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Application availability information:
Admission to the Nursing, R.N. program is selective with applications for fall 2024 consideration available on August 1 through March 1, 2024 online at bc3.edu/nursing-admission for the general applicant. These applications will be reviewed for the following fall semester start (August 2024). Please note that acceptance into the General Studies or Health Care Science program (210) DOES NOT guarantee a seat in the Nursing Program proper. Applications will not be considered after this limited time period each year, unless the student is an LPN or transfer applicant from another Nursing School. For more information, please contact the Shaffer School of Nursing & Allied Health after August 1, 2023.
All applicants are considered equally regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, family status, or other classification protected by applicable law. Students must be at least 18 years of age by September 1, 2024 to be eligible for admission to the Nursing Program and begin clinical rotations.
LPNs in Pennsylvania and other individuals previously enrolled in Registered Nursing education programs may be eligible for advanced standing. A special application for advanced standing is available on March 1, 2024 with a priority selection due date of May 10, 2024.
Pennsylvania law prohibits the State Board of Nursing from issuing a license to anyone who has been convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance, unless at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction, and the applicant satisfies other criteria of personal rehabilitation. At the time of application for licensure, the State Board also requires reporting of any crime, felony, misdemeanor, or pending criminal charges.
The Nursing Program Admissions Committee assumes the responsibility to review the data of all applicants and has the right to select the best qualified individuals.
A. High School Requirements:
- High school diploma from an accredited secondary school program, or successful completion of the GED/HiSET Examination. High school seniors may apply.
- High school course requirements for all applicants include the completion of the following with a 2.80 GPA or better:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Social Studies
- 2 units of Math (one must be algebra)
- 1 unit of Biology (with lab) with a final grade of “C” or better*
- 1 unit of Chemistry (with lab) with a final grade of “C” or better*
*If high school Biology and/or Chemistry was taken more than five years ago, a college level Biology and/or Chemistry course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the conclusion of the fall semester (general applicants) and spring semester (LPNs or transfer) for which the student is applying. The exact acceptable time frame is detailed in the Nursing Program application.
- Courses not taken in high school may be taken at BC3 or at another college. (Comparable courses may be substituted with permission of the Deans for the Shaffer School of Nursing & Allied Health). Individuals with less than a 2.8 GPA in required high school courses may be considered for admission following completion of 12 college level credits (100 level or higher). Nursing support courses are strongly encouraged.
- Students who have obtained their GED/HiSET must take 12+ college level courses (100 level or higher) in order to establish a new GPA.
B. Testing
- New students to BC3 with no prior college experience are required to take the Accuplacer placement tests in reading, writing, and/or math or provide proof of SAT/ACT scores meeting established cut-offs within the last five years. If it is determined that placement tests are needed, the student will be notified. If placement test scores indicate a need for skill building classes in English, reading and/or mathematics, students will be required to enroll in those courses. All developmental or preparatory classes must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” before acceptance to the program and are not considered in cumulative GPA.
C. Advanced Standing
- Licensed practical nurses (LPN) or individuals previously enrolled in RN education programs who are accepted must successfully complete the following requirements in order to be eligible for advanced standing in the nursing program. To be eligible, the LPN/Advanced Standing student must successfully complete NURS 135 with a 75% or higher. In addition, the LPN must successfully complete NURS 141: Pharmacology for Nurses I.
- Students who have successfully completed a fundamentals of nursing course (with a “C” grade or better) at another registered nursing education program may enter the BC3 Nursing Program with advanced standing consideration in the second semester, under the same criteria as listed above for LPN applicants.
D. College
- Cumulative College GPA of 2.80 or better, if applicable.
- In order to meet degree requirements, if A&P 1, A&P 2 and/or Microbiology are taken prior to admission to the Nursing Program, these courses must have been completed within the last five years with a minimum grade of “C”. The exact acceptable time frame is detailed in the Nursing Program application packet.
- Grade of “C” or better in any degree requirement for acceptance and continuation in the Nursing Program.
- All applicants are notified as to acceptance, placement on waitlist, or rejection electronically via their MyBC3 email account no later than mid-February for general applicants and by the end of June for advanced standing applicants.
Special Requirements Upon Acceptance *
- Criminal Background Clearances including a FBI fingerprint are required prior to beginning the first clinical Nursing course and annually thereafter for all subsequent years of program enrollment.
- In order for a student to participate in clinical coursework, clearance results must be in compliance with PA State Board of Nursing regulations, Act 169 Older Adult Protective Services Act, and Act 34/151. A student who fails to obtain the requisite Act 169 and Act 34/151 clearances will be unable to attend the required clinical experiences and meet course objectives.
- Satisfactory annual physical examination, tuberculin skin test, immunizations, and negative urine drug screen.
- Students must have the physical and emotional ability to provide all aspects of safe nursing care. A list of required nursing abilities is available with the admission packet.
- Evidence of successful completion of an American Heart Association course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the healthcare provider.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Malpractice liability insurance (paid with tuition).
- Uniforms.
- Transportation to and from clinical agencies is the responsibility of the student.
- Clinical hours and locations vary by course and semester.
The most current information is listed above. The college reserves the right to amend requirements at any time.
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