Direct Entry PathwayNursing Admission

The Direct Entry Pathway provides an opportunity for admission to the nursing major for first-year students (entering directly from high school) who meet and maintain the Direct Entry criteria. Direct Entry recognizes academic excellence and provides high-achieving students entry into our competitive nursing program without a second application process.

Qualifying Criteria: Direct Entry

  • Student must be an incoming first-time, full-time Gustavus student
  • Student must identify nursing as the planned major on the application for admission
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 (unweighted) or higher upon finishing high school (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Students who meet the qualifying criteria and submit a completed application by December 1 will be reviewed competitively for a Direct Entry placement.
  • Students who meet the qualifying criteria and submit their application after December 1 will be reviewed on a rolling basis if placements are still available.
  • A separate application is not required for Direct Entry. Students who indicate an intent to major in nursing and meet the qualifying Direct Entry criteria will automatically receive a decision from College Admissions regarding their eligibility and acceptance into the Direct Entry Pathway Program.

Maintaining Direct Entry Program Admission

During the first two years, Direct Entry students will need to:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment at Gustavus Adolphus College
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Complete all Nursing prerequisite courses for a letter grade
  • Achieve a C or higher in eight of the nine nursing prerequisite courses (a grade of C- in one of the prerequisite courses will be accepted)
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the College

Students must submit proof of the following prior to beginning the nursing courses in the fall of
the junior year:

  • Current certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA);
  • Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Students must complete the American Heart Association BLS or American Red Cross BLS/CPR for healthcare certifications;
  • Physical exam, immunizations (Mantoux/Tuberculosis, MMR, Hep B, Chickenpox/Varicella, Tdap, COVID 19 and Influenza), and proof of health insurance; and
  • Successful background check

Direct Entry students who meet the above criteria by the end of their sophomore year will be guaranteed admission to the nursing program when it begins in the fall semester of junior year. No additional application is required. Students may apply to the major early if prerequisites are completed, but a seat is not guaranteed.

Students who do not meet the Direct Entry qualifying criteria or the Direct Entry maintaining criteria by the end of their sophomore year may still apply and be considered in the Holistic Admission Pathway for the Gustavus Nursing program. Students will need to complete an application to the Nursing major during the spring semester once admissions requirements have been met (typically the sophomore year) and follow the Holistic Admission Pathway process for consideration.

Minimum Qualifications for the Holistic Admission Pathway Application

Consideration:

  • 2.85 cumulative GPA
  • 2.85 prerequisite GPA
  • All Nursing prerequisite courses taken for a letter grade
  • Achieve a C or higher in eight of the nine nursing prerequisites courses (a grade of C- in one of the prerequisite courses will be accepted)
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the College