Do I need to include my HESI A2 test results with my application?
If you take the exam with Arkansas State University during the current application cycle with which you are applying, you do not have to attach the results.
What dates are the HESI-A2 exam offered?
HESI-A2 exam dates are listed here: http://www.astate.edu/college/conhp/departments/nursing/index.dot, and the dates are updated frequently as the exams are scheduled.
When do classes start?
If you are selected for admission, you MUST attend a full day, mandatory orientation session. Class starts during the June POT 1 term. (June POT 1 classes will be online – on-campus classes start July POT 2 term.)
How many students are accepted into the program?
Approximately 30-40 students are accepted each year, but may vary.
What is the estimated cost of the program?
- Total Tuition and Fees (paid via $265.00 per credit hour): $18,020.00
- American Heart Association BLS CPR certification: $30-$50 biannually
- ATI standardized tests/books/web modules: approximately $325 per semester.
- Examsoft testing software: approximately $40 per semester
- Students are required to have access to a laptop computer (Chromebooks are not acceptable).
- Graduation expenses during final semester:
- Graduation fee—approximately $45-$125
- Arkansas State Board of Nursing application approximately $100
- Criminal background check (for nursing license) approximately $50
- NCLEX-RN exam approximately $200
- School pin approximately $40 (optional)
- Student professional uniforms (prices vary depending on personal preference): $100-$200
- Additional costs for clinical experiences:
- Drug screening: approximate cost is $40, annually
- Criminal background check: approximately $100
- Malpractice Insurance: $55-$100, annually
- TB mask fitting: $25-$35, annually
- Textbooks—approx. $900 1st semester and vary $50-$500 in subsequent semesters.
- Watch (with a second hand)……………………….$25-$50
- Stethoscope…………………………………………………$20-$150
- Bandage Scissors………………………………………..$3-$10
- Pen light………………………………………………….....$3-$5
- Mask or facial covering…………………………...…$5-$10
*This list is only to be used as an estimate.*"
Are Financial Aid and/or scholarships available for this program?
Any loan obtained for use at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro Campus may be used to pay for tuition for nursing courses, as they would be for any course on campus. All institutional scholarships are applicable to courses taken on the Jonesboro campus in the nursing program. There are several private scholarships for which students may apply as well. No financial aid is awarded by the program. You may visit the financial aid website here.
Whom do I contact to find out if a class is accepted as a transfer?
You will first email our pre-nursing advisor at nursinginfo@AState.edu, who will work with the Accelerated BSN Coordinator and Registrar to determine course applicability.
What are the prerequisites needed for the ABSN program?
- BIO 2103 AND 2101, Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health and Laboratory
- BIO 2203 AND 2201, Human Anatomy/Physiology I and Laboratory
- BIO 2223 AND 2221, Human Anatomy/Physiology II and Laboratory
- ENG 1003, Composition I
- ENG 1013, Composition II
- PSY 2013, Introduction to Psychology
- SOC 2213, Introduction to Sociology
- Statistics elective - 3 credit hours
- MATH 1023, College Algebra, MATH course that requires MATH 1023 as a prerequisite
- At least one of the following courses/labs:
- CHEM 1043 AND 1041, Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry and Laboratory
- CHEM 1013 AND 1011, General Chemistry I and Laboratory
- At least one of the following courses:
- HIST 2763, The United States to 1876
- HIST 2773, The United States Since 1876
- POSC 2103, Introduction to United States Government
Can I work during this program?
It is recommended that a student has combined employment AND classroom/clinical load not exceed 40 hours per week. Hours in excess of 40 hours per week are very likely to be detrimental to the performance of the individual, both as a student and as an employee. Professional behavior regarding patient safety is important; thus it is recommended the student refrain from working the shift immediately prior to class or clinical.
What is the average time per day involved in schoolwork outside of class?
Average time spent per day is dependent on the student. It is recommended that students spend at least two to three hours studying outside of class per credit hour.
How does this program prepare me for the NCLEX?
Students are prepared for the NCLEX exam through standardized assessment exams and a review course prior to graduation.
How do I find tuition costs and due dates?
This information can be found at this webpage under "Admission Process" and "Program Tuition and Fees".
How does the admission process work?
Prospective students must first apply for admission to A-State as "undergraduate post-degree" for summer term. For more information on this, go to http://admissions.astate.edu. Next, students must apply for admission to the Second Degree Accelerated BSN program. The application and all required testing and documents must be submitted by the application deadline. After the application deadline, applicants will be contacted regarding interview scheduling. Student selection will be based on prerequisite GPA, HESI A2 admission exam (reading comprehension, math, vocabulary and A&P) and interview with special consideration for those with Spanish proficiency and/or a degree in a clinical health care field.
When do I know if I was accepted into the program?
You will receive a letter at the address you indicated notifying you of your acceptance. This may take approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline and after all interviews have been completed. The letter will contain specific details regarding actions required on your part including, but not limited to, completing an intent to register and attending orientation. An email with the above information will be sent as well. More information will be provided at orientation.
How do you know the application was received?
Our administrative assistant will be in contact with you using the contact information you have provided once we have received your application, and if we are still in need of anything else.
What is the required test average throughout the program?
All nursing courses and support courses must be completed with a "C" or better. Once accepted into the program, all nursing test averages must be maintained at a 78 or above.
Do I need to get my flu shot before the nursing program starts?
You will be required to get a flu shot each year that you are in the program. You do NOT have to get it before starting the program, however. Usually, the flu shot for a given flu season becomes available in late September-early October.
What is the required GPA for admission to the program?
For admission, students must have an earned Bachelor’s degree and a cumulative GPA 2.5 or better AND GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite courses.
Who is my advisor?
Prior to admission all students who have declared nursing as their major will be assigned to the pre-nursing advisor. The pre-nursing advisor can be contact at nursinginfo@astate.edu. Once accepted into the program, students will be advised by faculty.
What can I expect once I have been accepted?
You will receive a letter AND email at the address you indicated notifying you of your acceptance. The letter will contain specific details regarding actions required on your part including, but not limited to, completing an intent to register and attending orientation. More information will be provided at orientation.