Hap Courses Which Are Not Listed On The Approved List Must Meet The Following Criteria For Plar Assessment:
Nursing Licensure And Credentialing Requirements
Admissions into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or any associated costs, to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements.
Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements are available from:
CEHHS Student Services333. S. Twin Oaks Valley RoadSan Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Labs And Clinical Disclaimer
Please be aware that due to COVID-19 restrictions and limitations, our labs and in-person clinicals could change at any time without prior student notification.
Everything with the ABSN curriculum flows really well. You learn a skill online, apply it in lab, and then go to clinical to see how that skill plays out in real life. -Erin, a 2018 ABSN program graduate.
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What You Can Do With These Degrees
Any joint degree will expand your opportunities for advancement and higher earnings. Specific roles will depend on the type of degrees you earn, but there are three common combinations.
Joint MSN/MPH
Pairing an MSN with a Master of Public Health is designed for nurses who want to pursue leadership positions in community or public health organizations.
Joint MSN/MBA
Combining an MSN with a Master of Business Administration is sometimes known as being in the Nurse Executive Program. Here, students learn the business skills necessary to hold executive-level roles in hospitals and other large healthcare organizations.
Joint MSN/MHA
Earning an MSN with a Master of Health Administration offers similar benefits to those of the joint degrees listed above, but the combination is a bit broader. Youll be educated about making important decisions related to the management of various healthcare organizations and educational settings.
Associate Degree In Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing is the minimum degree requirement for becoming a registered nurse . As an RN, youll have the credentials necessary to qualify for most nursing jobs that involve providing critical patient care and assisting physicians.
Youll find ADN programs at community colleges and some four-year institutions. Some schools also offer online nursing degrees in hybrid programs that combine virtual instruction with on-site clinical training.
ADN programs will give you the knowledge and experience RNs need to perform the following duties:
- Assist physicians during exams, surgeries, and other medical procedures
- Dress wounds and incisions
- Run and analyze diagnostics tests
- Review patient treatment plans and chart progress
- Supervise LPNs, LVNs, and CNAs
- Provide patient education on self-care
The curriculum for an ADN also includes studying science-related courses such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology.
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Lpn/lvn Certificate Or Diploma
A licensed practical nurse certificate is a nondegree diploma offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and sometimes at hospitals themselves. In Texas and California, this role is known as a licensed vocational nurse .
Both LPN and LVN programs prepare you to work under the supervision of RNs and perform the following key duties:
- Take vital signs
- Change wound dressings and insert catheters
- Assist with tests, sample collection, and procedures
- Administer medication and injections
- Improve patient comfort
In addition to clinical applications, youll also learn about general medical topics that include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and emergency care. Specialty certifications in areas such as IV therapy, long-term care, pharmacology, and breastfeeding support are also available.
Who Requires A Criminal Record Check
All accepted students are required to complete a criminal record check in order to identify individuals convicted of physical, sexual, or chemical abuse. The CRC application process will be explained in your acceptance letter.. Only criminal record checks completed through BCIT will be accepted.
If you have questions regarding the criminal record check process for Nursing students, please contact
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What Are The Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, you will be able to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes and community health settings. Nursing careers are diverse and include practice, education, administration and research.
For more information on nursing demand in Canada, visit the Canadian Nursing Association.
Before Applying To Nursing School
Before applying to nursing schools, carefully examine each institution’s academic prerequisites. Prospective undergraduates should obtain their high school transcripts, while MSN applicants should contact their previous schools for their official undergraduate transcripts.
You should also take the appropriate entrance exam. These may include the ACT, SAT, and GRE, depending on the program. Many programs will require a specific nursing entrance exam, such as the HESI, ATI, TEAS, NLN Pre-Admission Exam , Nursing Entrance Test , or Kaplan Admissions Test. In addition, you will likely need to submit one or more letters of recommendation with your nursing application.
Feeling overwhelmed? Check out our helpful breakdown of a nursing school application timeline.
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Apply To Your Chosen Programs
Once youve determined the type of nurse youd like to become and have identified some programs that meet your criteria, its time to start applying to nursing schools. Filling out an application can seem daunting, but just remember that every nurse who came before you had to clear the same hurdle.
Also note that many nursing hopefuls find it useful to block off a few hours when it comes time to fill out an application. You will need to pay close attention to the application guidelines and any supplemental materials required of you, such as essays and letters of recommendation.
Be sure to also pay close attention to any deadlines listed on the programs website and, if at all possible, submit your application early it can help reinforce your eagerness and commitment, while also showing the school that youre both prepared and reliable. This will also provide you with some extra time for the program personnel to contact you if any supplemental application materials are needed before the deadline.
The Bsn: Not Just Another Bachelors
Your second bachelors will be quicker than the first one, and its not just because of the learning curve. Chances are that most of your first two years were spent in general studies . Expect to get credit for this work.
A lot of nursing schools have tracks specifically for second degree nursing students your whole cohort may be professionals seeking a second career! Its likely that the total program length will be about 60 semester hours. You can go at a traditional pace and finish a program within two years. There are also intensive or accelerated options that subtract out most breaks and get you through in about 15 or 16 months. There are even some programs that can be completed in a calendar year.
Prerequisites may add to program length. They vary by program, but anatomy and physiology, chemistry, statistics, nutrition, and microbiology are common requirements. The school may get you through these at an accelerated rate as well. Be aware that programs may carry a per-credit tuition rate well into the hundreds.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher may be required however, students are sometimes admitted with less. Professional references and personal statement will be a part of the package. There will likely also be an interview.
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University Open Day Questions To Ask About Studying Nursing
One of the best ways to make the right choice about a university is to attend an open day. This is a great opportunity to see the full picture and not be dazzled by the shiny brochure or flashy website that all universities have.
What Can I Do To Increase My Chances Of Getting Into Nursing School

Improve your chances of getting into nursing school by taking math and science courses — especially biology and human anatomy — and maintaining a high GPA. You can establish foundational skills in the field by first becoming a CNA or an LPN. You can also volunteer at a hospital to gain knowledge about nursing and the healthcare industry.
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What Grades Do I Need To Study Nursing
To work as a nurse youre going to need a degree in Nursing and the most common route is to study for your degree after finishing your A Levels. Nursing is a diverse and rewarding career that youll need many skills for. Youll graduate with a high level of technical competence, strong decision making skills, clinical experience, and the ability to take responsibility for your patients in their time of need.
Nursing School Admission Requirements
Requirements for applying to nursing school vary by program, and every institution maintains different admission guidelines. Be sure to double check your prospective school’s requirements before applying.
The list below includes some common requirements to get into nursing school:
- Admissions application
- Previous academic degree
- Minimum GPA that meets your prospective program’s requirements
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Admissions interviews
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The Process Of Applying For Nursing
Nursing is a very popular degree choice and the application process is more involved than applying for most other degree courses. The application process for Nursing is very similar to applying to study Medicine and youll need to allow yourself plenty of time to complete your application if youre going to be successful.
Which Is The Faster Route To Nursing Practice
Is the ADN a quicker route to employment as a nurse? There are some accelerated options out there, but in some instances, the associates is actually longer. At Penn State, a second bachelors is an intensive experience that can be completed in 16 months if the prerequisites have been done. And the associates? The Penn State Nursing FAQ notes that even with a prior degree, it will still run two years.
When its time to enter the job market, will you be at any advantage because you have a bachelors, even though its not in nursing in addition to your nursing degree? Some. Still, it depends on the local job market. Some competitive positions are going to favor those with a BSN and more advanced nursing coursework. Degree level could also be an issue if you decide to go on to graduate school and advanced practice. Schools like San Diego State University and Ball State University do consider RNs who have a bachelors in another field for admission to MSN programs. However, additional coursework is required prior to entry.
One thing you may want to consider is articulation between programs. Will it be relatively easy to continue taking classes if you decide you want to as you progress up the nursing ladder?
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Know How Many Credits You Need To Graduate
You transferred your credits and successfully completed your prerequisites, support, and signature courses. Now it is time to begin the nursing course sequence that starts the ABSN program.
During Madonna Universitys Accelerated BSN program, you will complete 53 credit hours. Those credit hours are broken down into four, full-time semesters that include a combination of online curriculum, hands-on lab experience, and in-hospital clinical rotations.
Identify The Level Of Nursing Education Youll Need
As you inch closer toward determining the type of nurse youd like to become, youll want to start looking into the specifics surrounding the educational commitment that will be expected of you. If youre looking to become an LPN, for example, you can earn your diploma in as few as 12 months.*
If youre more partial to the job responsibilities and opportunities that could await you as an RN, you can earn your ADN in as few as 18 months, while the traditional BSN route is more likely to take as few as 33 months.* If youve already obtained a bachelors degree in a different field and youd like to pursue a BSN as your second degree, you can complete a program in closer to 18 months.*
There is also an option for practicing RNs who are not yet baccalaureate-qualified to earn a BSN in as few as 18 months with online RN to BSN programs.* And finally, if youre hoping to take your career even further with an MSN, youll need to first earn your BSN and then complete at least another 18 months of schooling to become Masters-qualified.*
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Joint Masters Degrees In Nursing
Earning a joint masters degree in nursing could be right for you if you want to earn an MSN and a complementary degree in less time than completing two separate programs. Youll get a solid education in nursing practice and theory while gaining advanced skills in another area that can help you tailor your career.
Can I Work During The Program

Many accelerated programs can be seen as a full-time position in terms of time commitment. The scheduling may vary, but many programs hold classes daily, sometimes even Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Programs typically discourage working during the length of the accelerated program however, many accelerated BSN students will find the time to work once a week, depending on their needs and availability.
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What Credit By Examinations Do You Accept
The University of Maryland School of Nursing recognizes the following proficiency examination programs for credit:
- Advanced Placement
- College-Level Examination Program
- International Baccalaureate Exams
Required tests scores, credits, and transfer equivalency are determined by UMSON. Credits earned through AP, CLEP, or IB may be used to fulfill UMSON prerequisite coursework requirements.
Assigned Pass/fail Grades For Spring Or Summer 2020
In accordance with School of Nursing admission requirements, a letter grade of C or higher is required for all prerequisite courses. If you were assigned pass/fail grades for the spring 2020 or summer 2020 semesters, you must provide a detailed explanation of the grading scale for the pass/fail system from the registrars office of that institution. A pass grade that includes letter grades below a C will not be accepted for admission into the nursing program. If the institution identified a pass grade as a C or above, all passing grades will be calculated at the value of a C for GPA determination.
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Meet Necessary Nursing School Qualifications
To qualify for the Marian University ABSN program, you must hold a non-nursing bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you do have a degree in another field, then your next step would be to contact an admissions advisor who will work with you to make an admissions plan unique to your needs. They will also determine if your past credits and GPA meetMarians eligibility requirementsand determine what prerequisites you may need to take.
Once you meet theserequirementsand complete theprerequisiteslisted below, you can successfully enroll in the program. However, academics arent everything. Marian is based on strong Franciscan values, teaching future nurses to respect the dignity of each individual and practice holistic care, taking the entire person into account beyond just their symptoms. If you align with our mission and meet our admissions requirements, though, you can complete the program and earn your BSN degree in as few as 16 months.
Your Field Education Options
Students are placed in a wide range of nursing practice placements and a variety of nursing roles. Nursing experiences occur primarily in long-term care, acute care hospitals and community settings within or outside of the Greater Toronto Area . Travel to various agencies throughout the GTA is an expectation.
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Nursing School Entrance Exams
Most colleges and universities expect all undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. While master’s and doctoral program applicants are generally required to provide GRE scores, some nursing program requirements allow prospective graduate students to apply without submitting test results.
Nursing schools may also require specialized entrance exams that measure abilities like communication, critical thinking, and core healthcare related subjects. These exams include the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam or the Nursing Entrance Test , which focus on math and science. Some CNA and LPN/LVN programs require the Test of Academic Skills , which evaluates students’ foundational knowledge in science, math, and reading.
Fortunately, test preparation materials are available to help you study for these exams. Educational companies provide books and online materials, including practice exams, so students can feel confident on test day. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to study.