RN to Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Admissions
Requirements for Admission
Priscilla Simmons, Academic Director, demonstrates health assessment techniques in a darkened classroom.
The admissions process is designed to identify those students who have potential for completing a university degree program. Degree completion programs are designed to build on experience and previous college credit. As a first step, your background and goals are assessed to determine where you are in relation to the degree program.
To begin the degree program you must:
- Transfer credits. Diploma nurses may earn up to 45 semester hours of credit which they may apply towards admission to EMU, providing their program was approved by the National League for Nursing and that they have passed state board exams. Admission may be granted based on 45 hours provided the student will complete a college composition course prior to enrollment or during the first semester of program enrollment. Fifteen addition semester hours of credit from accredited community colleges or four-year institutions with a minimum of 2.0 grade point average is desirable. Most other nurses enter with about 60 semester hours of credit from their nursing programs.
- Hold state licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- Possess life experience (at least one year) as a nurse from which learning can be demonstrated.
- Demonstrate writing skills that will allow you to complete summary papers for each course, since testing is not used for evaluation of comprehension.
- Have current work experience or significant volunteer involvement that provides a forum to practice professional nursing concepts and a context for the applied research project
Application Process
You must complete the following eight-step process to properly enroll in the program:
- Speak with a program representative about the program and application process.
- Submit an application with a $25 fee.
- Request that a letter of recommendation be sent directly to EMU at Lancaster by your nursing manager (whenever possible).
- Request that official transcripts be sent to EMU at Lancaster from all accredited community colleges or four-year institutions you have attended.
- Submit a two-page writing sample.
- Write your autobiographical outline.
- Meet with the assessment counselor to talk about your portfolio and what general education courses you might need to complete the program.
- Complete financial aid forms and make payment arrangements.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition, books and fees for the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing adult degree completion program vary from year to year. The current cost (through June 2009) for the 18-month nursing major program is $15,977 (includes tuition, books, and fees). Each credit (semester hour) costs $345.
Credit for life learning papers and continuing education (professional schools and training) may be assessed and $50 per semester hour of credit will be charged when this life experience is submitted for course credit. General education courses cost $315 per semester hour or $945 per course.
Financial Aid
Students in the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing adult degree completion program are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. A complete financial aid packet is available from the program representative. Applying for financial aid in a timely manner and following up on any request for aid or loan information is very important.
To be eligible to receive federal financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is processed by a federal processor and the results sent to the schools that you list in the school section. EMU's school code is 003708. Applicants will automatically receive notice that students in Pennsylvania are not eligible for state financial aid since our university is located in Virginia (even though our site is in Lancaster!). The results are reported to the student on a Student Aid Report.
Students must also complete EMU's ADCP Financial Aid Information Sheet (FAIS) and return it to Sheryn Jerchau in the Lancaster office. It will be sent to the EMU Financial Assistance Office where staff will determine your eligibility to receive federal grants, scholarships and loans. Students will not be notified of any grants or aid until they have been admitted to EMU and the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing adult degree completion program.
The RN to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing program will match grants that you receive from a religious organization up to $1,000. Some students may receive financial assistance and scholarships for the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing program from their employers. If you are receiving employer assistance you will need to have your employer authorize payment for the program. Other students will pay for the program with personal funds. These students may pay at the beginning of each semester or take advantage of a monthly payment plan. Upon acceptance into the program you will receive financial information.
To avoid jeopardizing financial aid eligibility, you should not withdraw from the program without first consulting with your academic coordinator.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call Laura Aponte at (866) 368-5262 or (717) 397-5190 or the Financial Aid Office at (800) 330-9683.
