Admission Requirements BSN Completion and Articulated BSN/MNSc Program

The BSN completion and articulated BSN/MNSc curriculum allows for two pathways leading to the completion of the BSN degree. The baccalaureate completion program is web-based.

All candidates for both pathways in the BSN completion program must meet the following requirements:

1.       An applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all accredited college or university courses attempted, with a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses.

2.   Applicants, including those who have earned a baccalaureate degree outside the United States, must complete at least 64 semester hours of prerequisite general education courses prior to admission. A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree in any field within the United States may be considered for admission through the post baccalaureate option. See page 28.

3.    If English is not the applicant’s first language, a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based or at least 213 on computer-based exam is required. As of 2006, a minimum score of 20 in each section of the iBT is required. The exam must have been taken within the last two (2) calendar years of admission. Only TOEFL test scores received directly from ETS will be accepted as valid. Testing information is available at http://etsis4.ets.org/tcenter/cbtdmlst.cfm

4.    International Applicants: If a candidate is basing admission eligibility on credits from an international accredited college or university, the official transcript must first be evaluated by the United States accredited college or university where prerequisite courses are being taken. A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with the application. A GPA for purposes of admission is figured on courses taken at United States accredited colleges or universities.

5.    Official transcripts of course work from all other institutions attended must be forwarded to the College of Nursing Office of Admissions for review. Upon request, an accompanying catalog for the years covered by the transcript must be submitted before evaluation can take place.

6.   Many healthcare facilities utilized for student clinical experiences require completion of a mandatory background check. Therefore, all students entering the BSN program will be required to complete the paperwork for this criminal background check and fingerprinting. The background checks and fingerprinting will be processed through the Arkansas State Police and the FBI. The results of these checks will remain confidential and available only to the College of Nursing administration.

7.    Requirements necessary to receive advanced placement vary with length of time since graduation and length of time of nursing employment. See “Arkansas Nursing Articulation Model”, page 18.

8.   In order to apply to this program, refer to page 19 for admission of Associate Degree and Diploma School Graduates.

 NOTES:

 1.   All prerequisite course work and credit by examination must be completed and is considered part of the application process. Only complete application files will be considered for admission, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completeness exists.

2.   The articulated BSN/MNSc pathway will allow for students with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or greater to take selected graduate course work to be applied to the BSN. See page 19 for progression requirements.

3.   The Web-based BSN completion and articulated BSN/MNSc program is offered part-time and full-time.

4.   Upon completion of coursework and awarding of the BSN, application may be made to the MNSc program for students in pathway one or pathway two. See page 37 for admission requirements and deadlines to the MNSc program.

5.    Master’s courses completed in the articulated BSN/MNSc pathway may be no more than 4 years old at the time of admission to the master’s program.

Admission of Associate Degree and Diploma School Graduates

A graduate with an ADN or diploma in nursing who has achieved licensure as a registered nurse may apply for admission to the nursing program with advanced standing. The baccalaureate program is web-based. In order to apply as a RN, the following steps are included in addition to the ones listed above:

1. Applicants with RN nursing preparation must provide an official transcript from the nursing school where they received their preparation to the College of Nursing.

2.  See “Arkansas Nursing Articulation Model” to determine need for testing for advanced standing for RNs. The RN applicant may receive credit for up to 37 semester hours through advanced testing if notarized verification of employment form received.

or

For advanced standing tests, the minimal passing score is 45 except for ACT/PEP, 90 for NLN Nursing Mobility Profile exams, and 70% for the teacher-made exams. The exams may be taken no more than two (2) times. The exams must be passed prior to entry into the program. NLN Mobility and ACT/PEP exam scores may not be more than five (5) years old at the date of admission to enter the BSN program.

3.  Applicants must supply proof of completion of a health assessment course by:
a. Official transcript verifying health assessment course or
b. Documentation of a continuing education course followed by written and practical exams administered by the College of Nursing.

Click here to see the schedule for Health Assessment course offered by UAMS.