Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many students apply to the program? How many students are admitted?
2. What GPA do I need in order to be admitted?
3. Will acceptance into the nursing program be based primarily on GPA?
4. Can I still apply to the program if I don't have all of the preadmission courses completed?
5. How can I get courses such as Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry if I can't enroll at SCSU?
6. Can I take STAT 193 instead of MATH 193? Can I take other MATH courses to fulfill this requirement?
7. Do you have a waiting list?
8. When is the application deadline?
9. What are the preadmission course requirements if I have a previous degree?
10. Do I need to have my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification to apply to the program?
11. Do I need to have my CPR certification to apply to the program?
13. What degree do students earn?
14. What licensure examination will I be qualified to take after graduation?
1. How many students apply to the program? How many students are admitted?
2005 deadline, 2006 start date:
150 applications received for 40 spots available
2004 deadline, 2005 start date:
170 applications received for 40 spots available
2003 deadline, 2004 start date:
130 applications received for 40 spots available
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2. What GPA do I need in order to be admitted?
The minimum GPA requirement is 2.75, which applies to both cumulative and prerequisite GPA. Because the admissions process is highly competitive, the GPA of the admitted class of students tends to be higher than 2.75. Recent stats include:
2005 deadline, 2006 start date:
Average GPA of applicant pool: 3.3
Average GPA of admitted class of students: 3.6
2004 deadline, 2005 start date:
Average GPA of applicant pool: 3.3
Average GPA of admitted class of students: 3.6
2003 deadline, 2004 start date:
Average GPA of applicant pool: 3.2
Average GPA of admitted class of students: 3.5
3. Will acceptance into the nursing program be based primarily on GPA?
Acceptance is based on a combination of factors. GPA is an important factor, but other criteria such as a standardized entrance exam (NET), personal interview, and letters of reference will be given serious consideration in the admissions process.
4. Can I still apply to the program if I don't have all of the preadmission courses completed?
In order to be qualified to be admitted to the nursing program, students must have all preadmission courses either completed or in progress at the time they apply. That means that students must be registered for all the final preadmission courses they need at the time of application, and that all preadmission coursework is scheduled to be completed by the program's January start date.
5. How can I get courses such as Anatomy & Physiology and Chemistry if I can't enroll at SCSU?
The Nursing department will accept equivalent courses transferred from other institutions, provided that SCSU has determined the courses are equivalent. Students can find more information about course equivalencies by checking the MNCAS (MN Course Applicability System) equivalency tables at www.mntransfer.org, or by checking with the Student Services Coordinator in the Nursing department. In order for students to be admitted in a timely fashion, they are encouraged to take courses at any site that fits their needs.
6. Can I take STAT 193 instead of MATH 193? Can I take other MATH courses to fulfill this requirement?
Yes, any of the equivalent SCSU courses that fulfill the CORE 3 general education requirement are acceptable to fulfill the Nursing program Math requirement. This includes: MATH 111, 112, 115, 196, 211, 221, and STAT 193.
7. Do you have a waiting list?
No, we do not keep a waiting list for admission to the major. We have a competitive admissions process, and we start fresh each year - we do not carry over names or rank orders from one year to the next.
8. When is the application deadline?
Traditional Program:
The application deadline is June 1 st of each year for the program starting the following January. A new class is admitted every year.
Accelerated Program:
The application deadline is February 1st for the program starting the following fall semester. A new class is admitted every other year. (Next deadline: Feb. 1, 2008 for fall 2008 start date.)
9. What are the preadmission course requirements for the Traditional Baccalaureate program if I have a previous degree?
Students with a previous degree (AA, BA, BS, BES) have most of the traditional program's preadmission courses waived. Students will need only to complete the following preadmission coursework:
AA Degree: Biology 202, 204, 206, Chemistry 141, Psychology 240, and Information Media 204
BA/BS/BES Degree: Biology 202, 204, 206, Chemistry 141, and Psychology 240
10. Do I need to have my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification to apply to the program?
No, we do not require that our applicants have their CNA licensure, nor do we require that our applicants have any work experience in the field.
11. Do I need to have my CPR certification to apply to the program?
No, we do not require that our applicants have their CPR certification. After students are admitted into the program, we require that they have American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers CPR certification.
12. How long is the program?
Traditional Program:
The nursing major program is a 5 semester (2 ½ year) program. However, students must complete at least 3-5 semesters of nursing prerequisites and university general education coursework before applying to the nursing program. So overall it will take students 4-5 years to complete the nursing program.
Accelerated Program:
The accelerated program is a 16 month course of study. However, students must complete seven prerequisite courses before beginning the program. So overall it will take students 16 months plus 1-2 years to complete the accelerated program (depending on prerequisite course offerings, previous course completion, etc.)
13. What degree do students earn?
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Nursing.
14. What licensure examination will I be qualified to take after graduation?
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
15. Is there an accelerated program?
Yes, we are now offering an accelerated program! It is an intense, 16 month program designed for students who have previous baccalaureate degrees in another field. Upon completion of this program, students will have a BS with a major in nursing and will go on to take the RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN).
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