How to Qualify
We look for motivated students who are ready for the rigor of a healthcare education. You are eligible for Direct Entry Pathway review if you:
- Apply to Gustavus as a full-time, first-year student.
- Indicate Nursing as your first intended major.
- Hold a 3.5+ unweighted GPA from high school.
Important Dates: Apply by December 1 for priority consideration. After December 1, we review students on a rolling basis as space remains available. There is no separate application—we’ll automatically notify you of your Direct Entry Pathway status.
Maintaining Your Direct Entry Pathway Status
Once you’re at Gustavus, keeping your Direct Entry Pathway status is straightforward. You’ll spend your first two years building your foundation while meeting these benchmarks:
- Maintain full-time enrollment
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Complete all nursing prerequisite courses for and a letter grade
- Earn a C or higher in at least 8 of 9 prerequisite courses
(One C- is allowed) - Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing with the College
Requirements Before Junior Year at Gustavus
Before beginning nursing courses in the fall of junior year, students must provide documentation of:
- Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
- Current CPR certification
(American Heart Association BLS or American Red Cross BLS/CPR for Healthcare Providers) - Completed physical exam, immunizations, and proof of health insurance
- A successful background check
Progressing into the Nursing Major
Students who meet all Direct Entry Pathway requirements by the end of their sophomore year will be eligible to progress directly into the nursing program, which begins in the fall of junior year.
- No additional application to the nursing major is required
- Students may apply earlier if prerequisites are completed, though early admission does not guarantee a seat
Comparison: Choosing Your Best Route
Every student’s journey is different. We offer two distinct pathways to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed in the nursing major.
Direct Entry Pathway
- Entry Point: Right out of high school
- Benefit: Security, Your seat is reserved if program requirements are met.
- Selection Criteria: Unweighted high school GPA of 3.5+
- Application Process: Automatic, no extra forms as long as “Nursing” is your intended major on your application for admission
Built-in Flexibility: We understand that the transition to college can be a challenge. If a Direct Entry Pathway student falls below the 3.5 GPA, they don’t lose their chance to become a nurse. They simply move to the Holistic Pathway, where they can still earn their spot based on their growth and performance at Gustavus.
Holistic Admission Pathway
- Entry Point: During your sophomore year of college
- Benefit: Opportunity for students who discover nursing later or need more time to choose their path
- Selection Criteria: A 2.85+ college GPA, a holistic review of your application, and completion of prerequisites with a C or higher in 8 of 9 courses.
- Application Process: Spring of your sophomore year
Ready to Lead in Healthcare?
The Direct Entry Pathway is an excellent option for motivated students who want clarity, confidence, and a well-defined route toward admission to the nursing program. If you’re ready to challenge yourself academically while making a meaningful impact through healthcare, Gustavus Nursing is ready for you. Plus, at Gustavus, our liberal arts curriculum means you can study other things beyond nursing – following your other interests while you pursue nursing, or if you realize your future career is on a different path.
