Frequently Asked Questions: Traditional Option: Transfer & Second Bachelor's Students

Q. How long will it take to complete the traditional Nursing program?
A. Students who have completed all prerequisites can complete the program in two years full-time.  The program admits new students into upper division clinical nursing courses in the Fall semester only.

Q. Is the Nursing program accredited?
A. Yes, the program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) *, and the National League for Nursing Accrediting (NLNAC)** and is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Stevenson University has regional accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

*Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036-1120
**National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC) 61 Broadway, New York, N.Y., 10006

Q. What are the criteria for admission to the Nursing major?
A. Visit the Admission Requirements for Transfer/Second Bachelor's Students page to learn about the required academic criteria.

Q. When will I have my first clinical experience?
A. At SU, your first interaction with patients/clients will be in your 300 level clinical nursing courses.

Q. Where do I go for my clinical experiences?
A. Faculty-supervised clinical experiences are scheduled in many hospitals and health care facilities primarily in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Examples of hospitals where students have clinical experiences include Union Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Sinai Hospital, GBMC, Franklin Square Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center. Examples of community health experiences include: Baltimore County Public Schools, various homeless shelters, and assisted living facilities. The student-faculty ratio in the clinical area range from 6:1 to 8:1. This ratio varies, depending upon the nature of the clinical experience and patient acuity.

Q. What is the NCLEX–RN pass rate?
A. Upon graduation, students must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in order to become a registered nurse and practice nursing. The passing rate varies from year to year. Information on NCLEX-RN pass rates is available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website (www.mbon.org). Information on the examination is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (www.ncsbn.org).  

Q. Who teaches the nursing courses and answers questions about my curriculum?
A. As a nursing student, you will have a nursing faculty and/or staff member as your academic advisor. All nursing courses are taught by qualified nurse educators. Both full-time and part-time nursing faculty are committed to providing quality learning experiences to help you learn to be a nurse.

Q. Can I take my prerequisite courses at any regionally accredited college or university?
A. Yes. This also means that students can complete their prerequisite coursework at Stevenon University if accepted to the University.

Q. What if I have taken nursing courses at another four year university or college?
A. Students who have taken nursing courses at another four year university or college and who left that program in good standing will have their courses evaluated for transfer credit. A letter from the Director of Nursing verifying good standing is required of all nursing students transferring from another nursing program.

Q. When does the Upper-Division program start?
A. Although prerequisites may be completed either fall or spring at any regionally accredited institution, there is only a fall start term for the two year upper-division program at Stevenson. Students interested in completing prerequisites at Stevenson should contact an Admissions representative to learn more, or view our course equivalencies at a community college.

Q. Do I have to take the TEASE/is there an entrance exam?
A. Students are currently not required to take the TEASE or an entrance exam. Please carefully review our Admission Requirements for further details.

Q. How do I know if I am eligible for your program?
A. You may be eligible to study nursing if you have met the following criteria:

  • You have maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from all schools attended since high school
  • You have maintained a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all of your science courses
  • You have maintained a 3.0 cumulative in your prerequisite courses.

Please note that if you have retaken more than one science class or received less than grade “C” in a previous nursing class, you are not eligible for admission into the upperdivision program. Please review our Admission Requirements for further details.

Q. Will my classes transfer?
A. If you are attending a Maryland community college, you can view course equivalencies in recommended transfer plans for completion of the nursing prerequisites or consider registering for A Closer Look at Nursing.

Q. I am a Registered Nurse; who should I speak with?
A. Please contact our Graduate Professional Studies Department to learn about RN/BS.

Q. I am an LPN; will my courses transfer?
A. It is generally advised for LPN’s to consider completing an LPN to RN Bridge program, since LPN courses do not transfer for credit.

   
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