Admission Requirements

Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission into clinical nursing. Students desiring to be admitted to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing must meet all requirements for admission to the university. Biola pre-nursing students meeting all requirements for admission to clinical nursing, who have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and a science GPS of 2.5 and have taken at least four full-time semesters at Biola, will be given priority for admission to the nursing program.

Before being accepted, students must complete the prerequisite college courses with a minimum grade of "C" (2.00). These courses include anatomy, inorganic and organic/biochemistry, communication (100, 170, 181 or 280), English 110A and 110B, first aid, microbiology, physiology, and psychology. Students also are required to earn a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all pre-nursing college course work. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 to 2.99 may be considered for admission on provisional status if space is available in the program and if there is reason to anticipate the student will be able to complete the program successfully.

Additional factors considered in the application process include the following: total transcript evaluation, small group interviews, a brief written biographical sketch and a brief extemporaneous writing assignment, references, prenursing examination, SAT scores, and work experience. A departmental application form is to be completed and filed in the department with an application fee of $50 (includes prenursing exam fee) by January 15. There is an additional late fee of $10 for applications received after the established deadline.

Decisions regarding student acceptance into clinical nursing are made by the nursing faculty. Before starting clinical nursing, students will be required to submit completed health forms and proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary certification for health care professionals.

Applicants whose educational and professional experiences qualify them for advanced standing are welcome. Those intending to challenge nursing courses should make an appointment with the Department of Nursing as soon as accepted by the University.

After Being Accepted Into Biola's Clinical Nursing Program

A student is required to have, at his own expense, a background check, urine drug screen, yearly physical examination, specific laboratory tests and immunizations by June 15. Late fees are assessed. Students will not be permitted in the clinical agency without these. Each student is assessed for liability insurance through the University when participating in clinical courses. The University and cooperating agencies assume no responsibility for illness or accidents occurring during the school program.

Students must arrange for their own transportation to clinical agencies as the University does not provide transportation. Students must have a valid driver's license and have access to a car at the beginning of the clinical nursing program. Valid CPR certification is required and must be renewed annually throughout the clinical nursing program.

Theory and clinical must be taken concurrently in courses with a clinical component. One unit of theory equals one clock hour, and one unit of clinical equals three clock hours. Due to the importance of course and clinical orientation, attendance is mandatory to proceed in nursing courses. A student must earn a minimum grade of "C" (2.00) in microbiology, statistics, BBST 465 health care ethics, and in each nursing course, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 in order to progress in nursing.

Students will be permitted to repeat nursing courses one time only. Students withdrawing more than once at a failing level (C- or below) or failing two courses may be dropped from the nursing program. Unsafe clinical nursing practice, regardless of GPA, is ground for dismissal from the nursing program. Students who withdraw from nursing in good standing will be readmitted on a space-available basis. Transfer-challenge students have equal access for open spaces in nursing courses.

It is recommended that microbiology (Biology 282) be taken prior to Nursing of the Client/Family I and II. Students will not be advanced to level II without microbiology.

Mandatory achievement exams will be taken throughout and at the completion of the nursing program.