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Who is Eligible for NEAP?

NEAP candidates must either be a high school senior or a college first-year with a maximum of 30 credit hours, who have demonstrated academic excellence. Competitive applicants will need to have:

  • If you are a high school senior: a cumulative, unweighted GPA (calculated on grades earned in all coursework) equal to or greater than 3.0 from high school

or

  • If you are a college first year student: a cumulative, unweighted GPA (calculated on grades earned in all coursework and a maximum of 30 credit hours) equal to or greater than 3.0 from college

The most competitive candidates will have had some volunteer or employment experience in a healthcare setting, leadership opportunities, community service and/or research experience. Please note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will be accepted to NEAP. An offer of acceptance into NEAP is contingent on admission to the University of Utah.

Maintaining Eligibility

Nursing students enrolled in NEAP are expected to do the following in order to maintain eligibility:

  • Follow the recommended program of study. Students are required to take courses in the summer semester to complete the NEAP in the required time frame. 
  • Students must maintain the following GPA requirements in the program:

                     1. Overall GPA: Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0.
                     2. Mandatory Prerequisite GPA: Minimum 3.0 prerequisite cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a scale of 4.0, for the following 
                     5 prerequisites: Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry and Statistics.
                     3. All required prerequisites GPA: Must be also 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. This GPA is for all the 9 prerequisites required to be completed  
                     during the NEAP program. The 5 mentioned above plus: Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology and/or
                     Pathophysiology.

                     Nursing advisors and the faculty mentor will evaluate student progress and will consult with students at the start of each semester.

  • Students in NEAP must adhere to the University of Utah and the College of Nursing's standards of academic and personal integrity.
  • Before beginning the clinical nursing coursework, a physical examination, documentation of current immunization (including hepatitis B vaccine series and second MMR booster), TB test and proof of cardiopulmonary resuscitation/basic life support (CPR/BLS) certification are required. Passing a criminal background check and drug screen is also required.

Students who have suffered significant academic setbacks in their NEAP coursework, such that his or her academic performance does not fulfill the requirements of the program, may be put on academic probation and/or dismissed from NEAP. Dismissal from NEAP does not affect the student's standing at the University, although students must maintain the minimum GPA listed in the University of Utah Student Handbook.

Students who decide (for whatever reason) not to continue with NEAP, but rather to apply via the regular admissions process, will not be penalized. While the assurances of the program would no longer apply, the College of Nursing would be happy to consider regular applications from candidates in this situation. Candidates who decide to apply via the regular application process will need to consult with a nursing advisor for information and advice regarding the timetable and requirements of the regular admissions process.

Contact Us

Allison Spolsdoff, DNP, MS, RN
NEAP Specialty Track Director
allison.spolsdoff@nurs.utah.edu 

Office of Student Services
advising@nurs.utah.edu.
(801) 587-3194

Application Deadline

Fall Semester
Opens: November 1
Closes: February 1, 5:00PM MST