Academic Programs
RN Studies Program FAQ's for Prospective Students
What are the Admission Requirements?
- Graduation from a state-approved associate degree or diploma program
- Current RN license in Michigan (or will achieve by start of classes)
- Employment as a RN for six months (or plan to practice concurrently with coursework)
- Transfer credit for at least 5 courses:
- English composition (3-4 credits)
- 2 social science courses in the same field (6 credits)
- 2 electives
If I have met all of the admission requirements, are there additional prerequisites needed that I could be working on before starting the program?
Yes, there are, at least, eight (8) additional transferable courses that you will need to complete prior to taking N456 Community Health in your senior year of the BSN program. They are:
- Anatomy & Physiology*
- Pathophysiology*
- Pharmacology*
- Biochemistry
- Growth & Development*
- Nutrition*
- Statistics
- Electives (12 credit hours total for electives)
*May be fulfilled through a proficiency exam once admitted to the BSN program. Click here for RN-BSN program requirements, see Level II.
How will the School of Nursing evaluate my application?
Admission is competitive, but we hope to admit every qualified applicant. Your application is reviewed for:
- Your cumulative GPA (nursing curriculum is weighed most heavily, especially sciences); a GPA of 3.0 is recommended
- Your essay responses
- Your performance evaluation from your supervisor
What if my GPA is below 3.0? You may still be a good candidate for admission! We consider the following information:
- Was this an old GPA and you have better grades in more recent coursework?
- Were you managing life crises (divorce, single parenthood, caring for an elderly parent, illness?)
- The School of Nursing weighs science grades and nursing clinical coursework most heavily as your application is reviewed. These grades have been the best predictors of success in the RN-BSN program.
What if I am a new graduate? Can I apply? New graduates can apply and have been very successful in the RN-BSN program! Here is what you need to do:
- Send a copy of your transcript in progress when you apply to the RN-BSN program, and another copy when you graduate with your ADN
- Ask a nursing instructor to complete your performance evaluation if you have been employed as a RN less than one month
- Successfully pass NCLEX-RN before classes begin; send a copy of your license when you receive it
- Work as a RN concurrently with coursework; you need six months work experience before beginning the spring semester.
How do I apply?
1. Submit the following online (see "How do I start?" below for more information):
- U of M application (including essay questions)
- Nursing supplemental application
- Application fee
2. Request an official transcript from every college or university attended after high school. They should be sent to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
1220 Student Activities Building
515 East Jefferson St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1316
3. Ask your supervisor to complete the Performance Appraisal and mail directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
4. Send a photocopy of your current Michigan RN license to your local RN Studies Office
How do I start my application?
1. First, go to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions web site . Click on "apply now!" and set up your free account.
2. Complete the preliminary questions as shown and save your work.
- Type of student: New Transfer
- School or College: School of Nursing
- Program: BSN Completion for RNs
- Term: Fall 2008 (September)
- Statement: Not applicable.
3. Review all of the application questions and the essay questions before you start to answer them. Write your essay answers and save them in a word processing document so that you are ready to upload them. (See some essay hints.)
4. Complete the Nursing Supplemental Application.
5. Save your work frequently.
6. You can stop the application and go back later if you need to - but do not hit "SUBMIT" until you are sure that you are ready to send your application to UM. AFTER YOU HIT THE "SUBMIT" BUTTON, YOU CANNOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWERS.
7. Complete the application inspector.
8. Pay your application fee (credit card is required for application fee).
9. Submit your application.
10. If you are stuck or have questions, contact the Office of Student, Academic, & Multicultural Services. We are glad to help!
I don't know what to write for the essay questions!
As a nurse, you have many sources for answering the essay questions. Click here for help for writing essays. Be sure to write clearly, using good grammar & spelling. Spell check before you submit.
When do I apply?
February 1 is the preferred deadline for all applications.
Applications will continue to be accepted as long as space is available. However, most financial aid decisions are made in February. Applications received after February may not receive financial aid consideration.
What is the limit for transferring classes to U of M?
U of M School of Nursing has generous transfer policies. Requirements are:
- You must complete 37 credits in residence (at U of M)
- Courses in which you earned grades of C- or below cannot be transferred to UM
- All nursing courses in the RN Studies program (course number begins with letter N) must be taken at UM (exception is N245 Pathophysiology).
- Transfer courses must be taken at an accredited college
How do I transfer classes?
- Request an official transcript for all classes to be sent directly to your local RN Studies Office.
- Work with student advisor and registrar at UMSN to make sure you are following transfer policies
- Not all classes transfer to UM even if taken at an accredited college (example: some computer classes, technical training, etc.)! Be sure to check with the UMSN advisor before enrolling in any class outside of UM, and
see our list of approved transfer classes here.
How else can I earn credit?
- You can earn credit through testing (credit by examination or CBE)
- If you did not take separate courses in Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, or Growth & Development, CBE's allow you to earn credit without repeating coursework.
- CBE's can be taken after you are admitted. Your local RN Studies Program office has information on scheduling, preparing for the exams, and fees.
Is financial aid available?
UMSN students have two sources of financial aid: University funds and School of Nursing funds. RN Studies students may be eligible for both of these sources.
U of M cannot make any financial aid determination until you are admitted. You should apply for admission early to have the best chance for financial aid.
You also need to complete a FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.
Use the pre-application worksheet to organize your information before filling out the online form
You are applying to:
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN - ANN ARBOR
Federal School Code: 002325
What classes do I take for the RN-BSN program?
The program consists of 128 credits, but most students transfer at least half of these credits, including clinical coursework from their ADN or diploma program. Click here for RN-BSN program requirements
The program in Kalamazoo and Traverse City is designed for completion in two years. Students in Ann Arbor can also complete the program in two years by enrolling in 8 to 10 credits per semester.
Where and when are classes held?
- In Ann Arbor, classes are held onsite at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Class time is late afternoon to accommodate work shifts. Lecture/seminars are held one day per week. (Clinical classes require one additional day per week)
- In Kalamazoo, classes are held on the Texas Township campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College
- In Traverse City, classes are held at the University Center of Northwestern Michigan College.
What are classes like?
Classes are focused on developing leadership and decision-making skills. You will actively use your nursing background in your coursework. Class work is adapted to help you develop your career; learning activities and clinicals are individualized to your career interests.
What if I am interested in getting a Masters Degree?
The RN-BSN-MS program ("Nursing Undergraduate & Graduate Studies" or "NUGS") combines undergraduate and graduate studies. You can begin your undergraduate coursework at any of our 3 sites - Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, or Traverse City. Masters courses are available only in Ann Arbor, but some programs offer web-based or on-job-on-campus options.
If you are interested in the NUGS program, contact the Student Advisor before you apply. We will arrange an individual information session to explore your career goals and help you with the application process.
How do I arrange academic advising? Contact the Student Advisor. You can arrange a phone or in-person conference to review your previous college coursework, find out which courses will transfer to U of M, and see which courses you need to complete for your academic program.
How do I prepare for my appointment with my advisor?
Bring copies of all transcripts for all college and nursing coursework (unofficial copies are fine). If you are interested in obtaining a Masters degree, look at our Masters programs and know which one you are interested in. Come with a list of questions for the advisor.
Do I need a computer for my coursework?
Although you are not required to own a computer, you will need access to a computer, file storage, and a printer. All courses involve much computer use, and owning a computer will be very useful. U of M Computer Showcase has computers & software available for students to purchase at a discount.
Whether you already own a computer or are considering buying one, click here to see if it meets suggested School of Nursing computer specifications.
Students must have basic computer skills including typing, creating and saving files, and basic Internet skills. Students are required to show a basic level of computer skills competency before they enroll in coursework. See a list of recommended skills and resources for learning computer skills.
What about books?
- Many students buy books from online booksellers. Most course textbooks can be purchased through the Internet.
- Students can also purchase books through local campus bookstores.
- How much to budget? About $200 to $300 per semester is more than adequate.
Can I really do this? Of course! UMSN has a reputation for excellence and for high standards...BUT - we will support you to achieve high standards! Now is an excellent time to take the next step in your career. Your UM degree makes a difference!
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