ABSN Frequently Asked Questions
We can answer your frequently asked questions about our Accelerated BSN program and get you started on the path to begin your education. Please refer to our FAQ section below.
DO ALL PREREQUISITES NEED TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO APPLYING TO THE ABSN, OR CAN I HAVE IN-PROGRESS COURSEWORK ON MY TRANSCRIPT?
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. Full admission will be contingent upon successful completion of the requirements prior to the program start date.
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.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ADMITTED?
Up to 32 students are admitted to each cohort. We admit two cohorts per year.
wILL I HAVE TIME TO WORK DURING THE PROGRAM?
We do not recommend working during the ABSN program.
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.
is ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AVAILABLE?
On-campus student housing is available on a limited basis. Interested students should contact online@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. Students will also participate in simulated clinical experiences in our state-of-the-art simulation lab.
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.
AS A CHRIST-CENTERED UNIVERSITY, HOW IS FAITH INTEGRATED INTO THE ABSN PROGRAM?
All Bushnell undergraduates are required to earn credits in Biblical studies. The nursing programs incorporate this content into specific nursing classes rather than requiring separate Bible courses.
For example, students may have assignments that review scripture and discuss principles of servant leadership, Jesus as a healer, and advocacy for the marginalized. Bushnell welcomes students of all faith backgrounds; class members are expected to respectfully engage in discussions about faith and spirituality.
We welcome students who have no faith commitment or are from other faith commitments. Bushnell University is not a “church,” nor do we require students to be Christians or to subscribe to any faith statement. At the same time, all students should be prepared to be exposed daily to a Christian worldview and to be encouraged to a Christian faith commitment. As a community, we are committed to living our heritage and mission.
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 will be able to complete their required clinical placement hours during the program to be eligible for RN licensure after graduation.
WHAT’S A GOOD INITIAL SCORE BASED ON THE RUBRIC ON THE WEBSITE?
Generally speaking, candidates that are offered admission earn at least 20 points in initial scoring. Occasionally applicants with lower initial scores may be admitted.
WILL MY IN-PROGRESS COURSES BE WORTH ANY POINTS?
Scoring is based on grades, so we cannot award points for incomplete courses. If your projected initial score will be 17 or under, consider waiting for the next application cycle to apply so that your final course grades will apply.
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. Interviews will be held four times per year.
WHAT IF A COHORT FILLS UP PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
We currently admit on a rolling basis. We will update NursingCAS if all positions in a cohort are filled prior to the application close. Applicants may still apply for a spot on the wait list, or they can apply to the following cohort.