Admission Criteria

The Fall 2024 Traditional BSN application is now open in NursingCAS Cycle 23-24

Fall 2024 Nursing CAS Application Deadline: January 31, 2024, 10:00 p.m. CST

Beginning Fall 2018 semester, Statistics 300/3000 level or above may be transferred if a grade of “C” or better is achieved.

Members of the Admissions Progression and Graduation Committee admit two classes each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. An applicant must complete 37 hours of the required prerequisite courses, or be enrolled in the final semester of prerequisite classes before applying to the program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale the completed prerequisite courses and a grade of “B” or better on all science courses (Biology lecture & lab, Chemistry, and Microbiology). General education courses may be taken at any accredited college or University.

Refer to the Application Information page to ensure a successful application process.

1. Pre-Requisite Coursework
   An applicant must complete 37 hours of required prerequisite courses. Of the 37 required prerequisites, the 16 hours of prerequisites listed below must be completed prior to application deadline and appear on the applicant's official transcript. The GPA calculated on 16 hours of prerequisite courses must be at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to be eligible for admission. Of the required prerequisites, Biology Lecture, Biology Lab, Microbiology, and Chemistry courses must have a B or better grade earned.
   
   
2. College algebra (3 hours)
3. English composition I (3 hours)
4. General biology and lab for Science Majors (4 hours)
5. General chemistry (3 hours)
6. General psychology (3 hours)

The remaining prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time the application is submitted. All official transcripts are required. Submit all official transcripts to NursingCAS regardless if prerequisite coursework is on the transcript or not. An applicant must successful complete 37 hours of the required prerequisite courses before beginning LSU Health New Orleans - School of Nursing.

A listing of all prerequisite courses is available on the Curriculum page.

LSUHSC-NO School of Nursing will recognize up to a combined nine (9) hours Accelerated Program (AP) and CLEP coursework. Official AP and/or CLEP transcript must be sent to the School of Nursing. Nine (9) hours of advanced standing credit will be recognized if earned from the college/university.

7. Grade Point Average
   Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on all prerequisite courses. A grade of C or better must be achieved in all non-science prerequisite courses. A grade of B or better must be achieved in all science prerequisite courses (Biology lecture, Biology lab, Microbiology, and Chemistry).

8. HESI Admission Assessment Exam A²
   The HESI Admission Assessment exam A² from Evolve Testing & Remediation is required.
   

   For more information regarding registering to take the exam, click here.

   The exam must be taken by the application deadline. A minimum cumulative score of 80% is required. An applicant may take the HESI Exam twice during an application period and must wait six (6) weeks between exams. LSU Health New Orleans - School of Nursing will take the most recent score. The applicant must re-test if the latest score is greater than one (1) year. LSU Health New Orleans - School of Nursing code is 198306.

   HESI A² FAQ's

9. Written Statement
   A proctored essay will be administered at the School of Nursing. The applicant will be given 30 minutes to write about a topic. Only qualified applicants meeting all admission criteria will be invited to complete a written statement. Instructions will be forthcoming to all eligible applicants. Fall 2024 applicant proctored essays will be scheduled in March 14-15, 2024.

10. Interview
    The interview will be completed and submitted on-line by the applicant. Only qualified applicants meeting all admission criteria will be invited to submit an on-line interview. Instructions will be forthcoming to all eligible applicants.

11. Previous Nursing Program
    If an applicant has attended a previous nursing program, a letter of academic good standing must be provided from that school of nursing.

NOTE: Students are expected to attend the mandatory, in-person 2-day New Student Orientation. Spring semester orientation is scheduled the end of December; Fall semester orientation is scheduled the end of July. The admission letter will state the exact dates.

NOTE: Meeting the minimum academic requirements DOES NOT guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.

NOTE: An applicant may apply to only one LSU School of Nursing BSN program at one time.