Accelerated BSN Admission Criteria

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Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Application Process

Applications for the program are processed through NursingCAS, a centralized application system servicing nursing programs nationwide. All required documents will be attached to your NursingCAS application.

Admission to Concordia's Accelerated BSN program is selective. We take into account student's academic records, professional references, and experiences. We carefully review each student's personal statement to determine character, work ethic, and motivation to become an RN.

Applications are reviewed, as they are completed, continually throughout the cycle. Applicants offered a seat in the program will be notified immediately by email with their Concordia College credentials and instructions to make a nonrefundable $250 deposit to secure their seat. The deposit will be applied to the first semester program fees.

Note: Students may be provisionally accepted to the program pending degree completion and/or completion of prerequisite coursework. Final official transcripts indicating degree and/or prerequisite completion are required to be fully accepted in the program.

NursingCAS Application

Application Requirements

Carefully review the NursingCAS application instructions and the admission requirements below prior to starting your application.

  • Official transcripts from all U.S. regionally accredited institutions attended, indicating degree and prerequisite coursework. Transcripts are requested through NursingCAS and uploaded to your application.
  • Two professional references. Examples of references would be professors, advisors, employers or supervisors, or clergy. It is important that the individuals you choose are able to evaluate you on the criteria specified on the reference form and provide a statement on your ability to empathize and care for all clients in a nonjudgmental and culturally appropriate manner. This might include examples of observed behavior.
  • A current resume.
  • A 500-750 word personal statement addressing your motivation for returning to school, vocational, and career goals and what you believe to be the necessary characteristics/attributes of a healthcare professional.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be considered for acceptance:

  • A baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university. The degree must be completed and appear on an official transcript prior to enrollment in the program.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on all post-high school work.
  • All prerequisite coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.
  • Complete the application and all required materials via the NursingCAS (see the application section).

Prerequisite Requirements:

  • We highly recommend all courses be completed within seven years of your application.
  • All prerequisite coursework must appear on an official transcript and be completed prior to enrollment in the program.
  • Each college-level course must be at least three semester credits.
  • Prerequisite courses must have a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher, and each course must be completed with letter grades of C (2.0) or better.
  • Pass/Fail completions are not accepted.
  • All biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology courses must include linked labs. Labs must be noted on an official transcript or verified by the course syllabus, a college catalog (scanned course description from the correct year), or a letter from the college Registrar's Office. Validation documents may be uploaded during the application process.
  • Online college-level courses are acceptable from U.S. regionally accredited institutions of higher learning only. Applicants will be responsible for verifying accreditation.

Prerequisite Courses:

  • Psychology: General, Introductory, or Lifespan
  • Human Nutrition: General or Lifespan
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: Must cover the following body systems including neurological, cardiac, respiratory, GI, GU, musculoskeletal, and integumentary. Courses that are part of a series must be completed at the same institution (there are limited exceptions to this requirement). This course must include a linked lab.
  • Microbiology: Fundamental or General. This course must include a linked lab.
  • Chemistry: Introductory Chemistry or higher is accepted. Allied Health or Survey of Chemistry courses are accepted. A course that addresses organic and/or biochemistry content is highly recommended to prepare for coursework in the nursing major. This course must include a linked lab.
  • Mathematics: College Algebra, Statistics, or higher math

Nursing Department Requirements

After admission, the following are required for clinical access:

  • Comprehensive background check.
  • Baseline and random substance abuse testing and testing for reasonable suspicion/cause.
  • A physical exam, including documentation of required vaccinations and/or immunity, including COVID-19 vaccination, annual screening for TB, and immunization for influenza.
  • Confirmation from your healthcare provider that you are able to perform all nursing program technical standards. Review Concordia's Nursing Program Technical Standards.
  • Nursing student liability/malpractice insurance coverage.
  • American Heart Association CPR Certification will be provided at the beginning of the Accelerated BSN program. All students must complete this course, regardless of previous status.

International Students

International students are required to have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university in order to apply for the accelerated nursing program. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution with regional accreditation, you do not meet the requirements for this program.

F-1 status would be available to students who have recently completed an academic year of study in the U.S. to qualify for curricular practical training to complete clinicals. Please consult with the Office of Global Learning if an F-1 visa is needed.