College of Nursing

Detailed information for specific admission requirements can be found on the application process page.

Due to the competitive nature of the admission process, applicants should understand that meeting the minimum required criteria does not guarantee admission into the Accelerated BSN Option.

View Admission Policy here.

Required Criteria

• Admission to UW Oshkosh
• Bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited university with a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for required nursing prerequisite courses, with no course grade less than C
  (C- and CD are not acceptable)
• Assessment of Eligibility form (see Application Process page)
• Criminal background check
• Current Nursing Assistant Certification (CNA) in applicant’s home state
• Proof of residence in an Accelerated-approved state

Preferred Criteria

• 3.25 GPA or higher in nursing prerequisite courses
• Work experience as a CNA or in other direct patient care activities
• Activities reflecting service orientation (i.e. community volunteer work, etc.)
• Experience working with diverse populations (i.e. age groups, individuals with disabilities or special needs, underrepresented ethnicities, etc.)
• Completion of all prerequisite courses 

The following prerequisite courses must be included on the GPA calculation form when applying to the Accelerated BSN Option.

Science (minimum 4 out of 6 courses must be completed at time of application)
All science courses must include lecture and laboratory. If more than four science courses have been completed, GPA will be calculated using the best four grades.

*Other Prerequisites must be completed at time of application.

CNA Requirements

Certification as a nursing assistant in one’s home state is a required for admission into the Accelerated BSN Option.  However—to be a competitive applicant—actual work experience as a CNA at time of application is strongly recommended.

Students with CNA experience exhibit a notably stronger performance in the clinical component of the program. CNA experience provides an opportunity to learn basic nursing skills in a healthcare setting and care for patients as part of a nurse-led team. Accelerated BSN graduates consistently support the value of prior CNA experience after completing their clinical rotations.

Health Requirements

Once admitted into the Accelerated BSN Option, students are required to fulfill several health requirements in order to participate in clinical rotations. Specific requirements are provided upon admission.

Technology Requirements

A laptop computer with wireless card, camera, headset and required software are included in the tuition. Cable, broadband or satellite internet access is imperative. Slower internet connections will impede downloading of course materials and submitting exams in a timely manner.

Students are also required to view PDF forms and documents. Several other technologies are used throughout the curriculum, including Collaborate Ultra and Skype. Software training for these programs is provided during orientation.