Welcome Prospective Student
Excellence Every Day in Nursing Education, Research, and Practice
The College of Nursing is a leader in nursing education at bachelor, masters and doctoral levels and nationally recognized for its nurse-managed health centers, rural focus, interdisciplinary programs, and community partnerships.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is the foundation for professional nursing practice. The professional nurse practices in collaboration with other health care providers and is responsible for coordinating and practicing comprehensive nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities, and assuming management and leadership positions in nursing practice.
The College of Nursing offers eight (8) tracks leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Traditional BSN, Accelerated 2nd degree BSN, ETSU-HVMC Accelerated BSN, ETSU-Sevierville Accelerated BSN, and LPN-BSN offers coursework leading to initial licensure as a professional nurse. The RN-BSN option is designed for students who are already registered nurses but who are seeking a bachelor’s degree. The Dual Degree RN-BSN is offered with select community college partners for students enrolled in associates degree programs who are interested in simultaneously earning a bachelor’s degree.
A course of study that meets the degree requirements and the university’s General Education Program Requirements will be planned with the student through regular sessions with a College of Nursing professional advisor.
- Accelerated BSN
- ETSU/HVMC Accelerated Program
- ETSU/Sevierville Accelerated BSN
- Traditional BSN
- Dual Degree
The College of Nursing offers a variety of options for student looking to continue their nursing education. Certificate, RN-MSN,MSN, DNP and PhD options are available. The ETSU College of Nursing offers many different concentration areas to help students focus on their area(s) of interest. For more information please contract firstname.lastname@example.org or call 423-439-4578.
The College of Nursing graduate study leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) designed to prepare registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing for advanced nursing practice. The nursing education major is designed to prepare individuals for the nurse educator role in academic or staff development settings. It reflects the nurse educator competencies developed by national organizations and is comprehensive in nature. The nursing administration concentration prepares students for employment or advancement in nursing leadership/management. Students in this concentration will consult and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and direct health care systems through integration research and scholarship.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a terminal professional degree for those who wish to pursue or further their career as an advanced practice nurse focusing on healthcare needs of specific populations. The College of Nursing currently offers four concentrations within the degree: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degree program at ETSU is to prepare expert practitioners and nurse scientists who are capable of conducting research that will improve health and provide leadership in the health care delivery system. Graduates of the program will meet an escalating need for nurse educators and researchers in schools of nursing, health agencies, and complex health care delivery systems across the state and nation.
The Post-Graduate certificate programs offer a Post-Master’s certificate for nurses who have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree. This customized special studies program provides education and clinical training in the FNP role. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the national certification examination.
- Nursing, DNP ETSU-TTU (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration)*
- Nursing, DNP ETSU-TTU (Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner)*
- Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Graduate Certificate
- Nursing, M.S.N. (Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration)
- Nursing, M.S.N. (Nursing Administration Concentration)
- Nursing, M.S.N. (Nursing Education Concentration)
- Nursing, M.S.N. (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration)
- Nursing, Ph.D.
- Nursing, Post-D.N.P. Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate
- Nursing, Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate
- Nursing, Post-Graduate Nursing Administration, Graduate Certificate
- Nursing, Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate
*denotes Joint DNP program with TTU
If you are currently enrolled at ETSU as a HPNU-Nursing Interest Student(Pre-Nursing) or are considering applying to be a student at ETSU, below is important information you need to know about the admissions process, requirements, considerations, and dealines for entry into the College of Nursing BSN program as an HPNU-Nursing Interest student.
Transfer students who are ready to apply to the Bachelor Science in Nursing program will complete two applications: one application to ETSU Undergraduate Admissions, and one to the College of Nursing through Nursing CAS. These applications should both be started several weeks ahead of the Nursing program application deadlines, and can be done simultaneously.
Step 1. If not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers must also apply to ETSU
Step 2. Meet Gen Ed and GPA Requirements, as well as complete the TEAS. Students applying to LPN-BSN only do not take the TEAS.
Step 3. Apply to the College of Nursing through the Nursing CAS website.
Step 4. Receive your admissions decision and accept admission if approved, about 1 month after deadline.
1. General Education Requirements
Please click here to review the University General Education requirements. (A new window should open)
2. If not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers
Student who are not already enrolled at ETSU/transfers must also apply to ETSU at this link Apply to ETSU/Transfer
3. Minimum Cumulative College Level GPA
A minimum cumulative College Level GPA of 2.6 as computed by East Tennessee State University (excluding developmental coursework) is required.
4. Apply through Nursing CAS
- Students must apply to the College of Nursing using the Centralized Application System (Nursing CAS).
- Official Transcripts from all colleges attended (including dual enrollment during high school) must be sent to CAS.
- Transfer students must also apply for General Admission to ETSU.
- This should be done well in advance of the application deadline.
Detailed instructions and information are available at the Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) [A new window should open]
SPRING is October 1
Summer is February 1
Fall is June 1
You must complete the TEAS by the deadline.
6. What is not required?
ETSU College of Nursing does NOT require references, a personal statement or professional experience for admission.
7. Clinical Health Care Requirements
To protect themselves and clients and to meet the requirements of the clinical agencies, students must meet certain clinical health care requirements. For students making application beginning fall 2018 and after, the following Hepatitis B requirements must be met:
Hepatitis B Vaccine
a. Positive antibody titer OR three (3) doses according to the following schedule
a. First dose: at elected date
b. Second dose: at least four (4) weeks after the first dose
c. Third dose: at least eight (8) weeks after the second dose and sixteen (16) weeks after the first dose
b. Any student enrolled in a higher education institution who is a health science student expected to have patient contact shall present proof of protection again Hepatitis B before patient contact begins.
For purposes of this paragraph adequate immunization is defined as:
a. Complete hepatitis B vaccine series or
b. Laboratory evidence of immunity or infection
c. An individual may be exempted from the requirements of this section only under the following circumstances:
Where a physician licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners, the Board of Osteopathic Examiners or a Health Department determines that a particular vaccine is contraindicated for one of the following reasons:
a. the individual meets the criteria for contraindication set forth in the manufacturer’s vaccine package insert; or
b. the individual meets the criteria for contraindication published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control or the ACIP;
c. in the best professional judgment of the physician, based upon the individual’s medical condition and history, the risk of harm from the vaccine outweighs the potential benefit.
d. If the series is delayed between doses, the vaccine should be continued from where it was left off.
e. Should the student present a report for a blood test for antibody to Hepatitis B (Hb, Ab) and the result shows that the individual did not respond adequately to the vaccine series, the three-dose series must be repeated.
f. Hepatitis B vaccines and antibody titers (serology for immunity) are available at the ETSU University Health Centeron an appointment only basis and for a fee. Immunizations Schedule Monday –Friday 8:00-11:30 and 1:30-3:30.
Failure in providing the required information will result in the student not being allowed to start ETSU clinical nursing courses.
8. Applicant Ranking
Applicants are ranked by a point system which includes 100 possible points in 4 areas: Overall GPA, Math/Science Nursing Pre-requisite GPA, Adjusted Individual Total Score, and Adjusted Individual Reading section score of the TEAS for a total of 400 possible points. Applicants are admitted in point order.
OVERALL GPA *
100 Points Available
Includes all college level courses
100 Points Available
GPA includes Nursing Pre-requisites only (A&P I,II, Micro, & Prob/Stats)
*At least 3 must be completed 1 can be in progress*
200 Points Available
Total (all 4 sections): 100 Reading section only: 100
Adjusted individual Total score
= number of points earned.
Adjusted individual Reading score
= number of points earned
*A Total Score below 50 earns
*A Score below 50 earns
General Ed Requirements
General Ed and Major Prerequisite Checklist
This checksheet contains both general education and nursing pre-requisite requirements. While taking these courses, students are considered HPNU - Nursing Interest and they must complete these classes before beginning the nursing program. The HPNU - Nursing Interest Advisors can help you stay on track and can determine when you are ready to apply to the Nursing program.
Step 4. ETSU is Listed as East TN State BSN on the ATI website
Step 5. TEAS Test Fee $65.00 (pay when you take the test). Have your credit/debit card available - you will take the TEAS on your own computer at home!
Step 6. Contact Denise Bowser at firstname.lastname@example.org or 423-439-4262 to schedule your test
How does the College of Nursing use the TEAS score?
TEAS scores are used as part of the criteria for admission to the College of Nursing. The TEAS score will also assist the faculty to identify students who may need additional support.
- Students, who score less than program mean in reading comprehension or the cumulative
score, will be required to register for and successfully complete NRSE 3300: Promoting
Academic Success (1 credit hour) during the first semester in the College of Nursing
- Students, who score less than the program mean in math, will be required to register for and successfully complete NRSE 3005: Dosage and Calculations (1 credit hour) prior to enrolling in NRSE 3501: Patient Centered Care 1 (3 credit hours).
How do I register to take the TEAS at ETSU Testing Center?
To Register for TEAS:
- Go to the University Testing Center link: http://www.etsu.edu/students/cfaa/testing/default.php
- Click on “FOR ALL ON-SITE EXAMS: START HERE"
- Choose TEAS from the "Choose a Group" drop-down box
- You will see this note:
This Registration and Fee is for your Seat ONLY: You MUST still purchase your exam.
You will need to create an account at  - You can go to this site after you register and pay for your seat.
- Make sure to write down your Username and Password, as you will need this to log into ATI when you sit down at the computer to take your test.
- You must also bring a method of payment (debit/credit card) to pay for the exam when you sit down at the computer to take your
- Continue to follow the prompts “Choose an exam," etc. until you have successfully registered and purchased your testing
This is a 2-step payment process! You must make one payment to reserve your seat in the University Testing Center AND make another payment to purchase your test once you sit down at your computer to take the test.
When should I take the TEAS?
We need the scores by the application deadline, so before October first, February first, or June first.
Can I study for the TEAS?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to prepare for the test.
- Study materials are available to purchase on the ATI website.
- Practice tests and a study manual are both recommended.
- There are four (4) sections to the TEAS exam:
- Math, Reading, Science, and English
Can I take the TEAS more than once?
You can take the TEAS two times in two years, but not more than one time in a single semester. We will take the highest scores, even if they are from two different tests.
How long are the TEAS scores valid?
TEAS scores are valid for two years from the date of assessment.
The Office of Student Services is located in Room 230 of Nicks Hall.
Please be aware that some GPS systems have difficulty finding specific campus buildings, so we suggest using the physical address noted above. You may also use this link: https://goo.gl/maps/DsQZ1iKLGh32 to open a Google map to the building.
Visitors are authorized to park in any Faculty/Staff or Student lot.
Visitors are not authorized to park as follows:
- Time Restricted Spaces (unless honoring the time limit)
- Metered Lots (unless paying the meter)
- Fire Lanes
- Yellow Zones
- Carpool Reserved Spaces
- Service Vehicle Reserved Spaces
- Disability Spaces (unless hang tag, placard, or disability license plate is displayed)
- Health Clinic Reserved or BucSports Reserved Space (unless visiting the clinics as a patient)
- Departmental Reserved Spaces
- Any other Reserved Spaces (denoted by signage)
Backed-In or Pulled-Through Parking
Vehicles are not to be backed into parking spaces and must be headed into the closed end of the designated parking space.
Persons operating a properly registered mobility lift vehicle may back into a disability parking space to provide access or egress from the vehicle.
On-Street Parallel Parking
Vehicles are not to be parked against the flow of traffic; vehicles must be parked with the right wheels next to the curb on a two-way street. Every vehicle stopped or parked must have the wheels of the vehicle parallel to within eighteen (18) inches of the curb.
What is the application deadline for the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program?
October 1 for program beginning Spring Semester; February 1 for program beginning Summer Semerster; June 1 for program beginning Fall Semester. The application will be available online via Nursing CAS about 45 days prior to each deadline. Here is a link to the application: http://www.nursingcas.org/
What are the admission requirements for HPNU-Nursing Interest Students?
Here is a link to the admission requirements:  if you have questions, you can contact an HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor at 423 439-4578 or email@example.com
Do I have to be an “HPNU - Nursing Interest” student to apply to the program?
No. As long as you meet admission requirements, you are eligible to apply, even if you are declared a different major.
Does ETSU limit the number of students declared “HPNU- Nursing Interest”?
No. However, we strongly recommend that you meet with an HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor.
I think I want to be a nurse. What do I need to know before I apply to ETSU?
Designate Health Profession-Nursing Interest (HPNU on your ETSU Application. While HPNU is not a “major” it is the designated group name for students who want to be in the nursing program.
Once you have completed the General Education Core Requirements and designated nursing pre-requisite classes, you will be ready to apply to the College of Nursing. This takes about 3 semesters.
I’ve decided to pursue nursing, but I am not a HPNU- Nursing Interest student. How do I change my major?
Make an appointment with a HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor by calling 423 439-4578. Tell the receptionist it is a “change of major” appointment.
I am an undergraduate nursing student and I want to apply to transfer to the nursing program at ETSU. Where do I send my transcripts?
The process requires two applications—one to ETSU Undergraduate Admissions and one to the College of Nursing through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS).Send transcripts to CAS. Below are the links to both the College of Nursing and ETSU Undergraduate Admissions.
First Time Freshmen admitted to ETSU with a high school GPA of 3.5 or above AND ACT composite score of 29 or higher, or an SAT composite of 1350 and maintain an ETSU overall GPA of 3.2 or higher will be guaranteed admission to the nursing major. Students must complete the College of Nursing Application process and meet all other established admissions criteria. Please click here to see Admission Criteria
What courses can I take in High School to prepare me for the program?
Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry and Statistics will all be helpful. College Level A&P I and II, Intro to Microbiology, and Probability/Statistics are required nursing pre-requisite classes, so having a solid background will help you successfully complete the courses in college. The grades in these courses play a big part in admission to the College of Nursing.
Do courses taken a long time ago still count?
General education courses, electives and pre-requisites do not “expire”. However, you are responsible for knowing the material in pre-requisite classes.
Does volunteer work or shadowing experience help me get into the College of Nursing?
While volunteer work and/or shadowing are great experiences and can help you determine whether or not you want to be a nurse, admission to the nursing program is based solely on academic and TEAS V test performance.
A CNA license does not factor into admissions, although the experience will help you when you begin the nursing program.
When do I take the TEAS?
We recommend taking the TEAS after your first semester in college, so that you would have the opportunity to retake the exam before you apply. You may only take the exam once per semester and up to twice in two years.
Scores for the TEAS are valid for 2 years.
Where do I sign up for the TEAS test?
The ATI Testing site: . You can search for location by city and state. We offer it at ETSU, and we will automatically have your scores. If you take it elsewhere(it is offered all over the USA) you will need to request and pay for a TEAS Transcript.
Can I study for the TEAS?
Yes. We strongly suggest that you prepare for the test. Study materials are available to purchase on the ATI website. Practice tests and a study manual are both recommended.There are 4 sections to the TEAS exam: Math, Reading, Science, and English.
Do you give preference for admission to ETSU students?
No. As long as a student meets admission requirements, all students are evaluated equally.
How many students apply to the BSN programs and how many do you accept?
Each semester is different, we generally receive between 200 and 300 applications. Fall and Spring semesters we accept 30-90 students depending on campus. Summer we traditionally accept less 30 or less per campus.
Do you keep a waiting list?
No, but we will admit additional students in point order as space becomes available until classes actually begin.
If I apply and do not get accepted, can I apply again the next semester?
Yes, you can apply again. We do suggest that you make an appointment with a HPNU- Nursing Interest advisor to discuss your options.
Do you offer a two year (Associate Nursing Degree) or LPN license training?
No. The BSN is a 4 year degree. There are several Community Colleges in the area which offer a two year degree.
Can I Minor in Nursing?
How long does it take to earn the BSN degree?
The nursing courses take five semesters to complete. If you apply and are accepted at the beginning of your sophomore year (3rd semester in college), then you can complete the degree in four years. It does take some students longer, depending on circumstances.
Can I take nursing classes in the summer to finish faster?
Summer classes are reserved for the accelerated track program students only. Students may not switch tracks.
I have an LPN License. How is my program different?LPN’s must still meet all of the requirements for admission to the College of Nursing, and apply to the program. If accepted to the program, the LPN student will take a slightly altered curriculum to account for LPN knowledge and experience. LPN-BSN students are is an accelerated program and go to school in the summer and complete 4 semester of nursing classes after their general education and graduation requirements are complete.
Do you offer online classes for the BSN program?
No. This is not an online program. Classes are taught during the day except for the LPN-BSN program where they are taught evenings.
How much does it cost to attend ETSU?
ETSU charges per credit hour, so each semester will cost a different amount. There are also course fees, books and supplies that add to the cost. To calculate the approximate tuition (either in state or out of state) go to: https://www.etsu.edu/paying-for-college/estimator/r/tuitioninfo/calendar.php
When do I meet with an advisor?
Initially, you will meet your advisor at orientation to register for classes. Then you will meet with an advisor each semester. You can always email or set up advising appointments in the interim periods. We have full time advising staff in the office every day. We are happy to help.