Admission Requirements Our nursing program has specific requirements for freshmen, transfers, readmit, second degree, or as an internal change of major. Freshman students are only matriculated for the Fall Semester. The admissions committee advises students that the admission process is academically competitive and a high GPA may enhance their chances for selection. Freshmen Applicants For Fall consideration, candidates must submit all materials by the Nursing Priority deadline of December 1: Application and high school transcript. SAT/ACT scores are optional. The minimum academic profiles for first consideration for Freshman nursing admission are: Applying Test Optional: A 3.5 cumulative high school grade point average, and Completion of high school biology/lab and chemistry/lab, with grades of "B" or better Applying with SAT and/or ACT Scores: A 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average, and Completion of high school biology/lab and chemistry/lab, with grades of "B" or better SAT score of 1130, with a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 550. Equivalent ACT scores will be considered. Students who apply after spaces are filled and are admissible may be placed on a waitlist depending on space availability. Freshmen who meet University requirements for admission, but do not meet the Nursing major requirements noted above, will be accepted to the University as Undeclared. Students will have the opportunity to reapply to the school of nursing after completion of prerequisite coursework. Please note, however, that due to the competitiveness of the program, admission to the nursing major is neither implied nor guaranteed. Transfer Students Acceptance into the nursing major is academically competitive and is limited by the number of available seats. . Applicants must follow the universities application process for review by the School of Nursing . Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for the major.Students accepted into the nursing major must complete all the required prerequisite courses (or equivalents) and University Core Curriculum/General Education courses before they will be permitted to register for nursing core courses. The nursing prerequisites are: BIO 1120 - General Anatomy & Physiology I BIO 1130 - General Anatomy & Physiology II BIO 1700 - Basic Microbiology PSY 1100 - General Psychology PSY 2110 - Lifespan Development CHEM 1330 - Chemistry for Health Sciences MATH 1300 - Elementary Statistics NUR 3500 - Nursing Research PBHL 2240 - Therapeutic Nutrition BIO 3120 Advanced Anatomy & Physiology Permission to take nursing courses is dependent on evidence of student achievement in preparatory courses and the number of available seats. Change of Majors* Students enrolled in the University may apply for a change of major online through WPConnect after meeting the following change of major requirements: Establish a GPA at William Paterson University by completing at least twelve (12) credits. Have a minimum required GPA of 3.0. Complete at several nursing prerequisite laboratory science courses at William Paterson University. Recommended courses include: BIO 1120, 1130, 1700, 3120 or CHEM 1330 The change of major process is academically competitive and maintaining the highest GPA possible may enhance your opportunity for acceptance into the nursing major. Having completed most of the nursing prerequisites as opposed to completing only one prerequisite course places the student in better a position as well. The School of Nursing Admissions Committee reviews all applications for matriculation into the nursing major. *Any student looking to change their major to nursing who may have earned a grade of C- or below in nursing prerequisite courses are not eligible for acceptance to the nursing major, even if they have repeated the course successfully. The prerequisite courses are General Psychology, Lifespan Development, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Basic Microbiology, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Elementary Statistics, Nursing Research and Therapeutic Nutrition.Permission to take nursing core courses is dependent on evidence of student achievement in preparatory courses and the number of available seats. RN to BSN It is recommended you utilize your credentials on your application to inform the Admissions Office that you are an RN to BSN applicant. Upon admission students will meet with the RN to BSN coordinator to determine which courses the student should register for. Further information may be available at RN to BSN Program. Policies Nursing students are required to have a yearly physical examination, criminal background check and urine drug screen completed at their own expense prior to starting any clinical course. All nursing students enrolled in a nursing clinical course must possess and present evidence they are covered by a health insurance policy. Uninsured students are unable to complete the nursing program. Criminal background checks and a urine drug screening must be completed by the School of Nursing's vendor at the students expense prior to starting any clinical course. Results may be submitted to affiliate agencies for their interpretation in keeping with the accreditation standards of the Joint Commission Accreditation of Health Organizations (JCAHO) and the State of New Jersey. Nursing laboratory courses are conducted both on and off campus. Automobile transportation is required for most off-campus experiences. Students who do not maintain a 2.0 grade point average in the major and co-requisite courses or who do not achieve a grade of C or better are evaluated for retention or progression in the nursing major. Adjustment of Degree Requirements Students seeking an evaluation of a course(s) from another college as equivalent to a WPU course should observe the following steps identified below. For courses taken at a community college within New Jersey check the web site NJTransfer.org. If NJTransfer does not offer an answer, meet and confer with your assigned faculty adviser. Upon evaluation of your request, your adviser may assist you to complete an Adjustment of Degree Requirements form. If your request is approved by the Chairperson & Dean, notification is sent to the Registrar. Leave of Absence or Withdrawal https://wpunj.edu/registrar/academic-regulations/leave.html
