Nursing - Admissions
Admissions
How may I apply?
You may apply on line through the Admissions Office web site. Otherwise, to receive a hard copy application form you may call the Admissions Office to request an application form at:
Toll Free: 1-866-342-5738
Office of Admissions: (814)-472-3100
What are the Admissions Requirements?
Criteria for a recent high school graduate:
Completed work equal to standard academic high school course work with a minimum of 16 units of a grade of B or better (C- not acceptable in any course) to meet the pre-professional requirements of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
3.0 GPA high school or higher (80% or better)
4 units of English
3 units of Social Studies
Minimum 3 units Math (one must be algebra) with a grade B or higher. The others may include Algebra II, Trigonometry, Geometry, or Calculus
Minimum 3 units of Natural Science with B or better. One year of each, within the last 5 years of one unit of Biology with labs, one unit of Chemistry with labs, and one unit in an advance Science.
If did not take Chemistry in high school, then a grade of “B” or better from another college or University (four-hour course with a lab), within the last five years.
If Student has less than B math average, can take Algebra I and II at local Technology Center, Co-Tech or Adult Education course and submit.
Combined 1000 SAT minimum out of the 1600 in math and critical reading, according to the old standards. Math score at least 500, Reading score 500, Writing score 500 (SAT); and ACT 21 minimum
Those below 3.0 in high school may be considered for admissions following completion of 24 credits (nursing prerequisites or general studies credits) with GPA of 2.75 overall or better and a 2.6 in the Natural Sciences.
A strong desire for a career in professional nursing
High school extracurricular activities, community involvement, and service learning projects are strongly recommended.
Criteria for a transfer student:
Students requesting transfer from other Universities will be reviewed and placed on a space available basis. Nursing courses taken at other universities will be assessed. Preference for admission will be given to students who have taken the majority of their prerequisite courses at Saint Francis University. Transfer students’ decisions will be made on an individual basis for the nursing program. Transfer from another college: 3.0 GPA or better
Natural Science (with labs): Anatomy & Physilogy I, II, Microbiology, Chemistry 103 and Biology III completed in the last five years
Certified Nurses Assistant (NA) is highly recommended.
Applicants who have been in another nursing program must present a recommendation from the previous school
Criteria for returning adult applicants:
Preparation for Entrance
If I am in high school, what courses should I be taking now?
You should enroll in the academic curriculum, and complete at least 3 years of science courses, including chemistry and biology. Enrollment in 4 years of natural science courses would be best. You need to complete at least 3 years of math courses in preparation for college nursing courses. Take Anatomy & Physiology, Algebra II, Calculus and Physics for example.
If I am an adult just looking into the nursing field, how can I prepare?
High school graduates who have been out of school for five or more years are advised to enroll in two college courses to become oriented to college study and to learn good study and time management skills. Evening and Saturday morning courses are offered through the Continuing Education Program at Saint Francis University. For assistance in choosing courses, contact the Continuing Education program or the Nursing department at:
Continuing Education
Phone: (814) 472-3012
Fax: (814) 472-3299
E-mail: OCE@francis.edu | Department of Nursing
Phone: (814) 472-3027
Fax: (814) 472-3849
E-Mail:Nursing@francis.edu |
Interested persons planning to earn a GED (General Equivalency Diploma) are advised to prepare for and take the GED examination. Upon passing the exam, students are advised to enroll in two college courses to become oriented to college study and to learn good study and time management skills. Evening and Saturday morning courses are offered through the Continuing Education Program at Saint Francis University. For assistance in choosing courses, contact the Continuing Education program or the Nursing Department, as listed above. You must earn a "B" or above in these courses. If I am an R.N. who has spent time away from the field, how can I prepare?
Two types of preparation are recommended. First, take an evening course for the program (the course would meet one time per week) to become oriented to college study and to learn good study and time management skills. Second, enroll in an RN refresher course (a course designed for nurses who have not practiced nursing for 5 or more years), and after completion of the course, work at least part-time in a hospital setting. You may expect to see RN refresher courses surfacing as the shortage of nurses increases. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania is preparing to offer an RN refresher course soon.
An R.N. who has graduated over 10 years ago will be required to take two (2) N.L.N. profile theory exams, or the RN-GAP (from ERI) which is the Upward Mobility Challenge Test, a clinical challenge exam, or professional portfolio.
If I am an active R.N., how can I prepare?
You can begin your course work on a part time basis (two courses at a time). In addition, you can study selected course content and take the CLEP (College-Level Equivalency Program) test. There are a total of 8 courses in the general education part of the curriculum (25 credits) that you can CLEP, plus there is a foreign language opportunity to CLEP (need 3 credits at the 102 level and above).
Admission requirements for an active RN are: Current licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania. Evaluation of applicant's transcript by the Director of Continuing Education. Official transcript from an N.L.N. accredited nursing program showing graduation within the last 10 years. 1000 hours of employment as an R.N. in the previous 3 years.
An R.N. who has graduated over 10 years ago will be required to take two (2) N.L.N. profile theory exams, or the RN-GAP (from ERI) which is the Upward Mobility Challenge Test, a clinical challenge exam, or professional portfolio.
Financial Aid
How may I apply for college and nursing scholarships and loans?
For information concerning college and nursing scholarships, as well as loans, please visit Financial Aid
RN - BSN Program Admissions - Validation Criteria
Attended | Nursing Practice Required | Nursing Knowledge Required |
Non-accredited
program | Have at least 1,000 clinical hours within last 3 years | Standardized tests required. |
| Accredited program | None for direct articulation | No |
| 3-10 years | Need 1,000 hours within last 3 years | Portfolio to include 3 current references from the following:
2 peer staff members
1 current nurse manager |
10 years +
Accredited program | Need 1,000 hours within last 3 years | Portfolio to include 3 current references from the following:
2 peer staff members
1 current nurse manager |
Following successful completion of NURS 202, students will be eligible to proceed to Advanced Concepts in order to receive 32 articulation nursing credits.
Requesting More Information
How may I learn more? Our Admissions Office would be happy to send you information on the university.
If you have specific questions about the nursing program, the nursing department staff will be happy to answer your questions by e-mail at nursing@francis.edu, or over the phone at (814) 472-3027.