Students enrolled in the prelicensure ASN-BSN program are prepared to serve as generalists in the role of caregiver in a hospital or inpatient setting. The ASN component is a full-time program that is completed in two academic years. Upon completion of the courses required in the ASN component, the ASN degree is awarded and graduates are eligible to write the examination for RN licensure (NCLEX).

Graduates who meet the standards for entry may progress to the BSN component on a full or part-time basis upon the recommendation of faculty. ASN graduates may also defer pursuit of BSN degree until a later date.

The ASN-BSN program is offered on the Center City Philadelphia Campus and the Geisinger Medical Center Campus in Danville, PA. Students may enter the program directly out of high school. Prior college experience may be transferred in as general education coursework. Students with or without transfer credit complete the ASN component on the same schedule and are subject to the comprehensive fee structure regardless of the number of credits they take each semester.

Admission requirements:

• results of the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam for Registered Nursing Programs (NLN PAX-RN) (see below)
• high school and/or college transcripts
• There are no prerequisite course requirements for the ASN-BSN Program
• Jefferson will contact academically eligible applicants via e-mail to schedule a required interview (provided space is still available)
• International Students: An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service (WES) is required. All international students and U.S. permanent residents must demonstrate English language proficiency as one of the conditions for admission to Jefferson School of Nursing. Click to view the requirements.

Curriculum
Students in the ASN component enroll in a structured curriculum of 68 credits in required courses that provide grounding in nursing theory and practice as well as exposure to general education courses that are foundations for nursing education.

Recent Jefferson graduates:

• enjoy 95% job placement rates for graduates who pursue employment following graduation (Class of 2007)
• earn average starting salaries around $50,000.

National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam for Registered Nursing Programs Information (NLN PAX-RN)

Applicants to the ASN/BSN in Nursing program are required to submit scores from the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam for Registered Nursing Programs (NLN PAX-RN) as part of the admissions decision process. This test is designed to assist nursing programs in evaluating the skills of applicants in a variety of academic areas including verbal ability, mathematics, and science. An admissions decision cannot be made without these scores.

UPCOMING TEST LOCATIONS AND DATES:

Upcoming Test Locations and Dates (PDF File)

FEE:
A $55 fee is payable on the test date by money order or certified/cashiers check made out to Thomas Jefferson University. No personal checks or credit cards will be accepted.
                                                                                                       
REGISTRATION:
You must register for the exam at the test site, not by phone. Registration is on a first come, first-served basis only on the day of the test. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the exam.

IDENTIFICATION:
Photo identification must be presented at the testing site on the test date.

STUDY GUIDE: 
A study guide for the NLN PAX-RN is available through bookstores and the publisher’s website at http://www.jbpub.com/catalog/9780763762711/. The book contains approximately 1,000 practice questions and features three practice exams in each of the three content areas: verbal ability, mathematics and science. It also includes helpful tips for test preparation and for becoming a more effective learner and test taker.

SCORES:
The Jefferson and Danville testing site coordinators will forward official test scores to the Jefferson Schools Office of Admissions. While there is no minimum score required, scores of 70% or higher of the maximum raw score in each section are considered competitive. Official Scores from NLN PAX-RN tests taken within the last two years at another site may be used in place of new test scores. Please contact your previous test site or the National League for Nursing (www.nln.org) and ask that official scores be forwarded to:

Jefferson Office of Admissions
130 S. 9th St., Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19107

View further information on Admission to JSN