The KU School of Nursing endeavors to fulfill its responsibilities to the changing needs of society by selecting applicants who, in the judgment of the Student Admission and Progression Committee, demonstrate the academic achievement maturity, integrity and motivation necessary for the successful study and practice of nursing and who will best meet the needs of the citizenry.

The committee will consider the quality of work of each applicant in all areas, the breadth of education, achievement on advanced projects or work experience that demonstrate the applicant's responsibility, imitative and ability to successfully complete the curriculum.

The Student Admission and Progression Committee considers all available information regarding each applicant. Information is gathered from written sources as well as all personal contacts with the applications.

The following areas are considered for each applicant:

• College scholastic achievement (please see Prerequisites below)
• Interest in and commitment to nursing
• Health-related work/ volunteer experiences
• Leadership
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteering
• Personal characteristics
• References

In addition, the committee looks for applicants who will contribute academic, non-academic and socioeconomic diversity to the class. The committee is interested in evidence of capacity for mature and independent scholarship. One of the most important missions of a university is to help all individuals realize their potential. To this end, the KU School of Nursing commits itself to:

• The provision of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs and services on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, gender expression, gender identity, religion or creed, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or genetic testing and screening information. Equal opportunity for employment, education, and education-related activities shall be extended to all persons; and
• The development and implementation of policies and programs designed to promote the full participation of these groups in the programs and activities of the university at all levels.

Prerequisites

A total of 58 semester hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 is required for admission to the School of Nursing. Admission is competitive. Completion of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the nursing major.

Prerequisite courses may be taken at any regionally accredited college or university. To determine how your courses will transfer to the University of Kansas, please reference the CredTran Transfer Equivalency System. The following specific courses must be included in the 58 semester credit hours required for admission:

At most colleges and universities, this list of courses will not add up to 58 semester credit hours. In addition to the list above, electives are required to meet the minimum of 58 semester credit hours. Electives can be chosen according to the student's particular interests or needs.

Examples of such electives include foreign language, philosophy, literature, history, physics, mathematics, political science, biological sciences, economics, etc. A maximum of four physical activity and/or performance semester credits will be accepted in the 58 hours required for admission.

The letter grades A, B, C, S (satisfactory) and Credit indicate passing work. The letter grades D, F and U (unsatisfactory) and No Credit indicate that the quality of work was such that, to obtain credit, the course must be repeated.

Courses graded as Pass, S or Credit in which the school awards credit for grades of D or better will not be accepted. An applicant who receives a failing grade of D or F in the semester prior to the admission decision (ex. Fall 2020 for Fall 2021 entry) will be removed from consideration.

Background Check Requirement

For KU programs to maintain accreditation status, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that all persons, employees, volunteers and students involved in patient care activities to have background checks. This status is very important to health care organizations to demonstrate to patients and professionals that they meet the highest of standards for patient care.

This background check will be done at the applicant's expense after provisional acceptance has been granted. The information from this report is held in confidence by the school. 

Technical Standards for Admission

All individuals admitted to the KU School of Nursing will be asked to verify that they can meet certain standards with or without accommodation(s). Learn more about technical standards for admission.

Potential Limits to Receiving a Nursing License

There are a number of reasons that the Kansas State Board of Nursing may deny, revoke, limit or suspend a nursing license. These include fraud or deceit in practicing nursing or in procuring a license, holding a felony conviction, being incompetent, being unable to practice due to abuse of drugs or alcohol, being judged in need of a guardian, exhibiting unprofessional conduct, having violated the provisions of the Kansas Nurse Practice Act, having action taken against your nursing license in another state and assisting in suicide.

In 1997, the Kansas Nurse Practice Act was amended to add a new provision in the felony section: no person who has been convicted of a felony against persons (as specified in Article 34, Chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, prior to its repeal, or sections 36 through 64-174, 210 or 211 of chapter 136 of the 2010 Session Laws of Kansas and amendments thereto) shall be licensed. In other felony or misdemeanor instances, the Board of Nursing will conduct an investigation and make an individual decision. As always, admission to and graduation from the University of Kansas School of Nursing does not guarantee eligibility to test for a nursing license in Kansas or any other state if a person's past record includes any of the situations listed above.