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Pre-Licensure Nursing Admission Steps

Interested in taking that next step to become a Registered Nurse? 

  1. Apply to MSSU: Admissions Homepage - Admissions (mssu.edu)
  2. Send all official transcripts to MSSU upon applying to the university
  3. Begin work on your “Potential Pre-Nursing" or “Pre-Nursing, Application Ready” checklist!
  4. Reach out to nursing@mssu.edu for an appointment with the Pre-licensure BSN advisor

 

Admission Capacity & Timeline

  • Fall Cohort: Open Jan 1 – Mar 1; notification by April 15.
  • Spring Cohort: Open Jul 1 – Oct 1; notification by December 1.
  • Capacity Limits:
    • 30 students admitted each Fall semester.
    • 20 students admitted each Spring semester (starting Spring 2026)

student

Selection Criteria (BSN & LPN-to-BSN)

The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, considering:

  • Overall GPA (minimum 2.8) based on first- and second-year coursework.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a “C” or higher (one retake permitted). Required courses include:
    • BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr)
    • BIOL 221 Anatomy & Physiology II (5 cr)
    • Microbiology (5 cr)
    • CHEM 125 or CHEM 151 (5 cr)
    • ECON 101 or SOC 110 (3 cr)
    • KINE 385 Nutrition (3 cr)
    • MATH 130 College Algebra (3 cr)
    • Applied or Elementary Statistics, Business Statistics I, or Social Science Statistics (3 cr)
  • Minimum 75% on required sections of the HESI A2 Entrance Exam (one retake allowed).
  • LPN-to-BSN applicants must also:
    • Hold an active, non-disciplined LPN license.
    • Pass the NLN NACE Exam (minimum 75% for course credit) mssu.edu.

Note: All admissions decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Official acceptance comes via email and postal mail. Please use current contact information within your application


Requirements Upon Acceptance

Prior to semester start, you must complete:

  • Application admission fee
  • Criminal record check
  • Missouri "Care Giver" background screening
  • Physical exam and health documentation (immunizations, TB test, drug/alcohol screening)
  • Current CPR certification (American Heart Association for Health Care Providers)

Admission Exam & Study Resources

  • The Pre-licensure BSN admission exam is available year-round when testing centers are open.
  • For details, contact the Pre-Nursing Advisor or the Admission/Academic Success Coordinator at Floyd-C@mssu.edu.
  • Recommended study materials:
    • HESI Admission Assessment Exam Review (6th ed.), ISBN: 978-0443114090
    • HESI A2 Study Guide 2024–2025 for Nursing, ISBN: 978-1637753965

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us at nursing@mssu.edu.