Nursing

Policies

Admission Policy 

1. Each student applies to and is accepted to Westminster College.
• The student lists “Nursing” as the intended major on the application. After being accepted to the college, the student is considered a pre-nursing/exploratory student as a Freshman.
2. In order to apply to the Nursing Major, the student must:
   • Complete an application to the nursing major and submit references as requested. The application will be due early in the spring semester of year one, typically by February 15th annually.  This date will vary by year.
   • Be enrolled in the second semester of required courses which includes the First-Year Program courses and pre-requisite courses. Students must earn a minimum of 28 semester hours at the college to progress to the Sophomore level.
   • Only one Freshman level course may be repeated. Students may choose to take a course over a summer if needed but are still required to meet the nursing major application requirements.  Courses with lab requirements are not typically offered in summer semesters.
   • Maintain a grade of C or above in all 5 pre-requisite courses.
   • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
   • Take the ATI TEAS test and earn a score of proficient. The test will be offered multiple times during the spring semester.
   • This is a standardized exam taken on the computer and the approximate cost is $100.00. Sections are Math, Science, Reading and English.  The test may be taken up to 3 times to earn the desired score.  The student must pay the fee each time the test is taken.  The review book (approximately $100.00) and online practice questions are highly recommended.  For more information, go to https://www.atitesting.com/solutions/pre-program/teas.aspx.
   • Complete the required Criminal Background Checks by the due date of June 1 annually (approximate cost $35.00).
   • Complete the required physical, immunizations or titers and drug screen by the due date of June 1 annually (approximate cost $150.00). The student may choose to have these completed with a family physician but must ensure that the health center requirements are met.
   • A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for the UPMC School of Nursing at Jameson (JMHSN)  students for whom English is a second language.

3. 50 students are accepted into the Nursing Major annually as a Sophomore.
   • The admission process is selective. Completion of the prerequisite courses and achievement of the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission into the nursing major.  Students will be selected based on academic achievement.
   • Preference may be given to applicants who have completed all of the Freshman/year one courses at Westminster College.
   • Consideration may be given to an applicant who has made repeated applications to the nursing major and meets admission criteria.
   • Applicants to the nursing major who apply after the due date will be considered on a space available basis.
4. Acceptance into the nursing major will be rescinded if the student does not:
   • Maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
   • Complete the required year one courses
   • Earn a proficient score on the TEAS test, submit acceptable background clearances and complete health center requirements (physical, titers, drug screen).
5. Some students who are interested in healthcare professions at Westminster College may become interested in the nursing major. The student and/or the student’s advisor will contact the School of Nursing Director for appropriate course selection.
6. Students may transfer credits into the course of study with approval of the School of Nursing Director.  All science prerequisite courses must have been taken within the past five years.  Nursing credits from previous nursing programs are not transferable.

Additional Expenses

A pre-nursing or nursing major student will be responsible for purchasing personal equipment and paying for expenses that are not part of basic fees and charges (tuition and room & board) or the special fees of the college.  The approximate costs listed below are subject to change.

For more information about basic fees and charges (tuition and room & board) or special fees of the college, please refer to the annual undergraduate catalog.

Approximate Additional Expenses