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:
- Previous bachelor’s or higher degree in any major from an accredited college or university
- Students without a prior bachelor's degree that have satisfied all general education requirements and GPA requirements may apply to the Accelerated Nursing Track. Transfer students will be provided the opportunity to complete GE 102 Saint Mary Experience and GE 202 General Education Capstone once admitted to the program.
- Completed Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS) application
- Official transcripts for all college or university courses
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for all previous coursework; probationary status will be considered for those with a 2.80 GPA on a 4.00 scale
- Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for science prerequisites; probationary status will be considered for those with a 2.80 GPA on a 4.00 scale
- Minimum grade of “C” in all prerequisite courses being transferred to the University
- Personal Statement
- 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 selected eligible candidates (an interview does not guarantee admission)
- Achievement of designated benchmark on program-specified externally prepared entrance exam (example: TEAS)
- Minimum TOEFL score if English is not the native language and/or most recent degree is from a college or university outside the United States. Minimum writing and speaking scores as outline in the Admission section of the Catalog.
- Conditional acceptance is based upon successful completion of any outstanding coursework with a grade of “C” or higher. Cumulative and science prerequisite GPA of 3.00 must be maintained.
Graduation Requirements
- All degree requirements as outlined in the university catalog
- Students must successfully complete 56 credit hours of nursing plus additional nursing supporting courses described below.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.00.
Academic Policies for the Accelerated Track Nursing Major
- Courses are taught year round on an eight (8) week basis with a six (6) term schedule – Summer II, Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II, and Summer I.
- Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation and will be reviewed by the Nursing Academic and Student Affairs Committee (ASAC).
- A minimum grade of “C” (77%) must be earned in all nursing courses in order to progress in the nursing curriculum.
- Any students scoring less than a 77% test average in will receive a grade of “D” or “F” for that course and on their transcript.
- Students who fail one course will be dismissed from the program.
- 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 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.
Additional requirements and expenses include (but are not limited to): health examinations, immunizations, uniforms, transportation to clinical agencies, computer programs, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, 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.