FAQ: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The application process for the nursing major is two-fold. You must apply to Truman, AND you must also apply to our nursing program. An essay is required for both applications. The Students Affairs Committee reviews all completed applicant files. Prior to the review of your nursing application, you must be accepted to the University.
Truman’s Admissions Office is the best resource for scheduling a visit to Truman and the Department of Nursing. If you are currently enrolled at Truman, you may contact the Nursing Department office at 660-785-4557 or send an email to nursing@truman.edu to set up an appointment with a faculty member.
Generally, eight semesters of study are necessary to complete your BSN degree, as each class is typically filled to capacity. Completing the BSN degree in less than eight semesters is rare. Decisions on requests to advance, which require special permission and additional advisement, are based on academic progress and available seating.
The application deadline is January 15 each year for the class cohort beginning in the subsequent fall semester. Applications received after the deadline will be considered based on space availability.
Your acceptance into the Nursing major will be based on your ACT score, high school grade point average (GPA), high school class rank, or college cumulative GPA. A member of the Student Affairs Committee reviews each admission essay. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required to enter the program.
The number varies from year to year, but typically is in the range of 150-300.
The Department usually accepts 50 students into the Nursing major each year.
The Student Affairs Committee meets in early spring each year. Due to the number of applications, the review process can be lengthy. Applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application.
You must submit an application to the Department of Nursing. An essay is required. We suggest submitting your application in the fall to be considered for the following fall semester. You may want to schedule an appointment with a Nursing faculty member to review your course plans and obtain more information. You may contact the Nursing office at 660-785-4557 or nursing@truman.edu to schedule an appointment.
You should take chemistry and biology with labs and math. Also, higher level sciences will be beneficial.
Upon acceptance, incoming first-year students or transfer students will be assigned an academic advisor for one year, as well as a nursing advisor. Your nursing advisor will assist you in planning your classes to complete the BSN degree.
Yes. After graduation, students are required to pass the national nursing licensure examination, NCLEX-RN, to practice nursing. You will apply to the board of nursing in the state in which you plan to practice. If you move to another state, you will apply to the state board for a nursing license to practice in the state, but you will not be required to repeat the NCLEX-RN examination. Nursing licenses are renewed every two years, so it is important to maintain an active license.

For more information, contact:

Department of Nursing
Truman State University
660-785-4557
nursing@truman.edu