Arizona State University (ASU) Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Overview

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University (ASU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This article provides a detailed overview of the program, covering admission requirements, eligibility criteria, application processes, and other essential aspects.

Direct Admission for First-Year Students

ASU offers direct admission to the nursing major for qualified first-year student applicants. Students who meet specific eligibility requirements and maintain Continuing Eligibility Criteria (CEC) while attending ASU are guaranteed a place in the upper-division clinical nursing program within one year of eligibility.

Direct Admission Requirements

Admission standards for majors in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation exceed the university's minimum standards. The first-year admission requirements include:

Ranking in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.
A GPA of 3.80 or higher in ASU competency courses (based on a 4.00 grading scale).
A GPA of 3.50 or higher in ASU competency courses AND either a 25 ACT or 1230 SAT combined evidence-based reading and writing plus math score.

The priority application date for first-year students is November 1. Applications received after this date are considered on a space-available basis. Students who are not directly admitted to the nursing program are placed in the BS program in community health.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting the following requirements:

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A minimum score of 540 (paper-based), 207 (computer-based), or 76 (internet-based) on the TOEFL.
A minimum overall band of 6.5 with no band below 5.5 on the IELTS.

Nursing applicants who do not meet these requirements will be admitted to the community health major. These students can still apply for vacant seats in the nursing program through the competitive application process after completing coursework that mirrors the nursing prerequisites. However, the availability of vacant seats is not guaranteed.

Continuing Eligibility Criteria (CEC)

To maintain eligibility for the upper-division clinical nursing program, students must meet the Continuing Eligibility Criteria (CEC). These criteria are reviewed annually and subject to change. The current requirements include:

Enrolling in courses following the published course sequence on the BSN Nursing major map.
Maintaining a minimum 3.50 critical (prerequisite) course GPA each semester.
Achieving a grade of C or better in all critical (prerequisite) courses.
Successfully completing all Health and Safety Requirements.
Ensuring that courses taken at institutions other than ASU during the required semester have grades recorded on the ASU system by the final grading deadline (degree conferral dates) per the ASU Academic Calendar.

Application Process for First-Year Students

The steps to apply for direct admission as a first-year student are as follows:

Visit ASU and schedule a campus tour. The Traditional BSN is available at the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, and West Valley campuses.
Apply to ASU and select "Nursing, BSN" as your major of interest on the application.
Complete all ASU Admission Services requirements.
Check your My ASU account for updates on your admission and next steps to enroll.

Competitive Application Process

After direct admission students are placed into the upper-division clinical nursing program, any remaining spaces are made available to competitive applicants. Selection is based on GPA and score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Spaces are limited, and placement is not guaranteed. First bachelor’s degree-seeking students, including current ASU students and transfer students, are eligible to apply through the competitive process. Applicants must also submit proof that they meet health and safety requirements.

Admissions & Enrollment Statistics

The average undergraduate GPA of admitted students is 3.6, with 100% of entrants providing their undergraduate GPA. ASU does not use the GRE in its admissions process.

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Required Documents

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from professional contacts. While nursing-related work experience is not required, a nursing-related undergraduate degree or coursework is always required.

Standardized Tests

ASU requires the TOEFL iBT for international students, with a minimum score of 80. The IELTS is also accepted, with a minimum score of 6.5.

Factors Considered in Admissions

Academic factors are heavily weighted in the admissions process. Undergraduate GPA and field of study are considered very important, while standardized test scores are not considered. Recommendations are also taken into account. Non-academic factors such as application essays, work experience, character/personal qualities, first-generation college student status, alumni/alumnae relations, geographical residence, and the applicant's interest level are not considered.

Additional Program Information

Graduate Programs

ASU offers several graduate programs in nursing, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and an MSN in Nursing Education.

Online Programs

ASU has online graduate programs that are CCNE accredited. There are two online master's in nursing degree programs with concentrations in high demand, such as Master of Science in Nursing- Generalist and Nursing Education.

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Faculty and Course Offerings

ASU employs 21 full-time and 5 part-time instructional faculty who teach courses accessible online. Each course requires students to review and affirm the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Written assignments may be checked through Turnitin, and library modules address plagiarism and APA 7th Edition formatting. Course syllabi include statements on the appropriate use of generative AI.

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