Vanguard University

The university requirements for program admission below must be met before an application is considered complete.  

• Online application for admission
• Non-refundable $45 application fee 
• Official transcripts
  • Request Official Transcripts from any colleges or universities attended. Vanguard graduates need only request transcripts from institutions attended after Vanguard.
• Any program-specific supporting materials (see below)

Required Supporting Materials

Applicants for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate should also submit the following:

• References: Download the paper version of the Graduate Nursing Reference. Each applicant is required to secure two professional references as part of the application process (Vanguard Alumni only need one reference). A separate letter should accompany each reference form. These should be completed by professionals who are familiar with your work as a nurse and are not related to you.
• Statement of Purpose (250 words): An explanation of your reasons, including your professional aspirations and personal sense of mission, for applying to the certificate program.
• Resume: Please provide a detailed resume listing all employment, experience, education, training, etc.
• Copy of California Registered Nursing (RN) License
• Evidence of All Required Immunizations and Report of a Current Physical Exam: Applicants should read the instructions and submit the following requirements online at http://vanguard.complio.com/. Print out the Physical Exam form and take to your physician.

Prerequisite Courses or Requirements

Applicants must have completed the following: 

• MSN or DNP degree from an accredited college or university (NP not required).
• Two years of experience as an RN in the last 5 years.
• 3 units in each Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Physical Assessment.
• One to two years of psychiatric nursing experience highly recommended for non-NP applicants.

All transcripts and supporting documents should be submitted to the Graduate & Professional Education Office.

If possible, please submit transcripts electronically (e.g. Parchment). Unofficial transcripts and test scores* (with student name, test date and subscores), may be scanned and emailed. 

• Electronically through Parchment
• Email: gradadmissions@vanguard.edu
• Mail/Drop-Off: ATTN: Vanguard University Graduate & Professional Education 55 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

*GRE/SAT Test scores are not required for admission into programs and are not considered in evaluating applications.

For current tuition rates and fees, please visit Account Services.

Scholarships

Vanguard University offers graduate academic scholarships for the biotechnology, clinical psychology, education, leadership studies, organizational psychology, and theology programs. These 10-15% tuition scholarships are based on cumulative undergraduate GPA calculations.  You will automatically be awarded a scholarship if you qualify. Vanguard University also offers a colleague discount for the MSN and post graduate certificate programs and the Ministry Grant for applicants working full time in ministry as ordained or licensed ministers or missionaries. Please ask your admissions counselor for more information.

Once an applicant’s file is complete, with all required items submitted, the file is forwarded to the department for review and potential admissions interview invitation.

From there, the Office of Graduate & Professional Education will inform the applicant of their admissions decision via email with a) a program acceptance to the university, or b) a program denial with recommendations for improving their file for potential resubmission.