Associate in Nursing Application Requirements

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING PROGRAM

It is important that all students are aware of the unique features of this online nursing program. Distance education is as challenging as face-to-face instruction, if not more so. The nursing component of the associate degree program requires outstanding critical thinking skills and nursing judgment, along with a commitment to academic rigor.

• The Associate Degree in Nursing program is designed for LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and certain classifications of active duty military, National Guard, or Reserves within specific military occupations with equivalent scope of practice to LPN/LVN or paramedic.
• A student’s possession of an LPN, LVN, Paramedic, or Military Corpsmen credential does not guarantee success in the Associate Degree in Nursing program.
• The Associate Degree in Nursing program is designed for individuals with experience in clinical settings. Students will have opportunities to expand upon existing clinical skills and knowledge throughout the curriculum and will demonstrate their clinical competence during the nursing capstone.
• Students are required to submit a Verification of Health Care Experience Form signed by a clinical supervisor at the time of admission and again prior to course approval for NUR 250 Clinical Nursing Practicum: Care of Patients Across the Lifespan.
• Students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing program are assigned a primary academic advisor, but may also work with different members of the academic advisement team during their enrollment.
• Repeating any Excelsior University sources of credit will require students to pay the tuition and/or fees that are associated with that requirement. Students will be responsible for paying the Academic Services Fee as applicable.
• A student’s success or failure in completing program requirements (including all Excelsior University sources of credit) will affect their progress through the Associate Degree in Nursing program. The time limit for completion of the associate degree is 4.5 years.
• Pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) are updated and available on the Excelsior University website.
• Because each institution of higher education maintains its own credit transfer policy, credits earned in Excelsior’s Associate Degree in Nursing program may or may not be transferable to other institutions.
• Students are responsible for reading and understanding the RN licensure requirements in the state they hope to practice in following graduation or if considering relocation. Students may consult with the State Board team and the State Authorization & Disclosures web page for current information regarding eligibility for RN licensure in each state and U.S. jurisdiction.
• Students are encouraged to read the Excelsior University Catalog prior to applying.

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

You’re eligible to apply for admission to the associate programs in nursing if you:

• Hold and maintain an active and unencumbered LPN/LVN license in the U.S., hold current and active paramedic certification, or are in a certain classification of active duty military, National Guard, or Reserves within a specific military occupation that is equivalent to scope of practice to LPN/LVN or paramedic. Learn more.
• Are employed in a setting that requires direct patient care, under the supervision of someone with a health care credential who evaluates your clinical practice.
• Completed 200 or more hours of employment in this setting within the calendar year prior to the date you submit your Verification of Health Care Experience.

TEST OF ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS (TEAS) REQUIREMENT

You must complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and have achieved the minimum TEAS scores outlined below to be admitted. Your TEAS score report from ATI must be completed within one year prior to the date of your application.  Review the TEAS requirement details.

HEALTH CARE EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION

When you apply, you need to submit a completed Verification of Health Care Experience Form (VHCE). This form requires a signature from your supervisor (the person with a health care credential who evaluates your clinical practice).

Complete, scan, and send it by email to application@excelsior.edu or by fax to 518-464-8833. You must submit it within 3 months after the date your supervisor signs it, and a new form will be required before entering phase three of the program.

COPY OF HEALTH CARE LICENSE

In addition, you’ll need to submit a copy of your current health care license or certification to verify your professional status in an appropriate health care profession.

READY TO APPLY?

1. Go to community.excelsior.edu/apply and click on “Degree Program Application”
2. Send official transcripts for previously earned college credits.
3. Submit completed Verification of Health Care Experience form to application@excelsior.edu
4. Once admitted, review results of credit evaluation with your counselor
5. Register for your first term! You are now an enrolled student

Begin the Admissions Process