Bellarmine University

Bellarmine University offers robust job opportunity potential across multiple fronts: work-study and on-campus roles for students (including international), curriculum-aligned internships with CPT support, and strong career prep via platforms like Handshake and the IMPACT Network. Outcomes are exceptional, with nearly all graduates progressing to employment or graduate study quickly. Faculty and professional roles—including positions in recruitment, student care, ministry, and academics—are periodically available. HR provides structured support for hiring and employment.

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission to the BSN-DNP track requires approval by the Graduate Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. Admission of applicants is based upon the following criteria:

Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing degree or higher from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited nursing program. 
Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework. (Transcripts must be mailed directly from the previous institution(s) to Nursing CAS or CAS will not process and verify your application.) 
Minimum required GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate work and 3.5 for any graduate work. 
Proof of active, unrestricted license to practice nursing in Kentucky and/or compact states. 
A minimum of one year of recent (within 2 years) full-time employment, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical care* setting. Employment Verification Form. Preference is given to applicants who are employed in a high acuity critical care setting at the time of application AND interview.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse certification (you will be asked to upload a copy of your CCRN Official Score Report from the AACN) REQUIRED  
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification required for application.  
Three professional letters of reference (at least one must be from current employer/direct supervisor). 
Personal statement describing career goals and interests in graduate study. Goals Statement
Proof of shadowing experience (on form provided) with either a CRNA or an anesthesiologist. Anesthesia Shadow Verification Form
Successful interview with members of the Nurse Anesthesia Admission Committee for selected applicants. 
Non-refundable matriculation fee of $1,500 if accepted into the program. If the applicant chooses not to enroll in the program, the matriculation fee will be forfeited.   
After acceptance, documentation of clinical requirements including immunizations, physical examination, background check, drug test, health insurance, and other documentation as needed. 
All candidates who are accepted to the BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia track will be expected to sign the Technical Standards Acknowledgement prior to beginning course work and to reaffirm upon reentry after any leave of absence from Bellarmine University. Technical Standards Policy
Additional information is required from international applicants; see the DNP admission application form for more information. 
Language Proficiency: 
Language proficiency is required to ensure that students within the department of nursing are able to communicate with a diverse population. The department of nursing accepts one of the following as evidence of required language proficiency: 
TOEFL-iBT (internet-based test) and receive a total score of 83 or higher AND a score of 26 or higher on the speaking test OR 
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and receive a total band score of 7 or higher AND a speaking band score of 8 or higher OR 

International students who are exempt from language proficiency requirements are the following: 
Students who are citizens of or have completed a degree from a TOEFL exempt country. 
Students who have a secondary or high school diploma earned in TOEFL exempt countries. 
International students who have completed at least one year of full-time university study or its equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 24 earned credit hours or its equivalent and earned a 2.0 GPA) in a TOEFL exempt country. 
Only official score reports will be accepted.