Accelerated BSN Admission

We’re available to help, whether you’re just beginning to consider the right university or are ready to apply.

admission Requirements

Students can pursue the Accelerated BSN program as a second bachelor’s degree or as their major for their first undergraduate degree. The admission requirements differ slightly for each group.

For applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree, admission to the Accelerated BSN program requires:

• A bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from a regionally-accredited institution
• A cumulative post-secondary GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• A current, unencumbered Nursing Assistant certification (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Students needing to complete a CNA course can find a list of state-approved programs on the Oregon State Board of Nursing website.
• Completion of all prerequisite courses as outlined on the prerequisite checklist
• Non-native English speakers must also complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS demonstrating satisfactory proficiency for admission to the university.

For those pursuing nursing as their first bachelor’s degree, the following minimum requirements must be met:

• Completion of at least 80 semester credits of transferable non-nursing college coursework through a regionally-accredited college or university
• Completion of Bushnell University’s general education core requirements
• A cumulative post-secondary GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A current, unencumbered Nursing Assistant certification (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Students needing to complete a CNA course can find a list of state-approved programs on the Oregon State Board of Nursing website.
• Completion of all prerequisite courses as outlined on the prerequisite checklist
• Non-native English speakers must also complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS demonstrating satisfactory proficiency for admission to the university.

Please note: Under OAR 851-031-0006, The Oregon State Board of Nursing may determine that an applicant who has a major physical or mental condition that could affect the applicant’s ability to practice safely, and/or an applicant’s criminal history bears a demonstrable relationship to the practice of nursing, and/or the applicant has a past, current, or pending discipline in another jurisdiction, and/or the applicant falsifies their application, the application for license may be denied regardless of NLCEX-RN test results and program completion.

International students: Please note that all prerequisites to apply to the School of Nursing must be completed in the U.S. through a regionally-accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must hold a nursing assistant certification through a state board of nursing in the United States. Foreign credentials will not be accepted.

Application process and SupplEmental Materials

The ABSN application should be submitted through NursingCAS. All supplemental materials should be uploaded through the NursingCAS portal, including:

• Official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework
• Proof of a current, unencumbered Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license
• TOEFL or IELTS official score for non-native English speakers
• Additional certificates/licensures, awards, and verification of employment as needed

When your application is submitted, it will be held for review by the program’s admission committee. If any information is missing, your application will not be considered. Students applying for admission, but not admitted, may reapply for the next program start.

Application Review Process & Scoring

application Deadlines

There are two start dates for the ABSN program each year (August and January).

NEW as of December 2023: we are transitioning to a rolling admission model! This opens up opportuntiy for prospective student to be admitted earlier and have more time to prepare for the start of the program. Prospective applicants should be careful to select the correct application in NursingCAS, as both applications will be open concurrently for much of the cycle.

When you’re ready to transition your career

Students interested in the ABSN program at Bushnell apply through the Central Application Service for Nursing (NursingCAS).

Admitted students

Admitted students will be required to complete a criminal background check and urine drug screen that meet Oregon Health Authority (OHA) requirements. Students are required to submit a $200 non-refundable deposit (applied to tuition) within 2 weeks of receiving notification of admission. Under certain circumstances, in accordance with Bushnell University policy, this deposit may be waived. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details.

OHA requires all health professions students to comply with certain screening and vaccination requirements. Admitted ABSN students must submit proof of completion of the requirements below. Instructions will be provided during orientation.

• American Heart Association basic life support certification
• Immunizations (seasonal flu, hepatitis B and titer, varicella and titer, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and full vaccination against COVID-19)
• 2-step PPD test OR QuantiFERON-TB Gold for TB screening
• Verification of health care insurance

These requirements must remain valid through the duration of the program. Additional immunizations may be required for specific clinical sites.

Students who are unable to validate the above requirements or who have a criminal record might not be allowed into a healthcare facility for clinical learning. It is not possible to meet the ABSN program objectives without having clinical experience. Therefore, under certain circumstances, students who cannot meet the above requirements or who have a criminal or abuse history may be required to exit the program. Students who have been arrested or convicted of a crime are encouraged to review information on how criminal history affects your application and contact faculty to discuss further as needed.