Applicants who meet the admission criteria and core performance standards are accepted into the program without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, handicap or veteran status on a space available basis throughout the year. Applicants are expected to exemplify good character enabling them to actively seek the moral, intellectual and professional growth described in the mission statement of the college. Students are encouraged to recognize that submission of minimum acceptance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. While applications are accepted throughout the year, on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitiveness of acceptance. Applications requiring special consideration will be submitted to the college Student Affairs Committee for review.

Early Admit High School Seniors

General Admission Pre-licensure Students

Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students

RN-BSN Hybrid Distance Education Program Option

Transfer of Upper Division Credit
Non-Degree Seeking Students

Continuing Education Credit

Readmission

Criteria for Provisional Acceptance
Applications for provisional acceptance are accepted from high school seniors/graduates as well as persons actively pursuing the required lower division credits. Consideration for provisional acceptance is based on the following requirements:

Early Admit High School Seniors

• 1. Completed application accompanied by a $60.00 nonrefundable application fee.
• 2. Submission of a legal document showing proof of name at time of application (certified birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
• 3. Submission of an official transcript from a State Board of Education approved high school indicating completion of seven semesters of high school and the following requirements:
  • A. Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0/4.0.
  • B. Rank in the upper half of high school class.
  • C. 500 each section of the SAT or a composite score of 22 or better on the ACT. (The school code for ACT is 1167.) If applicable, Illinois resident’s official transcripts should include Prairie State Achievement scores. Minimum grade of C in all courses taken.
  • D. Completion of the following required courses with the college prep track: 4 years of English, 3 years of Social Studies, 3 years of Mathematics, 3 years of Lab Science and 2 years of electives.
• 4. Application deadline is September 1, following graduation from high school.
• 5. Applicant will be required to submit proof of graduation from a high school approved by a State Board of Education via an official transcript before provisional acceptance can be granted.
• 6. Applicants will be required to submit an official transcript after completion of two and three semesters of college course credit from a regionally accredited college. Official transcripts must come from the granting institution directly to St. John’s College. Hand carried transcripts are not acceptable. No designated lower division course may be repeated more than once.
• 7. All applicants with English as a Second Language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 550 on the paper based version or 213 on the computer based version. Applicants are also required to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and achieve a minimum score of 50.

To Apply for Early Admit as a High School Senior to the Pre-licensure program click here. (Interactive PDF)

General Admission Pre-licensure Students
(after 30 hours of designated lower division transferable college credit)

• 1. Completed application accompanied by a $60.00 nonrefundable application fee. A late fee, $50.00, will apply to applicants applying after March 1 of the year of enrollment for a total of $110.00.
• 2. Submission of a legal document showing proof of name at time of application (certified birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
• 3. Submission of official transcripts at the end of each term from all regionally accredited college(s) attended showing:
  • A. A minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of designated lower division transferable college credit with a cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.0.
  • B. A minimum grade of C in all required science courses completed within the last five years prior to enrollment in St. John’s College.
  • C. No designated lower division course may be repeated more than once. Official transcripts must come from the granting institution directly to St. John’s College. Hand carried transcripts are not acceptable.
• 4. Good academic standing in the last institution attended.
• 5. Proof of graduation from a high school approved by the State Board of Education via an official transcript or possession of a high school equivalency certificate verified by an official GED score report. Official transcripts should include ACT, SAT, if taken, and for Illinois residents, the Prairie State Achievement scores or score reports should be sent to the college.
• 6. All applicants with English as a Second Language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 550 on the paper based version or 213 on the computer based version. Applicants are also required to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and achieve a minimum score of 50.

• 7. Applicants are required to complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills V (TEAS V®).

  There are different versions of the TEAS test; register for the TEAS V version.

To Apply for Admission to the General Admission Pre-licensure program click here. (Interactive PDF)

Criteria for Final Acceptance for Early Admit and Pre-licensure Students
To receive final acceptance and permission to enroll in classes, the student must achieve and maintain all provisional acceptance requirements whether as an Early Admit or General Admission applicant required by St. John’s College and:

• 1. Submit official transcripts showing proof of completion of the sixty (60) semester hours of designated lower division transfer credits from a regionally accredited university or college which meet the following requirements:
  • A. Cumulative GPA of 2.50/40.
  • B. No designated lower division course may be repeated more than once.
  • C. All science courses completed with a minimum grade of C within the last five years prior to enrollment in St. John’s College.
  • D. Required intersession courses (Nsg 202 and 204) completed at St. John’s College with a minimum grade of C on the first attempt.
  • E. Good academic standing at the last institution attended.
• 2. Two professional references.
• 3. Completion of a pre-entrance health examination.
• 4. Personal interview as requested by the college
• 5. Criminal background check with no disqualifying conditions.

All persons provisionally accepted must meet the criteria for final admission before being enrolled in the college.

Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students

How do I know if I qualify as an “Accelerated Student”? Beginning in 2012, St. John’s Colleges’ Accelerated program is set up to facilitate learning for the student who has already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field of study. The student applying must also complete the admissions process as if they were applying to our Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program. The student will begin with our Traditional Pre-licensure BSN students for the first year of study. After successful completion of the first year of study, the accelerated cohort of students will begin a summer session of accelerated study and continue in the fall, completing their studies in December.

How is this different than the Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program? The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes in students without a prior degree. The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes the summer off, and offers classes in the fall and spring for the senior students, who complete their studies in May.

How is this different than the Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program? The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes in students without a prior degree. The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes the summer off, and offers classes in the fall and spring for the senior students, who complete their studies in May.

Applicants who meet the admission criteria and core performance standards are accepted into the program without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, handicap or veteran status on a space available basis throughout the year. Applicants are expected to exemplify good character enabling them to actively seek the moral, intellectual and professional growth described in the mission statement of the College. Students are encouraged to recognize that submission of minimum acceptance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. While applications are accepted throughout the year, on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitiveness of acceptance.

Criteria for Provisional Acceptance Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students
Applications for provisional acceptance are accepted from persons who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in an alternative major and are actively pursuing the required lower division credits. Consideration for provisional acceptance is based on the following requirements:

Provisional Admission Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students
(after 56 hours of designated lower division transferable College credit)
1. Completed application accompanied by a $60.00 nonrefundable application fee. A late fee, $50.00, will apply to applicants applying after March 1 of the year of enrollment.

2. 2011 Applicants are required to complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills V (TEAS V®).

3. Submission of a legal document showing proof of name at time of application (certified birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)

4. Submission of official transcripts at the end of each term from all regionally accredited College(s) attended showing:
A. Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s degree program.
B. A minimum of fifty-six (56) semester hours of designated lower division transferable College credit with a cumulative GPA of 2.50/4.0.
C. A minimum grade of C in all required science courses completed within the last five years prior to enrollment in St. John’s College.
D. No designated lower division course may be repeated more than once. Official transcripts must come from the granting institution directly to St. John’s College. Hand carried transcripts are not acceptable.

5. Good academic standing in the last institution attended.

6. Proof of graduation from a high school approved by the State Board of Education via an official transcript or possession of a high school equivalency certificate verified by an official GED score report. Official transcripts should include ACT, SAT, if taken, and for Illinois residents, the Prairie State Achievement scores or score reports should be sent to the College.

7. All applicants with English as a Second Language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 550 on the paper based version or 213 on the computer based version. Applicants are also required to take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and achieve a minimum score of 50.

8. Hold an active Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certificate.

Criteria for Final Acceptance Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students
To receive final acceptance and permission to enroll in classes, the student must achieve and maintain all provisional acceptance requirements required by St. John’s College and:
1. Submit official transcripts showing proof of completion of the sixty (60) semester hours of designated lower division transfer credits from a regionally accredited university or College which meet the following requirements:
A. Cumulative GPA of 2.50/40.
B. No designated lower division course may be repeated more than once.
C. All science courses completed with a minimum grade of C within the last five years prior to enrollment in St. John’s College
D. Required intersession courses (Nsg 202 and 204) completed at St. John’s College with a minimum grade of C on the first attempt.
E. Good academic standing at the last institution attended.
2. Two professional references.
3. Completion of a pre-entrance health examination.
4. Criminal background check with no disqualifying conditions.
5. Personal interview as requested by the College

All persons provisionally accepted must meet the criteria for final admission before being enrolled in the College.

How do I know if I qualify as an “Accelerated Student”? Beginning in 2012, St. John’s Colleges’ Accelerated program is set up to facilitate learning for the student who has already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field of study. The student applying must also complete the admissions process as if they were applying to our Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program. The student will begin with our Traditional Pre-licensure BSN students for the first year of study. After successful completion of the first year of study, the accelerated cohort of students will begin a summer session of accelerated study and continue in the fall, completing their studies in December.

How is this different than the Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program? The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes in students without a prior degree. The Traditional Pre-licensure BSN program takes the summer off, and offers classes in the fall and spring for the senior students, who complete their studies in May.
St. John’s College is a single-purpose upper division institution offering a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students who have successfully completed a pre-nursing, liberal arts component at another College, junior College or university are admitted to St. John’s pre-licensure program as College juniors to complete the nursing curriculum.

Prior to entering St. John’s College, students complete 56** semester hours of lower-division course work at another accredited College or university. Cooperative contracts exist for completion of the lower-division prerequisites and for transfer of credit to St. John’s College with three Colleges: Lincoln College, Lincoln Land Community College and Springfield College in Illinois. However, you may choose to attend one of the 43 institutions which have been evaluated for transfer credit. Information regarding transfer/accreditation is available. Contact the College for advisement.

Lower Division Pre-Nursing Requirements for Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Students

 COURSE SEMESTER HOURS

English Composition                              6

Intro to Philosophy or Logic                 3

Anatomy & Physiology with Lab         8

Chemistry with Lab                                  4

Nutrition                                                    3

Microbiology with Lab                            4

General Psychology                                 3

Intro to Sociology                                    3

Lifespan Growth & Development          3

Political Science (Government)              3

Intro to Statistics                                     3

Communications/Humanities Electives*  6

General Electives*                                   7

Upper division Elective                              3

 

INTERSESSION COURSES**

Nsg202 Dimensions in Health Care      2

Nsg 204 The Human Experience           2

                  Total Sem. Hrs.                      60

 

*An additional thirteen (13) semester hours of electives must be completed.  Six (6) of these hours must be from the Communications/Humanities area of study.  Seven (7) semester hours may be from any area of study.

 

** The remaining four (4) hours of lower division introductory courses come from St. John’s College.

 

Accelerated students are enrolled with traditional students for the intersession, semester 1 and semester 2.  Only accelerated students are enrolled as a separate cohort for the 12 week summer session and last 16 week fall session.

 

ATI is a requirement throughout many nursing courses for NCLEX success. Each individual course faculty will determine ATI requirements and expectations with in their course. Students who do not complete ATI requirement and course expectations will delay their registration process until they complete their ATI course expectations.

Upper Division Nursing Requirements Taken at St. John’s College for Accelerated

Pre-Licensure BSN Students

 TOTAL SEMESTER HRS. REQUIRED:  66

 (Full time study SAMPLE)

FIRST SEMESTER / SEMESTER HOURS

Nsg301  Introduction to Caring in Professional Nursing / 7

Nsg302  Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I / 3

Nsg305  Health Assessment Across the Lifespan / 4

Nsg307  Psychiatric Nursing / 4

   Total for semester   / 18 hrs.

 

SECOND SEMESTER

Nsg311  Caring for Adult Clients with Common Health Demand / 5

Nsg312  Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II / 3

Nsg314  Introduction to Nursing R esearch / 2

Nsg315  Caring for the Family During Childbearing and childrearing / 7

      Total for semester   / 17 hrs.

 

SUMMER

Nsg411  Caring for Adult Clients with Complex Health Demands / 8

Nsg413  Caring in Community Health Nursing / 6

     Total for semester   / 17 hrs.

 

FOURTH SEMESTER

Nsg431 Leadership/Management Perspectives of Caring / 6

Nsg432  Professional Issues in Nursing / 3

Nsg 447    Curricular Option / 4

       Total for semester   / 13 hrs.

 

New RN-BSN Hybrid Distance Education Program Option at St. John’s College

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission has approved a fall offering of this program.   This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

 

There are several options for course enrollment:

• Enrollment in the RN-BSN program option (All prerequisites must be completed and program admission requirements met).
• Enrollment as an RN Student-At-Large (Prerequisites pending completion; student seeks enrollment in courses but not admission to the program).
• Enrollment as an RN seeking continuing education hours through academic coursework.

 

Enrollment in the RN-BSN program option (All prerequisites must be completed).

 

Description of the Academic Program

RN-BSN Curriculum

Course	Semester Hours
Nsg 317 Introduction to Informatics in Nursing Practice	3
Nsg 319 Introduction to Nursing Research	3
Nsg 321 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan to Promote Clinical Judgment	4
Nsg 323 Issues and Ethics in Contemporary Nursing Practice	3
Nsg 325 Pathophysiology/Pharmacology  to Advance Clinical Reasoning	4
Nsg 435 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing	3
Nsg 437 Community Health Nursing for the Public’s Health	6
Nsg 439 Leadership in Contemporary Nursing Practice/Capstone with Project	6
Upper Division Non-Nursing Elective (Must be taken at an accredited institution)	3
	Total of 35 hours

 

Admission Requirements for Enrollment in RN-BSN program

• Completion of 57 semester hours of pre-nursing curriculum (the 3 hour statistics requirement may be taken concurrently with the RN-BSN curriculum but must be taken prior to taking Introduction to Nursing Research) with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Graduation from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program.
• RN with an unencumbered license.
• Graduated as an RN within the last 5 years or, if graduated more than 5 years ago must have practiced as an RN within the last 2 years
• All applicants with English as a Second Language are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 550 on the paper based version or 213 on the computer based version.

Pre-Nursing Requirements

COURSE	SEMESTER HOURS
English Composition	6
Intro to Philosophy or Logic	3
Anatomy and Physiology I&II with Lab	8
Chemistry with Lab	4
*Nutrition	3
Microbiology with Lab	4
General Psychology	3
Introduction to Sociology	3
Lifespan Growth and Development	3
Political Science (Government)	3
**Introduction to Statistics	3
Communications/Humanities Electives	6
General Electives	11
	Total of 60 hours

*May be taken as a proficiency using an ATI examination  

** May be taken concurrent with the RN-BSN courses but must be taken prior to taking the Research course.

Upon formal acceptance to the College and satisfactory completion of 17 hours of RN-BSN curriculum, the registered nurse will be granted credit for the following:

Escrow Credit

Content	Semester Hours
Medical-Surgical nursing	19
Childbearing/Childrearing	7
Psychiatric Nursing	4
	Total of 30 hours

The last 32 credit hours of the RN-BSN degree must be taken at St. John’s College.

A 3 hour upper division non-nursing elective is also required prior to graduation.  The upper division elective may be taken prior to or concurrent with the RN-BSN curriculum.

Enrollment as an RN Student-At Large (Prerequisites pending completion).

RNs may enroll as a non-degree seeking student without having completed all prerequisites. The RN student may take up a maximum of 10 hours before officially enrolling in the program. Once the Student-At-Large completes the maximum number of hours allowed, no additional coursework may be completed without formal admission to the RN-BSN program option.

Enrollment as an RN seeking continuing education hours through academic coursework.

Per the 2010 Nurse Practice Act, Registered Nurses may take Academic courses for Continuing Education Credit. Nurses may convert a three (3) semester hour course to 45 hours of continuing education. Completion of a four(4) semester hour course converts to 60 hours of continuing education. Please see the Illinois Nurse Practice Act or call the College for further details.  

The following courses will be offered in the Fall for academic credit and can be converted to Continuing Education credit:  NSG 317 Introduction to Informatics in Nursing Practice (3 semester hours)NSG 319 Introduction to Nursing Research (3 semester hours) *Statistics prerequisite must be completed by all students prior to enrollment.NSG 321 Health Assessment Across the Life-span to Promote Clinical Judgment (4 semester hours)

NSG 323 Issues and Ethics in Contemporary Nursing Practice (3 semester hours)

 

Sample Plan of Study for the Enrolled Student

RN-BSN Plan of study

 

	Semester 1	Credits	Semester 2	Credits	Semester 3	Credits
	Session A:		Session A:		Session A:
	Nsg 317 Introduction to Informatics in Nursing Practice	3	Nsg 325 Pathophysiology:Pharmacology to Advance Clinical Reasoning	4	Nsg 439 Leadership in Contemporary Nursing Practice/Capstone	6
	Nsg 319 Introduction to Nursing Research	3	Nsg 435 Introduction to Evidence-Based Nursing Practice	3
	Session B:		Session B:
	Nsg 321 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan to Promote Clinical Judgment	4	**Nsg 437 Community Health Nursing for the Public’s Health	6
	Nsg 323 Issues and Ethics in Contemporary Nursing Practice	3	Upper Division Non-Nursing Elective (may be taken prior to or concurrent with RN-BSN curriculum)	3
	Semester hours	13		16		6

 

Standard Semester = 16 weeks

Sessions A & B = 8 weeks

** Portfolio process available for this course

Courses are fluid and may be taken in alternative sequence with the exceptions of the Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice course which must be taken concurrent with or after completion of the Introduction to Nursing Research course, and the Leadership in Contemporary Nursing Practice Capstone course which must be taken at the end of the curriculum.

Part time students must take a minimum of 6 hours per semester and must complete the program within 4 years.

 

To Apply for Admission to the RN-BSN Hybrid Distance Education Program Option or to enroll in a course as a Student-At-Large click here.

Is online learning right for me?

 

Transfer of Upper Division Credit
Students who wish to transfer credit for courses completed in other accredited baccalaureate programs must meet the general admission criteria and submit an official transcript and a college catalog. In addition, students seeking admission to the Nursing major must submit a statement indicating the reason they wish to transfer and provide copies of all nursing course syllabi. Upper division nonnursing courses taken on a Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) or Pass/Fail (P/F) basis will be accepted only if the granting institution evaluates this option as a grade of C or above. The course hours will be counted towards graduation, but will not be calculated in the GPA.

Non-Degree Seeking Students
For those students who do not wish to pursue a degree but want to audit or earn academic credit for a course, admission as a “non-degree seeking” student is an option in accordance with current college policy. Once registered for the course, non-degree seeking students are subject to all college policies.

Readmission
Students who have not been enrolled in the college within the last year must complete the readmission process. Those seeking readmission must contact the Academic Dean for full details concerning the process. Decisions regarding readmission will be made by the Student Affairs Committee with full consideration of the individual student circumstances and space availability. Students re-enter under current academic and clinical policies/requirements.

If you have additional questions please send an email to Admissions Officer