Admission to Nursing Program
Students seeking a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing are admitted as incoming freshmen. Students are admitted twice yearly in a separate process from admission to the University. Students may access the department web site at http://www2.semo.edu/nursing for complete information, or contact the Department of Nursing directly. Applicants for fall admission will be reviewed in January for the following fall semester University entrance and the last week of October for the following spring semester University entrance. Admission is on a competitive basis, and is based on a combination of ACT score and high school class rank. If applicants have 24 hours or more of college course credit, cumulative GPA will be the admission criterion. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. Students requesting fall admission must have been accepted by the University by January 30, and for spring admission by October 15. However, qualified students will be admitted until the class is full. Students who wish to qualify for admission and progression in the nursing program must meet performance requirements, as well as academic requirements. Performance requirements include cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor competencies. A student must, with or without reasonable accommodations, satisfy these requirements. Potential students may access these performance requirements via the BSN Student Handbook on the Department of Nursing website and review "Other Specific Nursing Program Policies."
A student who receives a grade below a "C" in a nursing course or required support course may not continue in the nursing program. However, he/she may apply for readmission. Students desiring readmission must address a letter of petition to the Department of Nursing Student Affairs Committee prior to the requested date of enrollment, must meet all current criteria for admission, and must have completed requirements and prerequisites for the requested level of entry. Readmission is dependent on record review, program space, and evidence that successful progress can be made toward degree completion. If a student fails a second nursing course or required support course, he/she cannot continue in the nursing program and will not be eligible for admission at any time thereafter.
Transfer Students. Admission of transfer students is on a competitive basis. Students who seek to be admitted by transfer must meet all University and department requirements, have completed all prerequisite courses, and must supply transcripts and course descriptions of previous coursework in nursing.
Licensure.
To write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) the applicant "shall be of good moral character and have completed at least the high school course of study, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the state board of education, and have successfully completed the basic professional curriculum in an accredited school of nursing" (Section 335.046 - State of Missouri Nursing Practice Act).
Completion of the nursing education program does not guarantee eligibility to write the NCLEX. (Section 335.066, Missouri Nursing Practice Act) The Missouri State Board of Nursing requires fingerprinting and a criminal background check for every applicant three months prior to graduation.
Legal Limitations for Licensure. The Missouri State Board of Nursing, based on the Missouri Nursing Practice Act, Section 335.066 may refuse to issue a license based on a criminal prosecution prior to admission or during the curricular sequence for the nursing program. Students found to be convicted of serious crimes (felonies or substance abuse) will be reviewed by the Student Affairs Committee and may be suspended from or denied admission to the nursing program.
Registered Nurse Students. Graduates from associate degree or diploma programs are admitted to the program at the junior level. After completing NS 3900 Framework for Professional Nursing, 36 hours of credit for previous nursing course work will be awarded and the student will progress to senior level. Application deadline is April 30; however, qualified students will be admitted until the class is full. Registered Nurse students should contact the Department of Nursing for specific curriculum information.
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