Associate of Science in Nursing: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions

1. What are the prerequisites for the program?
2. Is it hard to get into the program?
3. When is the deadline for applying?
4. What is the GPA I need to have?
5. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
6. Can I apply for a nursing scholarship?
7. What degree will I have when I finish?
8. What nursing license will I have when I'm done?
9. Do I have to have a car?
10. How much does the program cost?
11. Should I take Anatomy & Physiology and/or other science courses in high school?
12. Should I take a CNA course?
13. I am a CNA.  Does that help my chances of getting into the program?
14. Is it better to wait until I complete a year of college to apply?
15. If I have taken chemistry or anatomy & physiology at another college, will that transfer?
16. I have a degree already, but I've decided I'd like to be a nurse. What's my next step?
17. Do I need to send letters of recommendation to help me get in?
18. Does experience in health care help me get accepted into the program?
19. If I don't make it into the program, what's my next step?
20. Can you tell me more about your transcultural programs ( Mexico, Jerusalem)?
21. What does "CE" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?
22. Before finishing the ASN program can I start on my BSN classes?

 

1. What are the prerequisites for the program?

For the traditional track: One year of  high school chemistry with a grade of "B" or better grade and two courses of college level Anatomy and Physiology (at least 8 credits total).   BYU-Idaho courses are Chem 101, Bio 264 and 265. Admission into the nursing program is contingent upon completion of all prerequisite courses with a "B" or better grade. For further information see (Catalog).

 

For the Alternate track: ALL Foundations course work must be completed before starting the program. For a list of all the Foundations classes see the "Sample Completion Plan" under the ASN information page.

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2. Is it hard to get into the program?

Students are ranked by their individual college GPA. The Admissions Council will review the individual applications and the students college transcript (paying close attention to science classes) and to their general GPA. Completed prerequisites and science classes taken are valuable to the process of acceptance. It enables the Admissions Council to see that students have interest in completing nursing. Success in difficult science classes can be related to the difficulty of taking nursing classes, thus, a simple comparison can be made of the student's ability to pass nursing classes.

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3. When is the deadline for applying?

Traditional and Alternate Track:

• Summer Semester Admission - November 1st
• Fall Semester Admission - March 1st
• Winter Semester Admission - June 15th

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4. What is the college GPA I need to have?

The minimum GPA varies from year to year. Traditionally students have had to have at least a 3.7 GPA or above to be selected into the program. (see question/answer number 2).

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5. Who can I talk to if I have questions?

If you have questions regarding the traditional or alternate track programs contact the Agriculture and Life Science Advising Center at (208) 496-2438.

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6. Can I apply for a nursing scholarship?

Should you need financial aid, please check with the BYU-Idaho Scholarship office, (208)496-1087, or Financial Aid, (208)496-1013. Nursing scholarship money is only available to students who have completed the first semester of nursing.

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7. What degree will I have when I finish?

You will have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree.  This degree will qualify you to take your NCLEX-RN, State Board of Nursing exam.

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8. What nursing license will I have when I'm done?

After you pass the NCLEX-RN, State Board of Nursing exam, you will be licensed as a Professional Nurse/Registered Nurse (RN). The NCLEX is a national exam.

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9. Do I have to have a car?

Yes.  Nursing students complete hospital and community experience at clinical facilities which are in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and Blackfoot, and MUST have access to their own transportation.

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10. How much does the program cost?

(See Program Costs Sheet)

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11. Should I take Anatomy & Physiology and/or other science courses in high school?

It is recommended that you take science courses while in high school. This will enhance your ability to successfully complete the prerequisite courses for the nursing program.

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12. Should I take a CNA course?

Not necessarily. You are not required to be a CNA to apply to this program.

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13. I am a CNA.  Does that help my chances of getting into the program?

No.  However, once you get into our program, the skills you learned to become a CNA certainly will be beneficial as you go through Fundamentals (Nursing 100).

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14. Is it better to wait until I complete a year of college to apply?

Yes. All students must complete the prerequisites required by the nursing program. See prerequisite information.

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15. If I have taken chemistry or anatomy & physiology at another college, will that transfer?

It is the student's responsibility to contact the Transfer Evaluation Office at (208) 496-1002 and make sure the classes you have taken are the equivalent classes at BYU-Idaho.

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16. I have a degree already, but I've decided I'd like to be a nurse. What's my next step?

See information regarding the Alternate Track Nursing Program.

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17. Do I need to send letters of recommendation to help me get in?

No.

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18. Does experience in health care help me get accepted into the program?

No.  See Question/Answer number 2.

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19. If I don't make it into the program, what's my next step?

If you still want to pursue a nursing career you have several options. You may work toward an associate degree at BYU-Idaho.  After finishing the two year degree, transfer to a four year school and pursue nursing at that level. You may also apply to other associate degree programs. Keep in mind you should look at many nursing schools.  Call/visit/speak with counselors to ensure that you are taking the appropriate prerequisites and general education classes to be accepted.   Also, different schools have different application and admission date, it is your responsibility to find out what those dates are.

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20. Can you tell me more about your transcultural programs ( Mexico, Jerusalem)?

Transcultural experiences may be offered to complete clinical hours for community and/or leadership courses. Transcultural opportunities are offered when experiences become available. Contact the Department of Nursing (208) 496-1325 for further details.

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21. What does "CE" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?

Alternate Track: "CE" stands for Continuing Education. You are charged $195 per credit for the Alternate Track for nursing classes taken through continuing education. The costs are broken down on your account information. You will notice on your personal account page under Tuition you are charged $120 per credit and under Nursing "CE" you are charged another $75 for taking the course through continuing education.

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22. Before finishing the ASN program can I start on my BSN classes?

It is the policy of the BYU-IDaho Department of Nursing that students currently enrolled in the BYU-Idaho ASN program who have completed their freshman year of nursing school and are currently enrolled in their sophomore year may be permitted prior to graduation to be concurrently enrolled in N316 and N338 if they:

• maintain an A- or better in all nursing courses taken in their freshman year.
• complete a petition and submit it to the BSN Team Leader for approval to take BSN courses.

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