admissions process and answer all your questions .
We welcome transfer students and military members to apply to our ABSN program, which allows you to graduate in as few as 15 months.
Our dedicated nursing instructors strive to graduate highly competent and compassionate future nurses who stand out for their dedication to their patients’ welfare. Take the first step toward becoming a registered nurse today and contact our admissions counselors .
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Congratulations on deciding to take the next step!
The application link is at the bottom of this page. Please read the whole page before you begin the application. This content outlines all the materials and resources you need on hand to complete your application.
There are some differences in the process depending on whether you are a current UIC student or not. We hope you'll find it all clear as you move through the process.
Application deadline is January 15. Candidate interviews take place from September to February. Final decisions will be sent to applicants between September and April.
Essay questions heading link copy link.
Within the application, you’ll be prompted to answer the following essay questions. We recommend that you draft your responses to the questions before beginning your application. Responses should reflect clear thought and show proper use of grammar and punctuation. Once submitted, you will not be allowed to edit your responses.
The questions:
The application will prompt you to upload your resume, which should reflect the following information, if relevant:
Non-uic students only.
The self-evaluation ( download ) will indicate to the College of Nursing which of the prerequisite courses have been completed and which are yet to be completed.
Applicants can use this downloadable PowerPoint as a guide to prerequisite information.
Within the application, you will be required to name and provide contact information for two recommenders, who will then receive (at the email addresses you provide) invitations to submit recommendations on your behalf.
Non-UIC Students Official transcripts must be mailed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the following address by the application deadline.
UIC Office of Undergraduate Admissions 1200 W. Harrison St. SSB 1100 (MC 018) Chicago, IL 60607-7161
Transcripts received after deadline will result in your application being considered incomplete.
UIC Students An Academic History file, in PDF format, is required to be uploaded with the application.
Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Applynow.uic.edu heading link copy link, cost & financial aid, for international applicants, disclosures & appeals.
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Paragraph #2: Background & Qualifications. Your qualifications paragraph is the most important one in your cover letter. Briefly summarize your background, skills, and traits that make you the perfect candidate for the position in about 2-3. Use keywords from the posted job description that complement your skill set.
When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required. Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required: Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system.In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual.
Formatting : Leave your name out of your address if using a block format. Date: Every letter needs a date, even a cover letter. Include the date near the top, and make sure it reflects the day you submit, not the day you started writing. Formatting : Write the full date, e.g., January 5, 2023.
The information in your cover letter's header should match your resume's header. In a perfect world, these two documents have the same design and make a cohesive package.Include your full name in the header, usually in a larger font. You also want to include your credentials (e.g., Jane Otto, BSN, RN).
Search your soul to discover qualities and strengths that you can showcase in your resume. 10. Fashion the Letter to the Exact Position-. The beauty of a new grad RN cover letter is that you can specifically detail your content to one particular job.
To obtain a nursing position, write a concise cover letter explaining what makes you a qualified candidate for the job. You can highlight your approach to patient care and any unique qualifications or experiences that help you stand out from other nurses. Here are the steps to take when writing a cover letter for a nursing job: 1. Format a header
How to write a registered nurse cover letter. Follow these steps to communicate your qualifications in a registered nurse cover letter: 1. Outline the header. The header appears at the top left corner of the document. It allows the hiring manager to know who is authoring the cover letter. Include information that helps the employer identify you.
writing to express interest in…"). Include the title of the occupation to which you're applying and where you gained insight of that position (i.e. job website, indeed, etc.). Include information of your education : program, graduation date, and academic successes. To keep the
How To Write a Nursing Cover Letter. To write a great nursing cover letter that separates you from other candidates during the job search, it's important to tell your unique story within the health care field. Emphasize the positive impact you've had on patient outcomes and clinical operations throughout your work history.
A nursing cover letter template you can use for your experienced and entry-level cover letters for nursing positions. Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now. Create your cover letter now.
Dear [hiring manager's name] or—. Dear Hiring Manager (if you can't find the name) Main Body: Three-Paragraph Nurse Cover Letter Format. 1) A "hook.". The most pulse-quickening fact about you. (In a nursing internship cover letter, that might be a commendation from a teacher.) 2) Say why you want the job.
Nursing employers might evaluate dozens of applications every day, possibly spending just a few minutes on each one. To get their attention and encourage them to continue reading, one should write a compelling job application letter that immediately sets you apart from other candidates and highlights your most important qualifications. You should be able to showcase your clinical skills but ...
Cover Letter Examples >. 30 Professional Nurse Cover Letter... Your nurse cover letter must immediately highlight your dedication to patient care. Showcase your commitment through a personal anecdote or a professional accomplishment. Illustrate your ability to work in high-pressure environments with ease.
Here's how to write a registered nurse cover letter: 1. Use the best registered nurse cover letter format. Set the margins to 1 inch on each side. Use single line or 1.15 line spacing. Make sure you choose readable font (11 to 12pt). Learn more: How to Format a Cover Letter. 2.
The Purpose of a Nurse Cover Letter. When applying for nursing jobs, it helps to have a detailed resume and an effective cover letter. Having a quality cover letter is an essential part of the job-hunting process ().It acts as an introduction and a summary of skills, and it gives employers an overview of why you're the right candidate for the job.
Finding a job, whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned nurse, is one of the most challenging parts of any career. You want to ensure you stand out among a crowd of experienced nurses. Following these simple tips for writing a cover letter and resume can help you shine in a sea of applicants and lead you to your dream nursing job .
Once you're ready, follow these steps to write your nursing cover letter: 1. Explain why you're writing the cover letter. One of the first things to explain in your cover letter is which job you're applying for. Recruiters often receive applications for many different jobs, and may appreciate the clarity. You can also mention where you saw the ...
Make sure that every word counts on your application so they would get a thorough idea of your qualification after one simple read. If you want a rough idea of how much you should write, then you are in the right place. The resume should be one page. The cover letter should be around half a page to one page. Any additional nursing application ...
Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the cover letter. This information allows the hiring manager to easily reach out to you. 2. Greeting. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager or the person responsible for reviewing applications.
3. Use the correct cover letter format. Just as the content of your cover letter should be attention-grabbing and mistake-free, your new grad nurse cover letter format should be structured, clean, and straight to the point. To create a professional-looking application, stick to the following cover letter format: List your contact details in the ...
The cover letter intro. The middle paragraphs (body of the letter) The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action) Adaptable cover letter example. Dear Dr. Rowntree, I write to express an interest in your accelerated nurse midwifery programme for recently-qualified CNMs.
2. Write the date. Enter the date below your contact information. Typically, the date should reflect the day you plan to send your nursing cover letter, so you can track your application. Write the date in full and avoid abbreviations when dating the letter. For example, "April 25, 2021" is an acceptable format. 3.
2. Write the date and company name and greet the hiring manager. Under your contact details, you can write the date you're writing your cover letter. The hiring manager may reference this date to confirm you've applied for the role before the application deadline. On the next line, you can write the name of the organisation hiring a registered ...
Write down each of the steps you'll take to achieve your goals. For instance: ... Quick Apply to work with a dedicated recruiter today, or search hundreds of local, travel, and per diem nursing jobs nationwide now. Nursing Job Search. Categories. Clinician Life Blog Nursing. Tags. Career Development nursing career advice. Related Articles.
Structure of an Application Letter. A well-structured application letter typically includes the following sections: Your Contact Information. Begin with your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This information should be prominently displayed at the top of the letter. Date. Include the date you are writing the letter.
Undergraduate degree programs Applicants to our undergraduate programs will apply directly through our Nursing Application Portal. All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Application availability Program Program begins Application opens Application closes Decisions released Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Spring or Autumn Quarter Mid-August October 15 December ...
Before concluding the call, your admissions counselor will help you put together a plan for applying based on your current situation. That application plan may include taking some prerequisite courses. 4. How to Get into Nursing School by Completing Prerequisites. Not every prospective nursing student needs to complete the prerequisite courses.
It's a fully automated tool that will walk you through the writing process step-by-step and even suggest text you can use! Otherwise, use our cover letter examples if you're still brainstorming what to write. They can inspire you! For design help, check out our cover letter templates library. We've got 15+ preformatted cover letter ...
Apply Now. Congratulations on deciding to take the next step! The application link is at the bottom of this page. Please read the whole page before you begin the application.This content outlines all the materials and resources you need on hand to complete your application.