Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Texas A&M Health Science Center one of the colleges within Texas A&M University?
No. Texas A&M University is the flagship institution of The Texas A&M University System (comprised of eleven public universities, one health science center and seven 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.

What degree opportunities  are available through the HSC-College of Nursing?
The HSC-College of Nursing in Bryan-College Station offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The program offers three different “tracks” for the baccalaureate degree.

• The standard Generic BSN requires approximately two years of prerequisite courses (which may be completed at any accredited college or university) and two years of nursing curricula (to be completed through the HSC-College of Nursing).
• The Accelerated or “fast-track” option is 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 as well as any TAMHSC Core Curriculum coursework that was not met in the previous degree plan. Upon acceptance into the program, students will complete the nursing curriculum and required clinical experiences in 15 months.
• A third track is the RN to BSN program allowing registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas to complete additional course work to earn a BSN in only 12 months.

Currently all tracks leading toward the BSN are available in College Station. Pending approval by the Texas Board of Nursing in the spring of 2010, a cohort of accelerated and RN to BSN students will be admitted to the HSC’s Round Rock location and will be able to complete all coursework and clinical experiences in that area.

If I am an Accelerated or RN to BSN applicant with interest in the Round Rock location, how do I indicate this on my application?
The Apply Texas application requires students to indicate their preferred location. See Application Instructions.

How many students does the HSC-College of Nursing admit?
A total of 55 BSN full-time students will be admitted in 2010: 22 Accelerated and 33 Generic.  There will be additional Accelerated students admitted when the College expands to the Round Rock location.  The College expects to admit 10-20 RN to BSN students, either part-time or full-time, in the summer of 2010. Long range plans include adding nursing graduate programs by 2012.

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?
It is strongly recommended that applicants have a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on all college work and a minimum grade of "C" is required in each of the pre-nursing courses.

Does the CON look at overall or prerequisite GPA in the decision process?
Both the overall GPA as well as the GPA for the nursing prerequisite courses will be considered.  The courses used to calculate the nursing prerequisite GPA include: Statistics, Lifespan Growth & Development, Nutrition, A&P I & II, Chemistry and Microbiology.

How can I get an application?
The next application period will open in the summer of 2010 for the 2011-12 academic year. The college of Nursing requires the Apply Texas application. For more information on admission requirements, please go to the nursing website.

Is an entrance test required?
Yes. Generic and Accelerated applicants must take the HESI A² Admissions Assessment Exam. RN to BSN applicants are not required to take an entrance test.

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, it is preferred that one reference come from a professor if possible. For those applying to the RN to BSN program, one must come from your current or most recent immediate supervisor.

What is the deadline for applications and required credentials?

• August 1, 2010 for Accelerated applicants
• February 1, 2011 for Generic and RN to BSN applicants

These are not postmark dates. All required credentials must be received in our office by these dates.

What are the prerequisite courses for the generic BSN 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 the prerequisite course list.

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 the prerequisite course list. In addition, all students are required to complete the HSC Core Curriculum courses if these requirements were not met in the previous degree program.

Do all of the prerequisite 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 for Generic and Accelerated applicants. 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?
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

When will I be notified of my admission's decision?
Students will be notified in December for spring applicants and March or April for summer applicants. Notification is by mail only.  Admission status and wait list placement will not be given through email or by phone.

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.

I already have a bachelor’s degree. How long will it take me to get my BSN?
Applicants will be admitted to the accelerated program once each year to begin course work in January. Completion of 25 semester credit hours of prerequisite course work is required to apply.  All required nursing courses and clinical experiences will be completed in 15 months. 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 Generic and Accelerated 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.

How much does it cost to attend the TAMHSC nursing programs?
Cost is dependent upon your residency status and the nursing track.  Go to Student Business Services for more detailed information.

Can I participate in the program on a part-time basis?
Students admitted to the generic or accelerated program must be full-time students.  Those admitted to the RN to BSN program will follow a curriculum that can be adapted to their work schedule in many cases.

For students with less than 50 semester credit hours, General Studies is a good choice.  If you are considering pursuing a degree from Texas A&M University prior to coming to the College of Nursing for a BSN, then suggested majors include:  allied health, community health, biomedical science, health, biology, kinesiology, nutrition, or psychology. 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.