Admission Requirements for High School Graduates
Nursing is one of the most challenging and rewarding majors at Stevenson University. Proper academic preparation provides a solid foundation for your academic career and enables you to make the most of your nursing education. Typically, students who complete high school biology, chemistry, and three years of preparatory math will be ready for their first year classes. Furthermore, in recent years, successful nursing students enter the program with unweighted GPA’s greater than 3.4 and SAT scores greater than 1100. Stevenson University is test-optional for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. Admission is competitive and based on a review of all application materials. Acceptance into the University does not guarantee admission or progression in the nursing program.
For additional information, please call the Admissions Office toll free at 1-877-468-6852 or locally at 410-486-7001. You may also register to attend an Undergraduate Open House.
The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at Stevenson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Nursing program accredited?
A. Yes, the baccalaureate and master’s programs in nursing at Stevenson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and 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.
Q. What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?
A. Information on NCLEX-RN pass rates is available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. Information on the examination is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
Q. What are the criteria for admission to the Nursing major?
A. Visit the Admission Requirements for High School Graduates 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. Does having my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant License) help?
A. There are two different aspects to this question that should be addressed. First, working or volunteering in a healthcare setting benefits students in a number of ways: student are able to explore and/or confirm their career choice, gain important skills and experience, increase their confidence in their own abilities and potentially make connections that lead to future jobs. Second, in terms of admission, all students must meet the admission standard for the nursing major; having a CNA will not compensate for not meeting the admission criteria.
Q. What math and science courses will best prepare me for the Nursing major?
A. It is recommended that students complete a minimum of three years of college preparatory math and science courses that include but are not limited to: Algebra I and II, Geometry, General Biology and Chemistry. Additional courses that have been shown to enhance student success include AP classes in the math and sciences, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, Statistics and Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry.
Q. I have been accepted into the Nursing major. Will I need to reapply to enter clinicals in my junior year?
A. Nursing students do not have to reapply to enter junior level courses; however, they must meet the progression criteria for the major. Please click to review the progression standards.
Q. If I did not apply for the Nursing major at the time of Admission, can I change my major to Nursing after I begin classes at SU?
A. Students who did not apply for Nursing at the time of admission who would like to change their major to Nursing must meet the admission/progression criteria to be considered for the major. It is recommended that students first meet with their advisor to discuss this. Following this conversation, the advisor will advise the student of his/her next steps.
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 is typically 8:1. This ratio varies, depending upon the nature of the clinical experience and patient acuity.
Q. How long will it take to complete the traditional Nursing program?
A. Students who satisfactorily complete coursework according to the curriculum plan can expect to complete the program in four years from the time of their first course. The program admits new students in the fall semester only.
Q. Who teaches the nursing courses and answers questions about my curriculum?
A. As a nursing student, you will have an academic advisor from the School of Sciences. 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.
Have a Question?
Contact Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
Owings Mills Campus
Garrison Hall North, Second Floor
1-877-468-6852