Prelicensure BSN Admission Requirements

Admission Criteria

Applicants selected for admission to the program are admitted as intended Prelicensure BSN students (“Pre-Nursing”). All applicants are selected through a 2-step process. No applicants are admitted directly into the Prelicensure BSN major.

FIRST YEAR APPLICANTS AND APPLICANTS WITH LESS THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS

Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing:

Applicants must meet Kean University’s admission requirements as well as the following additional minimum requirements as set forth by the Department of Nursing:

Minimum high school 3.5 GPA
Must have completed Biology in high school with a B or better.
Submission of SAT/ACT scores remains optional. If submitted, scores will be considered as part of the holistic review process. Although there is no minimum SAT/ACT required score, a score of 1000 or above on the SAT or 20 on the ACT may strengthen the application.
Placement tests are required upon admission to Kean University (please visit the Placement Testing information page for exemptions). If placement test scores indicate placement into basic skills reading, writing, or math, the student will not be eligible for selection into the PLBSN Cohort until all first year PLBSN courses are completed, and Step 2 requirements are met.

A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to Pre-Nursing on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.

Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):

Selection for the Prelicensure BSN Cohort will occur in May of the 1st year. Selection is based on rank according to 1st year GPA (minimum 2.75 GPA required), Nursing Entrance Exam which is taken in April/May of the spring semester of the 1st year (minimum score = 60), a Video Essay which must be submitted during April/May of the spring semester of the 1st year, and consideration of student attributes evaluated through a holistic review. An interview with the Department of Nursing may also be required.

The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:

GE 1000 Transition to Kean
ENG 1030 College Composition*
PSY 1000 General Psychology*
SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions
BIO 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology II*

* Must be completed with a C+ or higher.

All remaining prerequisites must be completed prior to the fall semester of the second year. Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.

EXTERNAL TRANSFER STUDENTS

University policies applicable for external transfer students can be found on Kean University’s Transfer Application Instructions Page.

In addition to the University’s policies, the following procedures and policies apply:

Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing:

Applicants must meet Kean University’s transfer admission requirements as well as the following additional minimum requirements as set forth by the Department of Nursing:

Individuals who were enrolled in a prelicensure RN program at another institution and who were unsuccessful in any nursing course are not eligible for admission to the program.
A minimum 2.75 GPA is required to apply for the PLBSN program.
Individuals with a disciplinary action (academic or otherwise) on their record are not eligible for admission to the program.
APPLICANTS WITH LESS THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS: Submission of SAT/ACT scores remains optional. If submitted, scores will be considered as part of the holistic review process. Although there is no minimum SAT/ACT required score, a score of 1000 or above on the SAT or 20 on the ACT may strengthen the application.
APPLICANTS WITH MORE THAN 12 COLLEGE CREDITS: SAT/ACT scores will not be considered during the admissions process.
Science courses taken greater than 5 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology) years ago will need to be repeated.
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. One or both letters should be from current or former teachers, professors, or academic advisors. One of the two letters of recommendation may come from an immediate supervisor, manager, or volunteer coordinator. Letters cannot be from personal friends or family members.
Resume including a list of high school and/or college activities and/or work experiences, including any leadership positions held.
A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to the Prelicensure BSN major as “Pre-Nursing” students on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.

Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):

The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:

GE 1000 Transition to Kean
ENG 1030 College Composition*
PSY 1000 General Psychology*
SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions
BIO 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology II*

* Must be completed with a C+ or higher.

INTERNAL TRANSFER APPLICANTS

Step 1- Admission to Pre-Nursing:

The following policies apply to applicants who are currently enrolled as Kean University students and who are requesting to switch to Pre-Nursing:

Internal transfer applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 credits prior to application to the PLBSN.
A minimum 2.75 GPA is required to apply for the PLBSN program.
Students who have received any disciplinary action for violation of Kean University’s Student Code of Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy are not eligible for admission to the program.
Two (2) letters of recommendation. One must be from a current or previous faculty member. An additional letter of recommendation may come from an academic advisor, immediate supervisor, manager, or volunteer coordinator.
List of high school and college activities and/or work experiences, indicating any leadership positions held.
A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to the Prelicensure BSN major as “Pre-Nursing” students on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.

Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major):

The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:

GE 1000 Transition to Kean
ENG 1030 College Composition*
PSY 1000 General Psychology*
SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology
BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I*
ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions
BIO 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology II*

* Must be completed with a C+ or higher.

OPTIONS FOR PRE-NURSING STUDENTS NOT ACCEPTED INTO THE PLBSN COHORT (NURSING MAJOR)

Kean University offers a range of majors that share common courses with those taken in the first year of Pre-Nursing. This alignment allows students who are not accepted into the PLBSN Cohort (Nursing major) to transition smoothly into other programs without significantly extending their time to graduation. Our advisors work closely with students to explore alternative paths that align with their interests and goals. Students who are not accepted into the PLBSN Cohort (Nursing major) will meet with an advisor in the Center for Advising, Persistence, and Success (CAPS) to explore alternate programs of study.