BSN - Frequently Asked Questions

What are my chances of earning admission into the College of Nursing?
Admission to the College of Nursing via the Early Decision Process or the Competitive Admission Process is competitive; thus, meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee admission. A cohort of up to 64 students will be selected from the pool of qualified applicants for study beginning each fall and spring session. The number and the quality of the applicants will determine the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Historically, students who have built a solid science foundation, who demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, who have an understanding of professional nursing practice, and who have excelled in the pre-requisite course work have had the highest probability of earning admission.

Are preferences given to any population in the admissions process?
No. Faculty are concerned that students have established the foundation that is essential for success in our program.

How and when do I apply?
Students apply for admission to our College of Nursing one of two ways.

• Early Decision Program applicants can apply after completion of the junior year in high school. Complete the College of Liberal Arts and Science application and select Nursing Interest as your major. Qualified applicants will be emailed a Supplemental Application.
• Competitive Admission
  • University of Iowa students will complete the Collegiate Transfer Application and indicate Nursing (not RN-BSN) as the major on the application. This will trigger the student receiving a Supplemental Application which includes the essay questions.
  • Transfer students will complete a Transfer Student Application and indicate nursing (not RN-BSN) as the major area of study which will trigger the Supplemental Application.

Application Questions? Contact the University of Iowa’s Office of Admissions. Please refer to the information posted in the Admissions and Prerequisites sections of our site for more details of when you would be eligible to apply.

Can I be in progress with required prerequisites when I apply (competitive admission)?
Yes. Students are limited to no more than one natural science and one social science planned or in progress at the time of application. Additionally, students must have a minimum of 48 s.h. completed at the time of application and a minimum of 64 s.h. completed at the time of matriculation in the College of Nursing.

Do I have to have all of my non-major requirements completed in order to begin nursing courses?
Yes. All prerequisites, general education requirements and elective course work must be completed prior to starting the nursing major. This includes the high school world language and physics requirements.

Can I earn my BSN from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in four years?
Yes. Students who earn admission via our Early Decision Program can complete the program of study in four years. Students who enroll in the College of Nursing via competitive admission will most likely complete the degree in 4.5 years.

Can I go to school part time and earn my BSN at Iowa?
No. Completing nursing courses part time for the pre-licensure program is not an option.

Do we offer an “Accelerated BSN Program” for students with non-nursing undergraduate degrees?
Our curriculum is built upon a two year pre-requisite/two year nursing major framework. Students who have completed the required course work and earn admission to our program can complete the program in four regular semesters.

What are the General Education requirements?
World Language – a minimum of 4th level proficiency in one world language at the high school level, or 2nd level proficiency of two different world languages at the high school level. Students who do not complete the world language requirement while in high school must complete the requirement prior to matriculation in the nursing major.

Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts – 3 s.h. of credit required
International & Global Issues – 3 s.h. of credit required
Values, Society, and Diversity – 3 s.h. of credit required

Will my courses transfer from a community college or other university?
A maximum of 64 s.h. of community college credit is accepted toward the BSN at The University of Iowa. Most courses from an accredited four year institution will transfer to our University. Students can access our Transfer Equivalency Database to identify if and how a course will transfer: http://isis5.uiowa.edu/isis/courses/transfer/sisearch.page

Should I get a Windows or Apple computer?
This is a personal choice. A computer is a necessity for degree completion. Both operating systems are supported on our campus. We encourage students to connect with ITS for information about minimum requirements as well as student discounts.

Do I need a car?
Yes, students will need to have transportation available in the third and fourth year of the curriculum.

Can I specialize in nursing?
True specialization in nursing takes place in graduate study. Your initial degree in nursing will prepare you as a “generalist”, eligible for entry into practice. Students in our program are encouraged to pursue graduate education.

I was charged with a misdemeanor/felony. Will I be able to be licensed to practice nursing?

Effective July 1, 2009, the Iowa Board of Nursing requires copies of sentencing orders with all applications for licensure. Specific requirements pertaining to a criminal record and the effect on RN licensure in Iowa can be found at: http://www.state.ia.us/nursing/ia_law/iowa_extracts.html Students interested in licensure in a state other than Iowa should contact that particular state Board of Nursing to identify policies and regulations.