FAQ

How do I know if my credits will transfer to the Accelerated BSN Option?

If you completed courses at any Wisconsin System School, for example UW-Madison or UW-Fox Valley, visit the Wisconsin Transfer Information System Web site and compare your courses to the UW Oshkosh courses. Credits from technical schools may also transfer.

Where can I find the descriptions of the prerequisite courses?

The link for the online course bulletin is: http://www.uwosh.edu/registrar/bulletins/

Do my prerequisites need to have been taken within a certain number of years ago?

No.  Credits never expire.

How many of the prerequisite courses do I need to complete before I am eligible to apply for admission to the Accelerated BSN Option?

By the application deadline, at least four of the science prerequisites must be completed.  Proof of registration in all remaining prerequisites must be included in the application, showing that the courses will be completed no later than March 31st for May cohorts and no later than August 31st for October cohorts.  Having prerequisite courses completed by the application deadline strengthens the application.

What if I took credits at an out-of-state school or a private university?

If you completed courses at a private university in Wisconsin, or a Minnesota university, visit the Oshkosh Transfer Information System Web site. If you completed courses at an out-of-state institution, you can compare your course to the course requirements at UW Oshkosh by comparing course catalog descriptions from each institution. This is for exploratory purposes only and is in no way a guarantee that the credit will be accepted as a prerequisite by the University or the College of Nursing. If you still have questions you can call the advisor for the Accelerated Online BSN option at (920) 424-7215.

What if I'm still unsure if my credits will transfer even after I checked the Wisconsin Transfer Information System and course descriptions?

You must apply to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to receive an official credit evaluation. Follow step 2 in the admissions process to apply to the University.

How do I apply?

Go to the application process page and follow steps 1 through 4.

The application sequence is as follows :

• Sign onto the database for the Accelerated Online Bachelor's to BSN Option
• Apply to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• Complete prerequisite coursework, CNA, and TEAS V
• Apply to the Accelerated Online Bachelor's to BSN Option

 What is the TEAS V

The TEAS V is the fifth edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills published by ATI Inc. The test is required as part of the application process for admission.  A score that meets or exceeds the national mean is required to be eligible for admission. 

 What is the application deadline?

Applications for May cohorts are available in the middle of July and due in the middle of September. Applications for October cohorts are available in the middle of December and due in the middle of February. The deadline for the October 2012 Cohort is February 15, 2012.

How long does it take to complete my BSN?

The Accelerated Option is 52+ weeks in length. The spring option starts in May and ends the following May. The fall option starts in October and ends the following October. In addition, each cohort has a weekend-long orientation, usually held about two weeks before the program begins.

May I work during the curriculum?

The rapid pace of the course work and the flexibility required for “precepted” clinical experiences require a full-time commitment; therefore, it is required that students agree to forgo all employment while completing the Accelerated Option.

How far will I have to travel for my clinical rotations?

The goal of the Accelerated Option is for students to complete clinical rotations in their "home communities", with the intention that they first seek employment in their home communities upon graduation.  The most desirable radius for traveling to clinical rotations is 50 miles or less, or one hour or less of driving time.  This is not always possible.  A number of factors influence the distance which a student will need to travel for clinical rotations:  the student's grographic location, the availability of appropriate clinical sites and nurse preceptors, the number of students in a given geographical area, etc.  Therefore, students who accept a slot in the Accelerated Option must agree in writing to travel further than the 50-mile/one-hour distance should the need arise. 

What is the most difficult aspect of the Accelerated Online Option?

The Accelerated Option is rigorous.  Students can expect to spend 8-10 hours per day on reading and studying.  The reading is intensive, typically 100 pages per day.  During the 8 months when students are completing both theory and clinical course work, the work week can be 60-70 hours.

What is the cost ?

Tuition is $41,500 and will include required uniforms, a laptop computer, headphones, a PDA (personal digital assistant), necessary software, materials required for the Boot Camp Clinical, and NCLEX -RN Review Course.  Tuition is the same for in and out of state residents.

What type of financial aid is available and how do I apply?

Loans are available depending upon need and eligibility. Grants are not available to second-degree students. Please refer to the Financial Aid Web site for additional information.  

How many students will be admitted to the Accelerated Online BSN option?

The maximum number admitted to each cohort is 30. 

How difficult is it to gain acceptance into the the option?

Admission to the accelerated nursing option is highly competitive. 

How are the applicants screened?

The admissions process is holistic. Applicants are considered based upon the following:

• GPA in the prerequisite courses
• CNA experience
• TEAS V score
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (Recommendation Form)
• Online interview
• Phone interview of select applicants

 Detailed information can be found on the admissions sequence page.  

Are there additional factors that strengthen the application?

Experience working as a CNA is strongly recommended. Students who have worked as CNAs before entering the option are distinctly stronger students in the precepted clinical rotations. 

Completion of all prerequisite coursework by the end of the semester in which the application is due strengthens the application.

Articulate oral and written communication during the application process strengthens the application.

References that speak to the educational and professional skills of the applicant are helpful to the admissions committee.

The admissions committee is seeking mature, academically strong students who can work both independently and collaboratively, who have the ability to be flexible with clinical assignments, and who have a strong desire to attain a high level of professional skill in an accelerated, not abbreviated, learning environment. 

Can I “focus” my clinical experience during the option to a particular area of interest?

The Accelerated Online Bachelor's to BSN option is an undergraduate program. The focus of a baccalaureate nursing program is to educate nurse generalists by offering a broad base of nursing theory and a range of clinical experiences. Upon successful completion of the option, graduates are endorsed to take the NCLEX Examination to become a registered nurse. 

Are international students able to complete this option?

All applicants must be permanent residents of the U.S. to be eligible for admission.  

Is this nursing option accredited?

The Accelerated Online Option of the Undergraduate Nursing Program is fully accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).