frequently asked questions
Subject to change. Last modified 12.01.2011
General Admissions
TEAS (Pre-Admission Exam)
Transfer Credit
Clinical and Evening Classes
Working Full-Time While Attending the College
Typical Class Schedule
Financial Aid, Cost and Discounts
Accreditation
general admissions
When are the deadlines for applications? When do classes start?
Please view the Admissions page on our web site for up-to-date admissions deadlines. For Fall semester, classes begin in late August. For Spring semester, classes begin in early January.
All application materials and test scores must be received by the admission deadline. Any extension of the application deadline will appear on the web site.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
The Committee will notify you as soon as possible after receipt of all admissions paperwork and test results. The typical time frame is within 4 weeks of the admission deadline.
What if I decide to change my admission date after I have completed the on-line application?
Simply send an email to Maria_Vasquez@bshsi.org and request a change in your admission date.
How do I get started?
Go to www.BSMCON.edu. Read the application instructions, frequently asked questions, and then apply online. The essay requested can be typed into the application itself and submitted on-line, or you may prefer to type "Essay to be mailed," and send it to us separately.
I am already an RN. Do you have a program for me to complete my Bachelor's degree?
We now offer an “RN to BSN” on-line degree program for current RNs to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Please view the RN to BSN Program information under “Prospective Students.” The questions in this document apply only to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
If I have my Bachelor's degree, do you still need my high school transcript?
Yes, all applicants to the traditional BSN program are required to provide their high school transcript (even if you have a Master’s degree).
I have been out of school for 20 years. Do I still need to provide my high school transcript?
Yes. All applicants are required to provide us with their high school transcript, GED documents or a letter of attestation in lieu of high school diploma. Contact Admissions for a letter of attestation if there is no possible way to obtain a high school transcript. (804) 627-5300.
What are the prerequisites for the program?
You must have at least high school Algebra, Biology and Chemistry with a grade of ‘C’ or better to be considered for the program. Your GPA must be at least 2.5 to apply (no exceptions). The average GPA of students admitted for the last two semesters has been above a 3.0.
You must also take the TEAS test and score an acceptable score to continue in the admissions process.
Why do I need to have high school Algebra, Chemistry and Biology?
Because those courses form a foundation for building on higher level Math’s and Science’s needed to succeed in the nursing classes.
What if I have been out of high school for 10 years? Do I need to repeat the Algebra, Biology and Chemistry (the prerequisite) classes?
No.
What if I am missing one of those classes?
You may take it at a community college, or contact www.nursingabc.com and arrange to take a self-paced class on-line.
TEAS (pre-admission exam)
What is the TEAS test?
The TEAS test is a 4 hour test that is similar to the SAT. There are 4 parts to the test: Math, Science, Reading and English. The exam tests high school level competency in these areas, but it is difficult. Only about 40% of students taking the TEAS pass it the first time. Significant study and preparation is encouraged. We are now administering version 5 of the TEAS.
Does every applicant need to take the TEAS, even if I have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree?
How do I study for the TEAS test?
You may order a TEAS study manual from the ATI website (www.atitesting.com). Be sure to order version 5 (Version V).
I recently took the TEAS test at another school; can you use the results of that test so that I don’t have to re-take the test?
If you took the TEAS Version V on-line at John Tyler Community College and your results are less than 1 year old from the date you apply with us, you do not need to re-take the TEAS unless you would like to do so to improve your score. No other TEAS tests are accepted from other institutions, community colleges or schools at this time. All other students must take the TEAS exam at our location.
I recently took the NET test. Can you use the results of that test instead of the TEAS test?
No. Our committee must see the results from the TEAS.
The College only permits students to take the TEAS exam twice.
Where is the test given?
At the College located at 5850 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, VA 23227
transfer credit
How can I find out which college classes (taken previously) will transfer?
The final decision regarding awarding transfer credit is that of our Registrar. The Registrar reviews transcripts after the applicant has been accepted. Our transfer credit policy permits us to award transfer credit for courses that are comparable to ours, taken at an accredited college or university, in which the student earns a “C” or higher. There is a further stipulation about math and science classes. They must be less than 5 years old from the date of application in order to be eligible for transfer credit.
View our convenient Transfer Credit Guide under the “Prospective Students” menu.
I have most of my general education courses. How quickly can I finish?
The program will take 6 academic semesters or more to complete, regardless of the number of transfer credits awarded.
clinicals and evening classes
Do you have an evening program?
Courses & clinical classes will be offered during the day; some courses will also be offered in the late afternoon. Each course and clinical will not be offered at all possible times each semester, however, so for students who cannot attend morning classes, the program may take longer to complete. Flexibility is needed to succeed in the program.
The degree must be completed within 6 academic years.
Where are the clinical classes held?
Clinical classes (also called “practicums”) may take place in any of our Bon Secours Richmond hospitals (Memorial Regional Medical Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, and Richmond Community Hospital). Some clinicals may be held at MCV, (Medical College of Virginia, part of VCU), in private medical practices, at schools or in community health settings.
working full-time while attending the college
We discourage applicants from applying if they must work full-time (40+ hours weekly) while attending our College. If a student expects to have to work full-time, this program is probably not the right fit for you.
Many students succeed while working part-time. Please note that classes may begin early and end late. Late afternoon clinical classes may run from 3 pm – 11 pm at times.
Those who succeed in balancing their studies and other activities are typically very strong students with solid support from family members. They understand the need to focus primarily on their studies, and they know they will have to miss some family and social functions while attending college.
Students who work part-time while attending our College usually have support from their employers as well, who give them flexibility with their work schedules. Again, full-time employment is not recommended. Absences from lectures and clinicals will imperil a student’s success.
typical class schedule
Every student’s schedule is different. Many of our students will begin with some transfer credits from previous college(s) attended, so they may take fewer classes in a given semester than another student. Once admitted to our College, students will take classes at multiple locations. General Education courses are offered at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and nursing courses are taken at our location. Clinical classes rotate at various sites around Richmond.
Nursing classes/clinicals may begin as early as 7 am; afternoon clinicals may not end until 11 pm.
Can I attend part-time?
Yes; but the program must be completed within 6 years. Since the nursing curriculum is sequential, material builds from one class to the next. The longer it takes a student to complete the program, the greater the risk of forgetting key information.
financial aid, cost and discounts
Do you offer financial aid assistance?
Yes. You will complete the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. All Title IV programs including the Pell Grant, Stafford Loan and Federal Work Study programs are available. After completing one semester, applications may be submitted for need-based or merit scholarships. Once you have been accepted, you will be able to meet with a member of our financial aid staff who will personally assist you in exploring various financing options.
If I am a Bon Secours employee, will I be eligible for a discount?
Employees and immediate family members are eligible for a discount on the nursing courses (those course numbers prefaced by NUR.) Immediate family members include spouse, child/grandchild, parent, grandparent, spouse’s parent, legal guardian, sister/brother, or step-parent of an employee.
