Duke Nursing Acceptance Rate And Requirements (2025)

If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse or advancing your career in nursing, Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) is likely on your radar. Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the U.S., Duke offers world-class training, research opportunities, and access to some of the best hospitals and healthcare systems. But with prestige comes competition. Many students often ask: What is the Duke Nursing acceptance rate, and what are the requirements to get in?

In this blogpost, we’ll break down the Duke Nursing acceptance rate, program requirements, application tips, and more so you’ll know exactly how to prepare if you’re serious about becoming a Blue Devil Nurse.

Duke Nursing Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate tells you how selective a school is. At a competitive university like Duke, the rate can be much lower than the national average for nursing programs. Understanding this helps applicants set realistic expectations and prepare stronger applications.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: the acceptance rate varies depending on the nursing program you’re applying to.

• Duke University overall: The university has an acceptance rate of around 5–6 %, making it one of the most selective schools in the nation.

• Duke Nursing (general estimate): Some reports suggest the School of Nursing has an acceptance rate of around 6 % for certain programs, though this can shift depending on the year and track.

• Graduate Nursing (Peterson’s data): For some advanced nursing programs, the rate is higher. In one listing, 761 applied and 250 were accepted—that’s about 33 % acceptance.

This means that while some graduate programs may be more accessible than the undergraduate or accelerated tracks, all Duke Nursing programs are highly competitive.

Key takeaway: Expect intense competition. Duke Nursing is not impossible to get into, but only the strongest applicants are admitted.

Duke Nursing Requirements

Duke offers multiple pathways into nursing, and each has its own set of admission requirements. Below we’ll look at the most common programs.

1. Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

The ABSN program is perfect for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to switch careers to nursing. It’s a 16-month, fast-paced program designed to prepare you for the NCLEX and a professional nursing career.

Requirements for Duke ABSN:

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.

• Prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other sciences.

• Strong GPA (competitive applicants often have a 3.0+).

• Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

• Letters of recommendation.

• Resume or CV.

• Personal statement explaining why you want to become a nurse.

• Ability to meet health and immunization requirements.

This program is extremely competitive because it attracts career changers and academically strong candidates from diverse fields.

2. Master’s Entry to the Practice of Nursing (MEPN)

Duke recently launched a Master’s Entry to the Practice of Nursing (MEPN) program, allowing students without a BSN to enter nursing through a four-semester master’s pathway.

Requirements for MEPN:

• A bachelor’s degree (in any field).

• Completion of prerequisite courses.

• Transcripts and GPA showing academic readiness.

• Resume, recommendations, and personal essays.

• 700 hours of clinical experience are built into the program, so no prior nursing license is required.

This program is great for people who want a graduate-level entry into nursing rather than the ABSN.

3. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN at Duke offers specializations like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and more.

Requirements for MSN:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

• Minimum GPA of 3.0.

• A college-level statistics course (grade C or higher).

• Current RN license.

• Resume/CV and personal statement.

• Three professional letters of recommendation.

• No GRE required (for most tracks).

4. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program is aimed at nurses who want advanced practice roles or leadership positions. Duke’s Nurse Anesthesia DNP is especially prestigious.

Requirements for DNP:

• BSN or MSN degree.

• GPA of at least 3.0.

• Current RN license (and APRN license if applicable).

• Minimum 1–2 years of clinical experience (critical care experience is a must for Nurse Anesthesia).

• Resume/CV, personal statement, and recommendations.

• GRE may be optional or required depending on specialization.

5. PhD in Nursing

The PhD is research-oriented and prepares nurse scholars and scientists.

Requirements for PhD:

• Transcripts from all colleges/universities.

• Three academic letters of recommendation.

• Personal statement describing research interests and career goals.

• GRE optional.

• For international students: TOEFL or IELTS.

• A good match with Duke faculty research interests.

Other Admission Considerations

Duke doesn’t just look at grades. They evaluate the whole applicant—including leadership, volunteer experience, healthcare exposure, and contributions to diversity in the nursing field.

International Students

If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll also need:

• Transcript evaluation.

• TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Proof of financial support.

• Visa eligibility.

Application Deadlines

• ABSN and MEPN: Check Duke’s official website for deadlines each year.

• MSN and DNP: Priority deadlines are usually December 1 for fall entry.

• PhD: Deadlines are set through the Duke Graduate School.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Because Duke Nursing is so selective, you’ll want to make your application stand out. Here’s how:

1. Ace the prerequisites – High grades in science courses (biology, chemistry, anatomy) show readiness for rigorous nursing academics.

2. Gain healthcare experience – Volunteer, shadow, or work in hospitals, clinics, or community health.

3. Craft a strong personal statement – Tell your unique story of why you want to be a nurse and why Duke is the right place for you.

4. Choose recommenders wisely – Ask professors, supervisors, or nurses who know your abilities well.

5. Show leadership and service – Nursing is about compassion and impact. Highlight any community involvement or leadership roles.

Why Choose Duke Nursing?

Even with the tough competition, many applicants dream of Duke for good reasons:

• Top rankings: Duke consistently ranks among the top nursing schools nationally.

• Cutting-edge research: Opportunities to engage in groundbreaking health research.

• Clinical partnerships: Access to Duke University Hospital and world-class healthcare facilities.

• Global outlook: Programs that integrate global health, leadership, and policy.

• Strong alumni network: Graduates go on to leadership positions across healthcare.

Conclusion

The Duke Nursing acceptance rate is low, but that shouldn’t scare you off—it should motivate you to present the best application possible. Whether you’re applying for the ABSN, MEPN, MSN, DNP, or PhD, Duke looks for well-rounded, passionate, and committed future nurses.

If your dream is to study nursing at one of the top programs in the world, start preparing early, strengthen your academics, gain meaningful experiences, and tell your story authentically.

At the end of the day, while only a fraction of applicants are admitted, those who get in gain access to a life-changing nursing education and career path.