Nursing program admission requirements
There are minimum standards to advance through each stage of the 4-year Bluffton University BSN program.
Regular admission
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Admission to Bluffton University as a pre-nursing student
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Minimum 3.0 high school cumulative GPA.
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Minimum 19 ACT/ 990 SAT score
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CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant, formerly STNA) training program to be completed no later than spring semester of first-year at Bluffton. Highly recommended to be completed prior to beginning the fall semester.
The following must be completed prior to the first year fall class start:
- Basic Cardiac Life Support Professional Level Certificate through American Heart Association
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Clear 10-panel non-DOT Urine Drug Screen
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Completion of two-step tuberculosis skin test, physical and immunizations
- Clear criminal background check (FBI-BCI) and fingerprinting
As Rhodes State College reserves a limited number of seats for Bluffton University students, entrance into the RN program is competitive. You must do the following to be considered for acceptance at Rhodes State:
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Successfully complete first-year coursework at Bluffton University, earn a C or better in all nursing major courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
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Demonstrate successful completion of a CNA training program.
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Complete the application for Rhodes State College in spring of your first year.
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Successful completion of Rhodes State College nursing program with receipt of an Associate of Applied Science degree.
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Successful completion of the Ohio NCLEX-RN Licensure exam in spring/summer of year 3 before proceeding into your senior year BSN classes.
- Have an active and unencumbered license to practice as a RN in the state of Ohio before entry into the final year of study
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Complete RN-BSN nursing concentration courses
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Earn a minimum grade of C in all nursing major courses for successful program completion
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BSN degree issued from Bluffton University
Billing and financial aid
- During the semesters when students are taking courses at Rhodes State College, Bluffton institutional aid will be prorated to reflect credit hours at Bluffton (1/12 per credit hour up to full time.) Students are encouraged to meet with financial aid staff in the spring of their first year to review billing and how scholarships are applied.
- Students will receive one tuition bill even while taking courses at Rhodes State. Students will be billed Bluffton’s tuition rate for courses taken at Bluffton; and Rhodes State College’s tuition rate and fees for courses taken at Rhodes State College. General tuition and room and board increases will be included each year.
- Out of state students participating in the nursing program will be subject to out-of-state tuition fees while attending Rhodes State College.
- Institutional financial aid does not cover books, uniforms or any other charges outside
of tuition. Fees for CNA classes and examinations and Basic Cardiac Life Support certification
(CPR) are not covered by financial aid.
Student housing and athletic participation
- For purposes of housing and athletics, nursing students are considered full-time at Bluffton while taking courses at Rhodes State to complete the nursing program.