How do I apply?

ANSWER: Apply to the University FIRST thru Admissions. Once you are officially accepted to GSW you should receive an official GSW Acceptance letter & Transcript evaluation. Those two items you will submit in a separate application process for the School of Nursing.

When can I apply?

ANSWER: Application deadlines

Where do I mail my nursing application?

School of Nursing
Student Services Coordinator
Georgia Southwestern State University
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive
Americus, GA 31709
FAX: 229-931-2288

Is there a form that I should give to my references to help them write a letter of recommendation? 

Yes. GSW School of Nursing uses a standard reference form. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. GSW School of Nursing reference form template can be found here.

When will I receive a decision? 

ANSWER: Applications are reviewed only after they are complete - this includes all application materials and a completed entrance exam, as well as acceptance to Georgia Southwestern State University. Applications decisions are generally mailed Mid-Sept, Mid-March, and Late-April (Accelerated BSN).

How many applications are typically received and how many are admitted each semester?

ANSWER: The BSN Program is a competitive application process with acceptance rates varying yearly due to various factors, If the student meets all of the eligibility requirements, the application will be fairly considered.

What's the employability and salary rate for nurses?

ANSWER: Upon successful passing of the nursing boards exam (NCLEX), most nurses will have a 100% employability rate. The pay scale varies due to the location you will work in and shifts you choose to work but an average pay is approximately $50,000 per year. If you work in a larger hospital or work the less desirable shifts i.e. weekends or holidays, you pay could be as much as approximately $70,000 per year.

Whats the difference in getting a two year degree in Nursing (ASN/ADN) and four year degree in Nursing (BSN)?

ANSWER: An individual that complete two years of study at a community college has earned an Associates (this means two year degree) of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Associates Degree Nurse (ADN). These nurses are allowed to take boards to become a "RN" but lack many courses that we required of our four year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing students. Many hospitals in metropolitan areas nationally are requiring that there ASN or ADN staff go back to school to complete their BSN. Also, note that there are LPN nurses which do NOT complete the national nursing boards exam. LPN's are certificate nurses that usually are able to get their degree in less than two years. These individuals are limitations as to the certain practices that they can perform.

I am an international student, would I be eligible for the nursing program?

Contact the Office of Admissions 229-928-1273. Our international admissions specialist Paco will be able to assist you with all your questions. 
Additionally, you may want to view the following link to answer questions for international student admissions process:
Georgia Southwestern State University

Does GSW have a Masters in Nursing program?

Yes, more information can be found by visiting our Master of Science in Nursing page!

I submitted my application and materials to the School of Nursing, but haven't heard anything?

ANSWER: Applicants will receive an acknowledgement & checklist letter upon receiving application materials. Although not required, to guarantee receipt of materials applicants may want to send materials by certified mail w/receipt request.  To follow up please contact Student Services Coordinator: 229-931-2239 SON@gsw.edu

I sent my application by Fax, but I haven't heard anything?

ANSWER: Applicants will receive an acknowledgement & checklist letter upon receiving application materials. Although not required, to guarantee receipt of materials applicants may want to send materials by certified mail w/receipt request.  To follow up please contact Student Services Coordinator: 229-931-2239 SON@gsw.edu

How can I find out if the school offers any grants or scholarships?

ANSWER: You may check with Financial Aid and visit the SON website for the many scholarship opportunities that we offer. SON scholarships applications are posted in January and due in April.

How much is tuition per credit hour?

ANSWER: Tuition and costs can be found on the Admissions site. If you have additional questions you may contact Student Accounts.

What courses do I need to have prior to applying for the School of Nursing?

You will need to take several Pre-requisites and Core Classes that can be found on the Curriculum sheets.

Do I have to finish all prerequisites before I can submit an application? 

No, but you must be able to finish all prerequisites before the semester in which you are applying to enter the program.  You must also indicate the courses in which you are currently enrolled in your application. If you are completing prerequisites at any college other than GSW, you must also submit an unofficial transcript to the School of Nursing and an official transcript to GSW Admissions Office reflecting your completed prerequisites immediately following completion of your courses.

Who can answer questions about prerequisites? 

You may contact the Student Services Coordinator at 229-931-2239 or SON@gsw.edu.

How do I know which courses will transfer?

ANSWER: Refer to Transfer Articulation on Admissions Web Link

What is the TEAS exam and do I have to take it?

The Test of Essential Academic skills (TEAS) is a pre-entry test used to evaluate the academic preparedness of students entering Nursing Program.(RN-BSN applicants do not need to take it) The TEAS consists of questions in four subtest areas: Math, Science, English, and Reading. For further information and test dates visit TEAS EXAM Information

How will I receive my test scores?

Test scores will be available immediately following the test. But the applicant will be responsible for submitting a copy of their TEAS Score report to the School of Nursing Student Services Coodinator.

Study Guides containing practice tests are available Online at www.atitesting.com

I applied last year. Do I have to take the TEAS again? 

If your TEAS is more than a year old from the date you submit your nursing application (within the application period), you must re-take the TEAS. 

Can I take the TEAS again if I don't think I did well? 

Yes; however, GSW School of Nursing will not compare multiple test scores. Make sure that you specify the score you want to be considered on your application. A separate testing fee is required per exam. 

Can I use a calculator on the TEAS?

No.  

I have already taken this test this year at another school of nursing. Will GSW accept my results from another school? 

Yes, but only directly from the school that administered the test or from Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI) at 800-667-7531. If your results are being sent from another school, the results must be mailed to the following address by the nursing application:

School of Nursing
Student Services Coordinator
Georgia Southwestern State University
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive
Americus, GA 31709
FAX: 229-931-2288

Accelerated FAQ

I have a Bachelors degree and interested in becoming a Nurse?

ANSWER: You would be eligible for the Accelerated BSN Program Track which is for students who have a Bachelors degree in a Non-Nursing field.

How long does it take to complete the Accelerated Program?

ANSWER: THE PROGRAM IS FIVE SEMESTERS OR 18 MONTHS from full acceptance into the program.

I have taken the following courses, will they apply to the Accelerated Program?

ANSWER: The course work you need to have completed prior to starting your first semester as a conditionally accepted student is the following:
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
Microbiology
Human Growth and Development
Statistics (STATISTICS COURSE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ELEMENTARY STATISTICS)
AND
Your Bachelor’s degree.

How many applications are typically received and how many are admitted each semester?

ANSWER: The Accelerated BSN Program track is a competitive application process with acceptance rates varying yearly due to various factors, If the student meets all of the eligibility requirements, the application will be fairly considered.

LPN-BSN FAQ

How long is the LPN-BSN program take to complete?

ANSWER: It depends on the amount of courses that the applicant transfers in with and what core courses they still need to complete. Student will need to review the curriculum sheet and Transfer Articulation to see where they stand before transferring. Once officially accepted into the nursing program, the LPN-BSN program may take up to two years to complete. Completion for the LPN-BSN program varies depending on course availability and student progression. Traditionally the student may complete the program within two years from full acceptance into the nursing program.

RN-BSN FAQ

Is the whole RN-BSN program online?

ANSWER: ALL of your major nursing courses are offered online. However, if we do not offer a core course that you need online, then you may complete a transient permission form with your advisor and take the course online with another institution from which we accept credits. If it is a USG (University System of Georgia) college, then we will most likely accept the credit if it is entitled the same and has the same number of credit hours as the comparable course here at GSW

I have core classes to complete, but I want to apply for the RN-BSN Program?

ANSWER: You may complete the core courses simultaneously with your major online nursing courses.

What does the “Articulation Hours” on curriculum sheet mean??

ANSWER: This means these are the credit hours that a RN gets credit for completing because they are a nurse.  

How many clinical hours am I expected to complete with this program?

ANSWER: Refer the student to the RN/BSN Model Program of Study because this has the courses that have clinical listed on it.  NURS 3200 Health Assessment: Clinical hours may be done in 2-4 hour increments (total of 30 hours of clinical time with approx. 26 precepted hours at the clinical site). Med-surg. units, adult ICUs, ERs, or urgent/convenient care are most often appropriate. Other areas would be considered on a individual basis. NURS 4400 Community Health: May occur in a public health facility, hospice and/or a school (approx. 70 hours at the clinical sites). Approx. 20 hours of other educational projects are required for clinical. Total 90 clinical hours. NURS 4900 Practicum: Taken AFTER all core completed. Requires 135 hours in a nursing unit other than where the student is employed.

Where can I complete my clinical?

ANSWER; Your RN-BSN advisor will work with you to facilitate this opportunity. Requires a precepted clinical experience . Preceptor should be BSN prepared and have worked in area of nursing where preceptorship occurs for one year. The student is responsible for arranging their precepted experiences. The clinical services coordinator will facilitate this process by ensuring that required contracts are in place between facilities. It is imperative to contact the clinical services coordinator well in advance of taking a clinical course if there is a possibility that a new contract must be initiated. New facility contracts may take up to 8 weeks to finalize. For additional questions contact Beth Webb mwebb@gsw.edu 229-931-6915.

How long does the RN-BSN program take?

ANSWER: The program may be completed in as little as one year or you have to five years to complete it. Program length varies with the number of core courses remaining.

I have all of my core course requirements completed and want to finish the RN-BSN program in one year. Advise:

ANSWER: The student must enter the program in Summer semester to finish in one year. If they enter in Fall or Spring, then it normally takes at least four semesters to finish.

How many Nursing courses are required  for the RN-BSN Program?

ANSWER: 5 Non-Clinical Courses and 3 Clinical Courses

Where can I find out who my academic advisor is?

ANSWER: Advisors should be listed on when you log in to RAIN account under your academic transcript. https://rain.gsw.edu.

I want to register for classes. How do I do this?

ANSWER: check the dates on the academic calendar on the GSW Homepage link for pre-registration and contact your advisor during these times.

How will I my professors contact me?

ANSWER: Check your radar email frequently – radar email is the official email of the GSW campus. Your faculty of instruction may contact you prior to course beginning through your radar email address

I am an RN-BSN student graduating soon, what do I need to do before Graduation?

Must apply for graduation when one-half of your NURSING courses are complete. The application fee must be paid before the application is reviewed. Contact GSW Student Accounts to pay fee. Deadlines for graduation applications are posted on the University Academic Affairs Calendar. Nursing pins, caps, and gowns may be ordered through the GSW bookstore one semester before the student plans to graduate.