Admission Information

Admission Process

Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program is consistent with the Pennsylvania Articulation Model developed by a task force of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Schools of Nursing Association, Inc. (PHENSA) for the Coalition for Nursing Education. Nursing students can fulfill requirements of the lower division (freshman and sophomore years) by means of the following:

1. Transferring or validating knowledge equivalent to thirty (30) nursing credits from an associate degree or diploma program (see #5 below).

2. Transferring the required thirty (30) general education credits from any accredited college or successfully completing the approved challenge exams. The accepted scores for credit will be determined by university policy.

Admission Requirements

1. Graduated from either an associate or diploma program in nursing.

2. Hold current licensure as RN.

3. Show evidence of scholarship as demonstrated by QPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point system, or a comparable equivalent of a "C+" in previous education program.

4. Successfully complete the pre-entry lower division requirements as mentioned above.

5. The Pennsylvania Articulation Model provides educational progression for nurses from state approved and NLNAC accredited schools to progress to the next education program without repetition.

• Applicants who have graduated within three years from an accredited program are eligible for direct articulation from one program to another.

• Applicants who graduated between three and ten years from an accredited program and have practiced 1000 hours as a licensed registered nurse within the past three years are eligible for direct articulation into the program.

• Applicants who have graduated from an accredited program between three and ten years prior to application and have not practiced 1000 hours of nursing within the past three years, must successfully compete an approved refresher course or validate their nursing knowledge by completing the NLN Comprehensive Exam.

• Applicants who have graduated from an accredited program more than ten years prior to application and have worked 1000 hours in nursing in the past three years can validate this employment with a letter from their employer.

• Applicants who have graduated from an accredited program more than ten years prior to application and have not worked 1000 hours in nursing within the past three years must validate their nursing knowledge by completing the NLN Comprehensive Exam.

1. A successful score will be accepted for admission if the required exam has been taken within three years of the individual's application for admission into the program.

2. An individual who does not attain a successful score will be permitted to take the required exam a total of three times. It is suggested that a SBN (State Board of Nursing) approved refresher course be taken if the individual does not pass the exam the third time.

3. Applicants who have graduated from a non-accredited program must validate their knowledge by completing the NLN Comprehensive Exam prior to admission.

4. A successful score will be accepted for admission if the required exam has been taken within three years of the individual's application for admission into the program.

5. An individual who does not attain a successful score will be permitted to take the required exam a total of three times. It is suggested that a SBN (State Board of Nursing) approved refresher course be taken if the exam is not passed by the third time.

Application Form

The application form may be obtained from the Clarion University Admissions Office at Clarion Campus, the School of Nursing and Allied Health Office at Venango Campus, or the Administrative Office at Venango Campus. The application form must be completed and sent with high school and previous educational transcripts and $30 non-refundable processing fee to the School of Nursing and Allied Health, Clarion University, 1801 West First Street, Oil City, PA 16301.

Admission to the B.S.N. Program is competitive. An applicant meeting all program requirements is not guaranteed admission to the program.

Admission as a Pre-B.S.N. Student

A student who meets all qualifications for the B.S.N. Program except the required QPA of 2.5 may be admitted as a Pre-B.S.N. student. The student must then earn a 2.5 average in 12 credits from the following list of required BSN courses: BIO 453; a math course greater than MATH 110; a microcomputer course; NURS 340, 342, 346, 357, 361, or 376; or nursing electives NURS 320, 335, 347, 365, or 368. Students who fail to meet the QPA requirement can not be admitted to the B.S.N. Program.

A student who has graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing program who does not have current RN licensure may be admitted as a pre-B.S.N. student for one semester. The student may take the following courses on a space-available basis: BIO 453; a math course greater than MATH 110; a microcomputer course; or nursing electives 320, 335, 347, 365, or 368.

Students who have pre-B.S.N. status should maintain close contact with their academic advisors.

Credit for Prior Learning

A maximum of 60 credits may be earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). No more than 30 of the 60 credits may be earned after admission. These examinations, administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, may be taken at Venango Campus of Clarion University. They are designed for adult learners and non-traditional students who have gained college-level knowledge through prior education or training. The College-Level Examination Program includes five general examinations and approximately 31 subject examinations, which if successfully passed, will earn the student three credits per examination. A list of the general and subject examinations, minimum acceptable scores, and credits available is published in the Clarion University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Catalog.

Clarion University may grant credit for life experience based upon careful evaluation of such experience. For information, students may contact the Office of the Registrar, the Dean of the college in which they are enrolled, or the chair of their major department.