Recommendations

Though requirements vary by program, a key component of your UVA Nursing graduate application are your three letters of recommendation. It is critical, therefore, that you select recommenders able to assess your academic, professional, clinical, and personal qualities, as outlined below.

Please pay careful attention to these guidelines:

CNL applicants:

Three recommendations are required from individuals who can speak directly about your ability to pursue graduate study. They should be from:

  • an academic reference
  • a health care provider with whom you have worked or volunteered who can address your desire to become a nurse
  • a professional reference from a person who can address your leadership skills

Master's (APRN) or post-master's certificate applicants:

Three recommendations are required from individuals who can speak directly about your ability to pursue graduate study. Please include:

  • one academic reference
  • one reference addressing your clinical skills
  • one professional reference

Please note: One recommendation MUST be from a current advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who can speak directly to your ability to successfully complete master's level coursework and to become a high-functioning NP after completing the program.

DNP applicants:

Three recommendations are required from individuals who can speak directly about your ability to pursue study at the doctoral level. Please include:

  • one academic reference
  • one reference addressing your clinical strengths
  • one professional reference

Please note: If you are applying for the BSN-DNP pathway, one recommendation MUST be from a current advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) able to speak directly to your ability to successfully complete master's level coursework and to become a high-functioning NP after completing the program.

Additional tips for letters of recommendation

  • Give your recommenders ample time to complete their letters. Remind them they will be getting an email from the application system, and will complete and submit all materials electronically. Paper recommendations are not accepted.
  • Academic references must speak to your academic capabilities and, ideally, convey your suitability and preparedness for graduate-level study.
  • Professional references should convey details about your professionalism, reliability, and dependability in professional settings.
  • If you seek a degree that requires a recommendation from a current APRN, you must have a person currently in this role provide a recommendation. Not doing so results in an incomplete application.
  • Note that recommendations may be submitted after you submit your portion of the application; however, all letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline. We may not be able to allow the late submission of recommendation letters.

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.