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Admission Requirements 

Southwestern Nursing admission is a competitive process. SC Nursing admits students to the program in the fall semester.

Admission materials for PRIORITY consideration into the pre-licensure BSN degree program should be submitted prior to March 1st for fall semester. Applications will be accepted up to May 1st as space in the cohort is available.

1. Accepted to Southwestern College
2. Complete an application for admission to the Department of Nursing. This single online application acts as the Southwestern General Application and the Southwestern BSN Pre-licensure Application for students. SC Nursing admits students to the program in the fall semester.
3. Submit a Resume. Include healthcare and leadership experience. 
4. Submission of official transcripts demonstrating cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 for all college work completed, as applicable. Request that an official transcript of your high school academic work be sent directly to the Southwestern College Office of Admission. If you have taken college courses, contact the registrar’s office at each college to have your college transcript(s) sent to Southwestern College. Student copies of transcripts will not be accepted. (Email transcripts to sctranscripts@sckans.edu)
5. Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 prior to starting BSN course work in the required science classes and statistics, with no individual required science/math course grade lower than 2.0. The required science/statistic classes or their equivalents are as follows:
   1. Essentials of Biology
   2. Essentials of Chemistry
   3. Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
   4. Microbiology
   5. Pathophysiology
   6. Statistics and Probability
6. Of the following support courses completed, a grade of “C” or better is required: 
   1. College Writing 1 & 2 
   2. Elements of Oral Communication 
   3. General Psychology 
   4. Developmental Psychology 
   5. Sociology 
   6. Principles of Nutrition 
   7. Ethical Reasoning 
   8. Medical Terminology 
   9. College Algebra
   10. General Education Courses 
7. ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with an overall baseline score of 60% or above. 
8. Personal interview with the faculty. Identifying attributes: strong communication skills (written and oral), demonstration of empathy, personal integrity, accountability and critical thinking. 
9. Two (2) Letters of Reference - One (1) from a Personal Relationship/Coach (providing examples of character and leadership) and one (1) from a Teacher/Professor (providing overall academic performance and potential for success in Nursing). Each reference must submit their recommendation via the Letter of Reference form.
10. Submit a 500-600 word essay (in APA format via email to buildernursing@sckans.edu):
    1. What inspired you to pursue nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to the profession in the future?
    2. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing emphasizes the importance of healthcare equity and cultural competence in the preparation of future nurses. In your own words, define healthcare equity and explain why it is essential in nursing practice. Then, reflect on a personal experience- whether in healthcare, academics, athletics, work or community- where you interacted with someone from a different background than your own. How did that experience shape your understanding of cultural competence and prepare you to provide equitable care to diverse patient populations?
11. Applications will be scored based on the overall criteria. PRIORITY selected and non-selected applicants will be notified in writing no later than April 15.

How to Apply

You will apply to the Nursing Program at Southwestern College through the Application for Admission to Nursing. This single online application acts as the Southwestern General Application and the Southwestern BSN Pre-licensure Application for students.

Application for Admission to Nursing

ATI Launch

ATI Launch: Nursing Academic Readiness certificate of completion is required.

A six-module program must be completed prior to beginning the nursing program to assist in student onboarding. You will receive a link and instructions once admitted to the program.

• Launch link provided with acceptance package
• ATI Launch NAR Comprehensive Modules (PDF)

Cowley College Articulation Agreement

Articulation agreement with Cowley College Pre-Nursing students provides a seamless transition into the Southwestern application process.

The 2+2 agreement between Cowley College and Southwestern College will provide Cowley students an opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing after two years and a BSN from Southwestern after an additional two years.

This agreement is for Cowley College students who have:

• Earned an Associate of Science degree pathway in pre-nursing
• Achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the required sciences and no single science GPA lower than 2.0
• Applied for admission at Southwestern College
• Submitted the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if applicable.

In transferring to Southwestern College, students will:

• Declare and maintain a major in nursing
• Enroll full-time (12+ credit hours per semester)
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• With completion of application requirements and receipt of all relevant transcripts, qualified Cowley College students are guaranteed priority placement when admission slots are not filled with qualified Southwestern pre-nursing majors
• Enter the college at a junior status toward a baccalaureate degree
• Be guaranteed to transfer all credits (100 level and higher). All credits from a two-year must have an earned grade of a C or better
• Preferred partner—This agreement guarantees up to five “seats” within the SC BSN program each year to students from Cowley College who meet the listed requirements when an SC cohort cannot fill all available seats. When seats are available, CC-qualified pre-nursing pathway students will be given priority for open seats.

Admission Policy

The Department of Nursing does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, ethnic origin, or physical handicap in the recruitment and admission of students to the nursing program.

Questions?

Contact Nursing Advisor

Shona Turner, RN, MSN, MBA
Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of the BSN Nursing Program
Email Address: Shona.Turner@sckans.edu
Phone: (620) 229-6300