Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is competitive and uses a holistic review process. This approach evaluates not only academic performance but also personal characteristics and experiences that demonstrate a commitment to serving others. This comprehensive review is designed to identify students with the greatest potential for success in the nursing profession.
Freshman & Transfer Entry: BSN and LVN-BSN Minimum Admission Requirements
- Academic Performance:
- High School/Transfer GPA: A minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. The admissions committee will emphasize your performance in science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry, and algebra.
- Holistic Review:
- Personal Statement: Submit a 300-500 word essay. The prompt will vary by application cycle, but it should describe your motivation for becoming a nurse, your personal connection to healthcare, and your commitment to giving back to the community.
- Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters from teachers, counselors, or community leaders who can speak to your character, leadership, and potential for success.
- Interview: Selected applicants will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview to assess their interpersonal skills and alignment with nursing values.
- Community Engagement: Provide evidence of meaningful community service, leadership roles, or caregiving experiences. We prioritize students who demonstrate a passion for social responsibility and a desire to serve rural or underserved communities.
- Additional Considerations: The admissions committee also considers the following:
- Participation in high school health science courses (e.g., CNA, MA).
- Certification as an allied health professional.
- Completion of dual-credit or AP coursework in science or English.
- Involvement in organizations such as HOSA, student council, or volunteer work in healthcare or human services.
- Unencumbered Texas LVN license: LVN-BSN students must show proof of an unencumbered Texas Licensed Vocational Nurse license. The license must remain valid for the entire time the student is enrolled.
Notification of Admission Decisions
Assured Admission to TAMUK does not mean students are guaranteed admission to the School of Nursing. Official notification is provided via the Texas A&M University-Kingsville email or through the Nursing CAS application portal. All applicants will receive communication as to their status; whether admitted, denied, incomplete, or given the option of placement on a waiting list. Students who do not accept the admissions offer by the deadline stated in the official notification will be removed from the list and will nullify their admissions offer.
A select number of applicants who are not admitted in the initial round may be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. If space becomes available, additional offers will be extended until the semester begins. It is the policy of the SON that information regarding placement on the waiting list will only be provided by appointment.
Conditional Admission
All students are admitted conditionally until they complete all eligibility requirements by the deadline stated in the admissions notification.
English Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit proof of English proficiency to be eligible for review. English proficiency can be demonstrated through various criteria.
- A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 83 (Internet-based) is required for admission to Nursing.
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or higher is required for admission to Nursing.
- Scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Services (ETS) and dated within two (2) years of enrollment. TOEFL (Code#6822).
Progression to Clinical Coursework: BSN and LVN-BSN
To advance into clinical nursing courses (junior and senior years of study), students must meet specific academic, professional, and regulatory requirements. Failure to meet these criteria may delay or prevent your progression in the program.
- Academic Performance:
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in all college-level coursework.
- Successfully complete all required first and second-year nursing (NURS) and science courses. You are allowed no more than two NURS course failures (defined as a grade below the minimum required) and no more than three total attempts per lower-division NURS course.
- Clinical Readiness Requirements: All students must complete and maintain compliance with the following:
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers (American Heart Association).
- A negative drug screen.
- A clear criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), which results in a "blue card" or declaratory order.
- Required Immunizations (including but not limited to):
- Hepatitis B series (completed or in progress)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Seasonal influenza (annually)
- Tuberculosis screening (e.g., QuantiFERON or PPD test) within the last 12 months.
- Proof of required health insurance coverage. (Basic coverage can be purchased through the university.)
- Completion of all clinical onboarding requirements, such as HIPAA and OSHA training.
- Professional Conduct: Students must consistently demonstrate professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and effective communication. This is evaluated through faculty and preceptor observations throughout the program.
Progression Requirements
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0scale.
- Achieve a minimum of 75% in each required course.
- Provide annual documentation verifying the absence of active pulmonary disease in the upper division semesters.
- Provide proof of current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support.
- Proof of current health insurance.
- Successfully complete nursing clinical courses.
Upper Division and Residence Requirement for Baccalaureate Degree
A minimum of 54 semester hours of upper division level coursework (NURS 3000 and 4000 level courses) must be successfully completed to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The LVN-BSN student meets this requirement by completion of 51 semester hours of BSN coursework and four (4) semester hours of articulation credit.
Students desiring transfer into the upper division courses will have transcripts evaluated by the Nursing Director in collaboration with course faculty. Decisions to accept transfer NURS credits will be made on an individual basis. A minimum of 50% of the NURS credits must be upper-division residency credits for the student to graduate with a BSN.
