The most competitive applications have at least an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from the applicant's bachelor's degree, a strong GPA over their last 60 credits (3.0 or better), and prerequisite grades (B or better, especially in science courses). Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and receive a passing score (scores are only valid for up to two years from the test date).
We will waive the TOEFL/IELTS for the following students:
- Those that have completed English Composition I and II earning a grade of C or better from a regionally accredited institution in the United States.
- Those that have studied at, for a minimum of four years, and subsequently graduated from a high school or university where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Those that are U.S. Citizens/permanent residents.
Additionally, students must take prerequisite courses before matriculating in the Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) program by the deadlines specified.
Prerequisites
We do not waive or substitute prerequisite courses.
The prerequisite courses below must be completed by August 1 for fall entrance and January 15 for spring entrance. No exceptions will be made. Applicants with a greater number of prerequisites completed will be considered more competitive. Transcripts are not evaluated until you are admitted into the program.
- Bachelor's degree
- English Composition: 3 semester credits
- Developmental Psychology (lifespan): 3 semester credits
- Human Nutrition: 3 semester credits
- Statistics: 3 semester credits
- General Chemistry I with Lab: 4 semester credits (General or Allied Health Majors)
- Anatomy with lab OR Anatomy and Physiology I with lab: 4 semester credits
- Physiology with lab OR Anatomy and Physiology II with lab: 4 semester credits
- Microbiology with lab: 4 semester credits
Three of the four science prerequisites need to be completed at the time of application, with the Anatomy/Physiology sequence courses being two of them. Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must be taken within five years prior to enrollment in the ACE Program. Chemistry, Human Nutrition and Statistics must be taken within 10 years prior to enrollment.
Note: Prerequisites are based on semester-based institutions. For example, if the Anatomy/Physiology courses are taken at a quarter-based institution, Anatomy/Physiology I, II, and III must be taken to meet the requirement.
Prerequisite Course Equivalencies
You may take prerequisite courses at any regionally accredited university or community college and you must earn a grade of "C" or higher for credits to transfer. Online courses can be accepted if they were taken at a regionally accredited college or university. View course equivalencies from schools near us:
View the College of Nursing and Health Professions' Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression, and Graduation for more information.
Compliance
The College of Nursing and Health Professions has a compliance process that may be required for every student. Some of these steps may take significant time to complete, so please plan accordingly. (Please note that certain requirements, including background checks and clearances, can only be completed post-confirmation.)