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Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Nursing (Traditional Track)

Admission Requirements

Formal admission to the Nursing Program is completed at the point in a student’s education when all prerequisites are addressed. Admission decisions for all applicants are 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 admissions cycle.
  • The applicant applying to the traditional track (2 years) must have a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score of at least 70%. Students who score between 65-69% may be admitted with additional requirements to assist in their success.
  • 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 grades of "C" in general education courses. Students who have repeated general education courses but were successful will be considered for admission after meeting with the nursing faculty. Students must meet all requirements defined in the academic catalog.
  • Applicants applying to the traditional track (2 years) 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 2.50 on a 4.00 scale in all previous college coursework.
  • Applicants applying to the traditional track (2 years) 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, anatomy and physiology I and II with lab).
  • Probational admission will be considered with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale for science and mathematics coursework (statistics, nutrition, chemistry with lab, microbiology with lab, anatomy and physiology I and II with lab).
  • If accepted on probation, the student's probation status will be reviewed at the end of the academic year.
  • Students who attended a previous RN or BSN program will be considered for admission only after meeting with the nursing faculty. To be considered, students must present a letter of potential from the previous program with a personal statement. Interviews will only be scheduled after receiving this documentation. Students who were unsuccessful in their nursing school may be considered for probationary acceptance after the interview. If accepted, the student will be on probation and their status will be re-evaluated after each academic year. Students must meet all requirements defined in the academic catalog.
  • Students who do not meet admission criteria but believe they should be considered will need to submit a personal letter of appeal detailing their circumstances, plan of success, and why the Division of Nursing should reconsider. An interview will be required to be considered; this does not guarantee admission to the nursing program.
  • Completion of 57 credit hours including all nursing prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the nursing major.
  • Official transcripts for all college or university courses.
  • Personal statement addressing specific prompts.
  • Two letters of professional or academic reference speaking to individual’s ability to complete the rigorous program of study and demonstration of the qualities to be a professional nurse.
  • 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.
  • Additional application directly to the University of Saint Mary through the Admissions Office is not required.
  • Highly qualified high school students may apply for direct entry to nursing through the aSpire to Nursing Program. Students must have a high school GPA of at least 3.50 and an ACT composite of at least 24 and maintain a 3.50 GPA throughout all pre-nursing coursework. Students who have not taken the ACT must have at least a 3.50 GPA and a letter addressing specific prompts.

Graduation Requirements

  • Completion of 120 hours of college level credit as indicated in this catalog.
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.
  • Other requirements for graduation are the same as the university requirements.

Academic Policies for the Nursing Major

  • In order to progress in a nursing course, students must earn a 77% average on exams (unit exams, comprehensive final). Students who do not have a 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 in the nursing program.
  • 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 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 reapply.
  • Students on nursing probation who fail one nursing course will be dismissed from the program and not permitted to re-apply or return.
  • Students in the traditional track have three years from the time of admission to the nursing program to complete the entire nursing curriculum.
  • Students who fail to complete the nursing curriculum in this three-year period, or are dismissed from the nursing program, may request readmission to the nursing program one time only and are subject to completing the entire nursing curriculum that is current at the time of readmission to the nursing program.

Additional Requirements for 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.