II. Entrance & Progression

II. Entrance and Progression

Section II.I: Admission to Buntain College of Nursing

1—Admission to Northwest University

All students must be admitted to Northwest University before consideration for admission to the nursing major. Transfer students should refer to Section II.II “Transferring to Northwest University” for specifics regarding the admission process and transferring coursework.

2—Criteria for Entrance to Nursing Major

The Northwest University catalog reflects the following criteria for admission to the nursing major:

Successful completion of the general education requirements with a grade point average (GPA) of at least “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) and a grade of at least “B-” (2.7 on a 4.00 scale) in each of the following courses: Survey of Chemistry II (organic chemistry and biochemistry), Anatomy & Physiology I and II, and General Psychology.

Meet test score expectations on the Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATITEAS). The ATITEAS is a pre-admittance test administered through the Nursing Education. The ATITEAS is a multiple-choice assessment measuring basic academic preparedness in reading, math, science, English and language usage. There is a maximum of three attempts for the ATITEAS test at Northwest University.

Assessment of applicant’s potential for success as a registered professional nurse by faculty and other credentialed professionals using data from answers to self-analysis essay questions; two reference letters speaking to the applicant’s character, leadership activities, and service commitment; and official transcripts documenting the applicant’s previous academic work.

3—Application Processes

A maximum of 48 students are admitted to the Buntain College of Nursing in a group or cohort once a year. Faculty evaluate applications and offer admission to applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for success in the nursing program. January 31st is the deadline for applying to the cohort that will begin nursing courses in the upcoming academic year. The Buntain College of Nursing application is available October 1st. Students may access the application process on the Northwest University Buntain College of Nursing website. The BCON uses NursingCAS, a national centralized application service for students applying to registered nursing programs in the U.S.

4—Additional Nursing Program Costs

A number of costs within the junior and senior year nursing curriculum are substantially higher than those for other majors at Northwest University. These costs include:

A $150 per credit practicum fee. There are six credits of practicum in each semester. A principle reason for this fee is related to the low student-to-faculty member ratio in practicum or “clinical” settings. State regulations require no more than 10 students per faculty member.

The higher expense of nursing textbooks. In the first semester of the junior year, books are approximately $1,500. The books purchased in the first semester are also required references throughout the program. In subsequent semesters, book costs will be closer to $600 per semester.

Various supplies (stethoscope and blood pressure cuff), uniforms, lab coat, shoes and the identification badge cost approximately $350.

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) testing. A non-refundable fee is charged in the junior and senior year to cover the cost of student access to multiple computerized tests, learning resources and a set of ATI licensure exam review modules. These tests are administered at strategic times in the junior and senior years to assist students in assessing mastery of content over which they will be tested on the licensure exam after graduation. Please see the University catalog for the current fee. This fee is non-refundable.

The cost of the senior, spring semester, cross-cultural nursing and ministry trip is approximately $4000 to $5000. The cost is divided equally over four semesters and is non-refundable.

The cost of the online portfolio is approximately $70. This fee includes use of FolioTek® online portfolio system for two years. After graduation a portfolio account can be continued for an additional cost. This fee is non-refundable.

Onboarding of all clinical compliance documents is managed by American Databank (ADB). The approximate cost for the duration of the program is $125.00. Once the order is submitted ADB will not refund the fee.

Section II.II: Transferring to Northwest University

Transfer students need to apply to Northwest University as the first step in gaining admission to the nursing program. The Admissions Office can be contacted by sending a request for information via the university website www.northwestu.edu or by email: admissions@northwestu.edu. Students may also call toll-free 1-800-669-3781 or (425) 889-5231. A decision cannot be made regarding admission to the Buntain College of Nursing until a student is accepted to Northwest University.

1—Transferring Prerequisites

Transfer students need to work closely with the Northwest University transfer counselor to complete each specific prerequisite for admission to the nursing major. After a student is accepted to Northwest University, the Transcript Analyst will complete a transcript review. Each course is evaluated on a case by case basis to verify it satisfies the program requirements. Contact the College of Nursing or the Northwest University transfer counselor if there are discrepancies on the transfer review. If a planned transfer course did not meet a Buntain College of Nursing prerequisite it will need to be met through additional coursework.

Section II.III: Nursing Program Progression Policies

1—Traditional Progression

Registered nurses are responsible for providing safe and competent client care. In preparation for this level of care, the nursing program is academically rigorous. A great deal of reading, and research are required. The faculty expect students to make rapid progress in the development of critical thinking, communication, and technical skills.

To progress in the nursing major (i.e., enroll in the next semester of nursing courses or be eligible for graduation with the nursing major) is dependent on successful synthesis of the content of each nursing course, and self-motivation to develop a strong professional nursing base. Progression in the nursing program depends on satisfactory completion of assignments that include theoretical and clinical performance. The university catalog and course syllabi specify standards of academic performance. A final course grade greater than or equal to 80% (B- or 2.70 on a 4.00 scale) is required to pass each nursing course. A final course grade below 80% (B- or 2.70 on a 4.00 scale) prevents progression and requires readmission to the nursing major. An overall GPA of 3.00 must be maintained each semester throughout the sequence of nursing courses. Students who do not achieve an 80% (B- or 2.70) in each nursing course and a 3.00 semester GPA will not be allowed to progress to the next semester.

2—Students at Risk

Buntain College of Nursing is committed to the success of students. Referrals to the Writing Lab and the Office of Academic Success & Advising may be made in an effort to enhance success. Faculty may issue a Progression Warning and Learning Contract as an alert to the student if there is concern about the student’s progress. Multiple progression warnings will result in referral to the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee and the Dean.

3—Dismissal/Withdrawal

Students who do not achieve an 80% in each nursing course and a 3.00 semester GPA will not be allowed to progress to the next semester.

On occasion major health problems or changes in personal circumstances make progression in the nursing program difficult. Students are encouraged to seek out faculty counsel or advice early so that there is opportunity to plan how to best meet educational goals.

In the event that dismissal/withdrawal is recommended by faculty or requested by the student (see dismissal/withdrawal form Appendix IX.III), the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee will seek to assure that appropriate policies have been followed and that concerns of both student and faculty have been adequately expressed. If a student believes that there has been serious misjudgment, they are referred to the formal complaint policy within the College of Nursing Handbook, Section IV.

4—Incomplete Grades

A student may request an incomplete grade for reasons of illness or emergency. A written request for an incomplete must be submitted to and approved by the professor of the course before the final examination. The incomplete must be completed by the end of the fourth week of the following course session.

5—Readmission

A student who leaves the cohort group for any reason, such as, but not limited to, personal issues or academic standing, is required to meet the respective faculty advisor to complete the readmission application. A student must formally apply in writing, for readmission to the program. A readmission application is subject to review by designated faculty members and the Dean of the College of Nursing. The student will be required to meet both program and academic performance requirements of the cohort to which he or she is readmitted and may be unique to the student’s situation. Readmission to nursing courses is subject to space available. (See the full Readmission Policy and Readmission Application and Plan Appendix IX.IV)

6—Program Completion

To qualify for the degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), every student must meet the following standards:

All nursing theory and clinical courses must be taken in residence at Northwest University.
Successful completion of all nursing major courses represented on Northwest University’s, BSN degree template within three (3) academic years; and
Maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester of the nursing major; and
Pass each course in the nursing major with a minimum grade of B- (2.7); and
Participate in all NCLEX-review and preparation sessions spring semester of the senior year.

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BUNTAIN COLLEGE OF NURSING

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