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Questions about BSN program
Can you please answer my questions below?
・When I apply to a university that offers a BSN program, do i apply to that university first, and then apply to the BSN program?
・Are there any differences between getting into the BSN program in the same university, or from other universities?
Thank you!
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5 answers
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hey Lisa,
You've already gathered a wealth of valuable details about the process of applying for a BSN degree. As previously mentioned, the specifics can vary depending on the institution. Take Kennesaw State University as an example, their nursing program is highly sought after. The first step involves applying to their undergraduate program, followed by a separate application for the Nursing program. It's essential to complete at least 7 out of the 11 prerequisite courses before the nursing application deadline, with a minimum of 5 of these 7 being math & natural science courses.
Remember, nursing is a challenging field with high competition, so it's important to strive for excellent grades and a standout performance on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to secure a spot in a Nursing Program. Once you're in, success will depend on passing all your classes and actively participating in clinical rotations, which will provide you with invaluable hands-on nursing experience. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for your state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to officially become a licensed nurse.
My own daughter went through a similar journey, applying to numerous Nursing programs before eventually transferring to a different college to earn her BSN. Today, she's a dedicated nurse in the Neuro ICU.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward! Good luck!
You've already gathered a wealth of valuable details about the process of applying for a BSN degree. As previously mentioned, the specifics can vary depending on the institution. Take Kennesaw State University as an example, their nursing program is highly sought after. The first step involves applying to their undergraduate program, followed by a separate application for the Nursing program. It's essential to complete at least 7 out of the 11 prerequisite courses before the nursing application deadline, with a minimum of 5 of these 7 being math & natural science courses.
Remember, nursing is a challenging field with high competition, so it's important to strive for excellent grades and a standout performance on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to secure a spot in a Nursing Program. Once you're in, success will depend on passing all your classes and actively participating in clinical rotations, which will provide you with invaluable hands-on nursing experience. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for your state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to officially become a licensed nurse.
My own daughter went through a similar journey, applying to numerous Nursing programs before eventually transferring to a different college to earn her BSN. Today, she's a dedicated nurse in the Neuro ICU.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward! Good luck!
Updated
Reema’s Answer
Applying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at a university can be a unique journey, varying from one institution to another. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate the process:
First Step: University Application
The journey typically begins with an application to the university as an undergraduate student. This process is usually managed by the university's general admissions office. You'll need to meet the university's basic admission requirements, which could include standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
Second Step: BSN Program Application
Once you've been accepted to the university, the next step is often to apply separately to the BSN program. This application is typically handled by the university's nursing school or department. You might need to provide additional materials such as a separate essay, relevant coursework prerequisites, healthcare experience (if required), and possibly participate in an interview.
Understanding the Admission Process Variations
For Internal Applicants (Same University):
If you're already a student at the university (either newly admitted or currently enrolled in a different major), you might have a simplified process for applying to the BSN program. Some universities offer priority or guaranteed admission pathways for their students if they meet specific criteria.
For External Applicants (Different University):
If you're applying to a BSN program at a different university, you'll need to go through the entire admissions process for that university first. This means you'll need to submit an application for general admission to the university and then apply separately to the BSN program.
First Step: University Application
The journey typically begins with an application to the university as an undergraduate student. This process is usually managed by the university's general admissions office. You'll need to meet the university's basic admission requirements, which could include standardized test scores (like the SAT or ACT), high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay.
Second Step: BSN Program Application
Once you've been accepted to the university, the next step is often to apply separately to the BSN program. This application is typically handled by the university's nursing school or department. You might need to provide additional materials such as a separate essay, relevant coursework prerequisites, healthcare experience (if required), and possibly participate in an interview.
Understanding the Admission Process Variations
For Internal Applicants (Same University):
If you're already a student at the university (either newly admitted or currently enrolled in a different major), you might have a simplified process for applying to the BSN program. Some universities offer priority or guaranteed admission pathways for their students if they meet specific criteria.
For External Applicants (Different University):
If you're applying to a BSN program at a different university, you'll need to go through the entire admissions process for that university first. This means you'll need to submit an application for general admission to the university and then apply separately to the BSN program.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Lisa !
Applying to college for a Nursing Program will be different from college to college. It's going to depend on where you apply. Colleges have all different requirements, acceptance rates, acceptance procedures and Nursing Program availability.
I have left a link to a list of colleges that you can explore further to get the individual school procedures for applying. One of these colleges is California State University, Sacramento and I will use it just as an example for the question you have asked. Explore all colleges and you can read about their application procedures at their websites.
For example, if you chose to go to California State University, Sacramento for Nursing, Admission to the CSUS Nursing Program is indeed a two step process. You would first apply to be accepted to the CSUS University and then apply to be accepted into their Nursing Program. That is just one example. Various schools may be different, so it would help to go to individual college websites to look at their admissions requirements and procedures for their nursing programs. On the other hand, if you enroll at The Valley Foundation School of Nursing in San Jose, you can be admitted directly to the school as a Nursing student.
If the information about acceptance is not on the colleges websites, you can always call or visit the college and ask about it. Keep in mind that sometimes it's not due to merit, but sometimes the program is just filled up and there's no room that semester. Ask the college staff if that happens, whether or not they keep a waiting list.
I hope that this is a bit of help to get you started and I wish you all the best !
LIST OF NURSING COLLEGES IN CALIFORNIA https://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/articles/list-accredited-nursing-schools-san-jose-california
Applying to college for a Nursing Program will be different from college to college. It's going to depend on where you apply. Colleges have all different requirements, acceptance rates, acceptance procedures and Nursing Program availability.
I have left a link to a list of colleges that you can explore further to get the individual school procedures for applying. One of these colleges is California State University, Sacramento and I will use it just as an example for the question you have asked. Explore all colleges and you can read about their application procedures at their websites.
For example, if you chose to go to California State University, Sacramento for Nursing, Admission to the CSUS Nursing Program is indeed a two step process. You would first apply to be accepted to the CSUS University and then apply to be accepted into their Nursing Program. That is just one example. Various schools may be different, so it would help to go to individual college websites to look at their admissions requirements and procedures for their nursing programs. On the other hand, if you enroll at The Valley Foundation School of Nursing in San Jose, you can be admitted directly to the school as a Nursing student.
If the information about acceptance is not on the colleges websites, you can always call or visit the college and ask about it. Keep in mind that sometimes it's not due to merit, but sometimes the program is just filled up and there's no room that semester. Ask the college staff if that happens, whether or not they keep a waiting list.
I hope that this is a bit of help to get you started and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Lisa, it's crucial to comprehend the application procedure and possible variances among Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs when you're considering enrolling in one. Let's start with your first query. The usual application process involves applying to the university first, and then separately to the BSN program.
The reason for this is that most universities need to admit you to the university itself before you can apply to specific programs within it. This dual-step process lets the university check your overall academic abilities before the nursing department determines if you're a good fit for their program. But remember, some universities might have a unified application process where you apply to both the university and the BSN program at once. To make sure you're on the right track, always verify the specific requirements of each university you're considering.
Moving on to your second question, Lisa, it's important to realize that there can be differences between getting into a BSN program at the same university and at different universities. At the same university, the admission criteria and level of competition may be more foreseeable, and you may have a better grasp of the school's culture and expectations.
Moreover, some universities might favor their own students when picking candidates for their BSN programs. On the flip side, applying to BSN programs at various universities can provide a broader array of opportunities and potentially boost your chances of getting in. Each university might have slightly different admission prerequisites, program setups, and specializations. Some schools might have more demanding programs with higher GPA or prerequisite needs, while others might focus more on holistic aspects like volunteer work or personal statements. It's vital to research and compare several programs to find the one that best matches your academic history, career aspirations, and personal tastes.
In conclusion, Lisa, the most important thing is to thoroughly examine each program's specific prerequisites and application procedures to make a well-informed decision and increase your chances of getting in.
The reason for this is that most universities need to admit you to the university itself before you can apply to specific programs within it. This dual-step process lets the university check your overall academic abilities before the nursing department determines if you're a good fit for their program. But remember, some universities might have a unified application process where you apply to both the university and the BSN program at once. To make sure you're on the right track, always verify the specific requirements of each university you're considering.
Moving on to your second question, Lisa, it's important to realize that there can be differences between getting into a BSN program at the same university and at different universities. At the same university, the admission criteria and level of competition may be more foreseeable, and you may have a better grasp of the school's culture and expectations.
Moreover, some universities might favor their own students when picking candidates for their BSN programs. On the flip side, applying to BSN programs at various universities can provide a broader array of opportunities and potentially boost your chances of getting in. Each university might have slightly different admission prerequisites, program setups, and specializations. Some schools might have more demanding programs with higher GPA or prerequisite needs, while others might focus more on holistic aspects like volunteer work or personal statements. It's vital to research and compare several programs to find the one that best matches your academic history, career aspirations, and personal tastes.
In conclusion, Lisa, the most important thing is to thoroughly examine each program's specific prerequisites and application procedures to make a well-informed decision and increase your chances of getting in.
Updated
Arianne’s Answer
Applying to a University with a BSN Program:
In most cases, you will apply to the university itself first. The application process will typically ask you to declare your intended major or program of interest. This could be a specific major like Nursing, or it could be a more general option like "Pre-Nursing."
Here's the general breakdown:
Apply to the University: This is the main application process where you submit your transcripts, test scores (like SAT or ACT), essays, and other required materials.
Declare Your Major (Optional): Some universities may ask you to declare your intended major during the application process. If they offer a specific "Pre-Nursing" major, you might choose that option. Other universities might simply have you apply to the university and then declare your major later, often after completing your first year of general education courses.
Differences in Admission for BSN Programs:
Admission to the BSN program can be more competitive than general university admission. Here's why:
Limited Seats: BSN programs often have limited seats available each year.
Additional Requirements: Beyond general university admission requirements, BSN programs may have additional prerequisites like science courses, GPA minimums, and specific standardized test scores (often the TEAS exam).
Separate Application (Sometimes): While most universities have you apply to the university first, some might have a separate application process specifically for the BSN program after meeting general university admission requirements.
Here's a table summarizing the key points:
Stage General University Admission BSN Program Admission
Application Apply to the university Maybe part of the university application or a separate process (check with the university)
Competitiveness Less competitive More Competitive
Requirements General academic requirements (GPA, test scores) May have additional prerequisites (science courses, GPA minimums, TEAS exam)
Tips:
Research the BSN program at your target universities: Look for information about the application process, specific requirements, and deadlines.
Meet with a university advisor: They can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you have about the BSN program at their university.
In most cases, you will apply to the university itself first. The application process will typically ask you to declare your intended major or program of interest. This could be a specific major like Nursing, or it could be a more general option like "Pre-Nursing."
Here's the general breakdown:
Apply to the University: This is the main application process where you submit your transcripts, test scores (like SAT or ACT), essays, and other required materials.
Declare Your Major (Optional): Some universities may ask you to declare your intended major during the application process. If they offer a specific "Pre-Nursing" major, you might choose that option. Other universities might simply have you apply to the university and then declare your major later, often after completing your first year of general education courses.
Differences in Admission for BSN Programs:
Admission to the BSN program can be more competitive than general university admission. Here's why:
Limited Seats: BSN programs often have limited seats available each year.
Additional Requirements: Beyond general university admission requirements, BSN programs may have additional prerequisites like science courses, GPA minimums, and specific standardized test scores (often the TEAS exam).
Separate Application (Sometimes): While most universities have you apply to the university first, some might have a separate application process specifically for the BSN program after meeting general university admission requirements.
Here's a table summarizing the key points:
Stage General University Admission BSN Program Admission
Application Apply to the university Maybe part of the university application or a separate process (check with the university)
Competitiveness Less competitive More Competitive
Requirements General academic requirements (GPA, test scores) May have additional prerequisites (science courses, GPA minimums, TEAS exam)
Tips:
Research the BSN program at your target universities: Look for information about the application process, specific requirements, and deadlines.
Meet with a university advisor: They can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you have about the BSN program at their university.