Traditional BSN Frequently Asked Questions

 

---

### ❓ Question 1: [When do I apply to the program?]
**Answer:**

The application deadline for Fall admissions is June 7th. You should consider applying if you have completed all prerequisites by the end of the spring semester of that year.

The application deadline for Spring admissions is October 1st. You should consider applying if all of your prerequisites will be complete by the end of the fall semester.

---

### ❓ Question 2: [How does the admissions process work?  ]
**Answer:**

All applications will be submitted through Slate.            

Once the application deadline has passed, all applications are gathered and analyzed individually by a faculty committee. Applicants are given an admission score that includes consideration for overall GPA, prerequisite GPA, and prove proficiency in a second language (if applicable). **If part of your application is determined to be missing, you may receive an email to follow up on the missing part. Please be vigilant in checking your email during this time and respond appropriately to that email. 

---

### ❓ Question 3: [How will I know my application is received?]
**Answer:** You will get a verification after you submit your online application. Please keep a copy of this for your records.

---

### ❓ Question 4: [When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?]   
**Answer:** Once the faculty committee has analyzed all qualified applicants and student ranks have been determined, a decision letter will be posted to the students Slate account. This usually takes approximately 2 weeks after the application deadline. Students will also receive notification if they have been placed on the waitlist or if they did not qualify for admission via their Slate account.

---

### ❓ Question 5: [How many students are accepted into the program?]
**Answer:** Approximately 60-80 students are accepted each fall, and 60-80 students are accepted each spring. Acceptance to the program is dependent on clinical site availability.

---

### ❓ Question 6: [What is the minimum GPA requirement to be accepted into the program]
**Answer:** 

3.0 cumulative and 3.0 pre-requisite

**Due to the competitive nature of the application process, meeting minimum program admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Cohort size is limited to clinical site availability.

---

### ❓ Question 7: [How many applicants apply and what is the average GPA of those accepted into the program?]
**Answer:** 

Application Cycle	Total # of Applications	# of Qualified Applicants	# Admitted	Average Cumulative GPA	Average Prerequisite GPA
Spring 2026	151	80	50	3.76	3.75
Fall 2025	154	95	89	3.63	3.60
Spring 2025	94	58	58	3.57	3.57
Fall 2024	212	95	79	3.62	3.65
Spring 2024	139	78	60	3.58	3.55
Fall 2023	140	96	83	3.63	3.7
Spring 2023	53	36	36	3.46	3.5

 

---

### ❓ Question 8: [Do I need to get my flu shot prior to starting the program?]
**Answer:** 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.

---

### ❓ Question 9: [When do classes start? ]
**Answer:** Classes begin the same day that classes start for the University during the fall and spring semesters of each year. Incoming 1st semester students are typically required to attend an orientation on a day prior to the first day of classes.

---

### ❓ Question 10: [Once accepted, will I be able to work outside of school? ]
**Answer:** It is recommended that a student’s combined employment AND classroom/clinical load not exceed 40 hours per week. Hours over 40 hours per week are likely to be detrimental to the individual's performance, both as a student and 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.

---

### ❓ Question 11: [Who is my academic advisor? ]
**Answer:** Prior to admission all students who have declared nursing as their major will be assigned to the nursing advisor. The nursing advisor's name and contact information can be found on the School of Nursing website. You will remain with this advisor throughout the program.

BSN: Hannah Williamson (hwilliamson@astate.edu)

AASN: Samantha Dunavion (sdunavion@astate.edu)

---

### ❓ Question 12: [Whom do I contact for help with my schedule?]
**Answer:** Students should contact their advisor for questions pertaining to their course schedule. Prior to admission all students who have declared nursing as their major will be assigned to the pre-nursing advisor. The pre-nursing advisor's name and contact information can be found on the School of Nursing website.

---

### ❓ Question 13: [What are the pre-requisites for this program? ]
**Answer:**

Students must a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 completed by the application deadline. The following courses must be completed with a “C” or higher prior to application deadline:

• ENG 1003 Composition I
• ENG 1013 Composition II
• MATH 1023 College Algebra
• PSY 2013 Intro to Psychology OR SOC 2213 Intro to Sociology
• BIO 2203/2201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab
• At least one of the following courses/labs.
• BIO 2223/2221 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab
• BIO 2103/2101 Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health & Lab
• CHEM 1043/1041 Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry & Lab
• At least one of the following courses.
• HIST 2763 U.S. History to 1876
• HIST 2773 U.S. History since 1876
• POSC 2103 U.S. Government

---

### ❓ Question 14: [How do I know if a class I have previously taken can be transferred? ]
**Answer:** You can submit a transcript to the Office of the Registrar for review. See course equivalency search here.

 

---

### ❓ Question 15: [Where can I locate a degree plan?  ]
**Answer:**

Arkansas State University

College of Nursing and Health Professions

Bachelor of Science in Nursing   2025-2026 2026 Plan of Study

Students Students requiring  developmental course work based on low entrance exam scores (ACT, SAT, ASSET, COMPASS) may not be able to complete this program of study in eight (8) semesters.   Students having completed college level courses prior to enrollment will be be assisted  by their advisor in making appropriate substitutions.    A minimum of 122 credit hours, of which which 45 hours  must be upper division credit (3000-4000 level), is is required  for this degree (developmental courses are excluded).    Mandatory state and institutional assessment exams will be be required  during your degree program.   Failure to to participate  in required assessments may delay graduation.  

Semester Semester ENG 2003 or ENG 2013 or PHIL

Year 1

1

YEAR ONE

Semester 2

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

ENG 1003

Composition I

3

X

ENG 1013

Composition II

3

X

MATH 1023

College Algebra

3

X

BIO 2223

Human Anatomy & Physiology II

3

BIO MATH 10232203

College Algebra

3

X

BIO 2223

Human Anatomy and& Physiology I

3

X

BIO 2221

Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab

1

3

BIO 22032201

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

3

X

BIO 2221

Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab

1

BIO  2201

Human Anatomy and& Physiology I Lab

1

X

1

X

HIST 2763 2763 or  HIST 2773 or  HIST 2773 or  POSC 2103 2103

US History to 1876 1876 or   US History since 1876  or   US Government

3

X

NRS 1123

Making Connections Nursing (FYE)

3

X

3

X

Art  2503 2503 or Mus 2503 or Thea 2503

Fine Arts  Fine Arts Visual  or  Fine Fine Arts   Musical Musical or   Fine Arts Theatre

3

X

PSY

Intro to Psychology

3

X

SOC X2213

Introduction to Sociology

3

X

TOTAL HOURS

16

TOTAL HOURS

16

Year 2

Semester 3

4

Course PSY 2013Number

Course Intro to Psychology  Name

3Hrs

Gen X  Ed

Course SOC 2213Number

Course Introduction to Sociology  Name

3Hrs

Gen X

Ed

Chem    1043

Total Hours

16

Total Hours

16

16

Year 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

CHEM 1043

Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry I

3

X

BIO 2103

Microbiology for Nursing and Health Professions

3

X

CHEMChem 1041

Fund.Fundamentals Concepts of Chemistry I Lab

1

X

BIO 2101

Microbiology for Nursing and Health Professions Lab

1

X

NRS 2313

Concepts of Nursing

3

NRS 2002

Medical Surgical Nursing I

2

NRS 2322

Foundations of Nursing

2

NRSP 2003

Nursing Practicum I

3

NRS 2321

Foundations of Nursing Practicum

1

NRS 3463

Patho-Based Pharmacology

3

NRS 2392

Health Assessment

2

NRS 2012

Professional Role Development

2

NRSP 2391

Health Assessment Practicum

1

NRS 2342

Nursing Calculations and Terminology

2

TOTAL HOURS

15

TOTAL HOURS

14

YEAR 3

Semester 5

Semester 6

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Statistics-any three hour course

1

X  3

NRS 3312

Intro to Nursing Research

2

NRS 3013

Medical Surgical Nursing II

3

NRS 3205

Medical Surgical Nursing III

5

NRS 3422

Essentials of Mental Health Nursing

2

NRSP 3205

Nursing Practicum III

5

NRSP NRS 2313  3105

Nursing ConceptsPracticum of Nursing  II

3

NRS 2002

Medical Surgical Nursing I

2

5

NRS 23221103

Foundations of Nursing Humanities

2

NRSP 2003

Nursing Practicum I

3

NRSP 2321

Foundations of Nursing Practicum

1

NRS 2392

Health Assessment

2

NRS 3463

Patho-Based Pharmacology I

3

NRSP 2391

Health Assessment Practicum

1

NRS 2012

Professional Role Development

2

NRS 2342

Nursing Calculations and Terminology

2

Total Hours

15

Total Hours

14

14

Year 3

Semester 5

Semester 6

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Statistics-any three hour   course

3

NRS 3312

Intro to Nursing Research

2

NRS 3103

Medical Surgical Nursing II

3

NRS 3205

Medical Surgical Nursing III

5

NRS 3422

Essentials of Mental Health Nursing

2

NRSP 3205

Nursing Practicum III

5

NRSP 3105

Nursing Practicum II

5

ENG 2003 or ENG 2013 or PHIL 1103

Humanities  World Literature to 1660 1660 or  World Literature since 1660                               or  Intro to Philosophy

3

X

NRS 3473

Patho-Based Pharmacology II

3

TOTAL HOURS

16

TOTAL HOURS

15

Year 4

Semester 7

Semester 8

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course Number

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

NRS 4005

Medical Surgical Nursing IV

5

NRS 4343

Professional Nursing: Community

3

NRS 4012

Essentials of Obstetric Nursing

2

NRS 4542

Health Care Administration

2

NRSP 4006

Nursing Practicum IV

6

NRS 4022

Essentials of Pediatric Nursing

2

ENG 2003 or  ENG 2013 or PHIL 1103 or ART 2503 or  MUS 2503 or THEA 2503

Fine Arts or Humanities  World Literature to 1660 or   World Literature since1660 or  Intro to Philosophy or  Fine Arts Visual or  Fine Arts Musical or   Fine Arts Theatre  (select course not previously taken)

3

X

NRS 4481

3Critical Decision Making and Testing Competencies in Nursing

1

X

NRSP 4016

Nursing Practicum V

6

NRSTOTAL 3473HOURS

Patho-Based Pharmacology II

3

16

TOTAL HOURS

14

Total HoursJR/SR hours

16

Total Hours

15

15

55

TOTAL DEGREE HOURS

122

Year 4

Semester 7

Semester 8

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

Course No.

Course Name

Hrs

Gen Ed

NRS 4005

Medical Surgical Nursing IV

5

NRS 4343

Professional Nursing:  Community

3

NRS 4012

Essentials of Obstetric Nursing

2

NRS 4542

Health Care Administration

2

NRSP 4006

Nursing Practicum IV

6

NRS 4022

Essentials of Pediatric Nursing

2

ENG 2003 or  ENG 2013 or PHIL 1103 or ART 2503 or  MUS 2503 or THEA 2503

Fine Arts or Humanities  World Literature to 1660 or   World Literature since1660 or  Intro to Philosophy or  Fine Arts Visual or  Fine Arts Musical or   Fine Arts Theatre  (select course not previously taken)

3

X

NRS 4481

Critical Decision Making and Testing Competencies in Nursing

1

NRSP 4016

Nursing Practicum V

6

Total Hours

16

Total Hours

14

14

Total Jr/Sr Hours  55      Total Degree Hours 122 122                                                                  Graduation Requirements: (Revised 4.9.2018)                        Completion of HIST 2763 or HIST 2773 or POSC                         English Proficiency (Grade of C or better in ENG 1003 and ENG 1013)                        2.00 GPA in Major                        2.00 GPA at ASU                        2.00 GPA Overall                        Maximum of 31 credit hours via correspondence, extension, examination, PLA, Military  Military or similar means; CLEP (30 hrs 30 hrs max)                         45 JR/SR Hours Hours after completing 30 hours                        122 Total Credit Hours                        18 of last 24 hours must be ASU-Jonesboro courses                        Minimum of of 57 hours hours from 4-year institutions                        32 Resident Hours if completing second degree and first degree was not from ASU-J

 

---

### ❓ Question 16: [What can I expect once I have been accepted? ]
**Answer:** You will receive a letter on your Slate account 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 in the Traditional BSN Orientation.

 

---

### ❓ Question 17: [What grade average must I maintain once accepted into the program? ]
**Answer:** All nursing courses and support courses (pre-requisites, all sciences/labs and statistics courses) must be completed with a "C" or better. 

 

---

### ❓ Question 18: [Is financial aid/scholarships offered for this program?  ]
**Answer:** 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, but financial aid may be reached at http://www.astate.edu/a/finaid/  

---

### ❓ Question 19: [If I have completed my prerequisites, what courses would be beneficial to take prior to application and admission?]
**Answer:**

There are many minor programs that students pursuing a degree in nursing may find beneficial. A few of those include:

1. Homeland Security and Disaster Preparedness
2. Spanish
3. Children’s Advocacy Studies
4. Psychology
5. Nutritional Science

For additional minors to consider, please visit the University Bulletin section: Programs A-Z

 

---

### ❓ Question 20: [Should I declare a minor if I am a nursing major?]
**Answer:** Declaration of a minor is an individual decision. Many students are required to take 15 credit hours per semester for their scholarship.  Students who enter the program having already completed all general education requirements may find that they have additional "time" in their schedule that has to be utilized for scholarship purposes. These students may choose to take their additional courses all in one topic area/program.  In these instances, it may be possible for the student to obtain enough credits to be awarded a minor.  Students who believe this may apply to them and wish to do so should discuss this option further with their advisor.

 

---

 

## Contact / Support
- For unanswered questions, contact [Support Team or Help Desk link].