Transfer Nursing

Request that official copies of transcripts for all colleges at which you’ve enrolled be sent to Jewell's Office of Admission. Please also remember to request transcripts from colleges that sponsored dual-credit courses you may have taken during high school. In order for your transcripts to be considered official, they must be sent directly from the reporting institution to our Office of Admission.

NursingCAS users: You may send all transcripts and application items to NursingCAS. You do not need to send duplicate copies of all materials to Jewell if you have already submitted them as part of your NursingCAS application. Contact Allie Foltz, Nursing Student Liaison, foltza@william.jewell.edu, about information to reduce the NursingCas application fee.

• Official College Transcripts
• Entrance Exam Scoresheet (OPTIONAL). Submit an official scoresheet from a proctored test taken at a licensed testing facility less than one year ago from one of the entrance exams listed below. Please request that your testing provider deliver an official score report directly to the Office of Admission:
  • Kaplan Admissions Exam
    • Register with Allie Foltz, Jewell Nursing Student Liaison, foltza@william.jewell.edu or 816-415-5072
  • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills, www.atitesting.com)
  • HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated, www.elsevier.com)
    Scores above national average. Preferences are given to candidates with a successful first attempt within the last two years. Consider taking an admission exam after completing half of the prerequisites including anatomy.

Review the Department of Nursing’s Background Check Policy.

A formal interview is required to determine admission status. All official college transcripts and application submissions must be received by the Office of Admission before an interview will be granted. Interviews are granted based on the merits of application submissions as determined by the Admission Counselor and Department of Nursing. As such, not all applicants will be selected for interview. If you are selected for a formal interview, you will be notified by a member of the Department of Nursing in order to coordinate a time and date for your interview.

Bring to the Interview:

• One Reference. Please bring contact information for a reference. Recommendations must come from a person who has served in a supervisory or professorial capacity in relationship to you. Personal references from family and friends will not be accepted.
• Involvement Résumé. Maximum length allowed is two pages. As applicable, focus on areas of professional healthcare experience, community service/volunteering, mentoring/leadership and education.

If you are interested in applying to Jewell as a Transfer Nursing student, we encourage you to create a Next Steps Meeting with your Admission Counselor or with Allie Foltz, Nursing Student Liaison, foltza@william.jewell.edu. Ask about information to reduce the NursingCas application fee.

• Completion of your application to William Jewell College
• Submission of official copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions at which you have been enrolled in courses or have received financial aid, even if credit was not awarded
• Completion of pre-nursing admission exam such as Kaplan, TEAS or HESI. (OPTIONAL)
  • Kaplan Admissions Exam – proctored by William Jewell College ($25 fee applies). Enroll to test: www.kaptest.com/nclex/partner/william-jewell-college. Register with Allie Foltz, Jewell Nursing Student Liaison: foltza@william.jewell.edu or 816-415-5072
  • TEAS-V (Test of Essential Academic Skills): www.atitesting.com
  • HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated): www.elsevier.com
    Pre-nursing admission exams scores at or above national average. Preferences are given to candidates with a successful first attempt within the last two years. Consider taking an admission exam after completing half of the prerequisites including anatomy.

Applicants are considered with the following criteria:

• Applicants normally present a minimum GPA of 2.8 (on a 4.0 scale). GPA may be calculated on applicant’s entire academic record or on last 3 years of college attendance whichever is higher.
• Record of successful academic progress with B- or better in first attempt of prerequisite courses. An attempt is defined as enrollment in a class with the following indication on a transcript a) course grade, b) incomplete = I, c) Withdraw = W.
• Any nursing courses, such as Nutrition, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, must be completed with a grade of B- or better on the first attempt.
• Prerequisites must be completed in the last ten years if they are a science course (Anatomy with Lab, Physiology with Lab, Chemistry with lab or Microbiology with lab). They must have been completed in the last five years if they are a Nursing course (Pathophysiology, Nutrition). Psychology does not have a time limit.

• A selective and competitive interview with a member of the Nursing Department

If selected for an interview, bring:

• One reference. Please bring contact information for a reference. Recommendations must come from a person who has served in a supervisory or professorial capacity in relationship to you. Personal references from family and friends will not be accepted.
• Involvement Résumé. Maximum length allowed is two pages. As applicable, focus on areas of professional healthcare experience, community service/volunteering, mentoring/leadership and education.

Consult William Jewell College’s Course Catalog section titled “Requirements for Transfer Admission.” Your requirements for completing a bachelor’s degree will have to be determined in consultation with the Registrar and the Department of Nursing.

• Chemistry
• Basic Psychology
• Microbiology with lab
• Written Communication
• College Algebra, Calculus I or Math for the Liberal Arts
• Human Anatomy with lab
• Human Physiology with lab (Anatomy and Physiology combined courses are accepted)

PSYC 140 – General Psychology
BIOL 109 Anatomy and Physiology or
     BIOL 110 – Human Anatomy and BIOL 210 – Human Physiology
BIOL 132 – Human Nutrition
BIOL 208 – Microbiology
CHEM 105 – Introductory Chemistry for Health Sciences
ENGL 101 – Composition & Reading I
MATH 120 – College Algebra

PSYC 130 – Intro to Psychology
BIOL 235 – General Nutrition
BIOL 230/231 – Microbiology and Lab
CHEM 122 – Principles of Chemistry
BIOL 140 – Human Anatomy
BIOL 225 – Human Physiology
ENGL 121 – Composition I
MATH 171 – College Algebra

PSYC 101 – Psychology
BIOL 145 – Nutrition
BIOL 261 & 262 – Microbiology & Lab
CHEM 109 – General Chemistry
BIOL 141 – Human Anatomy & Lab
BIOL 271 & 272 – Physiology & Lab
ENGL 101 – Composition I
MATH 105 – College Algebra

Applying for college is a complex process. The more you know about your potential program, the better! Those looking for an online degree in nursing should explore the program's length, the specialties offered and where they wish to work. These are some of the most important issues to consider when choosing a program that best meets your goals.

Sometimes, the first program you select does not turn out to be the right fit. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center states nearly 10% of all enrolled students change programs. Reasons to change are many: personal or family commitments, financial restrictions and relocations. It is also common to start a specialty (for example, psychiatric nursing) only to realize that your passion lies in another field (like pediatrics or oncology). Don't be afraid to change your mind. Pursue the area that most interests you!

Type of Nursing Degrees

You can find programs that train nurses in many settings: hospitals, healthcare systems, community colleges and universities. A diploma nursing program provides real-world experience. A diploma, like associate degrees in nursing, takes approximately 2-3 years to complete. With a diploma, you can work as an RN. The difference between an associate of science in nursing (ASN) and an associate degree in nursing (ADN) comes down to courses. The ASN focuses on the sciences, while the ADN encourages a liberal arts or humanities education.

RNs with a diploma compile patient histories, assist with diagnostic tests and teach patients to manage care after treatment. With an associate degree, you can also enter more specialties, such as rehabilitation or pediatrics.

Increasingly, healthcare agencies and institutions encourage RNs to continue their education and earn a bachelor's in nursing. If you have a diploma or an associate degree, you can enroll in accelerated bachelor's programs and complete this degree in as little as 1 or 2 years. Earning a bachelor's degree puts management and advanced nursing job opportunities within your reach.

Typical Nursing School Entry Requirements

You have a range of options to choose from since so many programs across the nation are available online or on campus. A nursing diploma asks for a high school diploma or GED. Students are strongly encouraged to complete courses in biology, chemistry, algebra and English. Since diploma programs receive training directly at healthcare facilities, like hospitals, they might not be online.

The better choice for a flexible, two- to three-year program is an associate degree in nursing. For an associate program, you will need a high school diploma or GED with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (though some schools accept a 2.5 GPA). Before admission, many programs insist that students pass the Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. Assessment Technologies Institute handles the TEAS, which tests your math, English and reading skills. It also evaluates your basic understanding of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. To be competitive, applicants to nursing schools must typically earn at least a score of 60 on the TEAS. To apply for an RN-to-BSN program, applicants must hold an RN license and provide transcripts from all previous education.

Applying to Nursing School

Application Materials
Whether applying for the first time or planning a transfer, you must submit similar application materials. The following list details some of these standard requirements you will likely provide.

College Application
You must provide personal information and academic history here. You often include a personal statement explaining why you want to apply to the program.

High School Transcript
An official transcript lists courses completed and your final grades. Your high school provides it directly to the program. You can request a GED transcript from the GED Credentialing Service if you have a GED.

Letters of Recommendation
Recommendations give personal context and a human story behind official documents. Most schools require recommendation letters from your high school teachers and counselors. Coaches and activity organizers may also provide compelling statements.

SAT or ACT Scores
The SAT and ACT verify a college applicant’s foundational skills in reading, writing and math. While the SAT focuses on a student’s critical analysis and reasoning, the ACT emphasizes memorization. Most schools accept either exam. Take the exam that best fits your natural skills.

College Transcript
If you are transferring schools, you will need to provide a college and high school transcript. College transcripts detail your current coursework and grades earned at your previous institution. The college transcript is vital to the process of transferring credits between schools.

Application Fees (or Fee Waiver)
Most programs require non-refundable application fees. Some schools allow fee waivers for prospective students, particularly applicants in financial hardship. Be sure to check out the online FAQs and application instruction pages of the institutions where you intend to apply for more details.

When Should I Begin the Application Process?

The application process is often long; schools typically take months to select and notify students. Whether you are a new student or transferring, start a year in advance to successfully complete your application on time. This early start ensures a smooth beginning of a two- or four-year program. Most importantly, early preparation gives you time to apply for financial aid. Make sure to apply for all the funding for which you qualify!

The following checklist details how to begin the process of transferring nursing schools.

• Research your prospective transfer schools
• Check accreditation status and articulation agreements
• Contact school advisors
• Confirm that your credits will be transferred over
• Research financial aid options
• Begin application process

What Are Nursing School Transfer Requirements?
Transfer requirements vary by school. Spots are often very competitive. Schools seek students with strong academic and volunteer records. Most two- and four-year institutions also require proof of your previous school's program accreditation. Check your school's accreditation status on the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing website (ACEN).

Types of Transfer Students

Students may want to transfer for many reasons: changes in their personal life, new job opportunities and evolving career objectives. The following list details some common transfer situations. If you are contemplating a change in schools, consider your personal situation in light of these scenarios.

Community College to Four-Year College Transfer
Many students embark on their post-secondary education at a community college first. With two years of community college under your belt, you can enter a four-year institution to complete your bachelor's in as little as two more years.

Four-Year College to Four-Year College Transfer
Not all bachelor's programs are alike. If your four-year bachelor's program does not teach the specialty that you desire, or if you need to relocate for personal or professional reasons, you may need to transfer to find a better fit.

Military Transfer
If you have completed some degree coursework in the military, you may qualify to transfer directly into a two- or four-year institution. You can apply credits to a college or university to speed up the completion of your degree. For more information, check out the military transfer guide of the American Council on Education website.

International Transfer
If you are relocating internationally, you do not have to sacrifice your past education. Transferring to an online program gives you the freedom and flexibility to live abroad and keep up with your classes.

Transferrable Credits

When moving to a new school, it is vital to investigate which college credits will transfer. Not all schools accept coursework that you complete. For example, some schools may not accept courses completed on a different academic schedule, such as semester versus quarter systems. Others may reject credits if they have a different course title. An "experimental chemistry" course might not be the same as "fundamentals in chemistry." Credit acceptance is entirely at the discretion of the transfer institution. In general, public schools within the same state system will accept the most credits. The more different the institutions, the more questions may arise. Below are a series of common situations that may arise as you search for your new program.

Course Equivalency

Colleges and universities work hard to accept equivalent coursework from a student’s previous institution. With your transcript, your new institution compares the classes you completed with its own courses. For example, your introductory psychology class from a community college or university would likely count for a similar intro to psychology course at your new school. Even so, not all coursework will automatically transfer. For example, a general education writing composition course may qualify only as a general elective.

Course Level
The eligibility for transferable courses often depends on the course’s level. Some 100-200 level coursework and general education requirements are often acceptable. Yet, higher course numbers and specialized courses may be less applicable. Junior and senior seminars, along with laboratory work, may not transfer to your new school and your final degree.

Quarter vs. Semester Transfers

Be aware of the term system of each school, even if you pursue a degree completely online. Students commit to a single course for a different amount of time between the quarter system and the semester system. Schools on a semester calendar generally accept two-quarter classes for every single semester requirement. Thus, two chemistry courses completed on the quarter system usually count as a one-semester class.

What if My Credits Don't Transfer?

Transfer advisers can often work with you to transfer credits. Schools also provide online search engines to check previous coursework against school programs. As mentioned earlier, some classes will transfer directly, while others will count as general electives. Overall, schools require course grades of 3.0 or higher. Some schools will accept a "C" depending on whether the course is a major requirement or a general elective.

Transfer students can appeal transfer credit decisions in various ways. Typically, appeals require students to complete a form such as this one or submit a formal written appeal. However, there is no guarantee that these appeals will be successful. Schools usually insist that transfer students complete all upper-level major requirements at their institution. Non-transferable courses must be retaken.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Transfers

Transferring institutions often comes at a cost. Moving from an in-state institution to an out-of-state one can be the most costly. Out-of-state tuition costs are usually higher, whether students enroll on campus or 100% online. Transferring in-state is far less expensive. Many four-year state institutions partner with community colleges so students can continue their education seamlessly. These partnerships ensure more transferable credits between institutions, saving both time and money. Private colleges, however, usually offer one tuition price no matter where you live.

Benefits of Transferring From a Community College to a Four-Year School

As tuition costs climb at four-year institutions nationwide, many students are turning to community colleges to receive an affordable education. On average, an associate degree takes two to three years to complete, and tuition prices at community colleges can be a fraction of their four-year counterparts. Having completed your two-year associate degree, you can then continue on to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor's degree in as little as two years.

Transferring from a community college to an affiliated four-year program will also ensure that the majority of your coursework will transfer, allowing you to complete your degree quickly.

Other Factors to Consider When Transferring

Beginning your education at a community college can provide many financial benefits. However, there are some drawbacks to transferring schools. While two-year programs can offer more help academically and financially, transfer students face more stress. Transfers have to apply for college twice: once to attend community college and again to transfer institutions. They can also suffer from a lack of community. Entering an institution at the junior level means you have lost the freshman- and sophomore-year experience. Even so, four-year institutions are providing more resources for new transfers as transferring becomes more popular.

Accreditation
When looking for online schools, it is very important to check for an institution's accreditation. Accreditation is like a stamp of approval on your diploma. It attests to the quality of your education to future institutions and employers. If your school is not accredited, your coursework may not be accepted when transferring. Your education will also not qualify you to take the RN exam. A lack of accreditation may also cost you government and private financial aid.

Two organizations accredit all nursing schools in the United States: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs specifically accredits programs in anesthesia, and the American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation evaluates midwife and doula programs. To find out if your institution is accredited, check out the websites of these programs or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's national database.

Scholarships for Transfer Students
Scholarships are plentiful in the field of nursing. Funding opportunities exist for new students entering diploma and associate programs. Scholarships for RNs who want to continue their education and for transfer students are also available. The following list details a few of the available scholarships. Be sure to check scholarship opportunities offered by your prospective college or university.

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading BSN programs today to experience the William Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different program options, exceptional faculty, and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.

In education today, students are presented with a host of different options and paths for their post-secondary academic careers. Even if you know what you want to study or what career field you want to enter, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in a program and which one will set you up for success.

Since graduating the first nursing class in 1974, William Jewell College of Nursing has been expanding its undergraduate programs to make unique pathways for all students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and join the field as well-rounded caregivers. Based on our decades of experience, here is everything you should look for in an undergraduate nursing program.

Diverse coursework and curriculum

When considering different nursing programs, it’s important to look at the coursework and curriculum requirements throughout your time as a student. Do the classes sound interesting and engaging to you? Are there diverse options for students to pursue their passions? Is the curriculum well-rounded?

Every one of our nursing programs includes a combination of coursework and clinical experience. We believe in the value of both academia and hands-on experiential learning to create a two-fold education system. Your clinical experiences also help you develop specialized skills for unique patient demographics and medical specialties. 

Throughout your undergraduate career, you will have the opportunity to work in several different medical facilities assisting nurses with day-to-day patient care. The William Jewell nursing school maintains relationships with healthcare providers in the following areas of care:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Home health
• Public schools
• County health
• Senior care
• Mental health

Our approach to the nursing curriculum considers both the whole student and the whole patient. Our goal is to produce well-rounded caregivers with critical thinking skills, time management skills, bedside manner and leadership skills, in addition to being academically prepared to provide medical care.

It is for this reason that we offer all of our undergraduate programs in-person only. This way, you don’t sacrifice experiential learning and collaboration among your peers, both of which are invaluable tools you will need in your career as a nurse.

A degree timeline that works for you

While degree timelines may change during your undergraduate career, it’s important to choose a nursing program that provides you with a clear path to graduate. In addition to a timeline for courses, you may also want to consider the resources available to help you stay on track and meet your individual needs.

At William Jewell College of Nursing, we offer three different undergraduate nursing programs to adapt our curriculum to the needs of every student. Whether you’re looking for the traditional college experience, an accelerated timeline or joining us from another program, we can place you where you are best suited.

Four-year nursing program

Our four-year undergraduate nursing program is the most traditional and most comparable to a four-year college experience. Your first three semesters will take place exclusively on campus with classroom and laboratory education led by a professor. Starting your sophomore year, you will begin clinical rotations in conjunction with your coursework.

Three-year nursing program

Our three-year nursing program closely follows the curriculum of the four-year program but on an accelerated timeline. The number of required credits is also the same, but our counseling staff will help you space them out over 6 semesters and at least one summer term. This fast-track program is our response to the healthcare industry’s timely need for more passionate, qualified and empowered nurses.

Transfer nursing program

If you are looking to transfer from another nursing program, we can evaluate your degree progress to fold you into the class of students that best matches your academic benchmark. Our goal is always to match you with a program that meets you where you’re at, not to set you back.

Exceptional faculty to learn from

Faculty expertise and experience can make a major impact on your learning. Especially nursing, but also as with any care-related career, it’s important to learn from people who have real-world experience and a credible education background.

Many of our classroom instructors at Jewell are practicing nurses. We highly focus our curriculum on professionalism and practical applications from the start of your undergraduate nursing education.

Available student resources

Additional resources, whether on campus or within the nursing program you choose, can intensely benefit and enrich your nursing education. From tutoring and counseling to study space and peer groups, consider what other opportunities can help you as a student when looking at a nursing program.

In any one of our undergraduate nursing programs, you will have access to specialized academic resources like tutoring, one-on-one meetings with professors and the Nursing Arts Laboratory at no additional cost to you. These resources are in place to help students maintain success in rigorous, engaging academic programs. 

Service and leadership opportunities

Part of being a well-rounded nurse and caregiver is giving back; in our undergraduate nursing programs, this starts with our William Jewell community. Nursing students are encouraged to participate in student-led service projects throughout their time on campus. These projects include blood drives, fundraisers, food drives and more.

As you move into junior and senior-level coursework, you will also have the opportunity to lead some of these service projects and encourage your peers to donate their time and resources. 

Campus involvement

Our nursing students are William Jewell students first. Our program encourages you to live on campus and participate in campus activities, no matter your field of study. 

Extracurricular activities at William Jewell will help you become a more well-rounded student, individual and caregiver, including:

• Greek Life
• Cardinal Sound Band
• Athletics
• Multicultural Clubs
• Theatre
• Choir
• Cheer and Dance
• Debate
• And more

Career opportunities after graduation

No matter which nursing program you choose, the ultimate goal is to land your dream job after graduation. As a prospective student, you should consider any available statistics or testimonials about the program’s student employment rate after graduation.

We are proud to say that 85% of William Jewell nursing students receive job offers prior to graduation, and 100% of students enter the workforce within three months of graduation. 

We credit these accomplishments in part to our exceptional nursing faculty, in part to the outstanding work ethic of our students and in part to the relationships with working nursing professionals built by our clinical programs.

Working in a medical environment as an undergraduate allows students to begin networking prior to graduation and forge relationships with leaders in their desired fields of care. William Jewell nursing students earn themselves a reputation for quality patient care and leadership experience that makes them stand out in the hiring space.

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading undergraduate nursing programs today to experience the William Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With three different undergraduate program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.

Nursing School Requirements: Courses, Skills and More

If you’re interested in a career in nursing, it can be hard to know where to start. When it comes to nursing school requirements, they can be physical and emotional, as well as academic. Whether you’re coming in from high school, transferring from another program or looking to change career paths, the best thing you can do is be prepared.

At William Jewell College of Nursing, we offer four different Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs so you can tailor your nursing education to your needs as a student. Depending on the program you're interested in, the prerequisites will differ. Here is everything you need to know about nursing school requirements, including checklists for each program, interview tips and essay-writing best practices.

Nursing school requirements

Among all of the programs at William Jewell, nursing education can be quite rigorous. For this reason, there may be some additional admission requirements to go along with your application. Here is our admission requirements breakdown by program, complete with checklists.

Four-year program

Our four-year nursing program is the most traditional track, with 124 credit hours spread out over 8 semesters. This program is well-suited for high school graduates looking to begin a career in nursing with less than 12 hours of AP credits or dual enrollment credits.

Four-year nursing school requirements checklist:

• Completed William Jewell College application or Common Application
• Copy of your high school transcript
• Copy of transcripts from any postsecondary institutions (if applicable)
• Copy of ACT or SAT exam scores

To apply for the four-year track, indicate which program you’re interested in on your William Jewell application. After passing your nursing entrance exam and completing your application, you may qualify for direct admission. Requirements for direct admission are:

• Completed William Jewell Application or Common Application
• Declare nursing as your major within your first semester
• ACT score of 22 or better
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• High school diploma or GED with less than 12 college credits

The benefit to direct admission versus general admission is that you may begin a nursing curriculum and have an advisor in the nursing department within your first semester of college. General admission students should complete all general education curriculum before declaring their major.

Three-year program

Prerequisite coursework for our three-year nursing program is identical to our traditional four-year undergraduate nursing program; however, the three-year nursing program is best suited for students with AP course credits or dual enrollment course credits. General education courses like College Algebra, Composition and Reading and Introductory Psychology are suggested.

Three-year nursing school prerequisites checklist:

• Completed William Jewell College of Nursing application or Common Application
• Copy of official high school transcripts, including GPA
• Copy of official college transcripts, including GPA (if applicable)
• Copy of ACT and/or SAT scores

Students applying to the three-year undergraduate nursing program may also be eligible for direct admission following the same criteria.

Transfer program

Our nursing school requirements for transfer students depend on the type of program you were previously enrolled in and how much progress you have made. Based on where you’re at academically, transfer students will enter into our four-year or three-year undergraduate nursing program.

Transfer nursing program requirements checklist:

• Completed William Jewell College of Nursing application
• Copy of all postsecondary institution transcripts with a grade of B- or better in all previously completed nursing courses
• A letter from your previous program’s dean or chair verifying that you have successfully completed all academic and clinical requirements required to progress
• An additional letter of recommendation
• A written summary of any community, volunteer and health-related experiences
• Score sheets from a nursing school entrance exam

Accelerated program

Jewell designed our accelerated nursing program for those who have a previously completed or soon-to-be completed bachelor’s degree. This type of nursing degree is a good fit if you are looking to change careers, enter a new field or explore a new passion.

Coursework in this accelerated program is more rigorous than our other program options due to the timeline. Because the curriculum excludes general education courses, classroom instruction is focused on nursing-based subjects like pathophysiology, virology and more. 

Visit jewell.edu/ nursing-accelerated-track for program requirements.

After the nursing admissions staff reviews your application materials, you may be selected for a formal interview. This is the last step in the admissions process.

Pre-nursing program

The pre-nursing program is intended for students who wish to join one of the undergraduate nursing programs but are not eligible for direct admission. This track is designed for you to focus on your general education and prerequisite coursework to then be considered for the nursing program at a later semester.

Because there are limited seats in the nursing program, there is a competitive selection process for students admitted to the pre-nursing track.

Visit jewell.edu/pre-nursing-admission-policy for the pre-nursing program requirements checklist.

Prerequisite testing for undergraduate nursing programs

Before gaining admission to any of the undergraduate nursing programs at William Jewell (as well as most accredited nursing schools), you must pass one of three admissions exams: 

1. Kaplan Admissions Exam (Local applicants may register and take the Kaplan exam on our campus.)
2. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS-V)
3. Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI)

Mental and physical requirements for nursing school

Clinical practice is one of the pillars of nursing education. Working in the field provides invaluable, hands-on experience and allows you to experience all of the academic, physical and emotional demands and responsibilities of being a nurse.

In order to successfully complete your clinical hours and to ensure the safety of both you and the patients, there are additional nursing school requirements beyond your prerequisite coursework and application materials.

Physically, it’s important that you’re able to spend extended periods of time on your feet. It’s also essential that you can provide patients with physical assistance, which may require you to lift heavy amounts, crouch, squat, or kneel. It’s also important that your vision, fine motor skills and sensory abilities are optimal.

Mentally, an even temperament and level head are necessary for a successful nursing students. The clinical environment can be fast-paced and demand quick, critical thinking and calm responses to stressful situations. 

Our exceptional nursing faculty at William Jewell is dedicated to helping students develop these skills throughout their program, in addition to preparing students academically. Just as we focus on the whole patient in care standards of care, we focus on fostering a well-rounded nursing education that extends beyond the classroom. 

Tips and resources to prepare your application

For students hoping to join our institution, we want to provide you with tips and resources to help you build a strong application and prepare yourself for nursing school from the admissions process to graduation:

Tips for successful test taking

Your entrance exam scores will be considered along with the rest of your application materials when you’re being considered for one of our undergraduate nursing programs. You can employ these helpful tips to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your admissions test.

• Get enough sleep
  Sleep is essential in studying and preparing for a test. Not only is it an important step in the process of retaining and storing information, but getting a good night’s rest allows you to be at peak performance on the day of your exam.
• Eat a protein-rich breakfast
  Breakfast is brain food! Have a healthy breakfast with plenty of vitamins and protein on the day of your test to feed your body and mind. Foods rich in protein can also contribute to greater mental alertness. Try oats, grains, fruits and vegetables and eggs.
• Read thoroughly
  When taking an exam, read each question thoroughly. Understanding the instructions should be the easiest part of a test, so take your time and be mindful. Many students find success in answering the questions they feel most confident about first and then circling back to spend extra time on the more difficult ones.
• Essay writing best practices
  It’s important to follow essay-writing best practices, even when writing a personal essay. The same conventional concepts, like a central argument, clear narrative and proper syntax, can apply to both academic and personal writing. 
• Analyze the question
  Make sure that the thesis, or central idea, of your personal essay is in direct response to the essay question. Your writing should illustrate that you thought critically about the question posed and crafted your essay around it. 
• Create an outline
  Creating an outline before you begin writing can keep you on track during the writing process, and help you structure your essay in a way that clearly communicates your thoughts. An outline can also help to ensure that you stay on-topic and approach the question posed from every angle necessary.
• Write clearly and concisely
  If you can communicate an idea in fewer words, you should. Writing concisely is important in making your points clear. It can also help to convey a clear timeline or order of events if you are telling a story. Eliminating fluff in your prose ensures that your readers can easily make sense of your points and leave with a clear understanding of your ideas.
• How to make your admissions interview stand out
  Practicing confidence and professionalism in an interview setting is a skill that will take you far in life—both academically and professionally. Here are the top three tips for giving your best nursing school prerequisite interview:
• Be on time
  Punctuality is crucial. Being on time is a simple way to make a good first impression. Not only is it polite, but it also demonstrates that you are organized, prepared and looking forward to the interview process.
• Practice a professional greeting
  Speaking of first impressions, practice a professional and personable greeting before your interview. Be sure to smile warmly, say hello, and greet your interviewer with a polite handshake. Confidence is key, and a great first impression can be quite impressive.
• Prepare your own questions
  When preparing for a prerequisite interview, practicing how you might answer certain questions is a great tactic, but you should also prepare questions of your own. 
  Asking your interviewer thoughtful questions demonstrates confidence, genuine interest in the program and listening skills just as much as your answers to their questions. It is also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the university, program, admissions process and more.

Start your path to a nursing degree at William Jewell College

Apply for free to one of our leading BSN programs today to experience the William Jewell difference and earn your nursing degree. With four different program options, exceptional faculty and on-campus student resources, there is a place for every student to excel and succeed.

If you have questions, reach out to our department chair, Dr. Leesa McBroom, and her dedicated nursing admission staff at mcbrooml@william.jewell.edu.