Admission to the USI undergraduate nursing program requires admission to the University and a separate application to the nursing program. Admission occurs through either Direct, Conditional Direct, or Standard Admissions.
Direct admission to the undergraduate nursing program may occur prior to entrance to the University for high school students with outstanding high school achievement and high SAT/ACT scores.
To qualify for direct admission, students must have both a:
- high school GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale;
- Minimum ACT of 26 or a SAT of 1240 (math and reading only) with a minimum score of 580 in math and
- The highest math and verbal scores will be combined to form an SAT or ACT superscore
To maintain direct admission status students must:
- maintain a required cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on first year required courses.
- achieve a grade of “C” or better in Biology 121*, Biology 122*, Chemistry 141*, English 101, English 201, CMST 101 or 107, and Psychology 201
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- *Students may have the option to take both Chemistry 142 Survey of General Chemistry AND Chemistry 143 Survey of Organic & Biochemistry (4 credit hours each) combination that is the equivalent of Chemistry 141 (4 credit hours). If students take the two-course option, the grades for each will be averaged for the points to be applied to the student’s application.
- in order to progress in nursing courses students must also achieve a grade of “C” or better in Nutrition 376* and Sociology 121 (or Social Inquiry Category)
*Students with three or more failures (a "D" or "F") in any of the required science courses are ineligible for the Nursing program at USI.
Conditional direct admission to the undergraduate nursing program may occur prior to entrance to the University for high school students with outstanding high school achievement and high SAT/ACT scores.
To qualify for conditional direct admission, students must have a:
- high school GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale; and minimum ACT 25 or SAT 1210 (math and evidenced-based reading) with a minimum score of 580 in math and reading.
To maintain conditional direct admission status students must:
- maintain a required cumulative GPA of 3.3 on 4.0 scale on first year required courses.
- achieve a grade of “C” or better in Biology 121, Biology 122, Chemistry 141, English 101, English 201, CMST 101 or 107, and Psychology 201
- Students may have the option to take both Chemistry 142 Survey of General Chemistry AND Chemistry 143 Survey of Organic & Biochemistry (4 credit hours each) combination that is the equivalent of Chemistry 141 (4 credit hours). If students take the two-course option, the grades for each will be averaged for the points to be applied to the student’s application.
- in order to progress in nursing courses students must also achieve a grade of “C” or better in Nutrition 376 and Sociology 121 (or Social Inquiry Category)
*Students with three or more failures (a "D" or "F") in any of the required science courses are ineligible for the Nursing program at USI.
Standard Admission to the undergraduate nursing program may occur after completion of 31 hours of required university courses. Students accepted through the standard admission process must maintain eligibility by completing all prerequisite second-year courses according to the curriculum.
USI’s undergraduate nursing program uses a paperless application system. Applicants will complete the initial undergraduate nursing program application and required supplemental documentation online.
The date for the initial undergraduate nursing program application will be posted online. Applicants must be accepted by the University as an undergraduate student prior to submitting application.
The deadline for submission of all the required supplemental documentation will also be posted online.
Supplemental Documentations:
- Personal statement
- Leadership and community engagement resume
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses
- In person interview - Applicants will be notified of specific time and location after the document
Mission of the Standard Admission Process: The mission of the BSN Standard Admission process is to identify compassionate, dedicated applicants, with diverse experiences in leadership and community engagement, who possess a broad knowledge base, and the communication skills necessary to grow into nurses who are safe, competent, critical thinkers prepared to meet the constantly evolving needs of the community.
Vision of the Standard Admission Process: Develop nurses who embody attributes needed to become change agents within a global society.
Standard Admission Process
Admission to the program is competitive and the selection of applicants is based upon the applicant’s academic performance, personal statement and resume, and interview. The maximum achievable score is 100.5 points.
Academic Performance (50.5 points)
First Year Prerequisite Courses
GPA in required first year prerequisite courses x 10 for a maximum possible 40 points. First year courses used for the GPA are as follows:
- ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I
- ENG 201 Rhetoric and Composition II
- BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- CMST 101 or CMS 107 101: Intro to Public Speaking or Interpersonal Communications
- PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology
- MATH 114 Quantitative Reasoning
- CHEM 141* Principles of Chemistry
- UNIV 101 First Year Experience
- HP 115 Medical Terminology
- KIN 192 Concepts in Health & Wellness
*Students may have the option to take both Chemistry 142 Survey of General Chemistry AND Chemistry 143 Survey of Organic & Biochemistry (4 credit hours each) combination that is the equivalent of Chemistry 141 (4 credit hours). If students take the two-course option, the grades for each will be averaged for the points to be applied to the student’s application.
- Additional points for grades in BIOL 121, BIOL 122, and CHEM 141 for a maximum 7.5 points, as follows: A=2.5 pts; B+=2.0 pts; B=1.5 pts; C+=1.0 pts; C=.5 pts.
- One additional point per each of the three classes BIOL 121, BIOL 122, and CHEM 141 taken at USI for a maximum possible 3 pts.
- Anatomy and physiology and chemistry course credit must be earned or equivalent competence demonstrated within five years of enrollment in clinical nursing courses.
Science Eligibility Rule:
Students with three or more failures (a "D" or "F") in any of the required science courses are ineligible for the Nursing program at USI.
Maintaining Eligibilty
To maintain eligibility for the Nursing Program, all students must receive a grade of "C" or better in each of the classes listed below:
- BIOL 121
- BIOL 122
- CMST 101 or 107
- PSY 201
- ENG 101
- ENG 201
- CHEM 141 (or both Chemistry 142 & 143)
Personal Statement and Leadership and Community Engagement Resume (20 points)
The student will submit a personal statement of 150 words or less describing why they want to become a nurse.
The student will complete a form showcasing leadership and community engagement activities. List the most current extra-curricular and community service activities, awards/honors, and work experience first. Describe work experience and include any leadership roles if applicable. Do not duplicate any entries.
Interview (30 points)
The student will participate in a personal interview and individual time slots will be assigned.
Application Requirements:
- Acceptance to the University of Southern Indiana as an undergraduate.
- Application to the Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program at the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Submission of a Personal Statement and Leadership and Community Engagement Resume.
- Participation in a personal interview.
- Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements as established by the USI Center for International Programs.
The second-degree option is offered to potential students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in another field. Admission to the program is competitive and selection of applicants is based upon the standard admission criteria.