Traditional BSN Admission Criteria

At a glance

To be considered for admission to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, follow these steps:

  1. Become a CMU student with a CMU email address
  2. Complete required prerequisite courses
  3. Take the TEAS exam
  4. Submit your essay and extracurricular list
  5. Apply between March 1 and April 30

Admission is highly competitive. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance. Applications must be submitted by the deadline. Late submissions will not be reviewed.

Important dates

  • Application opens: March 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m.
  • Application closes: April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

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Eligibility requirements

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be admitted to Central Michigan University
  • Have an active CMU email address and password

 

Required prerequisite courses

Courses must be completed or in progress at the time of application. Grades below the minimum requirement will disqualify your application. We use the highest grade from your first two attempts if you repeat a course. Course substitutions may be approved—contact us in advance.

Prerequisite general education and other courses* with a grade of "C" or higher 
ENG 101 (Introductory Composition) or ENG 103 (First Year Writing) or CLEP
HSC 201 (Medical Terminology)
MTH 105 (Intermediate Algebra) or higher
ENG 201 (Intermediate Composition)
Prerequisite science courses*  with a grade of "B" or higher 
BIO 101 (General Biology)
CMH 120 (Survey of Chemistry)
CHM 127 (Introductory Chemistry Lab)
HSC 214 (Human Anatomy)
HSC 215 (Human Physiology)

*Prerequisite courses in effect for applications submitted for review for 2025-2026 admission.

TEAS exam

You must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and submit:

  • Your overall score
  • Individual section scores (Reading, Math, Science, English)

You may take the TEAS exam up to two times per academic year.

Ways to take the TEAS:

  • On campus at the Park Library (proctored)
  • Online through ATI (requires webcam/mic)
  • In person at a PSI testing center (you must send scores to CMU)

Application materials

Extracurricular and community service activities

Provide up to five activities that have shaped your interest in nursing. For each activity, include:

  • Name, location, and dates
  • A brief 2–3 sentence description
  • Rank from most to least impactful

Examples: volunteer work, part-time jobs, leadership experience, student clubs, or athletics.

Reflective essay

Prompt: How do you see yourself personifying the role of a registered nurse in the 21st century?

  • Limit: 300 words or fewer
  • Typed directly into the application in 12-point Aptos font
  • No attachments allowed
  • Use your own original writing—AI or writing assistants are not permitted

Need help with your essay? Visit the Writing Center.

Scoring breakdown

The table below lists the possible points earned in each admission criteria.  

Admission criteriaMaximum Points
General education courses40 points
Science courses40 points
TEAS10 points
Extracurricular/community service activities5 points
Reflective essay5 points
Total100 points

The number of students accepted per semester depends on the space available. Admission to the traditional BSN program is highly competitive. Students who meet minimum requirements may not be admitted. If you are not selected for admission, you will need to reapply during the next qualification cycle if you wish to be considered again. For more information, email the nursing program. 

Ready to apply?

Before you start the application, make sure you have all of the information above readily accessible. You will not be able to save your progress in the application. If you close the window, your information will be deleted and you’ll have to start from the beginning.

The application opens March 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. and closes April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

START YOUR TRADITIONAL BSN APPLICATION

After you apply

  • Applications are reviewed in April
  • Admission decisions will be sent to your CMU email
  • Accepted students will receive information about orientation, clinical clearance, and next steps

Need help?

We’re here to support you at every step:

Not admitted this cycle?

Don’t give up—admission is competitive. If you’re not selected:

  • Reapply next cycle
  • Strengthen your GPA or retake the TEAS
  • Add relevant volunteer or leadership experience

Many successful applicants were admitted on their second or third try. Stay committed.