How can I apply for a BS in Nursing?
Follow these three steps to apply to the BSN program at St. Ambrose University:
- Email nursing@sau.edu to talk to an advisor about program requirements and next steps
- Complete the undergraduate application to St. Ambrose University
- Complete one of our BSN supplemental applications. Choose based on the semester you plan to start our program.
- If you're starting our program in Spring 2025, fill out one of the following:
- (for candidates with an LPN or RN license)
- (for pre-licensure candidates)
- If you're starting in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or later semesters,
Apply to SAU
When are applications for the BSN program due?
Applications received by December 1 will be given priority admission for the fall semester. Applications received by July 1 will be given priority admission for the spring semester.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until each cohort has been filled.
What are the admission requirements for a BS in Nursing?
Ready to start your career in Nursing? Here are the admissions requirements for our Nursing program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.0
- You must provide an official high school transcript
- You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program
- You should have no more than 7 outstanding required general education credits left to complete when you enter the Nursing Program.
Additionally, the following are required prior to being fully accepted into and starting the nursing program:
- Completion of a CNA Certification (Certified Nursing Assistant) course, active CNA certification, or employment documentation of Nursing Department Skills Checklist, within the last 3 years of entering the Nursing Program.
- CPR Certification through the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (not Red Cross).
- Completion of the SAU Foreign Language Requirement: High School – 3 years of the same foreign language, OR College level – 2 semesters of the same foreign language (prior to starting the Nursing Program).
- Completion of Health Documentation Requirements.
Email a nursing advisor
Required prerequisites
Complete the following prerequisite courses with a C grade or higher prior to admission to the Nursing Program. If applicable, no more than one science course can be completed the summer before fall entry:
- +BIOL 101 Principles of Biology (or higher level Biology), 4 credits (plus lab)
- BIOL 211 Introductory Microbiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- BIOL 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- BIOL 232 Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology, 4 credits (plus lab)
- +CHEM 103 Principles of Chemistry (or higher level Chemistry), 4 credits (plus lab)
- STAT 213 Applied Statistical Reasoning for the Sciences, 3 credits
- +PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits
- PSYC 212 Life-Span Developmental Psychology, 3 credits
- +SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology, 3 credits
+applicable toward general education requirement
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 3.0 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 84 with a speaking score of 26, TOEFL PBT minimum score of 560, IELTS - 6.5 with a speaking score of 7.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
- You must apply to St. Ambrose University, then complete an additional application for our nursing program
Apply to SAU
What are the admissions requirements for online nursing students?
In addition, students in our Online Nursing program must also:
- Be accepted into St. Ambrose University, then complete an application for our Nursing program
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN or LPN license in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- Maintain a permanent address in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- For current LPNs only: Complete the TEAS IV or NLN PAX exam
- Hold an approved Nursing diploma or associate degree
- Complete required prerequisites, with no more than seven outstanding general education credits
Confirm your eligibility