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Application/Admission Process

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This page contains important information about the requirements of the BSN program. It is important that you read through the page in its entirety.
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This page contains important information about the requirements of the BSN program. It is important that you read through the page in its entirety.

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Important Information for Prospective Students

The Texas Board of Nursing determines the criteria for eligibility for licensure. Students should access the Board of Nursing website to examine the Nurse Practice Act and its regulations.

TX Board of Nursing

Here are a list of Essential Performance Standards for the professional nursing program. All applicants to and students of the nursing program must be able to adhere to and perform these essential performance standards with or without reasonable ADA accommodations.

Students must be admitted to ACU and meet all university degree requirements. A separate admission process is required for students to be admitted to the School of Nursing.

The pre-licensure nursing track is only offered on the residential campus in Abilene.

Application and Admissions Process

Prerequisites

Students must meet all university degree requirements. A separate admission process is required for students to be admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program Pre-Licensure Track. Admission is competitive, and the size of the classes is determined by the Texas Board of Nursing. Admission to Abilene Christian University does not guarantee admission to the pre-licensure nursing track and upper-level BSN coursework in the School of Nursing. The pre-licensure nursing track is only offered on the residential campus in Abilene.

Nursing Entrance Exam
Students are required to take the TEAS entrance exam and receive a minimum score of 58.7% in each section (Math, Reading, Science and English). Click the link to learn more about this exam which is administered at the University Testing Center

Application process

  1. Submission of the School of Nursing Application and all admission requirements by the deadline.
      • Application deadline for the fall semester is March 1 of the same year.
      • Application deadline for the spring semester is September 1 of the previous calendar year.
      • Late applications will be reviewed after initial admission decisions are made.

2. Applicants must show:

    • At least 68 cumulative credit hours completed*
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.*Courses in the supplement for major (see nursing degree plan) completed with a letter grade of less than “C” or 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, will not be accepted toward the Bachelor of Science degree. 
    • Five courses listed under Supplement for the Major (not including labs) must be completed before turning in the application for admission. 
    • All prerequisite courses, which includes all courses under the General Education Requirements and Supplement for the Major, must be completed before entering the pre-licensure nursing track and upper level nursing courses (those courses designated with the NURS prefix). Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Director of Nursing.
      1. All courses listed under the Supplement for the Major must be completed.

Admission Requirements and Application Materials

    • Completed School of Nursing Application and materials to the Executive Director of the School of Nursing’s Office.
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
        1. Transcript submission of ALL coursework required
    • A final grade of “C” or higher (or a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on all supplement for major courses.
    • Copy of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) scores
      1. A minimum score in each section of 58.7% (Math, Reading, Science, and English) must be obtained.
      2. Even if a student achieves a composite score of 58.7%, the student must achieve a 58.7% on each section.
      3. TEAS section scores may not be pieced together to meet the minimum standards. In other words, if a student does not reach the benchmark scores of 58.7% in each category, in one sitting, they must retake the exam, all sections must be retaken at one time. Individual sections scores from different test dates may not be pieced together to meet the minimum standard.
      4. Students are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts per calendar year with a maximum of 2 attempts per application/admission cycle. There is a minimum waiting period of 30 days before retaking the exam. Score will not be considered if retesting occurs in less than 30 days. 
      5. It is highly recommended that the TEAS scores are no older than 18 months at the time of application to the BSN Program.
    • Signed copy of Licensure Eligibility/Notice of Conditions that might Disqualify Student’s Eligibility for Licensure.
    • Signed copy of Essential Performance Standards. 
    • If applicable, documentation of military service or work experience in healthcare.
    • In the event that the ACU School of Nursing receives more applications than available seats, all completed applications will be evaluated based on a ranking system. This ranking system does not replace admission requirements. 

SCHOOL OF NURSING APPLICATION

After Admission

Once accepted to the School of Nursing, students must submit the following and upload to the clinical document tracker. It is mandatory that these documents be uploaded by the due date in order to secure placement in the program.

  1. Proof of completion of a Certified Nurse Assistant Course (CNA; may be a PCT in some states).
  2. Proof of immunizations and lab tests (a complete list will be provided by the School of Nursing). At minimum the required immunizations include:
    • Hepatitis B: completed 3 dose series. May require more than 6 months to complete. 
    • Varicella (chickenpox): All clinical students must document evidence of immunity to varicella by immunization (2 doses) or titer.
    • TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine) once every 10 years
    • MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). Those born since January 1, 1957, must have two (2) doses since 12 months of age. The two (2) doses must be at least 30 days apart. 
    • Tuberculin Skin Test or Chest X-Ray annually.
    • Seasonal flu vaccine (by October 1 for fall semester and January 1 for spring semester). 
    • COVID vaccine (fully immunized per manufacturer) OR approved exemption may be required by some clinical facilities. 
  3. Documentation of health insurance
  4. Drug screen at a designated lab (further information is provided by the School of Nursing). Students may also be required to submit random drug screenings in order to practice in the clinical facilities. 
  5. Completed criminal background check completed through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). If accepted, students must show clearance by the BON prior to enrollment in nursing courses. In the event that the applicant was required to petition for a declaratory order, a copy of the declaratory order must be presented to the Executive Director of Nursing’s office. 
  6. Cleared clinical background check required by the clinical facilities (further information is providence by the School of Nursing). 
  7. Proof of CPR certification (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers). 
  8. Professional liability insurance (included in the student’s tuition costs) is required. 
  9. Driver’s License or government issued ID

Forms & Documentation

After notification of acceptance into the Nursing program the following clinical documentation is needed to be uploaded to your Castlebranch document manager account.  It is mandatory that these documents are uploaded by the due date in order to secure placement in the program.

Applicants seeking admission by transfer must meet all of the same standards required of those students who have matriculated at ACU. In order for a student to meet program requirements for the completion of the BSN curriculum, the student must demonstrate minimal competency in nursing theory and practice. This competency is demonstrated through successful scoring on the identified exit exam.

Students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may take a minor outside the School of Nursing. This minor is NOT required as a part of the BSN degree, and credit hours beyond the minimum hours required may be needed to complete the minor.