Admissions Process

Transfer students who are ready to apply to the Bachelor Science in Nursing program will complete two applications: one application to ETSU Undergraduate Admissions, and one to the College of Nursing through Nursing CAS. These applications should both be started several weeks ahead of the Nursing program application deadlines, and can be done simultaneously.

Step 1. If not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers must also apply to ETSU

Step 2. Meet Gen Ed and GPA Requirements, as well as complete the TEAS.

Step 3. Apply to the College of Nursing through the Nursing CAS website.

Step 4. Receive your admissions decision and accept admission if approved

• 1. General Education Requirements

  Please click here to review the University General Education requirements. (A new window should open)
• 2. If not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers 

  Student who are not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers must also apply to ETSU at this link Apply to ETSU/Transfer

• 3. Minimum Cumulative College Level GPA

  A minimum cumulative College Level GPA of 2.6 as computed by East Tennessee State University (excluding developmental coursework) is required.

• 4. Apply through Nursing CAS

  • Students must apply to the College of Nursing using the Centralized Application System (Nursing CAS).
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges attended (including dual enrollment during high school) must be sent to CAS. 
  • Transfer students must also apply for General Admission to ETSU. 
  • This should be done well in advance of the application deadline.

  Detailed instructions and information are available at the Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) [A new window should open]

• 5. TEAS

  Applicants must submit (electronically) all scores from the TEAS standardized entrance exam. The TEAS may be taken twice within a two year period, but not twice in the same semester.  Scores are valid for two years.  Information about scheduling and preparing for the TEAS can be found at www.atitesting.com

• 6. What is not required?

  ETSU College of Nursing does NOT require references, a personal statement or professional experience for admission.

• 7. Clinical Health Care Requirements

   

  To protect themselves and clients and to meet the requirements of the clinical agencies, students must meet certain clinical health care requirements. For students making application beginning fall 2018 and after, the following Hepatitis B requirements must be met:

  Hepatitis B Vaccine

  a. Positive antibody titer OR three (3) doses according to the following schedule
       a. First dose: at elected date
       b. Second dose: at least four (4) weeks after the first dose
       c. Third dose: at least eight (8) weeks after the second dose and sixteen (16) weeks after the first dose

  b. Any student enrolled in a higher education institution who is a health science student expected to have patient contact shall present proof of protection again Hepatitis B before patient contact begins.
       For purposes of this paragraph adequate immunization is defined as:
       a. Complete hepatitis B vaccine series or
       b. Laboratory evidence of immunity or infection

  c. An individual may be exempted from the requirements of this section only under the following circumstances:
       Where a physician licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners, the Board of Osteopathic Examiners or a Health Department determines that a particular vaccine is contraindicated for one of the following reasons:
        a. the individual meets the criteria for contraindication set forth in the manufacturer’s vaccine package insert; or 
       b. the individual meets the criteria for contraindication published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or the ACIP; 
       c. in the best professional judgment of the physician, based upon the individual’s medical condition and history, the risk of harm from the vaccine outweighs the potential benefit.

  d. If the series is delayed between doses, the vaccine should be continued from where it was left off.

  e. Should the student present a report for a blood test for antibody to Hepatitis B (Hb, Ab) and the result shows that the individual did not respond adequately to the vaccine series, the three-dose series must be repeated.

  f. Hepatitis B vaccines and antibody titers (serology for immunity) are available at the ETSU University Health Centeron an appointment only basis and for a fee. Immunizations Schedule Monday –Friday 8:00-11:30 and 1:30-3:30.

   

  Failure in providing the required information will result in the student not being allowed to start ETSU clinical nursing courses.

   

• 8. Applicant Ranking

  Applicants are ranked by a point system which includes 100 possible points in 4 areas: Overall GPA, Math/Science Nursing Pre-requisite GPA, Adjusted Individual Total Score, and Adjusted Individual Reading section score of the TEAS for a total of 400 possible points.  Applicants are admitted in point order.

   

  OVERALL GPA * 100 Points Available Includes all college level courses
  OverallGPA Ranges	Admissions Points
  3.8-4.0	100
  3.6-3.79	90
  3.4-3.59	80
  3.2-3.39	70
  3.0-3.19	60
  2.8-2.99	50
  2.6-2.79	40
  <2.6

   

  MATH/SCIENCE GPA** 100 Points Available GPA includes Nursing Pre-requisites only (A&P I,II, Micro, & Prob/Stats) *At least 3 must be completed 1 can be in progress*
  Math/ScienceGPA Ranges	Admissions Points
  3.8-4.0	100
  3.6-3.79	90
  3.4-3.59	80
  3.2-3.39	70
  3.0-3.19	60
  2.8-2.99	50
  2.6-2.79	40
  2.2-2.59	20
  2.0-2.19	10
  <2	0

  TEAS POINTS*** 200 Points Available Total (all 4 sections): 100   Reading section only: 100
  TOTAL SCORE	READING
  Adjusted individual Total score = number of points earned.	Adjusted individual Reading score = number of points earned
  *A Total Score below 50 earns 0 points	*A Score below 50 earns 0 points

General Ed Requirements

and Major Prerequisite Checklist

This checksheet contains both general education and nursing pre-requisite requirements. While taking these courses, students are considered HPNU - Nursing Interest and they must complete these classes before beginning the nursing program. The HPNU - Nursing Interest Advisors can help you stay on track and can determine when you are ready to apply to the Nursing program.

• Forms

  Click this link for the 2018 General Educations and Nursing Prerequisite Checklist (Link opens in new window)
  

Teas Exam

Traditional, LPN-BSN and accelerated BSN students must take the complete Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) assessment as part of the admissions process. The TEAS measures basic essential skills in the academic content area of reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which nurse educators deem most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants.

 Step 1. Prepare to take the exam, click here

 Step 2. Create an account at www.atitesting.com (write down your user name and password you will need it!)

 Step 3. You will NOT Register for the TEAS on the ATI site or ANY SITE—See the information below

 Step 4. ETSU is Listed as East TN State BSN on the ATI website

 Step 5. TEAS Test Fee $65.00 (pay when you take the test). Have your credit/debit card available - you will take the TEAS on your own computer at home!

 Step 6. Contact Denise Bowser at bowserd@etsu.edu or 423-439-4262 to schedule your test

How does the College of Nursing use the TEAS score?

TEAS scores are used as part of the criteria for admission to the College of Nursing. The TEAS score will also assist the faculty to identify students who may need additional support.

1. Students, who score less than program mean in reading comprehension or the cumulative score, will be required to register for and successfully complete NRSE 3300: Promoting Academic Success (1 credit hour) during the first semester in the College of Nursing (CON).
   
   
2. Students, who score less than the program mean in math, will be required to register for and successfully complete NRSE 3005: Dosage and Calculations (1 credit hour) prior to enrolling in NRSE 3501: Patient Centered Care 1 (3 credit hours).

How do I register for the TEAS?

To Register for TEAS:

1. Go to the University Testing Center link: http://www.etsu.edu/students/cfaa/testing/default.php
2. Click on “FOR ALL ON-SITE EXAMS: START HERE"
3. Choose TEAS from the "Choose a Group" drop-down box
4. You will see this note:
   This Registration and Fee is for your Seat ONLY: You MUST still purchase your exam.
   

   You will need to create an account at www.atitesting.com - You can go to this site after you register and pay for your seat.

   • Make sure to write down your Username and Password, as you will need this to log into ATI when you sit down at the computer to take your test.
   • You must also bring a method of payment (debit/credit card) to pay for the exam when you sit down at the computer to take your
5. Continue to follow the prompts “Choose an exam," etc. until you have successfully registered and purchased your testing

*******************************************************************

IMPORTANT

This is a 2-step payment process! You must make one payment to reserve your seat in the University Testing Center AND make another payment to purchase your test once you sit down at your computer to take the test. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Bowser at 423-439-4262 or bowserd@etsu.edu.

When should I take the TEAS?

We need the scores by the application deadline, so before October first, February first, or June first.

Can I study for the TEAS?

 Yes. We strongly encourage you to prepare for the test.

• Study materials are available to purchase on the ATI website.
• Practice tests and a study manual are both recommended.
• There are four (4) sections to the TEAS exam:
• Math, Reading, Science, and English

Can I take the TEAS  more than once?

You can take the TEAS two times in two years, but not more than one time in a single semester. We will take the highest scores, even if they are from two different tests.

How long are the TEAS  scores valid?

TEAS scores are valid for two years from the date of assessment.

FAQs

• What is the application deadline for the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program?

  October 1 for program beginning Spring Semester; February 1 for program beginning Summer Semerster; June 1 for program beginning Fall Semester. The application will be available online via Nursing CAS 90 days prior to each deadline. Here is a link to the application: http://www.nursingcas.org/
• What are the admission requirements?

  Here is a link to the admission requirements: https://www.etsu.edu/nursing/prenursing/admissions.php if you have questions, you can contact an HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor at 423 439-4578 or conadvisor3@etsu.edu
• Do I have to be an “HPNU - Nursing Interest” student to apply to the program?

  No. As long as you meet admission requirements, you are eligible to apply, even if you are declared a different major.
• Does ETSU limit the number of students declared “HPNU- Nursing Interest”?

  No. However, we strongly recommend that you meet with an HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor.
• Do you give preference for admission to ETSU students over students from other Colleges or Community Colleges?

  No. As long as a student meets admission requirements, all students are evaluated equally.
• How many students apply to the program and how many do you accept?

  We generally receive between 300 and 400 applications. We accept 85 students for the spring and 85 for the fall.

   

• Do you keep a waiting list?

  No, but we will admit additional students in point order as space becomes available until classes actually begin.

   

• Do you offer a two year (Associate Nursing Degree) or LPN license training?  

  No. The BSN is a 4 year degree. There are several Community Colleges in the area which offer a two year degree.

   

• Can I Minor in Nursing?

  No
• I’ve decided to pursue nursing, but I am not a HPNU- Nursing Interest student. How do I change my major?  

  Make an appointment with a HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor by calling 423 439-4578. Tell the receptionist it is a “change of major” appointment.

   

• I want to transfer to ETSU and apply to the nursing program. Where do I send my transcripts?  

  The process requires two applications—one to ETSU Undergraduate Admissions and one to the College of Nursing through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS).Send transcripts to CAS. Below are the links to both the College of Nursing and ETSU Undergraduate Admissions.

  http://www.nursingcas.org/

  https://www.etsu.edu/admissions/

   

• Do courses taken a long time ago still count?  

  General education courses, electives and pre-requisites do not “expire”. However, you are responsible for knowing the material in pre-requisite classes.

   

• Where do I sign up for the TEAS test?  

  The ATI Testing site: www.atitesting.com. You can search for location by city and state. We offer it at ETSU, and we will automatically have your scores. If you take it elsewhere(it is offered all over the USA) you will need to request and pay for a TEAS Transcript.

   

• When should I take the TEAS test?  

   We need the scores by the application deadline, so before October 1 or February 1. The test is given at ETSU in September and January. Register at ATI Testing (link is above). If you do not take the TEAS at the ETSU testing center, then you will need to order a transcript for ETSU. The transcript is sent electronically, and there is a fee for this. The ATI testing site has the information for placing your order for a transcript.

   

• Can I study for the TEAS?  

  Yes. We strongly suggest that you prepare for the test. Study materials are available to purchase on the ATI website. Practice tests and a study manual are both recommended.There are 4 sections to the TEAS exam: Math, Reading, Science, and English.

   

• Can I take the TEAS more than once?

  You can take the TEAS two times in two years, but not more than one time in a single semester. We will take the highest scores, even if they are from two different tests.

• How long are the TEAS scores valid?

  For two years.

   

• How long does it take to earn the BSN degree?  

  The nursing courses take five semesters to complete. If you apply and are accepted at the beginning of your sophomore year (3rd semester in college), then you can complete the degree in four years. It does take some students longer, depending on circumstances.

• Can I take nursing classes in the summer to finish faster?  

   Nursing classes are not offered in the summer at this time. Traditional fall and spring semesters are available. Summer classes are reserved for the Second Bachelor Degree Accelerated program only.

   

• If I apply and do not get accepted, can I apply again the next semester?  

  Yes, you can apply again. We do suggest that you make an appointment with a HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor to discuss your options.

   

• How much does it cost to attend ETSU?

  ETSU charges per credit hour, so each semester will cost a different amount. There are also course fees, books and supplies that add to the cost. To calculate the approximate tuition (either in state or out of state) go to: https://www.etsu.edu/bf/bursar/tuitioninfo/calendar.php to see the cost per credit hour.
• I have an LPN License. How is my program different?  

   LPN’s must still meet all of the requirements for admission to the College of Nursing, and apply to the program. If accepted to the program, the LPN student will take a slightly altered curriculum to account for LPN knowledge and experience.

   

• Do you offer online classes for this program?  

  No. This is not an online program. All classes are day time only and on the ETSU Main Campus in Johnson City.

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