Nursing, Traditional, BSN

The Nursing BSN (Traditional) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to function as professional nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Throughout the curriculum, the student will obtain competencies for professional nursing practice, including critical thinking, decision making, communication, leadership, and high-tech procedures to respond to the changing needs of today’s healthcare settings.

NCCU currently offers two options for the Traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree — one for first-degree seeking students and one for second-degree seeking students.

For first-degree seeking students (including transfers), you will be advised in University College until you reach at least 53 credit hours. University College will automatically transition students to Nursing Student Services. Students will not be advised by an advisor in NSS until this occurs.

If you are a second-degree seeking student, we strongly recommend you to contact Nursing Student Services prior to applying to the university to ensure you are eligible to apply and to be informed of your application year. Nursing Student Services is available to help you whether you are just beginning to consider the right university or already have a focused plan and are ready to apply.

Application Deadline

We are a two-step admission process. 

Step 1: Apply to North Carolina Central University

All intended nursing majors must first apply to NCCU. Visit the NCCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions to apply and for information requests regarding financial aid or about SOAR orientation. Any questions about NCCU undergraduate admissions, application forms or official transcript submission should be directed to:

North Carolina University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

1801 Fayetteville St.

Durham, NC 27707

919-530-6100

Step 2: Apply to the Traditional BSN Option

NCCU students with a declared major in Pre-Nursing must apply by the application deadline. All applications must be filed in Nursing Student Services by January 31 of each year. No exceptions are granted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are required to meet with an NSS advisor prior to the application day to ensure program requirements are met. Only students who have a formal, written acceptance into the program will be registered in upper-division nursing courses by an advisor in NSS. NSS advisors will register all admitted students into Nursing courses at the start of the Nursing curriculum to graduation.

All candidates must possess the physical health sufficient to meet the demands of nursing practice and provide safe patient care. In addition, fluency in speaking, reading and writing English is also required. The minimum admission requirements to be considered are as follows:

• A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
• A minimum of 2.8 Math/Science GPA (Note: All Math/Science courses expire within 5 years of the application deadline. Students cannot have more than 2 M/S failures. We do not recommend any Math/Science failures.)
• A minimum TEAS score of 70
• Beginning Spring 2021 (Summer 2021 matriculation), all first-degree applicants must be on track to complete all General Education Course requirements by the end of the Spring semester of application year
• The Nursing department does not accept Pass/Fail grades for any GEC or prerequisite courses

Our program requires all admitted students to have completed the courses and required units listed below prior to the start of classes. An earned minimum grade of "C" or higher in each nursing prerequisite and General Education course is required. These courses may be taken at any accredited college, university, or community college. The prerequisite requirements do not have to be complete prior to the application being submitted. Applicants must be enrolled in the last outstanding prerequisites during the Spring semester of the application year.  

Via the curriculum below, second-degree seeking students need to complete the prerequisites listed below.

Note: If you are a first-degree transfer prospective, please contact Nursing Student Services for a complete list of NC Community College Equivalencies for all GEC and prerequisite courses. We strongly encourage students to first request a transcript evaluation prior to applying to the university! Please allow up to 2 weeks for NSS staff to complete your evaluation.

For more information regarding tuition and fees please do a search on this website for "tuition and fees."

There are additional costs to Pre-nursing students for TEAS exam attempts. Admitted upper-division nursing students must pay for uniforms, books, a background check, drug screening, clinical testing and supplies, and liability insurance. Students must also have a current CPR certification. Costs for these requirements vary from $25 to $75. More detailed information (including time frames, vendors, appropriate forms, etc.) is dispensed by Nursing Student Services.

Students applying for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, BSN option, are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The TEAS is a standardized test required to apply to both the Traditional and Accelerated BSN options at NCCU. The department of Nursing continuously receives many applications each year, making for a very competitive admission process. The faculty in department of Nursing approved the use of the TEAS test to help determine an applicant’s entry-level skills and abilities suited for success in the program. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) measures basic essential skills in the academic content area of reading, mathematics, science, English and language usage.

The NCCU Department of Nursing’s policy is that students can take TEAS a maximum of two times within an application cycle. Students must allow at least 30 days between attempts.

COVID-19 Protocol

Due to COVID-19, TEAS tests are being administered remotely and online by the NCCU Testing Center, with remote proctoring services.

If a student requests a second attempt, it is required to be administered in person at the NCCU Testing Center. In person testing will adhere to all applicable university and state COVID-19 safety guidelines. Students are not allowed to bring personal items such as backpacks, jackets, and smart watches. Students are required to bring photo identification.

Note: this protocol is subject to change per the department’s discretion.

This exam must be taken within the appropriate timeframe (for Traditional, February–January). Although applicants can opt to schedule to take the test at NCCU (always in coordination with NSS during the application year), students can take it at another university or community college and send their scores to "NC Central U." The applicant’s composite test score is only good for one application year.

Please do not take the exam without first scheduling an advising session to speak with an NSS advisor.

Applications need to be submitted by the deadline — no exceptions!  In order for an application to be considered complete, the following documents must be received:

• Completed online application (application link only sent by advisors in Nursing Student Services)
• Official copy of all post-secondary educational transcripts  (either mailed or sent electronically to Undergraduate Admissions, with unofficial copies sent to Nursing Student Services)

The applicant must also attend one informational session with Nursing Student Services. All dates are made available on their page.

Once the application is complete, the file will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee. The admissions committee critically evaluates each applicant’s academic performance. The candidate will be notified of the admissions decision via an email from Nursing Student Services.

Admissions decisions are made by May (Summer-term admission). Candidates not offered admission will receive either a wait-list status invite or a deny/decline decision. Should space become available, candidates will be notified individually via Nursing Student Services. An offer of admission is not guaranteed for wait-listed candidates.

Admission to NCCU’s Traditional BSN Nursing option is competitive and is not guaranteed by admission to any applicant.

All newly admitted BSN students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the start of courses during their first semester. This date, along with the course start date, will be a part of the acceptance packet each admitted student will receive. 

All students admitted to the Traditional BSN option are required by the North Carolina Board of Nursing to provide documentation of their fitness to provide safe nursing care to the public. Failure to provide required documentation will result in the withdrawal of the admission offer. Additionally, North Carolina law requires incoming students to present to the University, before the first day of enrollment, evidence verifying that the student has received all required immunizations. The required paperwork is a part of the Nursing application.

It is essential that everyone interested in applying keeps in mind that the Traditional BSN major at NCCU receives more applications to the upper-division nursing major each year. Each application year raises the bar in how competitive the program is. Thus, every applicant needs to demonstrate a strong academic performance in order to increase their chances of being accepted into the upper-division major. Students who struggle to meet the minimum criteria are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to discuss their likelihood of acceptance into the major and adjust their academic progression in the event they are not admitted.

When can I apply?

Once an advisor in Nursing Student Services has determined your eligibility for the upcoming application year, the deadline to apply to the Traditional program is January 31 of each year. The application is posted online after the first information session (October) of each year until the deadline passes. Admitted students begin the program in May.

How do I submit an application?

The Nursing application is posted online and is released by advisors in Nursing Student Services.

I was just accepted into the university. Does that mean I’m in the Nursing program?

No. We are a two-step admission process. Applicants must apply and be accepted into the university and then apply to the desired Nursing option, if eligible.

How many applications do you receive each year? How many students do you accept?

The answer to this varies with each application year.

When should I expect my admissions decision letter?

Admissions decision letters for all applicants are emailed on a rolling basis from February to May. This is on an individual basis that depends on the applicant’s GEC and prerequisite course completion and overall competitiveness.

We are not able to inform applicants of their admissions decisions by phone. 

How competitive is admission to the Traditional BSN option?

Admission to the Traditional BSN option is very competitive. The minimum cumulative grade point average for admission to the BSN is a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Admission to NCCU as a first-year student does not guarantee admission to the Traditional BSN option as a junior.

How is my application evaluated?

The admissions committee critically evaluates each applicant’s academic performance through surveying their cumulative GPA, Math/Science GPA, and TEAS score. The ideal applicant will clearly demonstrate a strong academic history as well as a commitment to the ideology of nursing and service to others. Performance in required science courses is particularly important.

Can I attend the Nursing option part-time?

No. Pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires a full-time commitment throughout enrollment. Attendance is required in the fall, spring and summer semesters. You may request a copy of the curriculum from an advisor in Nursing Student Services.

Where are clinical rotations held?

Clinical rotations are held at various healthcare locations in the tri-state area. Students can potentially travel up to an hour (from NCCU starting point). Some of our clinical sites include Duke, UNC, UNC REX, and Wake Med.

Do you offer the Traditional BSN option online?

No, we do not offer the Traditional BSN option online.

Will I be able to work full-time while attending the Nursing program?

The BSN program is a full-time course of study. The majority of nursing students find the demands of attending courses and clinicals far too rigorous to incorporate full-time employment into their daily schedules. Even working part-time is not encouraged.

Can I finish my prerequisites after I start the upper-division Nursing program?

No. Effective Spring 2021 semester, all students must complete the required GEC and prerequisite courses prior to starting the program.

I took my Math and Science courses more than 5 years ago. Should I retake them?

Yes. All applicants are required to complete all Math and Science prerequisites within 5 years of the application deadline. Statistics is not included in this 5-year rule.

My cumulative GPA, Math/Science GPA, and/or TEAS score does not meet the minimum requirements. Can I apply anyway to see if I get in?

Only applicants who at least meet the minimum requirements will be considered for admission.

As a second-degree seeking student, will the admissions committee consider my graduate-level work when determining my eligibility?

No. Only the college coursework from an applicant’s Bachelor's degree is included when calculating the cumulative GPA.

Do you require a pre-assessment exam?

Yes. All applicants must take and attain at least the minimum score requirement for the TEAS exam.

Do you require letters of recommendation?

No, we do not require letters of recommendation.

Can you do a transcript audit before I apply to the university?

Yes! In fact, we encourage every applicant to first talk with an advisor in Nursing Student Services before applying to the university. Electronic transcripts can be sent to nursingstudentservices@nccu.edu

I failed Math/Science course(s). Can I retake the course(s) for a better grade?

Retaking courses (whether failed attempts or "C" grades) is not encouraged. While the Admissions Committee will take your highest score, your failure(s) will still be notated and weighed heavily on your application.

If I am offered admission, can I defer my acceptance to another semester? 

Generally, we do not permit deferrals unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond your control that would prevent you from enrolling in the term you were admitted. If you have a concern about your ability to start for the semester admitted, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services.

Do I have to be a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) before applying?

Neither is required at this time.

I am still in high school/have never attended college and want to earn my BSN from NCCU. What is my first step?

Along with reading the information available on this webpage, you should contact NCCU Undergraduate Admissions to obtain more relevant information about admission into the university. All first-degree students are advised by advisors in University College who will happily assist you in preparing to apply to Nursing. All students are transitioned to Nursing Student Services at approximately 53 credit hours.

I am about to be/have been dismissed from another Nursing program. Can I still apply?

No. Applicants are unable to apply if they have failed out of/been dismissed from a Nursing program at any institution.

I have taken a few Nursing courses at another university/institution. Can I still apply?

Yes. However, you will need to contact the department(s) from which you took the Nursing courses and request a letter of good standing. This is required to prove that you were not dismissed. This can be sent as an attachment to nursingstudentservices@nccu.edu after your advising session. Please note that Nursing courses from another institution are non-transferrable.

I have a master’s degree. Will my credits or/and GPA be considered when applying?

No. All BSN options at NCCU are undergraduate degree options; therefore, any credits obtained in any master’s program  are not considered.

Can I choose when/where I do my clinical rotations?

No. All students are assigned their clinical rotations, which can be located up to an hour from NCCU’s campus. Our students only rotate through official sites of the program and could possibly rotate through all clinical sites upon completion of the program.

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Note: Nursing courses completed at other institutions are not accepted as transfer credits. Students who were not successful in other nursing programs are not eligible for admission to the nursing program at NC Central. A cumulative 3.0 GPA is required for admission to this program.