Traditional BSN application FAQs
General information
What is the cost of the program? of the 16 month traditional BSN program
What are the admission averages? Admission application statistics
How do I apply for scholarships? Learn about scholarships
Where can I get application help? Please reach out to OSNadvising@unr.edu or call (775) 784-6841
Application requirements
Coursework and grades
What is the minimum pre-nursing (application) GPA required to apply? The minimum application GPA is 2.8.
What's the minimum grade I need in prerequisite courses? You must earn a minimum grade of a "C" in the courses that make up your pre-nursing (admission) GPA. For all other prerequisites, a minimum grade of "C-" minimum grade is acceptable. Please note grades less than a B should be the exception as these grades reduce the admission GPA.
Are there any limits on how many times I can retake a course? No, there is no limit on retake attempts for the Orvis BSN application. However, the most recent grade from a repeated course is the one used to calculate your admission GPA. (Please refer to university policy in the catalog regarding retaking courses at UNR.)
Can I still apply if I have a "W" (withdrawal) from a prerequisite course on my transcript? Yes, a withdrawal ("W") grade does not prevent you from applying.
Can I still apply if I have a grade less than a C in a prerequisite course on my transcript but I am retaking it? No, you cannot apply to the nursing program while you're currently enrolled in a course where you previously earned a grade less than a "C." The most recent grade for any repeated course will be used in your GPA calculation.
What if I have AP credit? Upon receipt of an official score report from the , the Office of Admissions and Records assigns a grade of “TST” and grants credit as specified in the university catalog.
How do I know how my courses will transfer? Transfer articulation indicates how courses taken at other institutions transfer to the University.
What's the policy on using older science courses? Lecture and lab courses for Biology and Chemistry must have been taken within the past 10 years (7 years is recommended). Pathophysiology (NURS 407) must have been completed within the past three years.
What is the policy on "S/U" (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grades? Courses with "S/U" grades are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that "S/U" grades for courses taken outside of the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021) are generally not accepted.
Do I need to have all prerequisites completed when I apply? Applicants can apply with up to 16 prerequisite credits still in progress (a maximum of 4 of the credits can be BIOL or CHEM). However, all prerequisite courses must be completed before the program's start date (which may include wintermester or summer semester).
Which chemistry course fulfills the requirement? Chemistry 121 fulfills the requirement. Chemistry 122 or Organic Chemistry are also accepted.
What communication courses are accepted for the application? Please reference the prerequisite details (COM 113 is now approved to meet the communications requirement for the application, but it does not satisfy the C06 Social Science degree requirement.)
How can I find my pre-nursing/admission GPA? The pre-nursing/admission GPA is calculated across the required prerequisite coursework. Contact the Orivs School of Nursing advisor at OSNadvising@unr.edu for help in completing a GPA calculator.
Can one course satisfy two prerequisites? Yes. Example: COM 412 satisfies the Communication and Capstone (CO13) requirement. There are other courses that satisfy multiple prerequisites. Work with your advisor to identify these courses and prerequisites. Please note that a course may only be used twice for this purpose and no more.
TEAS exam
What is the minimum TEAS score to apply? A minimum score of 65% on the TEAS exam is required to apply.
How old can my TEAS score be? TEAS scores are accepted if they were taken within one year of the application date. (See website for score submission window.)
How many times can I take the TEAS exam? A maximum of two times per application cycle. The most recent score will be used for the application.
How do I submit my TEAS scores? You must request an official copy of your scores to be sent directly to the Orvis School of Nursing from ATI. Your scores must be received before the application opens. Student submissions will not be accepted
Application process
When do applications open, and how often are students admitted? Applications typically open in January and August for the semester preceding enrollment; the program is a 16‑month (four‑semester) cohort. The Traditional/Accelerated BSN cohort admits students twice per year (fall and spring).
How many students do you admit? 96 students are admitted each fall and spring semester to the BSN program.
Where do I send my transcripts? Transcripts must be sent to both the 91°µÍø (Office of Admission and Records) and NursingCAS.
How are applications reviewed? Applicants are scored and rank ordered based on a point matrix.
What happens in the event of a tie? In case of a tie, the applicants' Pre-Nursing GPA and TEAS scores and attribute scoring will be evaluated independently to determine a final ranking.
How does the waitlist work? A waitlist may be instituted depending on the application pool. Students are notified of their status and will be notified if a seat becomes available.
How many times can I apply to the program? There is no limit to the number of times an applicant can apply to the program.
Petitions
Can I petition for an exception to a rule? Yes, petitions may be considered for issues such as older coursework, grades in prerequisite courses, healthcare experience, and course substitutions. Specific details on the petition process are available from the Orvis advisor.