Important FAQ

How difficult is it to get into the College of Nursing?

While pre-nursing course work is challenging, achieving good grades is realistic if a student is motivated. Nursing is one of the most competitive majors on campus. You’ll want to stay on top of your academic studies from the first day!

What is considered on my College of Nursing application?

Required criteria:

• Admission to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
• Sophomore standing (30 credits completed)
• Minimum of 2.75 GPA on the completed pre-nursing requirements
  
• All of the required courses and a total of 45 credits must be completed with a minimum "C" grade by the end of the semester in which you are applying. (C- or CD are not acceptable grades.) Only two repeats (one time each) of pre-nursing requirements are permitted.
• Interview
• Standardized nursing entrance test with passing score for national mean or above. Means are adjusted annually. (cost assumed by student)
• Written statement demonstrating values appropriate for professional nursing (see form for statement)
• NEW CRITERION REGARDING NURSING ASSISTANT REQUIREMENT:
•  Applicants for Fall 2011 and beyond: Require completion of nursing assistant course with clinical component AND CURRENT CNA certification.
  
• A listing of current CNA courses offered in the state can be found here.

Preferred criteria:

• Nursing GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Standardized nursing entrance test with a passing score for national  BSN mean or above.  Means are adjusted annually, (cost assumed by student)
  
• Certified Nursing Assistant experience or other relevant health care experience
• Activities reflecting a service orientation (volunteer work over the past two years, including your service as a Titan athlete)
• Experience with diverse populations (varying age groups, developmentally disabled, ethnic groups and individuals with special need)

What is considered for my nursing GPA?

The following courses or approved equivalents are factored into your nursing GPA. Please see GPA Calculation Form on application page for guidance:

• WBIS (Writing-Based Inquiry Seminar) 188/TBIS 188 or College English 101
• Psychology 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
• Nursing 200 (Growth & Development)
• Biology 105 (Introduction to Biology)
• Biology 211 (Anatomy)
• Biology 212 (Physiology)
• Biology 233 (Microbiology)
• Chemistry 101 (Introduction to Biochemistry)
• Chemistry 102 (Advanced Biochemistry)
• Two general education courses of student’s choice or nursing elective courses (6 credits)
  

What happens if I don’t pass a course?

The College of Nursing allows two repeats in any of the pre-nursing coursework. A student who would like permission to exceed the limit on repeats, must write an appeal to the Academic Standing Committee and submit it to Undergraduate Program Office. The repeats must be on two separate courses and one time only, unless the student applies for an appeal.   

When can I apply to the College of Nursing?

To apply, students must:

• Have WBIS, PSYCH, NURS 200 and four of the six sciences completed with grades along with 6 additional credits of general education or nursing elective courses
• Have completed 30 credits
• Have completed or be enrolled in the remaining sciences, Nursing 105, and Communication 111 at the time of application
• Have completed a minimum of 45 credits by end of the semester following the application deadline or before.

The College of Nursing admits students twice a year — in August and January — to begin clinicals in the semester following application and completion of admission process with interview.

Effective Fall 2010 Transfer students may apply either semester.  Transfer students must have applied and been accepted to UW Oshkosh BEFORE they complete the nursing application.  A UWO ID and email address are necessary to proceed with nursing application.

How do I apply to the College of Nursing?

Once you have met the admission requirements, complete and send in the application along with other required admission materials. 

How many people are accepted each semester?

On average, approximately 120 students apply for admission each cycle. Of these, 72/80 students are accepted.   

What was the average GPA for acceptance into the College of Nursing?

The average College of Nursing GPA for acceptance varies based on the pool of applicants, but typically falls between 3.4 and 3.6.

Do I have to have my CNA certification?

Applicants for Fall 2011 and beyond are required to have completed the nursing assistant course with clinical component and have a CURRENT CNA certificate. This course is at student's expense.

• Listing of current CNA courses offered in the state

What is is meant by "preferred criteria?"

• Nursing GPA of 3.0 or above
  

• College of Nursing prefers that applicants have work experience as a CNA in a healthcare agency.  Credit may be given for other health related experiences as well.
• Volunteer experience (Within the last two years) in the community as well as experiences with diverse populations is also a preference and provides valuable experience for nursing.

What happens if I don’t get in?

If you are determined to be a nurse, you may benefit from further guidance by making an appointment with your academic adviser and the Coordinator of Student Academic Affairs in the College of Nursing.

When selecting a competitive degree like nursing, it’s always a good idea to have a "Plan B." There are more ways to help people and/or to be in healthcare including other majors in allied health fields, health care management or other helping professions. Students may also think about reapplying, changing majors, adding a minor or transferring to a different school.  

Is there a waiting list?

There is no waiting list.

If I don’t get in, do I need to reapply or does the College of Nursing keep my application?  

Students not admitted in a given semester must submit a new written application in subsequent semesters to be considered for admission, including background search. Entrance exam results taken previously must be attached or retaken if an improved score is desired.

How do I apply to the College of Nursing if I am a transfer student (also see FAQ for transfer students)?

Transfer students seeking admission directly into the clinical major in the College of Nursing are eligible to apply either semester effective in Fall 2010.  All transfer students must complete two applications. Students must be accepted into UW Oshkosh prior to filling out the nursing application.  Please plan accordingly for paperwork to be processed.  A valid UWO ID and email address is required to complete the nursing application.

1. Undergraduate Admission Application for UW Oshkosh with transcripts. Application is available online or at the UW Oshkosh Admissions Office in Dempsey 135.
2. College of Nursing Professional Major Admission Application. Application.

Will my credits transfer to UW Oshkosh?

Refer to the Transfer Information System site to identify course equivalents within UW System schools.  All other college courses must be evaluated by UW Oshkosh Admission Office AFTER the University admission transfer application is submitted. 

How do I know if I should be a nurse?

If you have a strong interest in helping others, have good communication skills and are a high achieving academic student with a strong aptitude in the sciences, nursing may be the career for you!  Working in health care as a CNA will help you to better determine if this is the right educational path. Get involved in Oshkosh Nurses Association early in your curriculum so you can learn more about nursing specialties and meet other students. Networking with others in the College of Nursing will help you to sense if it is a good fit for your skills and abilities.

What if I have more questions?

Students accepted to UW Oshkosh can call (920) 424-1268 to set up an appointment to see their adviser. Transfer students must first apply to UW Oshkosh and attend a Transfer Day session.

Also available for questions are the College of Nursing coordinator of student academic affairs, (920) 424-1193 or clevelan@uwosh.edu, and the assistant, (920) 424-1024 or robl@uwosh.edu.