Nursing Associate Degree FAQs

What are the admission requirements to the Associate Degree Nursing Program?

If you apply with less than 20 hours of semester college credit:

• Official high school transcript denoting high school graduation or official GED test score transcript
• A GPA of 2.5 or higher in high school and college credit
• A minimum composite ACT score of 22 with an 18 or above in all other sections of the ACT or a minimum composite SAT score of 1100
• Note: Students who have met the above minimum requirements with an overall ACT score of 24 or better are eligible for automatic acceptance into the associate degree nursing program provided they meet the deadline for application

If you apply with 20+ hours of semester college credit:

• Official high school or GED test score transcript (along with partial high school transcript), and official transcripts from all colleges attended
• A cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale from all college and universities attended
• 15 of the 20 college credits must be required non-nursing courses with a minimum of 8 of the credit hours in the required science courses (BIOL 1130, BIOL 1131, BIOL 3650 or BIOL 3750; CHEM 1121 will be considered a science course through the Spring 2025 admission cycle)
• Note: Students may repeat any required science course only one time to achieve a grade of “C” or better. Science courses must be taken within 5 years of application to be considered during admission process

What can I do to improve my chances of being admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program?

Admission is based on a scoring system that incorporates at a variety of things including high school/college GPA, ACT scores, successful completion of required science and English courses. Students waiting for admission can improve their chances of acceptance into the nursing program by completing required anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and English courses- the higher the grade the higher the score.

Is there a deadline for submission of application?

Yes, depending on the semester you would like to enroll. See below for dates.

How do I apply?

To apply for admission, visit the Admission for Selective Degrees page and follow the instructions there.

Admission is determined on a competitive basis. The total number of students admitted to the program is based upon available facilities and faculty. Qualified applicants are admitted to the associate degree in nursing program annually. Students may be required to complete designated courses in the summer or fall semester prior to official admission into the nursing program.

Apply for Admission

Will I be a Registered Nurse (RN) after I complete the ADN Program?

The awarding of the ADN does not license one as a registered nurse. The board of nursing in the state in which the applicant wishes to be registered administers a separate examination (NCLEX-RN). The School of Nursing certifies completion of degree requirements, but meeting other requirements for licensure is the responsibility of the candidate.

Will I need a criminal records check to enter the ADN Program?

Yes.

What is required of me after I am accepted into the ADN program?

The School of Nursing considers a grade of C (2.0) as the minimum passing grade for all required nursing and non-nursing courses; current CPR Healthcare Provider certification; a two-step TB skin test; current immunizations, including Hepatitis B; a recent physical exam must be verified prior to enrollment in clinical nursing courses. Verification of these requirements is necessary each year. A standardized exit examination is required in ADNR 2284. A student must satisfactorily pass this examination in order to graduate. A special fee may be charged for this examination.

I currently hold a valid, active, non-restricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Do I have to start the ADN program from the beginning?

LPN’s may receive advanced placement into the first year of the associate degree program by successful completion (grade of C or better) of the following courses: AHNR 1130, BIOL 1130, and PSYCH 1101. For more information, contact the School of Nursing.

Are there evening classes in nursing?

All ADNR classes are offered during the day. Clinical time may be assigned during evening hours and non-nursing courses may be offered during the evening.

Where will I do my clinical experiences?

Nursing students at SSU have clinical experiences in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, mental health centers and community agencies. Some of the places students attend clinical include: Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth, OH), Kings Daughters Medical Center (Ashland, KY), and Holzer Medical Center (Gallipolis, OH). Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from clinical sites.

Why would I want to pursue a BSN after I complete an ADN?

The bachelor of science in nursing (RN-BSN) builds on the foundation of associate degree education and prepares the RN for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. Graduates of the RN-BSN program are prepared for leadership positions and for graduate study.

School of Nursing Contact Information

Annette Johnson 
Nursing Administrative Assistant
ajohnson@shawnee.edu
(740) 351-3210

Dr. Kimberley Dinsey-Read
Director, School of Nursing
kdinseyread@shawnee.edu
(740) 351-3446