Eligibility:

Students are eligible to be considered for the Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) Nursing Program when the following conditions are met:

1. Acceptance to PLNU as a Pre-Nursing Major.
2. Submission of a School of Nursing application for the nursing program. (Application forms are available in December at the School of Nursing office.) Deadline for submission to the School of Nursing is February 1.
3. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.70 or better on a four-point scale.
4. Completion of the following prerequisites (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in each:

• Inorganic and Organic/Biological Chemistry (5 semester units—with labs);
• Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 semester units—with labs);
• General Psychology or Personal Identity (3 or 4 semester units);
• Math determined by PLNU math placement test or achievement on SAT;
• Human Development (3 semester units): strongly recommended prior to NSG 250;
• Nutrition (3 semester units): strongly recommended prior to NSG 250;

A student may be considered with a repeat of a pre-req course (to acheive the minimum grade).

    5.   Submission of one letter of recommendation using the School of Nursing form. This is in
          addition to the two (2) letters of recommendation required by the PLNU Admissions
          office at the time of application to the University. 
    6.   Second Degree Students (Students who have a previous bachelor’s degree in a major
          other than nursing) may be considered for admission into the sophomore nursing class,
          however, a full three years will be required to complete the required nursing coursework.
          The program cannot be accelerated, but the course load may be lighter according to the number of general education classes a student is given transfer credit for.
 

Selection:

Eligible students are selected for admission to the nursing program by the School of Nursing Selection Committee.

1. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses by the end of Spring term preceding the Fall entry date; b) have completed 15 semester units and 2 semesters at PLNU; c) have completed the application process prior to February 1 preceding the Fall entry date.
2. Secondary consideration will be given to transfer applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses by the end of Spring term preceding the Fall entry date; b) have completed the application process prior to February 1 preceding the Fall term entry date.
3. Selection is made on basis of cumulative GPA, GPA at PLNU, strength of application, letter of recommendation and units at PLNU.
4. The Selection Committee will meet to finalize the selection process after all spring grades have been received and all students will then be notified by mid-June.
5. An interview may be requested.
6. A summer only wait list will be established.

Health Status:

Students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required.  A physical examination by a physician or nurse practitioner with information completed on a form provided by the School of Nursing is necessary.  The examination includes current immunizations and tests as required by the School of Nursing.  (Information obtained from a suitable physical examination within six months prior to admission to the nursing program, may be submitted on the required form.)  Forms are available after the student has been accepted into the nursing program. 

A second physical examination and tuberculin skin test must be performed berfore beginning senior level nursing courses.  Tuberculin tests may be required at intervals throughout the program.

CPR:

Students must provide evidence of a current American Heart Association CPR Basic Life Support/Healthcare Provider card.  Cards from the Red Cross ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Background Check:

Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screening will be required prior to a student's first clinical experience.