BSN Frequently Asked Questions

Please read all application materials and the section of the catalog that pertains to the BSN program, as well as surfing the Department of Health Sciences section of the Mesa State College website. Many of your questions may be answered there.

Does everything have to be in to the Nursing Office before the deadline?
Yes, all college transcripts, transcript evaluation (if necessary), proof of correct level of CPR, essay, results of the math competency test and program application must be in prior to the deadline. Also, you need proof of your acceptance into the college.

Does Nursing have an admission fee?
No, but the Admissions Department for the College does.

Should I take any courses prior to being accepted into the nursing program?
Yes, you should take the general education and program (pre-requisite) courses. These are the non-nursing courses, which include any required course name that does not start with NURS. BIOL 209/209L and BIOL 210/210L-Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II and labs, STAT 200-Probability and Statistics, and BIOL 241-Pathophysiology, must be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to beginning the BSN program. Also, MATH 113-College Algebra, or a higher-level math course, is required prior to beginning the program. In addition, applicants are required to take and pass a standard admission test. (Approximate cost $20.00). (It is to your benefit to have most, if not all, of the non-nursing courses done prior to submitting your nursing application.)

Are there any scholarships specifically for nursing students?
Yes, but these are mainly for students already in the program. The applications for scholarships awarded by the department faculty are processed during the spring semester to assist the students in paying for the next academic year. Please contact the Financial Aid Department for further financial aid information.

Do I have to be accepted in to the college before I can be accepted into the nursing program?
Yes

When do the BSN courses start?
Nursing courses begin in the spring and fall semesters. The BSN courses are offered in sequence and must be taken in order. Advanced place students usually begin in the fall.

How long is the nursing program?
The Bachelor degree program is 2½ years of nursing courses with 2 to 2½ years (if attending only fall and spring semesters) of general education and support courses. The student is typically in school 4 to 5 years, assuming they get accepted into the nursing program the first time they apply.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?
We accept approximately 30 students twice a year, for a yearly total of about 60. It should be noted that we ordinarily have 2-3 applicants for each available slot.

How much does the nursing program cost?
Tuition and fee information can be obtained from the Admissions Department. We have also compiled a list of projected expenditures for the BSN program to assist you in budgeting.
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Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?
You may turn in the application form before you ask other schools to send transcripts. As long as your file is complete before the deadline, we do not care in what order your information arrives. (It is your responsibility to make sure we receive everything needed for your file before the deadline.) Contact the Registrar's Office at 248-1977 to have transfer credits evaluated for possible acceptance at Mesa State College. Also, you should have your advisor evaluate your credits for transfer.

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?
You should read the website page entitled "Suggested Pre-nursing Course Sequencing".We suggest that during the semester you come to a counseling session (2:00 - 3:00pm Monday or 10;00 - 11:00 am Wednesday, Medesy 144)

Do you give credit for life experience or related perimedical experience?
No, we do not. While this experience is helpful to you in the learning process, it does not count for college credit.

Do RNs have to do clinical?
Yes, there is some clinical experience involved. You must take labs in Public Health, Leadership and Health Assessment.

Can I go part time?
While you are doing your general education courses, you can go part time, but once you start the nursing courses, you are encouraged to be a full-time student. Students who get off track are admitted to the next course(s) as space is available.

How do you choose candidates?
We look at your grade point average from any previous college courses you have taken in the past 5 years, the grades you achieve in Anatomy & Physiology, Anatomy & Physiology II and Pathophysiology, how many of the required general education courses you have completed, and the score on the TEAS test. The applicants with the highest scores are accepted..

Do you use a waiting list?
No, we do not. If an applicant is not accepted one year and wishes to be considered for the next year, they must reapply.

What is a credit hour?
Lecture: 3 contact hours per week for 15 weeks for a total of 45 contact hours for 3 credit hours.
Clinical: 6 contact hours per week for 15 weeks for a total of 90 contact hours for 2 credit hours.

How much does a credit hour cost?
Please go to the financial aid section of the Mesa State College website for the most recent tuition fees.

Do you have night nursing classes?
Generally classes are during the day, but there are evening clinicals.

Can I work while I take classes?
We do have students who are working while they take their classes. It is difficult for them and we do not recommend it for most students, but it can be done. You should consider that ordinarily you need to spend 2 hours of study and preparation for every hour of class and/or clinical.

What classes can I take to fulfill general education requirements?
You should refer to the General Education List or the Graduation Requirements section in the Mesa State College Catalog. Only selected 100 and 200 level classes listed in this section are acceptable for fulfilling general education requirements.

Do I need my own computer?
Many courses include computer and Internet-based assignments. Having your own computer gives you more freedom in completing course assignments. Computer labs are available on campus for student use. As a student, you receive free access from home to the Internet and an email address, which you will be required to access regularly.

Need an answer you can't find here?
CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Health Sciences

(970) 248-1398

Revised: 4/14/2008