Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't answered below or you need more information, contact us.
Program FAQs for prospective nursing students
What is a competitive entry major?
For many majors with a clinical component, the number of spaces is limited in relation to the number of students who are interested in completing the major. Due to the clinical nature of nursing, we fall under this category. Therefore, beyond declaring a major, you must also apply and be accepted before taking certain course work for the major.
How many times a year does MSU accept applications and what is the deadline?
Applications are accepted twice a year. The deadline is 10:59 p.m. Central Time or 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 1 or September 1. No late applications are accepted. If you are currently enrolled in courses at MSU or another program, please refrain from applying until you have submitted your final grades to the MSU admissions office. If you plan to take courses, please do not submit your application materials until you can include an unofficial schedule showing courses in which you are enrolled.
How many students can be admitted each year?
One hundred twelve (112) students are accepted to each cohort. The number of applicants fluctuates from one application period to another.
What is the minimum cumulative GPA to apply?
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college course work, including transfer credits and high school dual enrollment, is required. The average GPA for applicants is around a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement above are encouraged to apply as the average could change.
Does the admissions, promotions and graduation committee who evaluates the applications
consider letters of reference or interviews in the selection process?
The admissions, promotions, and graduation committee does not consider letters of reference. Interviews are offered to the top 75% of applicants after scoring is completed on their GPA and resume.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
Applicants for the fall start will be notified of their acceptance status by late March. Spring start applicants will be notified by late October.
Does the school of nursing maintain a waiting list and can students re-apply?
Yes and yes. The school does keep a waiting list of eligible students who rank just below students selected for admission in any given admission period. Students with a completed application portfolio who are not offered admission (including those on the waiting list) may re-apply the following admission period. However, the waiting list is not carried over from one application period to the next so there is no advanced standing and no guarantee of admission is offered to those who re-apply.
What happens if I am not accepted into the program?
A waiting list is kept as described above as well as the student’s option to re-apply in a following admission period. However, to avoid this situation, the school of nursing recommends that all students, regardless of GPA and resume factors, apply at more than one nursing program or school to increase their chances of acceptance. Due to a shortage of space in nursing schools nationwide compared to the number of interested students, we encourage everyone to have a backup plan. At MSU, we want to support your academic goals and desire to become a nurse. You're encouraged to meet with other programs and learn how their admissions policies and prerequisite course work may differ from that at MSU. An academic advisor in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisement Center is happy to discuss these options with you and advise you on how to meet requirements for other programs while studying at MSU.
Contact the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisement Center
Are there any automatic admission programs for nursing?
No, we are not a direct-admit program.
What types of activities or experiences should I be working toward prior to submitting
an application?
Several activities are recommended, including but not limited to the following: Job shadowing of nurses and health care providers, community service, holding leadership positions in groups or clubs including sports teams, and/or paid employment in either healthcare or non-healthcare fields. Research other nursing programs to make sure MSU is the right fit for you, and other health careers to make sure nursing is the best fit as well. A great way to attain many of these experiences is by joining the MSU Student Nursing Organization (SNO).
Can I apply to the nursing program at MSU if I have never taken a class at MSU?
Yes, MSU accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions across the country. Please visit with a representative of the MSU admissions office at 417-836-5517 or 1-800-492-7900 for more information and explore the transfer credit website prior to application. The advisors in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services Advisement Center are happy to set up a visit or discuss your questions over the phone at 417-836-3065.
Where do I send or hand in my BSN application and materials?
BSN applications are submitted online through NursingCAS.
Do I have to start classes the summer after I am accepted?
No, the nursing program begins in the fall and/or spring. No nursing courses are offered during the summer.
When do students typically apply to nursing?
You're eligible to apply once all pre-nursing coursework is completed or in progress by the time of application to the four-year BSN program. You must have all general education courses completed prior to beginning BSN coursework.
Can I take additional course work not listed on the BSN curriculum page?
Yes, the page only lists the minimum course work to apply.
Where do students complete their clinical hours while in the nursing program at MSU?
During the BSN program at MSU, students complete clinical hours at several facilities in Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding area. An example of sites used for clinical hours include: a variety of different units at Cox Healthcare and Mercy Hospital; area public schools, vaccination clinics, public health departments, and many more.
What if my drug screen is positive for marijuana/THC?
A positive test for marijuana/THC will be deemed a positive drug screen that will serve to disqualify a student from entry into and/or continuation in the program, even if the student has been lawfully certified to use medical marijuana and/or resides in a state in which marijuana for recreational use has been legalized. As a recipient of federal funds, our clinical partners must comply with federal law in which all forms of marijuana, including medical marijuana, are classified as prohibited controlled substances.
What if I have a prior criminal offense, such as a misdemeanor, felony, "driving while
intoxicated (DWI)," or "driving under the influence (DUI)"?
If you have a criminal history that may appear on a background check, the Missouri State Board of Nursing encourages submission of the Petition for Prelicensure Criminal History Determination form prior to beginning a nursing program. Crimes must be reported even if they are a suspended imposition of sentence. All prior or current disciplinary action against another professional license must be reported whether it occurred in Missouri or in another state or territory.
Form: Petition for Prelicensure Criminal History Determination (.pdf)
I have some questions about the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Whom
should I contact?
Please reach out to our program contacts.
If I am getting ready to apply to nursing school, can I use one activity for multiple
sections of the resume. For example, if I am in a sorority and do community service
through them, can I count both an extracurricular activity and volunteer experience?
No. You cannot 'double-dip' and get credit in multiple areas for only one activity. Experiences you post on your application resume should all be separate.