Admission

Applicants to Butler’s Master of Science in Nursing–Entry to Practice (MSN–ETP) program must meet the following requirements for admission consideration:

• A completed bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing from a regionally accredited college or university (or an equivalent degree from a comparable international institution)
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Completion of all prerequisite coursework within the past five years

Required prerequisite courses

Prerequisites must be taken within last five years, with a grade of B or higher, and must be completed prior to enrolling in the MSN–ETP program: 

• Anatomy/Physiology with lab: 6 total credit hours or more
• Microbiology with lab: 4 credit hours or more 
• Chemistry with lab: 4 credit hours or more   
• Statistics (100 level or higher): 3 credit hours or more 
• Introductory Psychology or Sociology course: 3 credit hours or more 
• Nutrition: 3 credit hours or more  

International Students

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official scores from at least one of the following exams or testing systems, unless they have completed a prior degree at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction. For MSN–ETP applicants, scores recommended for acceptance are:

• Duolingo: 110
• TOEFL iBT:
  • 85 (tests taken prior to January 26, 2026)
  • 4.5 (tests taken after January 26, 2026)
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 58-60
• MELAB: 82
• MET: 60

Meeting these minimum scores satisfies the program’s English proficiency requirement for application review but does not guarantee admission.

Application requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a complete application that includes:

• Three letters of recommendation
  • Two academic references
  • One professional recommendation from a current or previous employer/supervisor
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• One written essay
• Current professional resume
• Virtual interview

Additional information

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically, considering academic preparation, professional experiences, communication skills, and commitment to the nursing profession.

Because the MSN–ETP program is designed for career changers entering the nursing field, students should be prepared for an intensive, fast-paced learning experience that combines graduate-level coursework, simulation, and hands-on clinical training.

Maximum capacity: 32 students 

Application and timeline process

Key deadlines

• July 1: Application opens.
• November 1: Priority Deadline.
• Monthly Review: After November 1, applications are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis until April or until the program hits maximum capacity.

Application checklist

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Current professional resume
• One written essay
• Three letters of recommendation: two academic references and one professional reference (from a previous/current employer)

Post-acceptance steps

• Decision window: Admitted students have two weeks from the date of offer to accept or decline.
• Enrollment deposit: To secure their seat, students must submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit via their Slate application portal.