Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all prerequisites must be completed before matriculating at Jefferson. Prerequisites cannot be completed while enrolled in our nursing program.

No, students can apply with prerequisites in progress. However the Admission Committee prefers to see the majority of the prerequisites completed including at least 3 of the 4 science prerequisites. If admitted with prerequisites in progress (or bachelor’s degree in progress for FACT applicants), a potential offer of admission would be contingent upon successful completion of those courses.

Prerequisites can be taken at Jefferson through the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Classes can also be taken at any regionally accredited college or university, including community colleges. Please reference the transfer equivalency guides if you are taking courses at any of Jefferson’s partner schools.

Math and science prerequisite courses have a time limit:

• For 2019 enrollment: all math and science prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of enrollment at Jefferson.
• For 2020 and beyond enrollment: all math and science prerequisite courses must be completed within 5 years of enrollment at Jefferson.

Yes, however credit by examination is not accepted for any science prerequisite coursework.

Applications open about a year in advance of the program start term and are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled.

Application deadlines are posted on each program’s application instructions page, although we encourage students to apply early in the application cycle as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled.

Recommendations should come from either an academic source such as a professor/faculty, or a professional source such as a supervisor/manager. Recommendations from coworkers, peers, family/friends, etc. will not be accepted.

Applicants should have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, A’s and B’s in their prerequisite coursework, a good understanding of the nursing profession, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both written and orally. A minimum 3.0 GPA does not guarantee admission, as our programs are competitive.

Results of the TOEFL or IELTS are required for non-U.S. citizens. Please review the requirements and exemption policy here.

The Admissions Committee will invite qualified applicants for an interview, which is required to be admitted to Jefferson.

CPR certification is not required to apply. Accepted students will need to complete specific CPR requirements to ensure that they are compliant for the entirety of the program. Further instructions are provided to accepted students.

Background checks are not required to apply. Accepted students are required to complete a background check, child abuse clearance, drug screening and fingerprinting before beginning the program. Further instructions are provided to accepted students.

Applicants do not need healthcare or nursing experience to apply. However, any related experience such as shadowing a nurse or work/volunteer experience in a healthcare setting should be included in your application and can help show the committee your motivation.

We are unable to transfer in nursing courses from a previous institution. Only the specific prerequisites courses will transfer.