B.S.N. Application Information
ADMISSION APPLICANTS FOR SPRING 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED. ADMISSIONS FOR FALL 2025 WILL OPEN JANUARY 21, 2025 AND CLOSE MARCH 1, 2025.
Admission to the B.S.N. Program
Students seeking enrollment in the bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N) degree program must meet the requirements for admission to Shepherd University, as stated in the university Catalog. Freshman and sophomore students will be designated as pre-acceptance students and will be assigned a nursing faculty member advisor.
The B.S.N. program is a limited enrollment program (see section titled Admission to Limited Enrollment Programs) and admission is competitive. Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission.
Students become candidates for admission into the nursing program during the second semester of their sophomore year upon meeting the following criteria:
- Admission to Shepherd University is required before being accepted to the nursing program;
- Submission of official transcripts(s) to the Admissions Office. A Detailed Degree Evaluation is required to be completed prior to March 1 for intended enrollment in the fall semester or October 1 for intended enrollment in the spring semester;
- Eligibility to complete the 59 lower-division course hours as identified in the pre-acceptance nursing curriculum prior to admission;
- Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 with a 2.0 institutional GPA and in good academic standing;
- Must achieve grade C or above in the following courses: BIOL 225/BIOL 227; BIOL 226/BIOL 228; BIOL 302; CHEM 125/125L; PSYC 101; SOCI 203; NURS 320; NUTR 318; statistics; and all math courses;
- Submit a School of Nursing application for admission along with a current degree evaluation; and
- Meet with academic advisor prior to March 1 for intended enrollment in the fall semester or prior to October 1 for intended enrollment in the spring semester. Transfer students who have not yet been assigned an academic advisor should schedule an admission advising appointment with the Director of the School of Nursing.
Click here for the Nursing School Application.
Students transferring from participating Community Colleges may take part of our 2+2 Community College Transfer Agreements.
Special Requirements of Nursing Majors
- Submission of completed health data requirement prior to July 1 following acceptance into the program for fall semester and December 1 following acceptance into the program for the spring semester;
- Submission of yearly PPD results (or chest x-ray, if appropriate) and evidence of American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) Provider certification prior to July 1 of each year if admitted in the fall and December 1 if admitted in the spring;
- Attend Level 1 Orientation as scheduled;
- Adhere to the policies in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook;
- Undergo a criminal background check and drug screen, according to the procedure specified by the School of Nursing;
- Complete all coursework within three years of admission into the nursing program;
- Pay a required special fee for standardized testing;
- Maintain personal health and medical malpractice (liability) insurance for the duration of the nursing program;
- Have a smartphone or small tablet and access to a personal computer and printer; and
- Meet the core performance standards of the nursing program.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Eligibility for Licensure
The State Code of West Virginia addresses criteria for application for licensure. The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses has the power to deny the opportunity to procure licenses through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony under the laws of West Virginia or any other state. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses (felony or misdemeanor) is encouraged to discuss these matters with the director for clarification prior to admission. Details are requested when the graduate makes application for licensure.
Progression
In order to progress and to graduate, the student enrolled in the B.S.N. program must:
- Earn a minimum of C in each nursing course;
- Maintain a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average;
- Satisfy pre- and corequisite requirements as scheduled.
Note: The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations (Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v)) which requires Shepherd University’s BSN and DNP Nursing Programs to provide a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution’s curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification. Please click here for Shepherd University’s Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Educational Requirements Alignment with Other States Licensure.