Admission Criteria

All prerequisite course work, including Bachelor degree earned, must be completed by the end of the Spring semester for Summer admission to the program.

Beginning fall 2021, student selection will be based on competitive scores in regards to prerequisite GPA, HESI A2 admission exam (Anatomy and Physiology, Reading Comprehension, Math, Vocabulary, and Critical Thinking), and interview. Special consideration will be made for those with Spanish proficiency and/or a degree in a clinical health care field.

• Earned Bachelors degree
• Cumulative GPA 2.5 or better AND GPA of 3.0 or better in prerequisite courses.

Required Courses*

The required courses that must be completed with a "C" or higher by the end of the Spring semester for Summer admission to the program.  These courses are listed below, and can be found in the most recent Undergraduate Bulletin.

• 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 
• CHEM 1043 AND 1041, Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry I and Laboratory OR CHEM 1013 AND 1011, General Chemistry I and Laboratory 
• CHEM 1052, Fundamental Concepts of Organic and Biochemistry 
• ENG 1003, Composition I 
• ENG 1013, Composition II 
• PSY 2013, Introduction to Psychology 
• SOC 2213, Introduction to Sociology
• Statistics elective - 3 credit hours 
• HIST 2763, The United States to 1876 OR HIST 2773, The United States Since 1876 OR POSC 2103, Introduction to United States Government 
• MATH 1023, College Algebra MATH course that requires MATH 1023 as a prerequisite

*All course attempts will be considered in the calculation of prerequisite GPA.*

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

The College of Nursing and Health Professions requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure/certification.

International Students

Students from non-English speaking countries or for whom English is not a native language must take one of the following tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7.
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 56.

The term foreign born refers to people residing in the United States who were not U.S. citizens at birth. The foreign-born population includes naturalized citizens, lawful permanent immigrants, refugees and asylees, legal non-immigrants (including those on student, work, or other temporary visas), and persons residing in the country without authorization. In contrast, the term native born refers to people residing in the United States who were U.S. citizens in one of three categories: 1) born in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia; 2) born in United States Insular areas such as Puerto Rico or Guam; 3) born abroad to at least one U. S. citizen parent.

Exemption

You may be exempt for the English proficiency testing if you are foreign born but attended school in the United States since kindergarten. For the exemption you must provide official school records showing continuous enrollment in U. S. schools since kindergarten.

TOEFL Information

The TOEFL is available at the A-State Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011.

English as a Second Language Program

Students who do not meet the required English language proficiency may enroll in A-State’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program in the English Language Academy. Potential students enrolled in the ESL program must maintain an average of 85 or higher in levels 0 through 4. In the final or 5th level of the ESL program an average of 90 or higher must be maintained. Upon completion of the ESL program, the potential student must take the internet based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Upon successfully meeting the proficiency requirement, potential students are eligible to apply to the BSN Program.

How to Apply

To apply for the 2nd Degree Accelerated track, candidates should follow the below steps:

1. Apply for admission to A-State as "undergraduate post-degree for Summer term. Contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 382-3030 or (870) 972-3024 for information or online at http://admissions.astate.edu
2. Apply for admission to the Second Degree Accelerated BSN program. Online applications available starting January 15th of each year. Link to apply is available on the School of Nursing website (when available)
3. Submit the following by the March 15 deadline:

• APPLICATION: Submit the Second Degree Accelerated BSN Application located on the School of Nursing webpage
• ADMISSION EXAM:  Take the HESI A2 Admission exam (consisting of Reading Comprehension, Anatomy & Physiology, Math, Vocabulary, and Learning Style sections). For additional information, email Brenda Goodwin. Payment for admission exam is non-refundable. You are only allowed to take the admission exam once per academic year. The admission exam is the HESI A2 Assessment exam consisting of 5 sections, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Math, A&P, and Critical Thinking. It is a timed exam, with a 3-hour time limit. Admission exams not taken within the application year are not valid and you must retest. Link to register is on the School of Nursing website (when available)
• TRANSCRIPTS: Submit official (sealed) transcripts from ALL institutions you have attended since High School (except A-State transcripts) to the Registrar’s Office (PO Box 1570, State University, AR 72467). 
• LETTER OF STANDING:  If you have previously attended a nursing program that you did not complete, you must have the program Dean/Director send a letter stating your standing when you left the program. This letter must be in the nursing office by the application deadline.
• ENGLISH PROFICIENCY:  Documentation of English Proficiency, if applicable.  

4. INTERVIEW: Applicants will be contacted regarding interview scheduling after the application deadline.

Submitting Your Application

Starting in 2023, applications are online on the School of Nursing webpage.  No paper applications will be accepted.

Program application checklist 

Deadline

All application material must be received by March 15 for summer admission. INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Applications are reviewed after the application deadline and are NOT reviewed on a first come, first served basis with the exception of those qualifying for early admission (see below).

Limited Availability

Class size is limited and all applicants may not be accepted into the program. Interested individuals are encouraged to seek an advisor early to ensure that all prerequisite courses are completed in a timely manner.

Student selection will be based on prerequisite GPA, HESI A2 admission exam (Reading Comprehension, Math, Vocabulary, A&P, and Critical Thinking) and interview with special consideration for those with Spanish proficiency and/or a degree in a clinical health care field.

Based on recent legislation in Arkansas, students admitted to professional programs that lead to licensure upon graduation are required to have a successful background check to complete formal admission. 

To be considered for admission, the following prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better before the start of your first class in the 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

CHEM 1043 AND 1041, Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry and Laboratory OR CHEM 1013 AND 1011, General Chemistry I and Laboratory

CHEM 1052, Fundamental Concepts of Organic and Biochemistry

ENG 1003, Composition I

ENG 1013, Composition II

PSY 2013, Introduction to Psychology

SOC 2213, Introduction to Sociology

Statistics elective - 3 credit hours

HIST 2763, The United States to 1876 OR HIST 2773, The United States Since 1876 OR POSC 2103, Introduction to United States Government

MATH 1023, College Algebra, MATH course that requires MATH 1023 as a prerequisite

Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

BSN Pass Rates

• 2022- 93%
• 2021- 91.2%
• 2020- 95.1%
• 2019- 94%
• 2018- 95.7%

Applying for RN Licensure

Upon completion of the BSN program, the student is eligible to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse. A first time applicant for any licensure by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing will have a state and national criminal background check. Any offense identified in section §17-87-312 of the Nurse Practice Act may prohibit a graduate from obtaining a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Arkansas.

Although an appeal may be possible, there are offenses that permanently disqualify an applicant from a license. A complete list of criminal acts that prevent licensure as a registered nurse can be found at the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website (www.arsbn.org) and on the nursing website. If students have any reason to believe that they may be ineligible to write the NCLEX-RN, they should discuss this matter with someone knowledgeable about nursing laws and/or contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).

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
• CHEM 1052, Fundamental Concepts of Organic and Biochemistry
• 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.