ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 1 College of Health and Human Sciences School of Nursing Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Option for Second Degree Students Spring 2013 NURSING APPLICATION PACKET Note: Applications must be post-marked or hand-delivered to Nursing Office, G-33 Haynes Building, Enka Campus, by 5 PM, July 15, 2012. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered for admission. To the applicant: WCU nursing faculty and staff welcome your application for admission to the ABSN option for second degree students. This application is for those students who already hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and seek the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Accelerated BSN scheduling option. Persons who are applying to the Traditional Pre-Licensure BSN Program track must complete the application packet for admission to the Traditional Pre-licensure BSN Program which can be found at: http://www.wcu.edu/4212.asp This application packet is for Spring 2013 admission to the ABSN track ONLY. If also applying to the Spring 2013 Traditional Pre-Licensure BSN Program, you must submit a separate, complete a BSN Spring 2013 application by the deadline as well. This application packet contains: 1. General information and instructions 2. Application for admission 3. Application checklist 4. Signature page
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ABSN APPLICANTS ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 2 1. Program location: The ABSN option is currently offered on the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Campus Enka Campus in Candler, NC. Clinical experiences are in Buncombe and surrounding counties. Students in the nursing program must have access to reliable personal transportation. 2. Eligibility requirements for applying to the ABSN option include: Graduate of an accredited college or university with a bachelor s degree or higher. Most Bachelor's degrees from regionally accredited institutions can waive the Liberal Studies requirement so long as the work listed on the transcript meets at least 6 of the 12 required liberal studies categories required by WCU. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate course work. Graduate GPA is NOT considered in admission to ABSN option. Admission to WCU as a degree-seeking student with post-baccalaureate status o Students must apply to WCU by completing the WCU admissions form at http://www.wcu.edu/admissions/ at least 2 weeks prior to the ABSN Spring 2013 application deadline. o Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be sent to the WCU Office of Admissions as part of the Western Carolina University application process. o Note - students are ALSO required to include a copy of all transcripts in the nursing admission packet. Include copies of all transcripts from ALL undergraduate institutions attended showing work completed through the Spring 2012 semester and/or Summer 2012 minimester (completed prior to July 15, 2012). Failure to include transcripts from all institutions in the ABSN application packet may prevent consideration for admission. This requirement applies to ALL students, including those who graduated from or are currently attending WCU. For the purpose of the ABSN admission packet, photocopies of transcripts are acceptable. Do not have transcripts sent directly to the School of Nursing. They are to be included in the ABSN application packet. Completion of the following pre-requisites or their approved equivalent with a grade of C or above* o Chemistry 132 Introductory Chemistry (4 hours) o Chemistry 133 Survey Organic/Biochemistry (4 hours) o Biology 291-Human Anatomy/Physiology (4 hours) o Biology 292-Human Anatomy/Physiology (4 hours) o ENVH 260 and 261 Lab (formerly HSCC 260) - Etiology of Infectious Disease (3 hours) o Psychology 150- General Psychology (3 hours) o ND 338 - Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition (3 hours) o NSG 346 Nursing Pathophysiology (3 hours) *Students who have not completed all of the prerequisites may apply to the program after completing two of the five science courses. Students with prerequisites remaining at the time of application must submit a plan for completing all prerequisites by the end of Fall Semester 2012. TEAS Admissions Assessment Exam ABSN students must take TEAS Admission Assessment Version 5.0 prior to July 15, 2012. Information and registration for the TEAS exam can be found at: http://www.wcu.edu/5336.asp. Students may take the TEAS exam only once per application cycle. An application cycle begins the day after the deadline for the previous cycle and ends with the deadline for the current application cycle. NOTE: ABSN applicants may take the TEAS exam at the WCU Continuing Education Testing Center on the Cullowhee campus as space is available. ABSN students should register for exam dates prior to July 15, 2012. Include a copy of your TEAS score in your admission packet. You may have this printed at the testing center or by logging on to the ATI website and printing your results. Only the student s first TEAS attempt per application cycle will be accepted. Exams taken after the July 15, 2012 deadline will NOT be considered. Students who take the TEAS outside of WCU must ensure that their scores have been released to WCU. Completed ABSN Option Application, including copies of all undergraduate transcripts (including WCU), postmarked no later than July 15, 2012. Incomplete packets will not be considered for admission.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 3 3. Criteria for Admissions Decisions Admission to the Nursing Major, including the ABSN option, is highly competitive. The ABSN option is designed for highly motivated, high-achieving, second degree students who can meet the demands of a rigorous academic program in a compressed scheduling format. Priority will be given to the best qualified students to fill the limited number of seats in each class. Students will be selected for admission based on a calculated admission score which is used to rank applicants. Cumulative GPA -50% A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 is required for application to the ABSN option. The GPA is calculated based on the entire undergraduate record (as reported to the WCU admissions office by all nationally accredited undergraduate colleges/universities the applicant has attended). Graduate course work is NOT considered as part of the cumulative GPA. TEAS Admissions Assessment Exam Scores -25% The composite score for exams will be used for calculating this component of the admission score. Information and registration for TEAS is available at: http://www.wcu.edu/26401.asp. Résumé/Cover Letter Score- 10% Members of the ABSN Admissions committee will assess students résumé and cover letter for evidence of academic, work, and service experiences that will enhance the potential for success in the ABSN track and contribution in the profession. Assessment factors that are evaluated from the résumé /cover letter include, but are not limited to the following: o Statement of purpose included in cover letter o Undergraduate and graduate degrees earned and colleges attended o Work experiences during and after college o Service activities during and after college The top applicants (ranked based on admission criteria above) will be invited to proceed to the interview process. Students who are invited to progress to the interview stage of the admission process will be notified of interview date, time, and location by email. Students who are not selected for interview will also be notified of this status by email. Interview : 15% Students selected for an interview will meet with members of the ABSN Admission Committee. The interview is designed to allow committee members to assess the applicant s communication skills, maturity, motivation, preparedness for rigor of the academic program and interest in helping the nursing profession improve quality of health care for all people, and special skills and knowledge that the applicant would bring to the practice of nursing.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 4 4. The Admission Process All applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to G33 Haynes Building no later than July 15 th, 2012 by 5:00 PM. Applications (application packet, resume, cover letter and TEAS exam scores) will be reviewed by late July. The most-qualified applicants (based on stated admission criteria stated above) will be selected for interview. Students will be notified by email of their interview invitation or declination status by approximately August 10 th. Interviews will tentatively be scheduled for the week of August 27 th. Interviewed applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by approximately September 7 th. Students selected for admission and those placed on the waiting list must return the Letter of Intent (included in the Acceptance Letter/Welcome Packet) within 5 business days of notification. Waiting list: If any of the students selected for Spring 2013 admission decline their place in the class, the admissions committee may select from the top of the waiting list to fill any seats that have become available. If an applicant is placed on the waiting list but does not acquire a seat in the Spring 2013 class they must submit a new application to be considered for the next class. Acceptances Students who fail to complete prerequisites (with a grade of C or better) prior to the first day of ABSN classes will NOT be allowed to enter the ABSN option and will loose their place in the class. Proof of completion of prerequisites will be required prior to the first day of the Spring 2013 semester. Students accepted into the ABSN option will receive further information about additional requirements for admission upon acceptance to the program. These requirements include but are not limited to: Adult/infant CPR certification, professional liability insurance, and evidence of physical and mental health that enables the student to participate in and complete the program (see page 11). Additional information will be provided to accepted students in Acceptance Letter/Welcome Packet. As noted in the WCU catalog, the School of Nursing reserves the right to modify this information. Applicants are personally responsible for ascertaining that their academic records and application packet are complete and correct. Application to future ABSN classes - Students who are not accepted to the Spring 2013 class or who decline a seat in the class may apply to future classes. Applications are not carried forward. Students must complete the application process as outlined on the website for the term to which they reapply. Please note that no materials, including copies of transcripts, are kept on file with the School of Nursing students who reapply to the ABSN must submit the entire application, including copies of transcripts from all undergraduate institutions. The School of Nursing will not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, or disability in either the selection of students for participation in the educational program, or as to any aspects of the clinical training, provided however that with respect to disability, the disability must not be such as would with reasonable accommodation in and of itself preclude the student s effective participation in the educational program and clinical training.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL ABSN APPLICANTS Read and follow instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the applicant s responsibility to ensure that application materials are complete. 1. Apply/reapply to WCU, listing Pre-Nursing as your intended major. If you are not currently enrolled at WCU, you will enroll as a transfer student. To begin the WCU application, visit http://www.wcu.edu/196.asp and select Transfer Application Spring 2013. Have official copies of transcripts from all institutions you have attended sent to the WCU Office of Admissions. Please retain one copy of your transcripts to be included in the ABSN admissions packet. Admission to WCU is NOT admission to the ABSN or nursing major. You must be accepted by WCU to be considered for acceptance into the ABSN nursing major. 2. Assemble in ONE packet: a). Application to the ABSN option at WCU with prerequisite completion plan. b) Copy of transcripts (for the purpose of this packet, copies are acceptable. Official copies must be submitted with the application to the University) from every undergraduate institution you have attended. You MUST include copies of your transcripts this includes students who graduated from WCU. Failure to include copies of ALL transcripts will result in application not being considered for admission. Make sure copies of transcripts are legible. Illegible or incomplete transcripts will not be considered and application will be considered incomplete. c) Current résumé with cover letter. The résumé and cover letter will be used as part of the screening process. Please do NOT submit letters of recommendation or references as part of the application packet. Letters of recommendation are not considered as part of the application/admission process. d) Copy of TEAS score report e) Reviewed verification checklist f) Signature page 3. Return the completed ABSN packet to: Ms. Jessica Shirley, Director of Student Services Western Carolina University 1459 Sand Hill Road, Suite G-33 Candler, NC 28715
Western Carolina University COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES SCHOOL OF NURSING ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 6 APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE ACCELERATED BSN OPTION CONTACT INFORMATION: Name Current Mailing Address City State ZIP Home phone Cell Email Undergraduate degree (BS/BA) in from Admission letters will be sent to the email listed above. It is your responsibility to notify us immediately of changes in the above information. It is your responsibility to check email and respond by deadlines noted in emails. Hard copies (US postal mail) are NOT mailed to students. PREVIOUS EDUCATION List all post-secondary programs you have attended. Please send sealed official transcripts from each institution to the Office of Admissions when you apply to WCU. Enclose a copy of transcripts from each institution with this application. Institution and location Dates Attended Major Degree
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 7 ABSN Option Prerequisites To be eligible to apply for admission to the ABSN option at WCU, students must have completed at least 2 of the 5 science courses (this does not include psychology). All prerequisites for the nursing major (listed below) must be completed prior to beginning the ABSN option. Please complete the following completion of prerequisites chart for the ABSN option at WCU. For courses not taken at WCU, please list the approved equivalent course and institution where course was taken. Please list the grade you received in each course. If you have not yet satisfied all prerequisites, you must complete the Prerequisite Completion Plan located on Page 8 of the Spring 2013 ABSN Application. WCU Course Description Approved Equivalent Course/ Institution Grade Chem 132 Chem 133 BIOL 291 BIOL 292 ENVH 260 /261Lab PSY 150 ND 338 NSG 346 Intro Chem & Lab Survey of Organic and Biochemistry & Lab Human Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab Human Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab Etiology of Infectious Disease & Lab (Microbiology) General Psychology Normal & Therapeutic Nutrition Nursing Pathophysiology
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 8 Spring 2013 ABSN Application Prerequisite Completion Plan If you have not completed all prerequisites listed on page 8, please indicate your plan for completion below. List the colleges or university you are currently attending or plan to attend before the start of the Spring 2013 ABSN class in order to complete the prerequisites for ABSN admission. For institutions other than WCU list the course numbers of the approved equivalent course. Summer/Fall 2012 Terms Institution Location Course Name and Number Note Students who are accepted to the ABSN option and fail to complete the required prerequisites with a grade of C or better prior to the first day of class will forfeit their seat in the class. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If students complete any remaining prerequisites during the Summer and/or Fall 2012 semesters, official transcripts reflecting completed coursework during these terms must be submitted to the WCU Office of Admission and the School of Nursing Enka Campus prior to the first day of classes.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 9 Spring 2013 Application Review Verification for ABSN Applicants Please place your initial beside each item to indicate that each component is complete. I have attended an information/advising session for the ABSN or have had this requirement waived by the ABSN Program Director. Date attended: I have been accepted to Western Carolina University OR I have applied and am awaiting acceptance. Application date: Acceptance date (if applicable): Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions I have attended have been submitted to the Office of Admissions. I have validated that the WCU Admissions Office has received official transcripts from each and every institution at which I have taken post-secondary undergraduate courses. I currently hold a Bachelor s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. I now have and will maintain a 3.0 Cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale). I understand that this is the minimum for application, but that this does not guarantee my selection for the ABSN program. I have completed, at the time of this application, at least 2 of the required science prerequisites, with grades of C or better. If I have not completed all prerequisites or approved equivalents with grades of C or better, I have an indicated a plan (page 8) for completing ALL prerequisites prior to starting the ABSN option in Spring (January) 2013. I have included a legible copy of transcripts from each and every institution at which I have taken postsecondary undergraduate courses in this packet. I have included a copy of my TEAS exam score in this packet OR I understand that if I have not yet taken the TEAS exam, I must take TEAS Version 5.0 and can take the TEAS exam only once per application cycle. I also understand that I must report any TEAS scores taken at other institutions to WCU. I have taken the TEAS Exam (Date taken ) OR I am scheduled to take TEAS exam prior to July 15, 2012. Exam date:. I understand that TEAS exam scores taken after July 15, 2012 will not be considered for ABSN admission for Spring 2013. I have included a current résumé and cover letter in this admissions packet. I understand that all communication will be delivered via email to the address I have listed in the ABSN application and acknowledge that it is my responsibility to monitor my email regularly and respond to any applicable deadlines stated within the email communication. Failure to do so may result in a voided application or loss of admission status. If invited for an interview, I understand I will be notified by email within approximately 8 weeks of the application deadline, of the date, time and location of my admission interview. I understand the WCU ABSN admissions process and requirements, and if I am admitted to the ABSN nursing major, I will promptly respond to further admission requirements as set out in my acceptance email and subsequent correspondence. I understand that applications will not be considered unless each of the above components has been completed. I understand that admission to the ABSN option is highly selective and that meeting minimum admission criteria in no way guarantees my acceptance into the ABSN option, or the nursing major at WCU. I understand that the ABSN option is a rigorous and intensive program and that working while attending the program is not feasible. I understand that if I wish to be considered for admission to the Traditional BSN Pre-Licensure Program I must submit a separate application and admission packet specific for that tract which can be found at http://www.wcu.edu/4212.asp. I understand the application for nursing licensure requires a criminal background check and drug screen. This process is initiated upon admission to the ABSN Program and I am responsible for paying for and completing these requirements by the specified deadlines. I understand that acceptance to the ABSN class does not guarantee acceptance to the Spring 2014 class, should I decline my seat in the Spring 2013 class.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 10 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION SIGNATURE I hereby certify that all of the information provided by me in my application packet is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submitting false or incomplete documents or making false statements will result in my not being admitted to the WCU nursing program OR my dismissal from the nursing program. Applicant s Signature Date Please assemble in one packet: Completed ABSN application Copies of transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended (excluding graduate work). Copy of TEAS score report Current résumé with cover letter Mail to: Jessica Shirley, Director of Student Services Western Carolina University 1459 Sand Hill Road, Suite G-33 Candler, NC 28715 Tentative timeline: Students will be notified of their interview invitation or declination status by approximately August 10 th. Interviews will tentatively be scheduled for the week of August 27 th. Interviewed candidates will be notified by email of their acceptance status by approximately September 7 th. Applications postmarked after July 15, 2012 will not be considered for admission.
ABSN Spring 2013 Application Packet 11 -- Information Only -- The following information is provided so that students can plan for acceptance to the ABSN. It is for your information only. Please do NOT submit any of this documentation with your application. If you are accepted to the ABSN track you will receive a packet that includes all requirements and deadlines for submission. Documentation Required Upon Admission to Nursing Programs and Thereafter as Specified Required Documents. Students who are accepted to the ABSN program must submit the following documents prior to beginning classes. Please refer to The Student Handbook for Nursing Majors for additional information: http://nursing.wcu.edu/n_students.htm Student Health Form: All students must have on file with the School of Nursing a completed School of Nursing Health Form. The School of Nursing Health Form remains current for the time the student is enrolled in the program. The student must inform the level director of any changes in physical and emotional health which would interfere with providing safe care during the time the student is enrolled in the program. This will require that you have a physical examination and a record of past immunizations to include, but may not be limited to: Proof of Completion of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training: All students must submit current proof of the successful completion of a course in basic cardiac life support. Each student will provide a photocopy (front and back) of a card that documents successful completion. The American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) for healthcare providers is recommended; if the American Red Cross program is chosen, it must include both adult and infant CPR. Some cards expire in 12 months; others are in effect for 24 months. The School of Nursing will abide by the expiration date specified on the card. Malpractice Insurance: All students in a clinical course must annually submit a photocopy of their professional liability insurance policy, specifying the inclusive dates of insurance coverage and showing that the dollar amount of the policy is at least $1 million per claim and $3 million in the aggregate (for undergraduate students). For graduate students malpractice insurance coverage must show that the dollar amount of the policy is at least $1 million per claim and $5 million in the aggregate. Renewing the annual policy and resubmitting a photocopy are the student's responsibility. (Note: Liability insurance for Pre-licensure students usually does not cover any work outside of clinical course experiences. Employer-provided liability insurance coverage for RNs does not cover student experiences.) Tuberculosis Testing: Results must be submitted annually and expire 12 months from the test date. If student learning activities take place at any clinical agency that requires more frequent TB testing, students assigned to that agency will be required to comply. Hepatitis B: Proof of 3-series vaccination or a positive titer. Varicella: Proof of immunization or positive titer. Measles/Mumps/Rubella: Proof of vaccination or positive titers. Influenza Vaccination: Students must provide documentation of receipt of an annual influenza vaccination or practitioner s letter of medical exemption. Signed Nursing Student Agreement from the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors: A new form must be signed and submitted annually. Handbooks, revised each year, are available on the Department of Nursing Web site and must be downloaded and printed by the student prior to the student s first semester in nursing and each year. Applicants are encouraged to review the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors prior to applying to the nursing major.