Admission to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Each student should have completed a college preparatory program that included:

English and literature - 8 semesters

History

Mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus) - 4-8 semesters

Laboratory science (chemistry 2-4 semesters, biology 2-4 semesters)

Social Studies

Natural Sciences

Upper level rank in high school graduating class

Aptitude test scores - American College Test (ACT). Scores must be dated within five years. Individuals who have not taken the ACT should contact the Admissions Office.

Admission to the Major

College-accepted students may be admitted to the Nursing Major. To begin Nursing courses students can apply for early admission by October 31. All applications to the program should be received by March 1st in the academic year preceding anticipated entry. Late applications may be considered dependent upon space available but no applications will be considered after August 1. Successful applicants will:

1. Have a 2.70 or above cumulative GPA and earn a “C” (2.00) or above in all required nursing major, health professions track requirement courses, and the following courses: CT233, EN133, and RS293
2. Demonstrate readiness by successful completion of nursing prerequisite courses
3. Demonstrate defining qualities by providing two (2) professional letters of reference
4. Demonstrate readiness by satisfactory completion of a self-assessment

Transfer

Individuals having completed coursework in another Presentation College major or in another institution may apply for admission to the major. Individuals having a degree in another discipline are exempt from the ACT/SAT requirement. Completed coursework and academic performance in the previous enrollment will be considered, with a minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA. There is no guarantee of a place in the class. Individuals in this category will be notified by June 1 of the year students request a place in the 200-level class the following fall. Transfer students needing to complete nursing prerequisite courses at “C” or higher may enroll in the College and follow the procedure outlined for a place in the 200-level class on a competitive basis. Applicants who previously have earned a satisfactory grade in a nursing course in another ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program must first be admitted to Presentation College, and then send a request to the Department of Nursing Admission and Progression Committee. If students are unsuccessful in two nursing courses from another program, they will not be considered for admission.

Licensed Practical Nurse - Advanced Placement Opportunity

LPNs with one-year certificate education seeking admission to the baccalaureate degree program may establish selected credit in the traditional BSN program. The Department of Nursing Admission and Progression Committee will review files and individual plans for completion will be developed.

Advanced placement applicants must:

1. Be admitted to Presentation College
2. Hold an unencumbered, active LPN license
3. Graduate from state-approved practical nursing degree program (1 year)
4. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher
5. Have a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing practice experience (or less with permission of department)
6. Submit two satisfactory professional character references (forms available)
7. Submit to national criminal background screening (cost incurred by students); see policy in the Nursing Student Handbook regarding interpretation of results. Students in Minnesota are also required to complete, by state law, a criminal background screening (cost incurred by College)

Policy on Acknowledgment of Professional Development and Alternative Learning

The Department of Nursing recognizes the important contributions and accomplishments of RN and LPN students and values and supports recognition of professional development and alternative learning in the educational process. A policy has been established whereby professional development and alternative learning may be recognized for individual students. Refer to the Department of Nursing Student Handbook and general graduation requirements in the College Catalog for more information.