• Fall Semester Deadline is March 15
• Spring Semester Deadline of July 15
• Summer Semester Deadline is January 15

1. Submission of a completed application with a $50 fee.
2. Minimum GPA of 2.75 on all prerequisite courses and in good standing within the University.
3. Minimum University GPA of 2.5.
4. Minimum grade of “C” in all pre-professional courses.
5. Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance.
6. Evidence of CPR certification.
7. Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen and results of an acceptable background check.
8. Submit unofficial transcripts from other universities to the College of Nursing for review of prerequisite courses.

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE YEARS

(To be successfully completed before admission to the Professional Component)

It is the policy of the College of Nursing to average grades for all coursework repeated

Written Communication

Humanities and Fine Arts

History/Social and Behavioral Science

Natural Sciences

Major Requirements

Total Credits 62

*Must have one history elective and one literature elective. In addition, you must choose a second history or second literature to complete a two-part sequence (e.g. US History I, US History II or American Literature I, American Literature II)

This evaluation by the College of Nursing is valid for only one year. It is contingent upon the Transfer Credit Articulation completed by the Office of Admissions at the time of acceptance to USA.

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS: 62

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS: 62

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS: 62

Please note the following test, titers, and immunizations are required for admission into the Nursing Program. It is very important to start working on these requirements early to allow time to complete all of them by the deadline that will be included in admission packets.

• Hepatitis B adult immunizations to start classes then titer by end of 2nd semester 
• MMR adult immunizations
• Varicella adult immunization
• Flu Vaccine
• TB Test (2-step PPD test, Quantiferon Gold test, or T-spot)
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine

*Hepatitis B immunizations may take up to 6 months to obtain the full adult series of immunizations as well as another month after the last immunization to have the titer completed. As defined by the CDC, adult immunization schedules refer to adults aged 19 years or older.

The College of Nursing has an early acceptance program for highly qualified high school seniors who demonstrate leadership qualities and motivation toward the study of nursing. Students participating in the early acceptance program are guaranteed admission to the upper division professional component of the nursing curriculum when they meet the following requirements. Students who meet early acceptance requirements must also submit an application for admission to the Professional Component by the deadline on the Traditional BSN webpage that corresponds to the semester you wish to begin the Professional Component.

Academic Requirements

High School Requirements

1. Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 based on 4.0 scale as computed by USA Office of Admissions
2. Submit an ACT score of at least 25 composite (or 1200 SAT) – Requirement temporarily suspended during 2021 Please see undergraduate admissions test optional policy under transcripts and scores for more details.
3. Apply for admission to USA.
4. Apply for admission to the Professional Component of the BSN program.

Upon Admission to USA – Student Requirements

1. USA students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 on all coursework, as computed by the USA Office of Admissions, before entering the professional component.
2. Students are encouraged to complete all pre-professional nursing courses at USA.
3. Make a grade of C or better on all final grades.
4. Must be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester (No minimal credit hour requirement for summer semesters).
5. Be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Nursing.

A second opportunity for participation in the CONEAP is available to students who have completed their freshman year of pre-nursing prerequisite courses at USA and have achieved an overall GPA of 3.2 or above (as computed by the USA Registrar’s Office). Students who meet early acceptance requirements must also submit an application for admission to the Professional Component by the deadline on the Traditional BSN webpage that corresponds to the semester you wish to begin the Professional Component.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on all coursework completed at USA, as computed by the USA Office of Admissions
2. Complete the freshman year of college
3. Complete the following courses: BLY 101 with Lab, MA 110 or 112, and CH 101 with Lab
4. Maintain a 3.2 GPA throughout all coursework.
5. Make a grade of C or better on all final grades.
6. Apply for admission to the Professional Component of the BSN program.
7. Be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Nursing

Students accepted into this BSN program in the College of Nursing are required to complete all requirements under Medical Documents Manager.  All requirements should be completed no later than one month prior to the first day of classes for the professional component.  Students are not required to order a Castle Branch account until they have been accepted into the professional component. 

Upon completion of the BSN programs, graduates should be able to:

• Deliver professional nursing care for diverse populations across the lifespan to optimize health care outcomes.
• Demonstrate the application of theory and evidence from contemporary nursing science and related disciplines as a basis for clinical reasoning, management, and evaluation of professional nursing care through the use of professional writing and clinical judgment.
• Model responsibility and accountability for one’s personal and delegated nursing care and lifelong learning to ensure excellence in nursing practice.
• Translate evidence into professional nursing practice to individualize patient care designed to improve care outcomes.
• Select principles of leadership and management that guide nursing, influence health policy, and transform health care delivery systems.
• Collaborate with inter-professional health care teams and consumers in delivering and advocating for safe and effective use of health care resources.
• Integrate professional nursing values in meeting current and emerging health needs in a dynamic, global society.
• Evaluate effective use of technology and information management to provide patient centered care across the lifespan in a variety of environments.