Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Traditional BSN Program

• What are the pre-requisite courses?
• Is there an age limit for the science prerequisites?
• How long is the program?
• How are students selected for admission into the program?
• What college degree is awarded upon completion of the program?
• What grade point average (GPA) is required for acceptance?
• When would I start if I were accepted?
• When are applications available? When should I apply? When is the application deadline?
• How are applications evaluated?
• I completed courses at a foreign institution. What do I do?
• Do I need to provide official CSU transcripts to the School of Nursing?
• Can I transfer to Cleveland State University’s School of Nursing from another accredited Nursing program?
• What else could prevent me from entering the program?

What are the pre-requisite courses?

Prerequisite Coursework  (must obtain a 3.0 average in prerequisite coursework):

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 266/267 & 268/269)
• Chemistry I & II (CHM 251/256 & 252/257)
• Microbiology (BIO 264/265)
• English I & II (ENG 101 & 102)
• Math (MTH 116)
• Psychology (PSY 101)
• Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

These courses must be completed prior to beginning the Nursing sequence.

Is there an age limit for the science prerequisites?

Effective Fall 2012, science prerequisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Chemistry I and II, and Microbiology) may be no more than 10 years old at the application deadline. 

How long is the program?

Students must complete prerequisites for the nursing major (usually taken in one-two academic years) and apply for acceptance into the nursing major classes. This full-time sequence is completed in three years. Thus, the expected plan for the entire program is four to five years.

How are students selected for admission into the program?

Selection of students is based on a number of criteria including prerequisite course grade point average  overall grade point average (GPA's are the most heavily weighted), two recommendations (forms are attached to the application packet), a resume (identify any related health care experience, volunteer work, education), and for selected applicants; an interview and essay. The maximum number of spaces in the program is 80 students for the fall and 64 students for the spring. Students not admitted due to lack of space, ineligibility, incomplete applications or who those do not accept an admission slot must reapply. There is no ongoing waiting list.

What college degree is awarded upon completion of the program?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Please note that the Nursing Program is a three year major at CSU. Students are admitted to the program as sophomores. Students are also required to complete the University’s General Education requirements (many courses meet more than one requirement) as part of the BSN degree.

What grade point average (GPA) is required for acceptance?

A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required in prerequisite courses and a minimum cumulative GPA (combination of all schools attended) of 2.50 for consideration to the program. This is the minimum to apply – due to the competive nature of the admission process the accepted cohort GPA can be higher.

When would I start if I were accepted?

BSN students begin the nursing sequence in Fall semester each year for the Traditional Daytime program and in Spring semester of each year for the Evening/Weekend program.

When are applications available? When should I apply? When is the application deadline?

Applications are available year round. You should consider applying when you have completed at least 1/2 of the prerequisite courses, including at least two of the five listed lab science courses. The application deadline for Fall admission is March 1st (traditional), and January 1st (early admission). Only highly qualified students will be accepted for early admission (3.25 prerequisite and cumulative GPA and no grades less than B in the prerequisite courses).                                                                          The application deadline for the Spring admission is September 1.  

To obtain an application, please go to our website:
http://www.csuohio.edu/nursing

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated on the basis of GPA, references, resume, interviews, written essay questions (at the time of the interview), and additional consideration may be given for any health care related experience (list on resume). All applicants are strongly encouraged to have some kind of health care related experience, either through volunteer work or job experience. All applicants are encouraged to attend an information session or meet with the Nursing Recruiter/Advisor prior to the application deadline. An appointment may be made by calling 216.687.3598. You will be notified of your acceptance within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline.

I completed courses at a foreign institution. What do I do?

First, you must apply to Cleveland State University and submit official transcripts to International Admissions in order to have them evaluated. It is your responsibility to provide an official translation if your transcripts are not in English. If you are an international student and have questions about your visa, contact the Center for International Services and Programs. After you have submitted your transcripts to International Admissions, contact the Recruiter/Advisor in the School of Nursing to notify them that you have applied to the University and to request that your transcript be evaluated for the Nursing program.

Do I need to provide official CSU transcripts to the School of Nursing?

No. Please include a note in your application informing the Recruiter/Advisor that you attended Cleveland State University.

Can I transfer to Cleveland State University’s School of Nursing from another accredited Nursing program?

You must be able to provide a letter from the director of your previous nursing program verifying that you have left the program in good academic standing to be eligible to apply for Cleveland State University’s School of Nursing. This does not guarantee your acceptance to the program or that your coursework will be accepted. You must meet with a recruiter/advisor to discuss your options.

What else could prevent me from entering the program?

Failure to pass a background check results in ineligibility for CSU’s School of Nursing program. See the Board of Nursing website for more information regarding what may prevent you from obtaining a nursing license.
http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/discipline.htm.