Can an advisor evaluate my transcripts before I apply to the program?

Individual transcript evaluations are not performed by our advisors prior to a NursingCAS verified application. Prospective students interested in the Second Degree BSN track will complete an application and secure payment through NursingCAS. Once the NursingCAS application is verified an advisor will review the application and perform the transcript evaluation as part of the admission process.

If you received a degree, or have credits from a private, an out-of-state, or out-of-country institution you can apply directly to the University of Houston to determine if you have equivalent courses to the BSN degree or to determine if you need additional course work to satisfy UH core curriculum to satisfy BSN degree requirements per UH catalog requirements. Please refer to UH application deadline page to meet the Gessner College of Nursing program Track application deadlines.

What are the clinical requirements for this program?

The nursing curriculum is 60 semester credit hours. The semester credits include 900 clock hours of lab/clinical experiences to include community health, pediatrics, medicine, surgical, mental health, obstetrics, physical assessment, and an elective course. Students in this track will be assigned to a hospital in the greater Houston area and Texas Medical Center for clinical experiences.

Do my immunizations have to be completed prior to the deadline date?

Please refer to College of Nursing Policy S101.

Why I Should Take a Letter Grade instead of S/NCR in Pre-Nursing Courses?

Letter grades are important for your future. As you apply into competitive programs, such as nursing, you will need a grade. When you apply to competitive nurse residency programs after graduating from your nursing program, grades matter to the employer. When you apply to graduate programs to get a masters or doctoral degree, grades on your transcript matter. Make a good decision for your future. Study hard and make good grades so you do not have to retake courses. Your patients deserve the very best. For more information read the Provost's Interim Undergraduate Grade Policy.

How much is tuition and fees?

For details about UH tuition and fees, visit the undergraduate fees page.

How much will books cost for this program?

Approximately $3,000 for the first semester, and approximately $500 for the second and third semesters, for a total of approximately $3,500.

Do I have to have all of my prerequisite course work completed prior to the August 1st deadline? Can the course or courses be in progress?

Yes, all prerequisite course work must be completed prior to the August 1 deadline. A cumulative GPA and a GPA in your sciences is computed. If your course is in progress, a grade is not available; therefore, we are unable to compute a GPA.

What if I am lacking one or two prerequisite courses? Can I be admitted on condition?

No, all prerequisite course work must be completed and official transcripts must be submitted to NursingCAS by the August 1st deadline – no exceptions!

Can any of the requirements for the Second Degree BSN program be waived?

No, the requirements have been set to comply with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Board of Nursing standard.

Where can I take the TEAS Exam?

For your convenience, we have this information listed under the Second Degree BSN application checklist. You will select University of Houston to have your results sent to.

Where can I obtain my CPR? Is there a specific CPR required?

All students must submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to the program application deadline. Students must be certified in the following classifications of CPR approved by the College of Nursing: American Heart Association (online CPR certifications are not acceptable). Students will be responsible for maintaining bi-yearly compliance with the CPR requirements throughout their program at their own expense. If a student does not meet the requirements at any time during the program, a course registration hold will be implemented until the requirement is met.

Where will the clinicals for this program take place?

Primarily Fort Bend, Katy and the greater Houston area will be necessary to satisfy program requirements.

Do I have to have a 3.0 GPA?

The standard set for the Second Degree BSN program is a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in your natural and behavioral sciences.

What does cumulative mean?

Cumulative is all completed course work.

What courses are considered as natural and social and behavioral sciences?

Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development (Lifespan), Introduction to Sociology, Human Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, Microbiology, and General/Introduction to Chemistry.

Is there a time limitation for any of my lower level prerequisites?

No! There is not a time limitation; however, you MUST meet the minimum GPA requirement: 3.0.

When is admission to the program?

The Gessner College of Nursing offers admission to the Second Degree BSN program in the Spring semester only. The deadline for application to NursingCAS is August 1st. Complete the NursingCAS online application for undergraduate admission. NursingCAS is a service that allows applicants to use a single online application and one set of materials to apply to multiple nursing programs at participating schools. Please note that it takes 4-6 weeks for NursingCAS to process your application. You may start your NursingCAS application on January 1.

How often will I meet in a class room setting, and for how long?

This is a full-time, 5 day a week, one year intensive program. Please note and be aware you may be away from home and your family as much as 50 hours per week including driving and study groups.

Will I have any online classes?

Classes are offered face-to-face and will include state-of-the-art technology and online (web-enhanced) learning.

Will I be able to work?

To be successful in this program, you will need to commit to one year of intensive study.

When will I know that I have been accepted or not into the program?

Final approval to the program is based on Interview, Board of Nursing clearance, criminal background check, and drug screen.