1. Admission to Murray State University and Department of Nursing
2. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited school or equivalent.
3. Licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Kentucky.
4. Proof of medical insurance, current immunizations, hepatitis vaccine or signed waiver, and TB testing are required before enrollment.
5. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; post-master's certificate applicants GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
6. International applicants: TOEFL score 550; pass oral proficiency exam administered by the Department of Nursing
7. A minimum of one year of RN experience in an acute critical care setting by the application deadline.
8. Three favorable recommendations on forms obtained from the Department of Nursing.
9. Successful interview.
10. Current CPR, ACLS, and PALS certification.

The following areas of study must be completed by the  November 1 deadline and are not credited toward the Master's degree:

1. Health Assessment
2. General Chemistry
3. Organic or Bio Chemistry
4. Anatomy/Physiology (additional Pathophysiology course is recommended)
5. Statistics (including descriptive and inferential)
6. Nursing Research