Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the Prelicensure track and RN to BS track?
We get this question a lot. Our Prelicensure track is for students who do not already have an RN license, want to earn a BS in Nursing, and prepare for the NCLEX licensing exam. The Online RN to BS is for associates degree prepared nurses who already have their RN license or are ready to take the NCLEX licensing exam, and wish to continue their education to earn a BS in Nursing.
The RN is the license issued by the State of Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, and the BS is the degree earned from the University of Utah. Both tracks earn the same degree at the end of the program.
- How do I make an appointment with a Nursing Academic Advisor?You can schedule a pre-nursing group advising appointment online. We also highly recommend attending a College of Nursing information session which can answer a lot of your questions and give you time to talk to an advisor.
- How many applicants are accepted each year?We accept 72 applicants for the Fall semester and 72 applicants for the Spring semester.
- Is there a waiting list?No. The University of Utah College of Nursing does not have a waiting list. If an applicant is not admitted, they may reapply the following application cycle.
- What is the average GPA of applicants admitted to the program?We do not look at GPA beyond meeting the minimum requirement of 3.00. Competitive applicants come from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. We believe that once you meet the minimum GPA requirements, other factors are more critical in determining your success in our program.
- When is the application deadline?
Applications are due:
- February 1 by 5:00 PM Mountain Time for the Fall semester
- September 1 by 5:00 PM Mountain Time for the Spring semester
The application will open 90 days before each application deadline.
- Am I required to have direct patient care experience before applying?No, while health care experience is valuable and encouraged, any type of volunteer and work experience will be adequate.
- What factors are used to determine admissions decisions?
There are two parts to the application review process. First, Students Services staff will ensure a submitted application is complete and meets all minimum requirements. Second, the College of Nursing faculty will review your application based on overall qualifications and readiness. The following areas are considered during this second portion of the application review process:
- Letters of reference
- Professional experience
- Leadership experience
- Acts of service
- Education history
- Where do I send my official transcripts?
Please request official transcripts be sent to you directly. You must upload copies of all transcripts for every school you have attended, including any concurrent enrollment, and the University of Utah. Accepted transfer credit at a college or university does not substitute the need for a transcript from a school.
Please refer to the University of Utah Office of Admissions for their separate application requirements.
- What prerequisite courses are required for the U of U College of Nursing?
There are nine prerequisite courses. The prerequisites marked with a (*) must be completed and graded at the time of application. The remaining four must be completed before entry into the nursing program. You will either need to be currently enrolled in or registered for the final four prerequisite courses by the application cycle.
- General Biology(*)
- Human Anatomy(*)
- Human Physiology(*)
- Elementary Chemistry(*)
- Statistics(*)
- Nutrition Intervention
- Human Growth and Development
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
- Do I need to apply to the University of Utah separately?If you are not already a current University of Utah student, your admissions to the College of Nursing is contingent upon being admitted to the University of Utah. It is your responsibility to apply to the University of Utah through the University of Utah Office of Admissions before the College of Nursing application deadline. Please be aware of the U of U Office of Admissions' application deadlines, or you will be subject to late fees. All College of Nursing applicants must apply to the University of Utah; this is a separate application process.
- When are applicants notified of admissions decisions?Electronic decision letters are sent approximately six to eight weeks after the application deadline to the email provided on your application.
- Can I apply for both Fall and Spring admission?Yes, applicants may apply for both the Fall Semester and Spring Semester start date.
- How do I find out if the courses I have taken will fulfill the College of Nursing prerequisite requirements?
View the College of Nursing course equivalencies for all major colleges and universities in Utah. If your course is not listed, please complete the transcript/course evaluation form. Please note your request could take up to three weeks. Course or transcript evaluations are not available 30 days before an application deadline.
- How many clinical hours are required in the nursing program?Students will complete just over 1,000 hours in the clinical setting while in the program.
- What is the cost of attendance for the nursing program?
Nursing students pay current University of Utah upper division tuition rates, plus a nursing differential. Tuition is based on the total number of credits taken per semester. The current nursing differential rate can be found under Additional Charges and Explanations.
- How long is the program once admitted?
You complete the program in four consecutive semesters.
- Does the nursing program fulfill the requirements of a Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Utah?
Yes, completion of the four-semester program fulfills all Bachelor of Science degree requirements including the following:
- Upper division communication/writing (CW)
- Diversity (DV)
- Upper division international (IR)
- Two BS quantitative intensive (QI) courses
- Will I receive a BSN at the end of my program?No, you will earn a Baccalaureate of Science (BS). The difference between a BS and BSN is a technical difference with the issuing institution. The difference ultimately should not matter to future employers. The University of Utah is the granter of the degree so you will earn a Bachelor of Science with the major of Nursing. If the College of Nursing were the granter of the degree, it would be a Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
- Are immunizations and a drug test required?
Yes, you will be required to purchase a certified background check and drug screen package from CastleBranch, which will cost you approximately $135.00.
Before starting the program, you will need to be current with all of the following immunizations:
- Hepatitis A series
- Hepatitis B 3 shot series with titer
- TB skin test/yearly (2-step or blood test)
- MMR
- TDAP
- Flu Shot (during flu season, yearly)
You will also be required to show proof of CPR adult and child certification from the American Heart Association, First Aid is optional.
- Is there an orientation for incoming students?You will be required to attend both a University of Utah orientation and College of Nursing orientation before the start of the program. The College of Nursing orientation happens the week before the semester begins. Your Academic Program Manager will provide exact details.