Accelerated BSN Requirements

While previous healthcare experience is not necessary to enroll in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track at the University of the Incarnate Word, there are certain accelerated BSN requirements you must meet before you can begin the admissions process.

UIW ABSN Admissions Requirements

In order to be eligible for admission into the UIW ABSN track, students must have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or have completed 60 college credits from an accredited institution and have met the UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum requirements.

Additionally, applicants must:

  • Submit a completed application through NursingCAS.
  • Achieve a proficient score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). The Total score and the Individual (Reading, Math, Science, English) scores will be considered. The target* scores for the individual sections are:
    • Reading: 75
    • Math: 64
    • Science: 60
    • English: 60

*Applicants who do not achieve the TEAS individual section target scores may be required to complete supplemental, content-specific, academic success support assignments prior to beginning the BSN program.

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Following admission into the Accelerated BSN track, students will need to provide:

  • A completed Immunization Validation form.
  • Documentation of CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers).
  • Documentation of First Aid certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross).
Outside building view of UIW's campus

The Following Individuals Will Not Be Considered for Admission:

  • Applicants who do not complete all the application steps.
  • Applicants who do not meet the deadlines.
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum cumulative or science GPA requirements.
  • Applicants who have not completed and/or have not demonstrated proof of enrollment in the final prerequisite courses.
  • Applicants who do not score proficient or higher on the ATI TEAS.
  • Applicants who have been unsuccessful in another nursing program.

Applicants who have enrolled in a nursing program in the past must disclose this fact on their application and ask their previous program director or dean to email a letter of good standing to Dr. Kathleen Tilton, BSN Program Chair, at [email protected].

ABSN is currently not accepting applications from international students. Only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents are eligible.

Criminal Background Check Procedure

Prior Clearance

Applicants who have previously received documentation of clearance from the Texas Board of Nursing may submit that information when requested. Persons licensed in Texas as LVNs within the last five years may submit this clearance as documentation when requested.

All applicants need to complete the Acknowledgement for legal Requirements form and submit as instructed on or before the application deadline in order to begin the background check process.

Texas Board of Nursing Background Check

The School of Nursing requires that each applicant complete a criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Following review, the BON reports directly to the applicant by mail. If accepted, applicants must show clearance by the BON prior to enrollment in nursing courses. In the event that the applicant was required to petition for a declaratory order, a copy of the declaratory order must be presented to the BSN program chair. This BON documentation is a mandatory requirement for acceptance/enrollment in the program.

For a complete list of legal requirements for registered nurse licensure in Texas, visit nursing-and-health-professions.uiw.edu.

Complete the Immunization Record

All nursing students are required to meet the recommended standards for immunizations for health professions personnel. Immunizations are required upon admission to the program and updated as required. Accepted applicants will be required to submit documentation of the following completed immunizations and/or titers to Sentry MD upon their confirmation of acceptance to the nursing program. Some may require six months or more to complete, so applicants should ensure all requirements are met prior to application. Professional documentation is required for medical contraindications.

Accepted students will receive instructions and deadlines for submission of immunizations from the Dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions in the acceptance letter. Accepted students who do not submit the required documentation by the deadline will forfeit their admission into the program. In preparation, applicants may download the Immunization Validation Form for completion and signature by their healthcare professional prior to applying to the nursing program.

3 UIW nursing students in a lab setting working on a manikin
UIW nursing student in scrubs and stethoscope working on a manikin

Required Immunizations

  • Hepatitis B Immunizations (may require more than 6 months to complete)
    • Hepatitis B vaccine series (at 0, 1, 6-month schedule), or
    • Hepatitis A/B vaccine series (at 0, 1, 6-month schedule), or
    • Hepatitis A/B vaccine series (alternative schedule of doses at 0, 7 days, 21–31 days, and a booster dose 12 months after the first dose).
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer documenting post-vaccine series immunity to Hepatitis B is also required. Failure to complete the titer (blood test) prior to the application deadline and to consult with a healthcare provider if the titer doesn’t document immunity may cause delays that preclude enrollment in the program.
  • MMR vaccine (2 doses) or laboratory evidence of immunity.
  • Seasonal Influenza (1 dose) annual fall/winter vaccine. Required annually in the fall.
  • Tdap (1 dose)
    • Note: Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) is the adult/older children vaccine. It is not to be confused with Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine) or DTaP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine, intended for children). A titer is not accepted.
  • TB screen (PPD) within the last 6 months is required. Alternatively, a medical plan for follow-up if PPD contraindicated.
    • Note: TB screen is required annually while taking part in the nursing program, so it is ideal to have the first one completed in May, June or July. If this is done, it will expire and get repeated during the summer break.
  • Varicella vaccine (2 doses) or laboratory evidence of immunity (titer)
    • Note: History of having had the chickenpox disease will not be accepted as evidence of immunity.

Preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The ATI TEAS tests the concepts learned in prerequisite math, science and reading/writing courses. Prospective applicants should approach all prerequisite courses with a desire for lifelong learning. Students who study every day throughout the semesters and the breaks will score better on the ATI TEAS than those who memorize material for exams, which tends to be a recipe for material being quickly forgotten.

You can visit the Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC to register and schedule to take the ATI TEAS exam. You’ll also find excellent preparatory options for the TEAS on their site.

Can Applicants Take the ATI TEAS More Than Once?

  • ATI TEAS scores from the previous six months will be considered for an application cycle.
  • The ATI TEAS exam may be taken twice during an application cycle. Scores from both attempts must be submitted. A minimum of three weeks must elapse between the first and second attempt if taken twice.
  • The scores on the exam with the highest composite score will be considered. Applicants who posted high scores on their initial attempt will receive priority over those who required two attempts.
statues outside on UIW's campus

For More Information

Contact us to find out more about the accelerated BSN requirements for admission.