Traditional BSN Frequently Asked Questions
We've assembled your go-to resource for any questions you may have about our Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN). If you don't find an answer to your question on the page, please don't hesitate to contact us.
When should I apply to the nursing program?
The application to the TBSN program opens on October 1 and March 1 each year and closes at the end of each of those months.
Are online prerequisites courses accepted?
Yes, any of the prerequisite courses completed online are accepted if they are completed at a college or university that is accredited and approved by CMU.
I have taken some prerequisites at a community college, but more than two times. Will it show that I have taken the class more than one time when I transfer credits to CMU?
Yes, we consider the attempted credit at other institutions part of your academic repeat history.
What is the process and likelihood of being placed on a waitlist if the cohort is full?
Once the cohort is full, all remaining students eligible for admission to the TBSN program join a wait list. Students on the wait list are in rank order based on their academic performance. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee admission, but you will be notified if a seat becomes available and you are next in line.
Can transfer students apply?
Yes, students enrolled at any other college or university can seek to transfer to CMU to apply to the TBSN program.
What are my admission chances?
Admission to the TBSN program is competitive. You should carefully review the admission criteria and prepare clear, well-written responses to required questions. Strong grades in prerequisite courses also improve admission chances.
Can I apply if the prerequisites are not yet completed?
Yes, you may apply to the TBSN program if you are enrolled in the last of any one or more of the general education and/or specified science courses that are required to apply to the TBSN program. When you apply, your application will receive final review for admission when the semester ends and your final grade for those course(s) are obtained. All prerequisite course grades must be available at the time an application receives final review.
Are letters of recommendation required?
No, letters of recommendation are not required for the TBSN application. You are advised not to submit recommendation letters, emails, or any related correspondence, as they will not be considered in the application review.
Does having a previous bachelor’s degree improve my admission chances?
No, holding a degree in another field does not impact admission to the TBSN program. Admission is based solely on the grades earned in specific general education and science courses required by CMU, regardless of any previous degrees earned.
Do I have to take the TEAS Test before applying to the TBSN program?
Yes, TEAS Test scores are required for TBSN program admission and must be submitted with the application by the deadline. Scores received after the deadline will not be accepted. You are encouraged to schedule and complete the TEAS Test early to ensure timely submission.
Can I update my application after it's submitted?
No, once the March 1 and October 1 online application cycles end, applications are considered final and closed.
Can you take nursing courses before being admitted?
No, you must be offered and formally accept admission to the TBSN program before you can enroll in any nursing course.
Can the TBSN program be accelerated?
No, the program is fixed on the standard fall and spring 18-week semester schedule over a 3-year timeline designed to complete the TBSN program; there are no options for acceleration.
Can I work while enrolled?
Yes, you can work while in the nursing program, but it’s not recommended. With 40-70 hours per week spent on classes, clinicals, studying, and skill practice, time for work is limited.
Can I pause enrollment mid-program?
Yes, you can pause your nursing coursework, though it’s not recommended. Schedule changes must follow the Nursing Student Handbook and are typically considered for significant personal or family issues. Requests are reviewed by nursing administration and depend on course availability.
What type of clinical rotations will I be completing?
You will rotate through long-term care, pediatrics, obstetrics, medical-surgical, mental-health, critical care, and public health.
How many clinical hours are required?
While enrolled in the TBSN program, you will complete 756 clinical hours. A clinical course is scheduled for every semester in the TBSN program.
When do clinical experiences start?
A clinical course is scheduled for every semester in the TBSN program. As such, clinical experiences begin the very first semester you begin the program.
Is transportation required?
Yes, the TBSN program does require you to have or arrange transportation to the location where you will be scheduled for your clinical rotation each semester.
Is lunch provided during off-campus clinicals?
Lunch/dinner time, as well as times for breaks, are scheduled during each clinical rotation. Though meals/snacks are not provided, you are encouraged to bring your meal/snack; many clinical sites may also have dining facilities open to students.
Are COVID-19 vaccines required?
The TBSN program at CMU does not require the COVID-19 vaccine. However, clinical sites may have their own vaccination requirements. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of each healthcare facility, and you are responsible for securing any necessary exemptions directly from the clinical sites where you are placed.