Loyola University Chicago

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.       What if I do not have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average?

A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average is required to be eligible for admission.  Prerequisite course work completed at the time of application is also factored into this average.  Therefore, you if your average is slightly below a 3.0, you can potentially raise it to the minimum by doing well in all prerequisite course work.

2.       Can is still apply if I haven’t completed all the prerequisites courses?

Yes, prerequisite courses do not have to be completed at the time of application.  However, all prerequisite courses must be completed and verified before the first day of classes.  Your application can be reviewed and you may be granted admission without having completed all prerequisites.  It is recommended that at least 2-3 science prerequisites are completed prior to application.  Application review may be delayed due to lack of science credits.

3.       What if I have taken the science courses more than 5 years ago?

It is a requirement that all science courses are completed within 5 years of entering the school of nursing.  These courses are important and serve as foundation courses for the information you will receive in the program.  Exceptions can be granted but they are rare.  In the past exceptions have been granted for the following reasons:

• PhD or advanced degree in prerequisite subject area.
• Higher education teaching experience in prerequisite subject area.
• Professional experience that requires extensive knowledge of prerequisite subject area.

If you feel that you qualify for an exemption, please submit all supporting documentation to sdaley@luc.edu for review.

4.      How is admission determined?

Admission is based on meeting at least the minimum requirements and the application pool.  Each year, the strongest applicants are granted admission.  Academics play a large role in admission.  The grades you received in both prerequisite courses and your previous degree weigh heavily on your admission.  Recommendations, personal statement, and work experience are also given meaningful consideration.

5.       How many people apply to this program on average?

On average, the ABSN program receives 450-600 applications each year.

6.      Does microbiology require a lab?

No, microbiology is the only science prerequisite course that does not require a laboratory component.

THE APPLICATION

1.       What if my application is incomplete?

Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered for admission.  Please be sure that your completed application is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the allotted deadline.  It is also encourage that you contact Admission to ensure all documents are in order.

2.       How and when are admissions decisions sent?

Admission decisions are sent via postal mail.  Decisions are generally mailed by October 15 for the October 1^st deadline and December 1^st for the November 15^th deadline.

3.       What kind of recommendations do I need?

Recommendations can be professional and/or academic.  Professional recommendations should be from someone of at least the management level.

4.       Where can I take prerequisite courses?

Prerequisite courses can be taken at any accredited junior or senior colleges.  Please consult the University’s Transfer Guides at http://www.luc.edu/undergrad/institutions.shtml  for transferable courses from area community colleges. 

5.       When can I submit my application?

Applications are accepted beginning August 1, 2008 for the January and May 2009 program start.

THE PROGRAM

1.     How many students are admitted to the program?

There are 95 spaces available for each program start year.

2.      Are there scholarships available?

Yes, limited scholarships are available through the School of Nursing after completion of the first summer term.  Scholarships are based on the student grades in the ABSN program only.

3.      Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the Lake Shore Campus.

4.       Where do students attend clinical rotations?

Clinical rotations are completed at various hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Chicago Metropolitan area including but not limited to Loyola University Health System, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Rush North Shore Medical Center, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Mac Neal Health Network, and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

5.       How does the clinical process work?

Students begin clinical rotations at the end of the first summer term.  Students are randomly assigned a clinical location.  Students complete a corresponding clinical rotation for every theory area of nursing covered in the program. 

6.       What is your NCLEX pass rate?

The NCLEX pass rate has been 100% for ABSN students throughout the past 3 years.

7.       What is the average grade point average of student admitted?

The average grade point average for the 2008-2009 ABSN class was 3.45/4.0.

8.       When I graduate, will I be an RN?

Upon completing the program, you will receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree.  This degree will make you eligible to sit for the NCLEX examination; the mandatory licensure examination for Registered Nurses.  Once the NLEX exam has been passed, then you are officially an RN and may practice as one.

9.   Are there tuition reimbursement programs available?

Generally, many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement.  Each hospital has different requirements.  You may contact the human resource departments at the hospital you are interested in for more information.