Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on a topic to go to that section
Advising
Admissions
Prerequisites and Co-requisites
Transcripts
California and Local Residency
Health Care Experience
Foreign Language Proficiency
TEAS Testing
Available Programs
Advising
Can I talk to a Nursing Advisor before I apply to the program?
YES. If you are an HSU student, your pre-Nursing advising is done through the HSU advising center: http://www.humboldt.edu/advise/. You will be assigned a nursing advisor once you are admitted to the program. However, the Nursing Department office welcomes interested students to stop by, visit and ask questions.
If you are not an HSU Student, please call or email our Admissions Coordinator for more information. (707) 826-3839, naac@humboldt.edu
Admissions
How do I apply to the nursing program?
The application is a three-step process (apply to HSU, apply to Nursing, submit documentation):
Step 1: Apply to HSU
If you are a current HSU student, skip this step. If you are unsure of your University standing, contact The Office of the Registrar.
Where do I get the HSU application?
The HSU Application is available only through the HSU Admissions website http://www.humboldt.edu/admissions/
When is the deadline to submit the HSU application?
The HSU application is due by August 31st of the previous year for Spring applicants and November 30th of the previous year for Fall applicants.
For example:
I want to apply to Nursing for Fall 2011 – apply to HSU no later than 11/30/2010
I want to apply to Nursing for Spring 2012 – apply to HSU no later than 08/31/2011
When is the HSU application available?
Please see the HSU admissions website for application availability http://www.humboldt.edu/admissions/
Step 2: Apply to the Nursing program
Where do I get the Nursing Supplemental application?
The Nursing Supplemental application is available only through the Department of Nursing website http://www.humboldt.edu/nursing/. You MUST submit the online application AND a paper copy of the application directly to the nursing Department by the published deadline.
When is the deadline to submit the Nursing Supplemental application?
The Nursing Supplemental application is due on September 1st of the previous year for Spring applicants and February 1st of the same year for Fall applicants.
For example:
I want to apply to Nursing for Fall 2011 – apply to Nursing no later than 02/01/2011
I want to apply to Nursing for Spring 2012 – apply to Nursing no later than 09/01/2011
When is the Nursing Supplemental application available?
The Nursing Supplemental application is made available July 1st of the previous for Spring applicants and December 1st of the previous year for Fall applicants.
For example:
I want to apply to Nursing for Fall 2011 – apply to Nursing starting 12/01/2010
I want to apply to Nursing for Spring 2012 – apply to Nursing starting 07/01/2011
How many applications must I submit?
Transfer Students must submit the following TWO applications:
- A completed HSU Admission Application for admission into the University.
- A completed Nursing Supplemental Application for admission to the BSN program.
Current HSU students must submit the following application:
- A completed Nursing Supplemental Application for admission to the BSN program.
What if I miss one or both of the application deadlines?
If you miss either deadline, you will not be considered for admission to the nursing program.
How will I know if you received my application and it is complete?
We will notify you by email within approximately 6 weeks of receiving your application. If you submit an incomplete application you will not be considered for the application pool.
What if I only submit the Supplemental Nursing Application online?
You will not be a qualified applicant, HSU Nursing MUST receive a paper copy of the application.
Step 3: Submit supporting documentation
What documentation is required?
All applicants will submit the following items (some may not be applicable):
- Unofficial Transcripts of all previous coursework, including HSU coursework
- Class schedule if any prerequisites are in progress at the time of application (if applicable)
- Course descriptions of prerequisite courses not taken at HSU or CR (if applicable)
- TEAS score
- DD214 Papers (if applicable)
- Health care experience form and letter of verification (if applicable)
- Foreign language proficiency verification (if applicable)
- Local residency verification (if applicable)
When is the deadline to submit supporting documentation?
Supporting documentation is due on September 15th of the previous year for Spring applicants and February 15th of the same year for Fall applicants.
For example:
I want to apply to Nursing for Fall 2011 – supporting documentation is due 02/15/2011
I want to apply to Nursing for Spring 2012 – supporting documentation is due 09/15/2011
Can I postmark the Supplemental Nursing Application and Supporting documents by the published deadline?
YES. If you mail documents, we strongly suggest you use certified mail so you know your item(s) have been received.
What if the published deadline falls on a Sunday or Holiday?
For MAIL purposes only, you may have your items postmarked on the next business day. If you are faxing, emailing or dropping off items, they must be received on or before the published deadline.
How many points do I need to be considered for the applicant pool?
There is no number of minimum points needed to be considered for the applicant pool. Each semester applicants are placed into the applicant pool in point ranked order. The applicants with the highest number of points in the pool are accepted into the program.
How many students apply to your program each year?
For the past three years we have had between 150-200 applicants each semester.
How many students are accepted?
20 students are accepted each semester. There are no program admissions in Summer.
May I attend the nursing program part-time?
NO. Once admitted to the major the program is full-time for five (5) semesters.
Does the Department of Nursing have a waitlist?
NO. We have an alternate list.
What is an alternate list?
Alternate numbers are assigned after applicants have been point ranked and seats have been offered for the semester. If an applicant declines their seat, it is offered to alternates in point rank order. Alternates are contacted until there is a full cohort for the semester. The alternate list is active until the semester begins and then becomes inactive. Alternate applicants who do not receive admission into the program may reapply the following application period.
Do you admit for the Spring semester?
YES. We admit both Fall and Spring semesters. However, we will not be accepting new applicants for Spring 2011.
Do I need to be a current student at HSU in order to apply?
NO. HSU Department of Nursing is open to both current HSU students and transfer students.
Is there an application fee?
There is a University Application Fee for students who are transferring to HSU. There is no fee for the Nursing Supplemental Application.
What is the most important factor in determining admission?
No single factor will determine your admission. However, prerequisite and overall GPA and TEAS score are the most heavily weighted categories in the point system.
I know HSU’s BSN program is quite competitive; what GPA will guarantee my admissions?
There is no GPA that will guarantee a student's admission. In order to qualify for eligibility, the Department of Nursing requires a minimum overall and prerequisite GPA of 2.5.
I know HSU’s BSN program is quite competitive; what point total will guarantee my admissions?
There is no point total that will guarantee a student's admission. In general a score of 90 or above will be a competitive score.
Are Letters of Recommendations required?
NO.
Is there an interview?
NO.
Is a Profile Essay required?
NO.
If I'm denied admission, can I reapply?
YES. Students who are denied admission can re-apply for the following semester. There are no limitations on how many times you can apply to our program.
If I reapply, do I need to submit all of supplemental documentation again?
NO. We keep applicant files for 3 year. You will need to resubmit the Supplemental Nursing application and any other information that may have changed since your last application.
I am a CNA/EMT/Paramedic -how can I receive my BSN?
Anyone who is a CNA/EMT/Paramedic must apply to the Department of Nursing BSN program through normal channels.
I already have a bachelor's degree; is there an accelerated BSN program offered at HSU?
NO. The Department of Nursing does not offer an accelerated BSN program. Post Baccalaureate students must apply to the Department of Nursing BSN program through normal channels.
I have an RN license and an Associate's Degree; is this right program for me?
The RN-BSN Bridge program is currently suspended pending curriculum revision. A start date for the new program has not been established. Updates will be posted on the Nursing Department website when known.
Prerequisites and Co-requisites
What are the prerequisite courses?
These are courses required for admission to the Nursing program and are taken prior to beginning the Nursing courses. These nine courses are:
Science Courses
- General Chemistry – CHEM 107
- Nursing Chemistry (organic and biochemistry) - CHEM 117
- Physiology - ZOOL 214
- Human Anatomy - ZOOL 270
- Microbiology - BIOL 210
Non-Science Courses
- GE Area A1, Communications – COMM 100
- GE Area A2, English – ENGL 100
- GE Area A3, Critical Thinking
- Statistics - STATS 106
How do I know if a course I took at another school is equivalent to a HSU prerequisite?
To determine course equivalency for coursework taken at a California Community College, CSU or UC, please visit: www.assist.org. If coursework was taken at a private school or an out-of-state school please submit a course description to the Department of Nursing and we will have an evaluator review the course to determine if it is equivalent. Students may fax, email (naac@humboldt.edu) or mail in their course description to the Nursing Department.
Can I have prerequisite courses in progress when I apply to the nursing program?
YES. You may have a maximum of two science and two non-science prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application. In progress courses must be complete before you start the Nursing program. Summer completion is not acceptable for students starting the Nursing program in the Fall semester.
Can I get a “C” in any of my prerequisite courses?
YES. However, your overall and prerequisite GPA must be a 2.5 or higher to be a qualified applicant.
May I take my prerequisite courses part-time?
YES. Your prerequisite courses may be taken at your own pace.
Can I take prerequisites at the community college?
YES. Prerequisites can be taken at any community college. Please consult http://www.assist.org to determine equivalent courses.
Do prerequisites need to have been taken within the past five years?
NO. HSU’s Department of Nursing does not have time limits on prerequisites coursework.
I took an Anatomy and Physiology combo course - will that satisfy prerequisite?
It depends on the course. Please submit a course description to the Department of Nursing and we will have an evaluator review the course to determine if it is equivalent. Students may fax, email (naac@humboldt.edu) or mail in their course description to the Nursing Department.
I took Organic Chemistry - is that good enough?
NO. HUS's Department of Nursing requires a General Chemistry course with Lab. Please check www.assist.org for course articulation.
Which Critical Thinking course should I take?
Any course that satisfies the General Education Critical Thinking requirement (GE area A3) will satisfy the critical thinking prerequisite. You can find acceptable community college Critical Thinking courses by going to www.assist.org.
I've taken Calculus, will this replace Statistics?
NO. Calculus CANNOT substitute for Statistics. You must take an approved Statistics course.
Does the HSU Department of Nursing accept any AP scores in lieu of specific prerequisites?
YES. The nursing program, as well as HSU, will accept AP Scores of 3 or better for credit towards English and Statistics.
How do you calculate the prerequisite GPA?
Prerequisite GPA is a weighted GPA based on the number of units and grads earned in the required prerequisite courses.
For example:
Course |
Grade |
Grade Points |
|
Units |
|
Quality Points |
General CHEM |
A |
4.0 |
X |
4 |
= |
16.0 |
Organic/Bio CHEM |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
1 |
= |
3.7 |
Anatomy |
B+ |
3.3 |
X |
4 |
= |
13.2 |
Physiology |
B |
3.0 |
X |
5 |
= |
15.0 |
Microbiology |
B- |
2.7 |
X |
4 |
= |
10.8 |
GE Area A1 |
C+ |
2.3 |
X |
3 |
= |
6.9 |
GE Area A2 |
C |
2.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
6.0 |
GE Area A3 |
A |
4.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
12.0 |
Statistics |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
3 |
= |
11.1 |
Total Units = 30 |
Prerequisite GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Units 94.7/30 = 3.16 (35 points) |
|||||
How do you calculate my prerequisite GPA if I have prerequisite courses in progress?
Your prerequisite GPA is calculated as a range (based on getting a “C” up to an “A” in each course). We assume you will get the higher grade, and therefore your application point total is based on the higher prerequisite GPA.
For example:
Course |
Grade |
Grade Points |
|
Units |
|
Quality Points |
General CHEM |
IP |
2.0 - 4.0 |
X |
4 |
= |
8.0 -16.0 |
Organic/Bio CHEM |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
1 |
= |
3.7 |
Anatomy |
IP |
2.0 - 4.0 |
X |
4 |
= |
8.0- 16.0 |
Physiology |
B |
3.0 |
X |
5 |
= |
15.0 |
Microbiology |
B- |
2.7 |
X |
4 |
= |
10.8 |
GE Area A1 |
IP |
2.0 – 4.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
6.0 – 12.0 |
GE Area A2 |
IP |
2.0 -4.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
6.0 – 12.0 |
GE Area A3 |
A |
4.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
12.0 |
Statistics |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
3 |
= |
11.1 |
Total Units = 30 |
Prerequisite GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Units |
|||||
How do you calculate my prerequisite GPA if I have quarter units?
Your prerequisite GPA is calculated the same as the above example, however, your units are divided by two – thirds (.6666667).
For example:
Course |
Grade |
Grade Points |
|
Quarter |
|
Quality Points |
General CHEM |
A |
4.0 |
X |
4 |
= |
10.67 |
Organic/Bio CHEM |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
1 |
= |
2.467 |
Anatomy |
B+ |
3.3 |
X |
4 |
= |
8.8 |
Physiology |
B |
3.0 |
X |
5 |
= |
10 |
Microbiology |
B- |
2.7 |
X |
4 |
= |
7.2 |
GE Area A1 |
C+ |
2.3 |
X |
3 |
= |
4.6 |
GE Area A2 |
C |
2.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
4 |
GE Area A3 |
A |
4.0 |
X |
3 |
= |
8 |
Statistics |
A- |
3.7 |
X |
3 |
= |
7.4 |
Total Units = 20 |
Prerequisite GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Units 63.133/20 = 3.16 (35 points) |
|||||
What are co-requisite courses?
These are courses taken concurrently with your nursing courses, are not required prior to admission to the major. These four courses are:
- Introduction to Psychology – PSYCH 104
- Human Nutrition – HED 231
- Human Development – PSYCH 311 OR CD 350
- Introduction to Sociology – SOC104 OR Cultural Anthropology – ANTH 104
May I take my co-requisite courses before I get into the program?
YES. Many students do this for ease of scheduling once they are admitted to the nursing program.
Transcripts
Do I need to send my transcripts to both the university and the Department of Nursing? YES. The University requires official transcripts and The Department of Nursing accepts unofficial copies of your transcripts for all colleges attended.
Can the Admissions Office send the Nursing Department a copy of my transcripts?
NO. Our offices are separate and we each keep our own set of records
California and Local Residency
How do I establish California residency?
Follow the instructions on this link "Establishing California Residency."
When do I have to be a California Resident to meet the residency requirement?
You must be a California Resident by the time you begin the Nursing program.
What constitutes proof of local residency?
Proof of local residency can be met a few ways. You may provide a copy of your current class schedule from HSU or College of the Redwoods. Or, you may provide a copy of a bill or other proof of ID with your local address (such as a drivers license).
I'm not a resident of California, can I still apply?
YES. However, in order to be accepted to the Nursing program you must be a California resident by the time you start the Nursing program.
Health Care Experience
How do I document Health Care experience?
This is a two-step process:
- Print, fill out and submit the Health Care Experience Form directly to the Department of Nursing.
- Submit a letter of verification, on letterhead, from your employer or volunteer coordinator describing the nature of your experience and number of hours, directly to the Nursing Department.
Foreign Language Proficiency
How do I document Foreign Language Proficiency?
Second language proficiency may be demonstrated in the following ways:
- Three years of the same language on high school transcripts
- Two years (4 semesters or 6 quarters) of the same language on college transcripts
- Two semesters of ASL on college transcripts
- Letter of verification of language fluency, on letterhead, from a professional who is qualified to determine your fluency.
Do I get credit for two years of high school and one year of college foreign language?
NO.
Will I get points if I am taking my last semester of a language when I apply?
NO. Points are assigned based on course work that is complete at the time of application.
TEAS Testing
What is the TEAS?
The TEAS is the “Test of Essential Academic Skills” used by the CSU nursing programs to help rank candidates for admission. You may find more information at http://www.atitesting.com/
Which TEAS test version should I take?
TEAS 3.0 or TEAS 4.0, TEAS V is NOT acceptable.
How do I study for the TEAS?
ATI Testing (http://www.atitesting.com/) and the HSU Bookstore have study guide for purchase.
Where can I take the TEAS?
HSU Testing Center offers the TEAS as well as universities and colleges throughout the US. Please check the HSU Testing website, http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/testing/index.php, for TEAS test dates or call (707) 826-3611.
How many times may I take the TEAS?
As many times as you like, however, we only use your first 2 scores for determining points.
What if I have taken the TEAS test more than twice?
Taking the TEAS test more than twice does not disqualify your application. We will accept the better of the first two scores (Percentile Rank-Program).
How do I get my TEAS results to HSU Nursing?
Request that ATI (http://www.atitesting.com/) send your TEAS score to the HSU Nursing department. If you take the TEAS at HSU, your score will automatically be provided to the Nursing Department.
What score from the TEAS test does the Nursing Department look at?
The Percentile Rank Program Score.
Can I retake the TEAS test if I'm unhappy with my score?
YES. There are no penalties for retaking the TEAS test. Our program only considers the first two attempts at the TEAS exam, and takes the highest score from these two attempts.
Can I use the results of my TEAS test taken from another college?
YES. If the TEAS test was taken elsewhere, you must send an official report of your TEAS score to the Nursing Department.
My TEAS score is for the ADN, is this ok?
NO. Your score must be for the BSN. Your score can be converted to a BSN score if you have purchased an online TEAS transcript from http://www.atitesting.com/ and sent it to HSU Nursing.
Available Programs
Does HSU have a generic BSN program?
YES.
How many years will it take to complete the BSN pre-licensure program?
Once accepted to the Nursing program, it will take 5 semesters to complete the curriculum.
Does HSU have an accelerated BSN program for second Bachelor students?
NO.
Does HSU have an LVN to RN program?
YES. We have a 29 unit option for the LVN to be eligible to take the RN license exam. This program does not grant a degree. College of the Redwoods has a program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing for LVNs.
Does HSU have a Nurse Practitioner's program?
NO. HSU's nursing program is a baccalaureate program only.
Does HSU have an RN to BSN Bridge program?
YES. However, admission to this program is currently suspended pending curriculum revision.