HSC College of Nursing

Frequently Asked Questions

The HSC-College of Nursing in Bryan-College Station will offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree program initially. This nursing program will offer three different “tracks” for the baccalaureate degree. One will be a standard generic B.S.N. requiring two years of prerequisite courses (completed at an accredited university such as Texas A&M University) and two years of nursing curricula (completed through the HSC-College of Nursing). A second accelerated or “fast-track” program will be available for qualified applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These applicants are expected to complete 25 semester credit hours of prerequisite course work. Upon acceptance into the program, they will then complete the nursing curriculum and required clinical experiences in 18 months. A third track will be an R.N.-to-B.S.N. program allowing registered nurses with associate degrees to complete additional course work to earn a B.S.N.

When will the HSC nursing program start?

A B.S.N. is projected to begin summer 2008 pending approval from the Texas Board of Nursing.

What is the anticipated size of the HSC-College of Nursing?

Projections are for 40 B.S.N. full-time students in the first year (20 generic and 20 second degree), growing to a total of 250 students in less than 10 years. Long-range plans include nursing graduate programs such as a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and ultimately, a doctoral degree program.

Where can I find more information about the HSC-College of Nursing?

More information can be found on the website http://nursing.tamhsc.edu or by calling (979) 862-8422. 

Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?

Yes. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) on all college work and a minimum grade of “C” in each of the pre-nursing course requirements.

How can I get an application?

Applications are closed for the 2008-2009 academic year.  The next application period will open in the fall of 2008 for the 2009-2010 academic year. The college of Nursing requires one application: the Apply Texas application (http://www.applytexas.org). For more information on admission requirements, please go to the nursing website.

Are letters of recommendation required?

Each applicant must submit two references using the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Reference Form (click here to download). For those applying to the Generic and the Accelerated programs, at least one reference must come from a professor. For those applying to the RN to BSN program, at least one must come from your current or most recent immediate supervisor.

What is the deadline for applications and required credentials?

February 1, 2009

This is not a postmark date. All required credentials must be received in our office by this date.

What are the prerequisite courses for the generic B.S.N. degree?

A total of 58 credit hours are required for entry into the program to include courses in English, history, government, psychology, sociology, philosophy, communications, statistics, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. For more details regarding course work, go to http://tamhsc.edu/nursing/course-work.

What are the prerequisite courses for the accelerated program?

A total of 25 credit hours are required for entry into these programs to include courses in  Psychology, Statistics, Nutrition, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry. For more details regarding coursework, go to:  http://tamhsc.edu/nursing/course-work. 

Do all of these courses have to be completed before I can apply?   

No. Prerequisite courses may be in progress during the application period but must be completed prior to the beginning of classes. Students will be required to list all course work in progress on the application. Acceptance offers will be contingent on successful completion of all of these courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Where should I take the prerequisite courses?

No preference is given in terms of which college to attend to complete prerequisite course work. Any accredited two- or four-year college or university is acceptable, but an institution with strong science departments is suggested.

Can someone evaluate my transcripts before I apply to determine if my course work will transfer into the program?

No. Students must apply to the program and submit all required documents, including transcripts from previous institutions. At that time, an analysis will be completed of the transfer credits. Those students applying from schools in the state of Texas may refer to the Texas Common Course Numbering System to compare course work among institutions within the state at http://www.tccns.org

How do I become a Registered Nurse?

Students who complete this program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are then eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, students are awarded their Registered Nurse license.

Applicants will be admitted to the accelerated program once each year to begin course work in June. Completion of 25 semester credit hours of prerequisite course work is required to apply. For a list of courses, please go to http://tamhsc.edu/nursing/prerequisite-summary. All required nursing courses and clinical experiences should be completed in 18 months, barring unforeseen circumstances or deviations from the recommended course schedule. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Will I be able to work while enrolled in the Upper-Division curriculum?

It is possible, although highly discouraged, for students to work part-time while enrolled in the Upper-Division curriculum. The coursework and course load in this sequence are very strenuous and require an extensive amount of study and preparation. Also, placements in clinical courses change each semester as far as days and times, which makes it difficult for students to coordinate their work schedules. If you are considering working, please speak with an academic advisor.

Although no particular major is required, applicants are encouraged to select a major related to health-related professions. Suggested majors include: allied health, community health, biomedical science, health, kinesiology, nutrition or any science major. These majors have similar curriculums that will best prepare you for nursing or other health-related fields. Regardless of your specified major, you must complete the nursing prerequisites in order to be admitted to the program.

I am in still in high school. Can I apply directly to the Texas A&M HSC nursing program to enter as a college freshman?

No. Entry into the program requires completion of the 58 semester credit hour prerequisite courses from another institution followed by application to the HSC nursing program.

Is the Texas A&M Health Science Center one of the colleges within Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is the flagship institution of The Texas A&M University System (comprised of nine public universities, one health science center and eight agencies). The Texas A&M Health Science Center is the health-related university within the System. Thus, the Health Science Center and Texas A&M University are separate universities within the Texas A&M System.