Frequently Asked Questions

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How many students apply to the program? How many students are accepted?

Acceptance to the nursing program is competitive. We generally have over 100 students come to CSB/SJU declaring nursing as a major and about 80-100 apply to the major. We accept 72 students each year after spring semester.

What happens if I am not accepted to the major?

Of those not accepted, there are three possible options: 1) repeat up to two prerequisite courses and reapply the following year, 2) change majors at CSB/SJU, or 3) transfer to another college. We work closely with every student in order to find a path that is suitable to meet your career goals.

Do you guarantee acceptance into the program?

CSB and SJU offer the Direct Admission Program to qualified students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Direct Admission Program

Direct Admission Program for CSB and SJU’s Nursing Major

CSB and SJU provide the opportunity for direct admission into our nursing major for students who meet the following qualifications when they apply for admission. If a student meets the initial direct admission requirements, they will receive a letter indicating their acceptance to the direct admission program from the Nursing Department. No additional notification will be provided.

Early application to CSB and SJU is strongly encouraged, as there are a limited number of direct admission offers made each year related to maximum cohort size for any nursing class. 

Qualifications for Direct Admission Program:
  • Cumulative high school GPA of 3.25 or higher at time of admission.
  • The student must indicate nursing as their area of interest at the time of application to the college.
  • The student must be a new, entering first-year student. Therefore, if a student graduated from high school, started a college career elsewhere, and is now transferring to CSB and SJU, the student is not eligible for the direct admission program. Students completing 8 semesters at CSB and SJU are not considered transfer students. These students are able to apply to the nursing major during spring semester of their first year at CSB and SJU.  
  • Please note: The high school GPA requirement is evaluated on a regular basis and is subject to change.
To retain eligibility in the Direct Admission Program a student must:
  • Attain a GPA of 3.4 or higher in prerequisite courses by the end of spring semester in the first year.
  • Attain a minimum of a BC in each prerequisite course. (The CSB and SJU grading scale is as follows: A, AB, B, BC, C, CD, D, F).
  • Not withdraw from any prerequisite course (refer to the Student Handbook for the definition of withdrawal under Progression in the Major – 4e).
  • If a student does not retain direct admission eligibility, they can still apply to the nursing program and be considered for acceptance.
Do you take transfer students? Can I graduate in less than four years?

We define transfer students as those students who have completed coursework at another college and intend to graduate in less than 4 years at CSB/SJU. We accept transfer students on a space available basis only after we have accepted all qualified CSB/SJU students who have completed their first year at CSB/SJU. The nursing program cannot be completed in less than four years.

Can I get a second major or a minor?

A second major or a minor is possible with good planning. A nursing faculty advisor will work with the student to develop a four year academic plan.

What GPA do I need to be accepted? What criteria are used to determine acceptance into the program?

The minimum GPA for acceptance to the nursing major is 2.75. The Prerequisite GPA is the sole criteria for acceptance to the program. This GPA is calculated based on performance in the following five prerequisite courses: BIOL 121, BIOL 212, CHEM 125, NUTR 125, and PSYC 111 (see Course Descriptions). In recent years, the lowest prerequisite GPA accepted is higher than 2.75.

I have taken all the prerequisite courses at another college. Can I apply to your program?

It may not be possible to take all prerequisite courses at another college. NUTR 125 must be completed through a nutrition department and is therefore difficult to find an equivalent transfer course.

What courses can I transfer?

View a list of courses that we have pre-approved for transfer to the nursing program.

Do you have a waiting list?

We accept students once per year and do not keep a waiting list. Students must reapply each year for consideration of acceptance to the nursing program.

When is the application deadline?

May 1 of each year is the application deadline. Application to the Nursing Major has more information on our application process.

Do you have an RN to BSN program? I already have a bachelor’s degree. Do you have an accelerated program?

We do not have an RN to BSN program or an accelerated program.

Do I need to have my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) to apply to the program?

CNA certification is not required for acceptance to the nursing program.

What are the required immunizations for the nursing major?
What if I am not able to receive the required immunizations?

The immunizations listed above are required by clinical sites. If you are considering nursing as a major and are unable to receive the required immunizations, this may prevent you from being accepted to the major.

Do I need to have my CPR certification to apply to the program?

CPR certification is required for final acceptance to the program. Students complete CPR certification during the summer following initial acceptance. Details can be found on the Application to the Nursing Major page.

How long is the program?

Once accepted, the nursing program is six consecutive semesters starting fall of the sophomore year.

Can I take courses online, in the summer, or part-time?

It is not typical for students to take courses online, in the summer, or part-time. In rare circumstances, this may be an option, but would need to be discussed and approved by the department chair.

What degree do students earn?

Students completing the nursing program earn a Bachelor of Science degree.