Graduate Admissions

Prospective Master of Science in Anesthesia students are selected by the Committee on Admissions (COA), which considers the overall qualities of the applicant. Areas of consideration include interpersonal skills, personal motivation, knowledge and understanding of the AA profession and the Anesthesia Care Team, academic performance and level of achievement.

1. Baccalaureate degree from a nationally recognized and regionally accredited college or university, including above average performance in courses required in a premed curriculum. (Refer to required courses below.
   
   Effective for the entering class of summer 2027, the minimum GPA for admissions will increase to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
   
   
2. Complete required prerequisite courses. 
   
   
   1. Note: a "C" or better is required in all prerequisite classes (there is no expiration date for prerequisite courses). In order to meet pre-requisite requirements, math and science courses must include sufficient rigor and detail in the discipline.
      
      Introductory, survey, or business courses will not satisfy the requirements.

    

   Required Prerequisites	Semester Hours
   Anatomy and Physiology I (A & P I) with Lab and Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (A & P II)   OR  Human Anatomy with Lab and Physiology with Lab	8 semester hours
   Chemistry I and II with Labs	8 semester hours
   Biochemistry	3 semester hours
   Organic Chemistry I with Lab	4 semester hours
   Physics I and II with labs (Trigonometry, Pre-calculus or Calculus based) *Algebra based college physics does not meet requirements & will not be accepted*	8 semester hours
   English Composition or a Literature Course	3 semester hours
   Calculus	3 semester hours

   Please note the following courses are NOT REQUIRED but suggested.

   Preferred Courses - Not Required	Semester Hours
   Biology I and II with Labs	8 semester hours
   Biochemistry Lab	1 semester hour
   Cellular and Molecular Biology	3 semester hours
   Microbiology with Lab	4 semester hours
   Organic Chemistry II with Lab	4 semester hours

   AP and IB credits are acceptable if they are listed with course subject name and earned semester hours on official transcripts.
   
   
3. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work. (Please see item number 11 regarding foreign transcripts and courses.)  
   
   
4. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 grading scale. A minimum GPA of 3.2 is preferred. 
   
   Effective for the entering class of summer 2027, the minimum GPA for admissions will increase to a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
   

5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores must have been taken with the past five years and must be taken early enough for official scores to be received by admissions office by the application deadline of January 15 (October 15 for Denver AA program). Information can be obtained from the GRE website and the MCAT website. 

   The CASPER exam is only valid for the Ft. Lauderdale AA program. All CASPER scores are valid for one year and must be taken by December 4, 2025, for the 2025-2026 cycle. All official CASPER scores must be received by January 15.
   
   May 1, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   May 15, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   May 29, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   June 10, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   June 10, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   June 26, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   June 26, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   July 8, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   July 8, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   July 20, 2025 - 1:00 P.M. EDT
   July 20, 2025 - 4:00 P.M. EDT
   July 31, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   July 31, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   August 12, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   August 12, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   August 26, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   August 26, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   September 16, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EDT
   September 16, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   September 28, 2025 - 4:00 P.M. EDT
   October 21, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   October 28, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EDT
   November 13, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. EST
   December 4, 2025 - 8:00 P.M. EST
   Applicants applying to Ft. Lauderdale must submit either a GRE or MCAT and the CASPER exam.
   
   
6. At least eight hours of documented anesthesia exposure by observation in the operating room.
   
   
7. Summary of an article published in a current anesthesia journal.
   
   
8. All applicants must show evidence of computer skills through coursework or self-study prior to the end of the first semester. Students may obtain instruction through the NSU Student Microcomputer Laboratory or other training facilities.
   
   
9. The applicant who has graduated from a college or university of a country for which English is not the primary language, regardless of United States’ residency status, must take the computerized Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An official set of scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey, to NSU’s EPS and CASAA.
   
   
10. Coursework taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. A course by course with GPA calculation official transcript evaluation is required. Foreign coursework must be evaluated by one of the following services:
    
    Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
    International Education Consultants
    7101 SW 102nd Avenue
    Miami, FL 33173
    Phone: (305) 273-1616
    Fax: (305) 273-1338
    www.jsilny.com
    
    Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
    P.O. Box 415070
    Milwaukee, WI 53203
    (414) 289-3400
    www.ece.org
    
    World Education Services, Inc.
    P.O. Box 745
    Old Chelsea Station
    New York, NY 10113-0745
    (212) 966-6311
    www.wes.org 
    
    

    Send official foreign transcript evaluations to CASAA and also electronically to electronictranscript@nova.edu or via U. S. mail to

    Nova Southeastern University
    Attn: EPS
    3300 S. University Drive
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004

Applicants seeking to enhance their application and scientific knowledge may be interested in our Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant Studies. With a fall program start,this two-semester certificate program has limited enrollment, and to apply, candidates must have previously submitted a CASAA application to NSU during the last year's admission cycle. The program aims to provide a platform for demonstrating the academic excellence and acquiring the skills essential for admission into the Anesthesiologist Assistant program. 

The Master of Science in Anesthesia program has partnered with the Central Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA), to collect and manage applications to the Anesthesiologist Assistant Program. The Florida NSU AA programs matriculate students once per year each May. The Denver NSU AA program matriculates students once per year each January.

The following application process is required of all  applicants:

1) Submit a CASAA application along with the required fee before the specified deadline. Each NSU AA program requires applicants to complete a separate CASAA application.

2) Submit all supplemental documentation directly to CASAA by specified deadline. 

Please note that  applications will not undergo review until the CASAA application is verified,and supplemental documents are received.

Important Dates

Effective for 2024-2025 CASAA cycle, ONLY the Ft. Lauderdale AA program only is requiring the CASPER exam. 

The NSU Fort Lauderdale Anesthesiologist Assistant program requires all applicant to complete a Casper assessment. Students applying to the Fort Lauderdale program will have the opportunity to submit their Casper assessment with their CASAA application for admissions review. To register for the Casper exam, visit https://acuityinsights.app/casper/. All test results must be received by January 15. 

The Admissions Committee begins interviews as early as September of the preceding year. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as the CASAA application opens to afford the best opportunity to receive an interview.

 

Application Procedures

1. Apply to CASAA.
2. Send supporting documents, including official test scores, official transcripts, shadowing experiences, literature summary reviews, and resumes, to CASAA by designated deadline. 
   
   NOTE: A NSU Supplemental Application is no longer required.

Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. Submit the following materials to PostbacCAS by the specified deadlines:

• July 15 for fall matriculation
• November 15 for winter matriculation

Application Materials

1. Completion of the PostbacCAS online application
2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or international equivalent
3. Official transcripts of all undergraduate, graduate, and professional coursework
4. If applicable, include official course-by-course evaluations of any foreign transcripts
5. Note: Graduate entrance exam scores, such as the GRE, are not required for admission, but will be accepted

This pathway is ideal for competitive applicants seeking to strengthen their academic credentials for medical school.

Academic Requirements

• Science GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Overall GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Required Prerequisite Courses: All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher:
• Biology: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• General Chemistry: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• Organic Chemistry: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• Physics: 8 semester hours (or equivalent)
• Mathematics (college level): 3 semester hours (or equivalent). Statistics is acceptable; calculus is not required

Letters of Recommendation

• One letter from a physician with whom the applicant has worked or shadowed in a clinical setting
• One letter from a professor who has taught the applicant in a science course and can effectively address their academic readiness

This pathway supports students aiming to enhance their credentials for various health professions programs.

Academic Requirements

• Science GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Overall GPA: Minimum of 3.0
• Required Prerequisite Courses: All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher:
• Biology: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• General Chemistry: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• English or Composition: 3 semester hours

Strongly Recommended Courses

• Organic Chemistry: 8 semester hours (or equivalent) with lab
• Physics: 8 semester hours (or equivalent)
• Mathematics (college level): 3 semester hours (or equivalent)

Letters of Recommendation

• One letter of recommendation from a pre-professional advisory committee, OR
• Two letters of recommendation from previous instructors or supervisors who can testify to the applicant’s characteristics, integrity, application, and aptitude in science.
• If an applicant has been employed for a considerable period, two letters of recommendation from employers may be accepted.

1. Submit your online PostbacCAS application

M.B.S. applicants must submit applications electronically through PostbacCAS Online, an interactive, web-based application at postbaccas.liaisoncas.org. For questions about PostbacCAS, applicants may call (857) 304-2047. PostbacCAS takes no part in the selection of NSU students.

For applicants that previously applied to but were not admitted into a NSU Health Professions program (ex. M.D., D.O., D.M.D., PA, etc.), contact M.B.S. Admissions at (954) 262-1123 or email mbsprogram@nova.edu for instructions on how to apply.

2. Admissions Committee Review

Applicants meeting the admissions criteria will be reviewed by the NSU MD M.B.S. Admissions Committee. Offers of admission are based on a comprehensive and holistic review of application materials.

3. Notification of acceptance is on a rolling/periodic schedule

M.B.S. program acceptance will be on a rolling or periodic schedule. Due to a limited number of seats available in each matriculating cohort, early completion of the primary and secondary applications is strongly encouraged.

4. After acceptance, final and official documents and requirements must be sent to the Office of Admissions.

After acceptance into the M.B.S. program, final and official documents and requirements must be received by the Office of Admissions within 90 days following the start of the first term. If these final and official documents are not received, or other requirements are not met by that time, the student will not be able to continue their enrollment.

Start Your PostbacCAS Application

To be considered for the M.S. in Global Health program, applicants must:\

• Academic Background: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized and accredited college or university.
• GPA Requirement: To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Global Health, applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, or a master’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Alternatively, a combined score of 300 or above on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE, taken within the past five years, may fulfill this requirement. Other comparable academic indicators may also be considered. Applicants who do not meet the standard GPA criteria are encouraged to address any academic challenges or extenuating circumstances in their Personal Statement. Additional materials such as letters of recommendation, evidence of relevant work experience, or professional accomplishments may be submitted to support the application and provide a more comprehensive view of the candidate’s potential. In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.5 may be considered for provisional admission. This status typically involves enrolling in one course per semester over a specified period to demonstrate academic readiness. However, it’s important to note that provisional admission does not qualify for federal financial aid.
• Letters of Reference: Applicants must submit two to three professional references as part of their application. Personal references (e.g., from friends or family members) will not be accepted.

      Each letter should provide insight into the applicant’s:

• • Work ethic, and commitment to professional responsibilities
  • Leadership qualities and ability to contribute meaningfully to teams or initiatives
  • Academic and professional capabilities, particularly in health-related or interdisciplinary settings
  • Readiness for graduate-level coursework, including analytical and communication skills.
  • Additional accomplishments or experiences that highlight the applicant’s potential for success in the Global Health field.

Letters should come from individuals who can speak directly to the applicant’s qualifications such as supervisors, faculty members, or professional mentors.

• Academic Transcripts: As part of the admissions process, all applicants must submit official academic transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended. These transcripts provide a comprehensive record of your academic performance and are essential for evaluating your eligibility for graduate study at NSU. Review NSU Office of International Affairs for more details.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to NSU. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official. Transcripts must reflect:

• All completed coursework
• Final grades
• Degree conferral (if applicable)

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

• • Translation and Certification
    • If academic records are in a language other than English, they must be translated and certified for accuracy by a NACES approved foreign credential evaluator. Evaluating organizations can be found at NACES.org.  Please specify that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation including grade point average.
  • Required Documents
    • International applicants must submit official transcripts. A certified copy of the diploma may be requested depending on the country of origin and transcript format.
  • Submission Format
    • While electronic submissions are preferred, international transcripts may need to be mailed in sealed envelopes directly from the issuing institution if electronic delivery is not available. Transcripts delivered by applicants will not be accepted as official.
• Personal Statement: 

  Applicants are required to submit a personal statement that thoughtfully addresses the following prompts. The statement should be well-developed, no more than 500 words, and reflect genuine insight and reflection.

  • What motivates your interest in the field of global health?
  • What are your professional aspirations after completing the program, and how will earning a degree in global health support those goals?
  • Is there any additional context or information you wish to share that may strengthen your application?

  Note: Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.5 should also include a brief explanation of their academic performance, along with any relevant experiences or qualifications that demonstrate their readiness to succeed in a graduate-level program.

• Resume: A recent resume or curriculum vitae (CV) must be submitted as part of the application that highlights academic background, work experience, and relevant skills. The applicant provides this document by uploading a .doc or .pdf file into the application portal.

 

• English Proficiency:  English proficiency is required for international applicants. Accepted exams include TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT / 213 computer-based) or IELTS (6.0+). Scores must be taken within the past two years. As an alternative, completion of two U.S. college-level English composition courses with grades of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale satisfies this requirement.

Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Submit Your Online Application: Complete the online application and pay the $50 required fee.

2. Send Official Transcripts: Request transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to NSU. Transcripts submitted by the applicant will not be considered official. Transcripts must reflect:

• All completed coursework
• Final grades
• Degree conferral (if applicable)

If your institution issues electronic transcripts, they should be sent to electronictranscript@nova.edu or through a secure transcript service recognized by NSU.

Non-U.S. College or University Academic Transcripts

For international transcripts, a course-by-course evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) recognized credential evaluation agency (e.g., World Education Services (WES) -- https://www.wes.org/) may be required. Choose course-by-course evaluation with grade point average and select Nova Southeastern University (NSU) as the recipient institution.  Visit the NSU Office of International Affairs or www.NACES.org for a list of these organizations.

Submission Guidelines

• Domestic Applicants: Transcripts should be submitted electronically through the application portal or via a secure transcript service. If electronic submission is not available, hard copies may be mailed to Enrollment Processing Services, Nova Southeastern University, PO Box 299000, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• International Applicants: If electronic submission is not feasible, official documents must be mailed directly from the institution in sealed envelopes. It is strongly recommended that applicants use a trackable mailing service.

Important Notes:

• Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
• If you are currently enrolled in a program, submit your most recent transcript, and send a final transcript upon degree conferral.
• NSU reserves the right to request additional documentation if needed to verify academic history.

3. Upload Supporting Documents:

Include your personal statement, resume/CV, and two letters of recommendation.

Letter of Recommendation Submission Instructions

During the application process, applicants will be prompted to enter the email addresses of their selected recommenders into the online system. Once submitted, the system will automatically send an email request to each recommender, including detailed instructions for uploading their letter. Please note:

• Letters submitted directly by the applicant will not be accepted.
• Applicants should contact their recommenders in advance to confirm their willingness to provide a letter and to let them know to expect an email from the system.
• Applicants will receive a notification once each letter is submitted, but they will not be able to view the contents of the letters.

4. English Proficiency (if applicable):

Submit TOEFL/IELTS scores if required.

Accepted English Proficiency Tests

NSU’s Global Health program accepts the following standardized tests:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80
• IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
• Score Validity: Test scores must be taken within the past two years to be considered valid
• Additional test options can be found on the Office of International Affairs website

Waiver Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement under the following conditions:

• English-Medium Education: Proof of English language competency can also be in the form of successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education or passing Level 9 at Talk International Language School.
• Country of Origin: You are a citizen of, or have completed a degree in, a country where English is an official language and widely used in education and government.

English Language Proficiency Exempt Countries:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands (Anguilla, St. Kitts, and Nevis)
• Canada (all provinces except Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Fiji
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Grand Turks and Caicos Islands
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Saints Kitts & Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Uganda
• United Kingdom
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

No other exceptions will be made.

The Master of Health Science program at Nova Southeastern University is designed to help you build the expertise needed to lead and make a meaningful impact in your chosen career.

Prospective M.H.Sc. students are selected based on the overall strength of their application, academic performance, and relevant professional or academic experiences. These may include, but are not limited to, work or volunteer roles in education, research, public service, administration, or other fields that demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, or a commitment to improving individual or community outcomes. A personal interview may be required.

All applicants must show evidence of computer skills through coursework or self-study skills prior to the end of the first term. Students may obtain instruction through the NSU Computer Laboratory or other training facilities. 

The university reserves the right to modify any requirement on an individual basis as deemed necessary.

Application Deadline

The Master of Health Science program admits students on a rolling basis. Students are considered for admission when all their admission documents have been submitted to the Enrollment Processing Center. Anyone with a pending application packet that is not complete by the deadline will be automatically rolled over into the admission cycle for the next term.

The Office of Admissions processes applications on a rolling admission basis throughout the year. Applicants can apply for admission for any one of four starting dates during any academic year: January, April, July, and September. Each term runs for 12 weeks. Admission deadlines for submitted applications and required documents are as follows:

Application Deadlines by Term

• Spring: March 1st

• Summer: June 1st

• Fall: September 1st

• Winter: December 1st

Required Documents

Before an application can be reviewed for possible admission, the following must be submitted:

• Completed M.H.Sc. application form apply.nova.edu

• Official and final transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate, graduate, and professional institutions

  • Transcripts must include the degree earned and the conferral date from the institution where the degree was awarded

• An up-to-date resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale

• $50 non-refundable application fee

A personal interview with the M.H.Sc. Admissions Committee may be required for some applicants. With prior approval, a phone interview or academic advisement session may be substituted.

Submit Documents To:

Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services
3300 S. University
P.O. Box 299000
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905

International Coursework

• All coursework from international institutions must be evaluated by one of the approved credential evaluation services listed below. The evaluation must be course-by-course and include a cumulative GPA.

• The official evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation service to the NSU Enrollment Processing Services (EPS) address provided above.

Approved Credential Evaluation Services:

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: (305) 273-1616
Fax: (305) 273-1338
www.jsilny.org
E-Mail: info@jsilny.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 415070
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 289-3400
www.ece.org

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
Phone: (212) 966-6311
www.wes.org

Transfer Credit

• A maximum of six (6) semester credit hours may be transferred from other accredited graduate-level programs toward the M.H.Sc. degree at NSU. All transfer credits are evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

• Students will be notified of their transfer credit status after all official transcripts from previously attended institutions have been received and reviewed.

• Following acceptance into the M.H.Sc. program, students must submit a syllabus for each course they wish to be considered for transfer to the Program Director.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale at the time of application in order for your application to be considered. Successful applicants in the past have typically had both cumulative and science GPAs of 3.4 or higher, GRE score (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) in the 40th percentile or higher in each of the three categories.
• Coursework, particularly required and recommend prerequisites, completed in the recent past is deemed to be more relevant than coursework completed in prior years.
• Personal interview.

The Physician Assistant Program participates in the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for the receipt and processing of all applications. CASPA takes no part in the selection of students. CASPA applications are completed online at CASPA.

Questions regarding completion of the online application may be directed to CASPA's email address, by telephone at (617) 612-2080, or by visiting the CASPA Applicant Help Center.

The CASPA application deadline is January 15 to be considered for admission the following May.

1. Prior to matriculation, applicants must have completed a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Applicants must demonstrate a cumulative master's degree GPA at or above a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for regular admission.
3. Prior health care experience is required and is strongly considered in the admissions process. The D.H.Sc is a post professional degree designed for health practitioners, public health professionals, and health care administrators from a wide variety of disciplines. The commonality exhibited by our students is the expert practice of a recognized health occupation at a professional level, or five years of administrative experience in a health care organization with progressively increasing responsibilities over that time frame.
   The successful applicant's health profession may emphasize delivery of services to individual clients (e.g., PA, PT, RN, LCSW, etc.) or be population-based (MPH, MHA). An appropriate level of professional practice is generally recognized by either health professions licensure (e.g., RN, PT), a national certification or registration (e.g., PA-C, RVT, RRT, CRNA, FACHE), a recognized health professions academic credential (e.g., M.P.H., M.S.N., M.S.W., M.H.A., M.B.A.), or a combination of the above. The successful administrative (non-clinical) applicant will demonstrate at least five years of professional administrative experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a health care setting. Professional experience will be documented by an organizational chart demonstrating the applicant's position within the organization. Fellowship or certification by a nationally-recognized health certifying body (FACHE, etc.) is desirable. Possession of an appropriate master's degree is also necessary.
   All questions regarding the appropriateness of an applicant's qualifications for admission can be discussed with the department chair or program director on an informal basis, but the official recommendations are made by the Committee on Admissions to the dean of the College of Health Care Sciences, who makes the final determination. Successful past applicants and graduates have included physicians, dentists, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, physician assistants, master's degree-level social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dental hygienists, and athletic trainers. We have recently expanded the program to include health care administrators, and our graduates now include a hospital CEO and an assistant Surgeon General of the US Public Health Service.
4. All applicants must show evidence of computer skills through coursework or self study prior to the end of the first term. Students may obtain instruction through the NSU Student Computer Laboratory, the D.H.Sc. online Orientation, or other training facilities.

Send your transcripts and evaluations to NSU's Enrollment Processing Services at:

Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services
3301 College Avenue
P.O. Box 299000
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905

Please note, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not currently required for the DHSc Program. The GRE is required prior to admission to the PhD program.

The Office of Admissions processes applications on a rolling admission basis throughout the year. Applicants can apply for admission for any one of four starting dates during any academic year: January, April, July, and September. Each term runs for 12 weeks. Admission deadlines for submitted application and required documents are as follows:

Application Deadlines by Term

• Spring: December 2 - March 1
• Summer: March 2 - June 1
• Fall: June 2 - August 15
• Winter: August 16 - December 1

Before the applicant can be reviewed for possible admission, the following must be submitted:

• Completed Health Science Doctoral application form.
• $50 non-refundable application fee.

Send transcripts and all required documents to:

Nova Southeastern University
Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
College of Health Care Sciences
Health Science Doctoral Admissions
P.O. Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329-9905

• Official and final transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate, professional, and graduate institutions of higher learning. Conferral degree and conferral date must be on the transcript(s) from where you earned a degree.

• All coursework from international institution(s), Applicant is responsible for contacting one of the evaluation services listed here. The evaluation must be course by course including a cumulative GPA The official evaluation must be sent directly from the evaluation service to the NSU EPS address shown above for all documents:

  Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
  International Education Consultants
  7101 SW 102nd Avenue
  Miami, FL 33173
  Phone: (305) 273-1616
  Fax: (305) 273-1338
  https://www.jsilny.org/

  Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  P.O. Box 415070
  Milwaukee, WI 53203
  (414) 289-3400
  www.ece.org

  World Education Services, Inc.
  P.O. Box 745
  Old Chelsea Station
  New York, NY 10113-0745
  (212) 966-6311
  www.wes.org

• Copy of national allied health professional certification or licensure, if applicable.
• Copy of current state licensure, registration or certification.
• An up-to-date resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal interview with Committee on Admissions MAY be required in some cases. Phone interview and/or advisement may be substituted upon approval.

The Ph.D. Program will admit healthcare professionals with broad graduate education, professional level health care work history, who have demonstrated the capacity to pursue a rigorous course of graduate study and increasingly responsible positions in health care.

Beginning Fall 2015, applicants interested in the Ph.D. in Health Science program will apply directly to the program. Prospective students will be selected by the Committee on Admissions which will consider the following qualities of the applicants and their suitability for this course of study:

1. All applicants must hold a master's degree or a professional doctorate (AuD, DPT, OTD) from a regionally accredited college or university, prior to matriculation into the program.
2. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative masters or professional doctorate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
3. Prior health care or health research experience is required and is strongly considered in the admissions process. Applicants must submit a copy of your current state license and/or professional certification or verifiable documentation regarding this experience to the Office of Admissions. The Ph.D. is a post-professional degree designed for health practitioners, public health professionals, and health care administrators from a wide variety of disciplines. Our students demonstrate expert practice of a recognized health occupation at a professional level, or five years of administrative experience in a health care organization with progressively increasing responsibilities during that time. The successful applicant's health profession may emphasize delivery of services to individual clients (e.g., AuD, PA, PT, OT, RN, LCSW, etc.) or be population-based (MPH, MHA). An appropriate level of professional practice is generally recognized by health professions licensure (e.g., AuD, RN, PT, OT, RDH), a national certification or registration (e.g., PA-C, RVT, RRT, CRNA, FACHE), a recognized health professions academic credential (e.g., M.P.H., M.S.N., M.S.W., M.H.A., M.B.A., M.A. or M.S. in Audiology, DPT,OTD), or a combination of the above. The successful administrative applicant will demonstrate at least five years of professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a health care setting. Professional experience will be documented by an organizational chart demonstrating the applicant's position within the organization. Fellowship or certification with a recognized health certifying body (FACHE, etc.) is desirable.
   
   All questions regarding the appropriateness of an applicant's qualifications for admission can be asked to the department chair or program director on an informal basis, but the official recommendations are made by the Committee on Admissions to the Dean of the College of Health Care Sciences, who makes the final determination.
4. One writing sample that reflects masters or doctoral level original work
5. Personal interview with Ph.D. Committee on Admissions (telephonic or Zoom interview is accepted based on the applicant's needs).
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
7. Completion of the application for admission along with official transcripts from all graduate study; undergraduate transcripts are not required for review, but are required for a complete application file of accepted applicants.
8. All applicants must show evidence of computer skills through coursework or self-study prior to the end of the first semester. Students may obtain instruction through the NSU Student Microcomputer Laboratory, the Health Science online Orientation, or other training facilities.

The Ph.D. Office of Admissions will admit students for the fall and winter semesters. All final documentation must be received at least 30 days prior to tentative enrollment.

Term Application Deadline Dates:

• Fall - April 20 - July 20
• Winter - July 21 - November 24

To be reviewed for admission, you must first submit the following:

1. A completed application form along with a $50 nonrefundable application fee.

2. Official transcripts sent directly from all previously attended professional and graduate institutions

   Send the official transcripts to:

   Nova Southeastern University
   Enrollment Processing Services
   3301 College Avenue, P.O. Box 299000
   Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329-9905

3. An evaluation for U.S. institutional equivalence for all coursework from international institution(s), if you attended or graduated from any international institution(s)

   Coursework taken at a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) organization, such as one of the services listed below.

   Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
   International Education Consultants
   7101 SW 102nd Avenue
   Miami, FL 33173
   Phone: (305) 273-1616
   Fax: (305) 273-1338
   https://www.jsilny.org/

   Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
   P.O. Box 415070
   Milwaukee, WI 53203
   (414) 289-3400
   www.ece.org

   World Education Services, Inc.
   P.O. Box 745
   Old Chelsea Station
   New York, NY 10113-0745
   (212) 966-6311
   www.wes.org

   It is the applicant's responsibility to have this coursework evaluated. An official course-by-course evaluation with a cumulative grade point average must be sent directly from the evaluation service to Nova Southeastern University, Enrollment Processing Services, College of Health Care Sciences, Department of Health Science Admissions, 3301 College Avenue, P.O. Box 299000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33329-9905.

4. A complete resume or CV
5. Copies of state, national, and professional certifications or licenses recognized by certifying bodies.
6. One writing sample that reflects masters or doctoral level original work.
7. Personal interview with Ph.D. Committee on Admissions (telephonic or Zoom interview is accepted based on the applicant's needs).

Non-clinical applicants (health administrators) must also include a letter from a supervisor describing their position in the organization and the scope and duration of their responsibility, and an organizational chart. (This is not required for clinically licensed, registered, or certified applicants or for public health practitioners with an MPH). Clinically-qualified applicants should include a copy of their registration, certification and/ or licensure.

Important Note: You must be accepted to the program no later than 21 days prior to the start of a semester in order to register for classes in that particular semester. If not, you will be placed on the accepted student list, but will not be able to start courses in that particular semester. In any case, you must register for your course no later than 14 days prior to the start of the course in any semester.

The Ph.D. Committee on Admission will not consider an application until all required fees, credentials, exam scores, transcripts, and documents are received by the Committee on Admissions.

Transfer Credits

Students matriculated in the Ph.D. program may petition for transfer of credits to the program. Up to and not to exceed eight credit hours may be considered for transfer from a regionally accredited doctoral program of study and only if the transferred courses meet the goals and objectives of the course in question.

Applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field with at least 30 STEM credit hours and a 3.0 GPA
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose (1 page)
• Official transcripts
• TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
• Interview with faculty and program director
• Criminal background check and signed confidentiality agreement
• GRE not required

1. Submit official transcripts from all institutions
2. Upload statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation
3. Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores (if needed)
4. Participate in faculty/program director interviews
5. Complete background check and sign required agreements
6. Await formal admission decision

For students seeking admittance after attending another institution, credits may be transferred into the NSU program. Credits will be determined on a case-by-case basis and must be deemed comparable in level, content, and rigor to those within the desired program. All transfer students must satisfy all admissions requirements and complete all admissions procedures.

Foreign nationals who reside outside the United States at the time of application, and whose native language is not English, must present evidence of proficiency in English by satisfactorily completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Score requirements are as follows: minimum paper score = 550; minimum computerized score = 213; minimum Internet score = 79. A score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (ILETS) exam is accepted in lieu of the TOEFL.

For a full list of English proficiency tests that are accepted by the university, please visit International Students. Test scores must be submitted to the admissions office. For a TOEFL application information, visit the website at TOEFL or write to:

TOEFL
Educational Testing Services

Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. While there are several credential evaluators, the most widely used companies are listed below, or visit NACES.

World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, New York
10113-0745
(212) 966-6311
www.wes.org

Josef Silny & Associates
7101 SW 102nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33173
(305) 273-1616
www.jsilny.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203-3470
(414) 289-3400
www.ece.org

International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student Services at (954) 262-7240 or 866-330-0723, ext. 27240, or by emailing International Students or visiting the International Students web page.