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.
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Minimum 2.5 Cumulative GPA.
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Minimum 23 ACT/ 1130 SAT Score (scores may be super score)
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STNA Certificate (to be completed prior to entry into nursing courses at RSC and no later than spring semester of first-year at Bluffton.)
Consideration will be given:
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To students with an ACT composite score of 22 (or super score) in conjunction with a high school GPA of 3.5 or better.
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Pre-Nursing: Select students not meeting the above ACT criteria may be granted the option to enter the first year nursing curriculum in a pre-nursing status based on individual academic review by the Nursing Program Admissions committee. Students may also be offered entry into pre-nursing status as a 5-year option based on the student’s previous academic history.
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Students granted either pre-nursing option must pass all first year nursing core courses with a C or better and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during their first year (first and second year if on a 5 year plan). Successful students will be granted a seat based on availability as outlined in Gate 2: Admission to Rhodes State College. Students granted pre-nursing status must also meet all other outlined requirements for admission to Bluffton University.
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The following must be completed prior to the first year fall class start:
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Declaration of nursing major.
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Basic Cardiac Life Support Professional Level Certificate through American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
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Clear 10-panel non-DOT Urine Drug Screen.
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Completion of all health requirements for nursing program i.e. Two-step TB testing, physical and immunizations.
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Completion of STNA course requirements is highly recommended following high school graduation and prior to beginning the fall semester
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 and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
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Demonstrate successful completion of an STNA training program.
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Complete the application for Rhodes State College in spring of your first year.
You must either meet the following ACT score requirements:
| Competency | ACT | SAT | Accuplacer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading/Writing | ACTS 22/ACTE 18 | 450 English | NGRD 250 |
| Math | ACTM 21 | 400 (Quantitative) |
NGQR 240 |
| Science | ACTN 20 | N/A | ACPS 33 |
Or you must
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Successfully complete the Accuplacer exam sections for areas not meeting ACT competency OR meet remediation-free levels in reading, mathematics and science by successfully completing an appropriate developmental course.
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AND score in at least the 60th percentile on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). This exam can be taken twice in a 12-month period and you must wait 30 days after the first attempt before retesting.
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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.
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Complete RN-BSN nursing concentration courses.
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Earn a minimum grade of C in all nursing core courses for successful program completion.
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Bachelor's 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. General tuition and room and board increases will be included each year. Institutional financial aid does not cover books, uniforms or any other charges outside of tuition. Fees for State-Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) classes and examinations, Basic Cardiac Life Support certification (CPR) and TEAS examination are not covered by financial aid.
- Out of state students participating in the nursing program will be subject to out-of-state
tuition fees while attending Rhodes State College.
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.