MSU College of Nursing: Comprehensive Guide to Programs and Admission
The MSU College of Nursing is dedicated to providing comprehensive nursing education, grounded in science and the humanities. Its programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E.). This article provides a detailed overview of the programs offered and the admission requirements for prospective students.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Programs
The College of Nursing offers three distinct paths to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree:
- Traditional B.S.N.
- Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N.
- B.S.N. for Registered Nurses
All BSN graduates will provide care in a variety of settings with an emphasis on providing safe, evidence-based care to promote health and health maintenance across the life span.
Traditional B.S.N. Program
The Traditional B.S.N. program is designed to provide a broad professional preparation based on nursing science. The preparation of nurses is rigorous and admission to the undergraduate program is highly competitive.
Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N. Program
The Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N. program is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to pursue a career in nursing.
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B.S.N. for Registered Nurses (R.N. to B.S.N.) Program
The B.S.N. for Registered Nurses program is tailored for registered nurses who have graduated from a diploma or associate degree program in nursing and wish to advance their education.
General Admission Requirements
Admission to the College of Nursing is competitive and generally determined after completing at least 28 credits. However, high-achieving, incoming freshmen have the opportunity to earn conditional admission.
Conditional Admission for Freshmen
Students may apply to the College of Nursing before their initial enrollment at MSU. Application materials for a future fall cohort must be completed by December 1st for the early application deadline, but no later than March 1st prior to the initial fall semester of enrollment. Students must be eligible for admission as a sophomore in the fall semester of their second year.
Application Deadlines
Students who wish to be considered for admission to the nursing major must submit their applications to the College of Nursing by May 1 for admission to the fall semester and December 1 for admission to the spring semester.
University Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees
The University requirements for bachelor's degrees require 120 credits, including general elective credits, for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
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Mathematics Requirement
The completion of Mathematics 103 or Mathematics 103A and 103B; and Statistics and Probability 200 will satisfy the University mathematics requirement. Students who place into Statistics and Probability 200 on the mathematics placement test and complete Statistics and Probability 200 are not required to complete Mathematics 103.
Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences
Students enrolled in the Nursing major complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that consists of the following courses: Biological Science 161, Chemistry 141 and 161, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 201 and 302, Human Anatomy 350, and Physiology 250 or 310. The completion of Chemistry 161 and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics 302 satisfy the laboratory requirement.
Tier II Writing Requirement
The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Nursing major is met by completing Nursing 342, 442, and 460, or Nursing 463.
R.N. to B.S.N. Program Specifics
Registered Nurses who have graduated from a diploma or associate degree program in nursing with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.75, a minimum grade of 2.00 in all required science courses and who possess an active, unrestricted RN license to practice without probationary status will be granted 30 credits for successful completion of the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students should contact the College of Nursing regarding the application process and deadlines.
Transfer Opportunities
Associate Degree in Nursing students from Henry Ford College, Lansing Community College, Macomb Community College, Muskegon Community College, Oakland Community College, and St. Clair County Community College who have enrolled in clinical nursing courses in the nursing major at their respective college are eligible to apply for transfer admission to Michigan State University into the R.N. to B.S.N. program.
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Concurrent Enrollment
Students admitted to MSU and admitted to the R.N. to B.S.N. program may enroll in two summer sessions (one course each summer session) at MSU while simultaneously enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing program.
Post-Graduation Requirements
Upon graduation from the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Henry Ford College, Lansing Community College, Macomb Community College, Muskegon Community College, Oakland Community College, and St. Clair County Community College and successful completion of prerequisite courses for the B.S.N., students can fully transition into the R.N. to B.S.N. program at MSU.
How to Apply (R.N. to B.S.N.)
- Apply to the College of Nursing R.N. to B.S.N. program using the Office of Admissions application form.
- Complete and submit the College of Nursing R.N. to B.S.N. application.
- Complete the university’s mathematics requirement.
- Possess an active, unrestricted R.N. license.
Wilson School of Nursing (Specific Program Details)
The Wilson School of Nursing Undergraduate Program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the cornerstone of professional nursing practice.
Application Dates (Wilson School of Nursing)
- Fall Admission: Application Open - February 15, Application Deadline - March 31
- Spring Admission: Application Open - July 1, Application Deadline - August 15
HESI A2 Assessment
The HESI A2 assessment is required. Minimum scores for consideration are:
- 80% or higher on Math Score.
- 80% or higher on English Language Composition Score, which must include the following areas: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and General Knowledge.
The HESI A2 test may be taken at any testing site including the MSU testing facility. Contact information for the MSU Testing Center: (940) 397-4676.
Transfer Credits
If a student chooses to take general education courses at another college, and is seeking admission and potentially transferring earned credits to the Wilson School of Nursing BSN pre-licensure program he/she should seek guidance from the Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services Academic Advisor before enrolling in courses to assure equivalency with university requirements. Taking courses at another college does not guarantee admission to the Wilson School of Nursing.
Science Course Requirements
A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required in the following science courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology I (BIOL 1134)
- Anatomy & Physiology II (BIOL 1234)
- Pathophysiologic Process* (NURS 3203) (*only applies to the Accelerated Program)
- Microbiology (BIOL 2144)
- Chemistry (CHEM 1303 - General-Organic-Biological Chemistry)
A grade lower than ‘C’ precludes admission/progression. Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 1134); Anatomy and Physiology II (BIOL 1234); or corresponding transfer courses must be successfully completed not more than five years prior to admission to the program.
Course Enrollment Limitations
Students may not enroll more than twice in any one science course (including F’s or W’s) for the student to be admitted to nursing; no more than two science courses may be repeated (whether or not the courses are applicable to the BSN degree plan). Nursing prerequisites and electives may be repeated only once following either a grade of less than ‘C’ or withdrawal. A student may not repeat for credit a course in which a grade of C/C- or better was awarded. Students should take a full academic load of at least twelve semester hours of coursework including when repeating a course.
Admission Priorities
MSU students who are progressing satisfactorily will be given priority for all classes. Transfer students will be considered on an “as available” basis.
GPA Requirements
Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a grade of ‘C’ or higher in all core and prerequisite courses listed on the degree plan demonstrating a pattern of academic success prior to admission.
Course Completion Timeline
All freshman and sophomore year courses must be completed by the end of sophomore year summer in order to enter the junior year courses.
Prerequisite Courses
Complete the following courses prior to beginning nursing program: (May apply to program while enrolled in prerequisite courses). The student must successfully complete the courses in order to progress through the application process. If one or more core and/or prerequisite courses are in progress during the application process the student may be offered a conditional admission. Admission is contingent on satisfactorily completing the course(s) prior to enrolling in nursing courses.
- BIOL 1134 - Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 1234 - Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIOL 2144 - Fundamental Clinical Microbiology
- SOCL 1133 - Introductory Sociology
- CHEM 1303 - General-Organic-Biological Chemistry
- Communication core component
- PSYC 1103 - General Psychology
- PSYC 3233 - Developmental Psychology
- Mathematics core component
- Language, Philosophy, and Culture core component
- Government and Political Science core component
- Creative Arts core component
- American History core component
- Cultural and Global Understanding core component
- Undergraduate Inquiry and Creativity core component
Clinical Requirements
Students must demonstrate compliance with all clinical requirements as specified in the Wilson School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook. Student must complete the specified requirements prior to enrolling in courses with a clinical/lab component. Student must submit all required documentation prior to courses with a clinical/lab component (prior to the start of the 2nd semester in program). The requirements will be discussed further with the student at a mandatory orientation once the student has been accepted into the program: Failure to comply with the policies may result in dismissal from the Wilson School of Nursing.
Formal Admission
NOTE: Admission to NURS 3212 - Family Health Assessment constitutes formal admission to the Wilson School of Nursing Program. BSN pre-licensure students must complete all clinical nursing courses within 4-5 years (9 long semesters) beginning with initial enrollment in NURS 3211/NURS 3212.
Admission Process (Wilson School of Nursing)
Since the number of applicants usually exceeds the number of students allowed for admission, all applicants will be awarded points for ranking purposes. The Wilson School of Nursing Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and rank them according to the criteria point values listed below. Applicants will be accepted into the program as ranked for admission and according to the number of clinical positions available. For applicants with a tie score, the higher science GPA will receive the higher ranking position.
Nursing Classes Required for the BSN Degree (Pre-licensure)
- NURS 3103 - Theories and Concepts: Introduction to Nursing 3 * (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3203 - Pathophysiologic Process 3 * (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3211 - Family Health Assessment Clinical 1 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3212 - Family Health Assessment 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3253 - Basic Nursing Clinical 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3243 - Basic Nursing Care 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3313 - Theories and Concepts: Pharmacology in Nursing Practice 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3412 - Mental Health Nursing Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3413 - Mental Health Nursing 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3422 - Family Health Nursing Care I Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3423 - Family Health Nursing Care I 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 3503 - Theories and Concepts: Nursing Research 3 (Spring/Fall)
- NURS 4002 - Nursing of the Childbearing Family Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4013 - Nursing of the Childbearing Family 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4022 - Family Health Nursing Care II Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4023 - Family Health Nursing Care II 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4042 - Pediatric Nursing Care Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4053 - Pediatric Nursing Care 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4152 - Community Health Nursing Care Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4153 - Community Health Nursing Care 3 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4304 - Leadership in Nursing 4 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4612 - Clinical Decision Making Clinical 2 (Fall/Spring)
- NURS 4613 - Clinical Decision Making 3 (Fall/Spring)
Major Courses - 60 hours
*Courses may be taken concurrently with NURS 3211/NURS 3212.
Additional Information
Casper Assessment
The nursing application is free, however the Casper Assessment costs $66.
Pre-Nursing Major at MSU Denver
TNO and ANO students must apply to MSU Denver and choose the Undeclared Pre-Nursing major. The application is free for in-state and out-of-state students, and $50 for international students. Being accepted to the university as a Pre-Nursing major does not mean you have been accepted into either the Traditional or Accelerated nursing programs. Students must meet the general studies and nursing prerequisite requirements to be eligible to apply.
Pre-Nursing Support
Pre-Nursing is available to support you as you work towards nursing program eligibility. Virtual drop-in and walk-in appointments are on Tuesdays from 10am to noon and Thursdays from 2pm-4pm.
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