Nursing Major

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

• First-time Freshman
• Transfer
• International

School of Nursing Admission Requirements

Admission to the university does not guarantee admission into the School of Nursing. Students interested in being considered for admission into the nursing major must indicate their desire on their application to the university.

Applicants will first be reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for general admission to APU. If an applicant meets the minimum requirements for consideration for the BSN program, they will then be reviewed by the School of Nursing Admissions Committee for possible admission into the BSN program.

Determinations will be made by March 1, and letters will be sent to applicants who met minimum requirements and were reviewed by the School of Nursing Admissions Committee, indicating whether they have been accepted into the BSN program. Once accepted into the program, students must remain in that program for the duration of the nursing program.

The BSN program is designed with a specific course sequence; when a student is accepted into a program, a progression schedule is reviewed by the student and the advisor. Since the traditional BSN program is based on a cohort model, all coursework assigned to a specific semester is prerequisite for progression to the next semester. Students admitted from high school to the traditional BSN program will be placed in either a fall (4½-year program) or a spring (4-year program) cohort.

Applicants who are not accepted into one of the School of Nursing BSN programs may still be admitted to the university. These applicants may consider coursework in preparation for application to the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing program (ELM) designed for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in another major but are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

Nursing Major Requirements

Applicants interested in the traditional nursing program must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Submit an application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions indicating interest in becoming a nursing major and pursuing the BSN. When you submit your application, be prepared to provide the following:
   1. Copies of all transcripts.
   2. The name and email address of a person who is able to provide a professional recommendation on your behalf. This should be an employer or community leader for whom you have worked or volunteered.
   3. A one-page statement of professional goals in nursing.
   4. A résumé or list of activities reflecting volunteer plus work experience within the past three years. Include leadership positions in volunteer organizations, community service, and/or employment where applicable.
2. The deadline to apply and submit all required documents in order to be eligible for consideration is November 15. Complete the applicable prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better including the following:
   1. One year of high school chemistry (or CHEM 101 Introduction to Chemistry);
   2. One year of high school biology (or BIOL 101 Fundamentals of Biology);
   3. Three years of high school math with a grade of B- or better (algebra or geometry). A math placement assessment is required unless the placement assessment is waived. For more information about how to waive the college algebra requirement, visit the ALEKS assessment page.
   4. Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing. Students will take an online survey before course registration to learn about the different course options for this requirement.
3. Submit proof of achieving the minimum high school, college, or university cumulative grade-point average of 3.5.
4. Once a student has received a letter of acceptance into the School of Nursing, proof of the following must be provided prior to the beginning of the first nursing course (UNRS 105):
   1. Successful completion of anatomy with lab (4 units) and organic chemistry with lab (4 units), with no lower than an overall B- (2.7) grade-point average, and no lower than a C in each course. Note: A student is allowed only one opportunity to repeat a single science course to try to raise his/her grade prior to beginning nursing (UNRS) courses. Students must maintain a B- (2.7) average in all subsequent science coursework or be placed on academic probation.
   2. Credit or waiver for college algebra.
   3. A current full physical examination clearance done within the past 12 months. This report is to be submitted the APU Student Health Center.
   4. Current two-step TB test, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and Tdap (evidence must be submitted either from a current immunization record or from recent titer results. The School of Nursing highly recommends that all students receive quantitative titers for proof of immunity.).
   5. A current background check.
   6. Ability to meet physical sensory technical standards required for safe and competent performance of the duties and skills needed for the nursing profession.
   7. Current CPR with AED certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health Care Providers for adults and children from the American Heart Association.

International Students

Note: International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa are not currently eligible to apply for the 2+2 program, but may apply to the Traditional BSN program.

International students are required to meet the same academic and admission requirements as other students, as well as the following:

1. Completion of Writing 1: The Art and Craft of Writing and one of the four required sciences taken at an accredited U.S. university with a minimum grade of C (2.0), and achievement of a cumulative grade-point average of B (3.0) in all college courses completed at Azusa Pacific University after two semesters of full-time enrollment.
2. The admission requirement for international students with English as a second language (ESL) is a minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT. For more information about other ways to provide proof of English proficiency, view the English proficiency requirements.

Note: Check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions regarding residency requirements prior to application.

At Azusa Pacific University, we’re committed to making your bachelor’s degree in psychology affordable. That’s why APU provides a comprehensive range of financial aid options, including federal loans, state grants, fellowships, and scholarships.

For more information, contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid, meaning they do not require repayment. These awards may come from federal, state, institutional, or private sources. Scholarships are often merit-based and awarded for academic achievement, leadership, or other demonstrated talents.

While APU does award scholarships, you can also find external scholarship opportunities through websites such as Finaid and Fastweb. Contact the Student Services Center about scholarships offered through APU departments or local organizations.

Student Employment

Along with gift aid and student loans, you can apply for on-campus student employment opportunities to earn additional income to pay for education-related expenses. As an APU student, you can also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Military and Veterans Benefits

If you are a veteran, serve in the military, or qualify as a spouse or dependent, you may access financial assistance that helps cover the cost of tuition, housing, and books. As a Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School, APU offers the support and flexibility needed to help you complete your bachelor’s degree in psychology.

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To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 
• The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Azusa Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 
• The traditional baccalaureate nursing program, upper-division transfer (2+2/LVN to BSN) programs, entry-level master’s program, and the nurse practitioner program are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.