Nursing (Accelerated Track)
Admission Requirements
Accelerated Track students apply for admission into the Nursing Program and the University of Saint Mary through NursingCAS. Additional application directly to the University of Saint Mary through the Admissions Office is not required.
Formal admission to the Nursing Program is completed during the spring semester of each year. Admission decisions for all applicants are highly competitive and based on combined qualifications of the applicant in each of the following areas:
- The Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) application must be completed before the designated deadline of each admission cycle.
- The applicant applying to the accelerated track (1 year) must have a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score of at least 70%.
- The Division of Nursing will accept one "C" in nursing support courses. Students who have repeated nursing support courses but were successful, with a grade of "C" or better, will be considered for admission after meeting with the nursing faculty. Multiple repeats on nursing support courses will not be considered for admission. Students must meet all requirements defined in the academic catalog.
- The Division of Nursing will accept the grade of "C" in general education courses. Students who have repeated general education courses but were successful will be considered f or admission after meeting with the nursing faculty. Students must meet all requirements defined in the academic catalog.
- Applicants applying to the accelerated track (1 year) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all previous college coursework.
- Probational admission will be considered with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale in all previous college coursework.
- Applicants applying to the accelerated track (1 year) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for science and mathematics coursework (statistics, nutrition, chemistry with lab, microbiology with lab, and anatomy and physiology I and II with lab).
- Probational admission will be considered with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale for science and mathematics coursework (statistics, nutrition, chemistry with lab, microbiology with lab, and anatomy and physiology I and II with lab).
- Official transcripts for all college or university courses.
- Personal statement answering specific prompts.
- Two letters of professional or academic reference speaking to individual’s ability to complete the rigorous program of study and to have the qualities to be a professional nurse.
- Personal interview for eligible candidates per the discretion of the admission committee (an interview does not guarantee admission).
- Minimum TOEFL (or equivalent) score if English is not the native language and/or most recent degree is from a college or university outside the United States.
- Conditional acceptance is based upon successful completion of any outstanding coursework with a grade of “C” or higher; science prerequisite cumulative GPA of 3.00 must be maintained.
Graduation Requirements
- All degree requirements as outlined in the university catalog.
- Students must successfully complete 57 credit hours of nursing plus additional nursing supporting courses described below.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Academic Policies for the Accelerated Track Nursing Major
- Courses are taught year-round on an 8-week basis with a six-term schedule – Summer II, Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, and Summer I.
- In order to progress in a course, students must earn a 77% average on exams (unit exams, comprehensive final). Students who do not have 77% exam average will receive no higher than a course grade of "C". Students must achieve an 80% or higher in all nursing courses in order to progress.
- A minimum grade of “B” (80%) must be earned in all nursing courses in order to progress in the nursing program.
- Students not on nursing probation who fail or withdraw from one nursing course may be permitted to be repeat that course, on nursing probation status, without reapplication to the program. Courses are typically offered once each academic year. Failure of a second course will result in dismissal from the program and students are not eligible to re-apply.
- Students on nursing probation who fail one course will be dismissed from the program and not permitted to re-apply or return.
- Students who fail to complete the accelerated nursing curriculum, or are dismissed from the nursing program, may apply for re-admission to the traditional track, however admission is competitive and not guaranteed. Students re-admitted to the traditional track will be placed on probation and must complete the entire nursing curriculum that is current at the time of admission to the traditional nursing program.
Additional Requirements for All Nursing Students
Nursing education takes place in both the college classroom and the clinical setting. Students must have access to a computer for the duration of the program. The student’s personal computing system must meet or exceed the published Personal Computing Specifications of the university. Computers are used during class time for research, note-taking, NCLEX-RN prep, and internal and external assessments. Outside of class, students are required to do research, practice with computer-based testing programs, navigate electronic health record systems, participate in various online activities and complete other computer-based assignments. The testing platform does not support Chromebook so students must have alternative computers for exams.
Additional requirements and expenses include (but are not limited to): health examinations, immunizations, uniforms, transportation to clinical agencies, computer programs, stethoscope, background checks, and fees for licensure, graduation and externally prepared examinations. Students are required to be covered by a valid health insurance policy while enrolled in nursing courses. Clinical hours may be during evenings and weekends.