Holistic Admission to the undergraduate nursing program may occur after completion of 31 hours of required university courses. Students accepted through the holistic admission process must maintain eligibility by completing all prerequisite second-year courses according to the curriculum.

USI’s undergraduate nursing program uses a paperless application system.  Applicants will complete the initial undergraduate nursing program application and required supplemental documentation online. 

July 1, 2022:  Deadline for initial undergraduate nursing program application (Accepted by the University as an undergraduate student required first).

August 5, 2022:  Deadline for required supplemental documentation

1. Personal statement statement

2. Leadership and community engagement resume

3. Completion of all pre-requisite courses

August 27, 2022:  In-person interviews (Applicant to be notified of specific time and location after the document deadline).

 Mission of the Holistic Admission Process: The mission of the BSN Holistic Admission process is to identify compassionate, dedicated applicants, with diverse experiences in leadership and community engagement, as well as a broad knowledge base, and the communication skills necessary to grow into nurses who are safe, competent, critical thinkers prepared to meet the constantly evolving needs of the community.

 Vision of the Holistic Admission Process:  Develop nurses who embody attributes needed to become change agents within a global society.

Holistic Admission Process

Admission to the program is competitive and the selection of applicants is based upon the applicant’s academic performance, personal statement and resume, and interview.  The maximum achievable score is 100.5 points.

Academic Performance (50.5 points)

GPA in required first-year prerequisite courses x 10 for a maximum possible 40 points.  First-year courses used for the GPA are as follows:

• ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I
• ENG 201 Rhetoric and Composition II
• BIOL 121 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• MATH 114 Quantitative Reasoning
• BIOL 122 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• CHEM 141* Principles of Chemistry
• PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology
• HP 115 Medical Terminology
• UNIV 101 First Year Experience                          
• CMST 101 or CMS 107 101: Intro to Public Speaking or 107: Interpersonal Communications
• KIN 192 Concepts in Health & Wellness

*Students may have the option to take both Chemistry 142 Survey of General Chemistry AND Chemistry 143 Survey of Organic & Biochemistry (4 credit hours each) combination that is the equivalent of Chemistry 141 (4 credit hours).  If students take the two-course option, the grades for each will be averaged for the points to be applied to the student’s application.

• Additional points for grades in BIOL 121, BIOL 122, and CHEM 141 for a maximum 7.5 points, as follows: A=2.5 pts; B+=2.0 pts; B=1.5 pts; C+=1.0 pts; C=.5 pts.
• One additional point per each of the three classes BIOL 121, BIOL 122, and CHEM 141 taken at USI for a maximum possible 3 pts.
• Anatomy and physiology and chemistry course credit must be earned or equivalent competence demonstrated within five years of enrollment in clinical nursing courses.

 To be eligible for admission to the Nursing Program, all Students must receive a grade of "C" or better in each of the classes listed below:

• BIOL 121
• BIOL 122              
• CMST 101 or 107    
• PSY 201            
• ENG 101                
• ENG 201                
• CHEM 141 (or both Chemistry 142 & 143)    
• NUTR 376: Principles and Applications in Nutrition
• BIOL 272 Medical Microbiology
• Social Science/Social Behavior Course

Science Eligibility rule:  

Any student who receives more than one 'D' or 'F' in any of the required science or nutrition courses prior to beginning the professional nursing courses is ineligible for the nursing program at USI.

Students applying for admission to the USI Nursing Program may enroll in the required science courses a maximum of two times per course including transfer credits from any university or college.* 

*This rule applies to all students admitted to the university as of August 2020. 

Personal Statement and Leadership and Community Engagement Resume (20 points)

The student will submit a personal statement of 150 words or less describing why they want to become a nurse.

The student will complete a form showcasing leadership and community engagement activities. List the most current extra-curricular and community service activities, awards/honors, and work experience first.  Describe work experience and include any leadership roles if applicable. Do not duplicate any entries.

Interview (30 points) 

The student will participate in a personal interview on august 27, 2022.  Individual time slots will be assigned at a later date.

Application Requirements:

• Acceptance to the University of Southern Indiana as an undergraduate.
• Application to the Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program at the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Online application link to be provided at a later date on this webpage.  
• Submission of a Personal Statement and Leadership and Community Engagement Resume.  Submission directions and form(s) to be provided at a later date on this webpage. 
• Participation in a personal interview on August 27, 2022.

• Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements as established by the USI Center for International Programs.