ABSN Frequently Asked Questions

DO ALL PREREQUISITES NEED TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THE ABSN, OR CAN I HAVE IN-PROGRESS COURSEWORK ON MY TRANSCRIPT?

It’s best to apply with as many prerequisites complete as possible, but we recognize the timing doesn’t always work out perfectly. Prospective students may apply while their final prerequisites, bachelor’s degree, or CNA are in progress. They must provide evidence on their application (transcripts or other record) that the final items are in progress and will be completed before their intended start date. Full admission will be contingent upon successful completion of the requirements prior to the program start.

How long is the nursing program?

12 months. Students who start in August graduate the following August. Students who start in January graduate in December of the same calendar year.

What’s the schedule like?

This accelerated program is intensive and rigorous. Students should be prepared to step out of the workforce and reduce other commitments to make nursing school their top priority. In a typical week, students have 1-2 days of clinical rotations in the community, and 3 days of classes, skills lab, and/or simulations on campus. Outside of classes, students should expect to spend several hours each day on assignments and studying. 

wILL I HAVE TIME TO WORK DURING THE PROGRAM?

We do not recommend working during the ABSN program.

Should I apply to the university first, or should I apply directly to the school of nursing?

This depends on your educational background. If you’ve completed a prior bachelor’s degree and the nursing prerequisites, OR you’ve completed the prerequisites and all of Bushnell’s general education requirements, you can apply straight to the ABSN program. If you still need general education or prerequisite courses and want to take those at Bushnell, you can apply as a first-year, transfer, or online student. Your academic advisor will help you complete the remaining requirements so you can apply to the ABSN program as soon as you’re ready.

If I plan to pursue the ABSn as my first bachelor’s degree, how do I know if I’ve completed bushnell’s general education requirements?

You can upload unofficial transcripts from all your prior college coursework, and we’ll complete a transfer evaluation for you. This will tell you exactly what requirements are still needed for you to be eligible to apply to the nursing school.

CAN I HAVE MY TRANSCRIPTS REVIEWED TO MAKE SURE MY COURSES SATISFY THE PREREQUISITES?

Yes! Contact admissions@bushnell.edu to connect with an admission counselor.

WOULD ANOTHER CERTIFICATION WORK INSTEAD OF THE CNA, SUCH AS AN EMT LICENSE OR CMA?

We will accept a practical nursing license (LPN or LVN) in place of the CNA. Other licensures or certifications are helpful to strengthen applicants’ competitiveness for admission, but a CNA certificate is still required. The CNA course teaches important foundational hands-on nursing skills that students will build upon immediately in the accelerated BSN program.

can i take the nursing prerequisites through sophia learning or  straighterline?

No. Nursing prerequisites must be completed through regionally-accredited institutions of higher education. It’s common for students to take their prerequisites through community colleges, accredited online universities (such as Oregon State University e-campus, University of Phoenix, etc.), or accredited independent providers like Portage Learning. 

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ADMITTED?

Up to 32 students are admitted to each cohort. We admit two cohorts per year.

is ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AVAILABLE?

On-campus student housing is available on a limited basis. Interested students should contact admissions@bushnell.edu for more details. Bushnell is located in the University neighborhood in Eugene, and there are many student rental options close to campus.

wHERE DO STUDENTS COMPLETE CLINICAL PRACTICE HOURS?

We’re proud to provide students with a diverse array of clinical experiences. Students can expect their clinicals to coordinate with classroom content to reinforce key concepts and provide a rich learning experience.

Clinical sites may include inpatient acute care hospital, in-and outpatient mental health, outpatient hospital clinics, sub-acute and long-term adult care settings and a variety of community sites such as schools, public health, and corrections. All clinical sites are within 75 miles of the Bushnell University campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation.

Additionally, ABSN students participate in simulated clinical experiences in our state-of-the-art simulation lab on campus.

DO I NEED TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO APPLY?

Bushnell is a Christ-centered university, and we welcome students from all faith backgrounds. There is no admission preference given to applicants based on their religious beliefs. Students should expect to respectfully engage in discussions about spirituality and the role it plays in the nursing profession.

how is faith integrated into the classroom?

All Bushnell undergraduates are required to earn credits in Biblical studies. Students pursuing the ABSN program as their first bachelor’s degree will be required to take Biblical studies courses as part of their general education requirements.

In the nursing program, students may have assignments that review scripture and discuss principles related to nursing as a calling. Examples include servant leadership, Jesus as a healer, and advocacy for the marginalized. Bushnell welcomes students of all faith backgrounds. As a Christ-centered university, Bushnell faculty teach from a Christian worldview, and class members are expected to respectfully engage in discussions about faith and spirituality.

DO I HAVE TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?

Immunization against COVID-19 and several other diseases is required for ABSN students. This helps ensure that students can complete their required clinical hours for licensure. 

There is a a process in place for students needing to request exemption from an immunization requirement. Exemptions are not guaranteed, and requests are considered case by case. If an exemption is granted, the student may be required to take additional precautionary steps (e.g. wearing a mask) at certain clinical sites.

is this program open to international students?

Yes, but there are some factors that affect student eligibility. Contact admissions@bushnell.edu for answers to specific questions.

• All nursing prerequisites must be completed through a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. 
• Students must already be in the U.S. on a student visa, enrolled, full-time, for 12 months prior to starting the nursing program.

WHAT IF i’M OFFERED AN INTERVIEW BUT CAN’T ATTEND AT THE SCHEDULED TIME?

Applicants should make it a priority to attend the interview on the scheduled date. If not able to attend, they may join the next round of interviews and be considered with the next pool of candidates. 

WHen will i hear back about my application?

The timeline varies considerably depending on the rate of application submissions and when we can hold interviews. Early applicants might have the opportunity to interview prior to the application deadline, but it is not guaranteed. At the latest, applicants can expect some response or invitation to interview within 45 days after the application closes.   

Should i worry about applying as early as possible? what if the cohort fills before the application deadline?

Because we offer 2 entry dates per year, we’ve not yet had any issues with a cohort filling before the application deadline. If your in-progress prerequisites will be completed prior to the deadline, it’s preferable to wait to apply when those are finished rather than applying early with in-progress requirements.