Admissions to the Program
Admissions Criteria
The Northwestern College Violet Schumacher School of Nursing has specific admission requirements. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all of the requirements are met and all supporting documents are submitted. Only complete application files will be reviewed for admission.
Admission Requirements
- Application and acceptance to Northwestern College.
- Submission of a 'statement of purpose' addressing personal and professional goals as related to becoming a professional registered nurse. Essays will be evaluated on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and ability to articulate ideas.
- Submission of a letter of recommendation on company letterhead from an instructor, academic advisor, employer, or community member who can comment on the applicant's background and/or character.
- High school graduate diploma or GED certificate. Recommended courses: algebra, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology (advanced coursework preferred).
- Overall ACT test score of 21, with a score of 20 in reading and 20 in mathematics, or SAT test scores of 1500 in reading and 1410 in mathematics.
- Completion of a college-level introductory biology course with a lab, taken within the past 5 years, with a grade of C or better. Course topics should include: concepts of cell biology, reproduction, genetics, growth and development, and biological.
- Completion of a college-level introductory chemistry course with a lab taken within the past 5 years, with a grade of C or better. Course topics should include: classification concepts, properties, and states of matter; measurements; atomic structure and bonding; properties of gases; chemical reactions and stoichiometry.
- Successfully complete a nursing entrance exam with a satisfactory score as determined by the College.
Transfer of Credit Policy
Northwestern College may, at its sole discretion, accept credit for classes taken at an accredited college or university if the grade earned is a C or higher, the class is college-level and credit-bearing, and is equivalent to a course taught at NC in the student's program. Unless permission is received in advance from the vice president of academic affairs or designee, a student may not transfer credits after he/she begins classes at Northwestern College (NC Catalog, 2008-2010).
Nursing Residency Requirement
Nursing degree seeking students will not be allowed to transfer any of the core nursing courses within the program and must complete all of the core nursing courses at NC.
Provisional Admission Status
Applicants selected for provisional admission status must submit a $200 non-refundable deposit in order to reserve his/her space in a cohort of nursing students.
A student will be excluded from consideration for admission to the nursing program based on an unfavorable background check or positive drug screen.
Post Provisional Admission Status
Students will be required to submit within the first 30 days of classes:
- CPR certification
- Major medical insurance coverage
- Malpractice insurance
- Background check (With the inclusion of CANTS)
- 10 panel drug screen test
- A physical exam within the past year inclusive of a CBC and chemistry panel
- Up to date immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio
- Titer levels for rubella, rubeloa, mumps, varicella, and hepatitis B
- A 2-step TB test, or chest x-ray
- Flu Shots
Physical Exam/Immunization Requirements
- Physical examination and necessary immunizations must be completed on all students when admitted to NC. All nursing students' records will be verified by the School of Nursing and must be on file before admission into the nursing program.
- In the State of Illinois, a tuberculosis skin test with an initial double Mantoux must be verified (two tests, one week apart and each read three days later) before the student can participate in any clinical experience.
- There must be documentation of a hepatitis B immunization (series of three doses) or a signed waiver completed by the start of nursing courses.
- Submit proof of a negative 10 panel drug screen.
- Submit proof of major medical insurance coverage.
How do I apply?
To get started, contact the Office of Admissions at the Bridgeview campus to make an appointment with an admissions representative at (708) 237-5000 or toll-free at (888) 534-1623. During your appointment you will be given program information that will include the admission steps, a tour of the nursing lab, and a chance to meet the nursing faculty and the dean of nursing.
