Admission Requirements

On-campus interview is a required part of the admission process. Students must complete a successful criminal background check and drug screen within 30 days of official acceptance to a College of Nursing program. Background checks and drug screens may be repeated during the student’s program of study.

Admission Requirements for Master of Science in Nursing

Clinical Nurse Leader

Master’s Entry Second Degree, Degree and Post-BSN.

There are five (5) major areas considered in admissions decisions. Acceptances will be offered based on all the above criteria with no single criterion having more importance than another.

• Undergraduate or graduate academic preparation and achievement
• Personal qualities as assessed from interviews
• Professional recommendations
• Personal statement
• Standard Test Scores

• Undergraduate or graduate academic preparation and achievement
  • The total academic performance is critically evaluated with attention given to the source, course load, and trends in performance, as well as, to the general commitment of scholarship. The mean grade point average (GPA) for the 2012 entering class was 3.24.
  • Master’s Entry 2nd Degree applicants hold baccalaureate or higher degree in non-nursing field. BSN applicants hold baccalaureate in nursing degree from an accredited nursing program.
  • Master's Entry 2nd Degree applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 or better for science pre-requisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Microbiology (calculation is based on the highest grade achieved on the first or second attempt); Applicants must earn a C or better on all pre-requisite science coursework. BSN applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better for science pre-requisite courses.
    • Master’s Entry 2nd Degree applicants must have completed their pre-requisites within 10 years of the application date; BSN applicants must have completed their pre-requisites within 10 years of application date if not currently practicing as an RN.
• Personal qualities as assessed from interviews
  • CNLs are registered nurses, practicing at the bedside and caring for complex patients, with advance knowledge of quality, safety, error prevention, and teamwork. Personal qualities include a high degree of professionalism, strong commitment to providing quality care, advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the ability to communication effectively and engage in effective working relationships.
• Professional recommendations
  • Professional recommendations submitted on behalf of the applicants allow further insight into the values and motivation of the applicants. Three recommendations (3 in total) from academic and work related professionals are required to support the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the program and perform in the CNL role.
• Personal statement included in the UTHSC or NursingCAS application
  • An applicant's interest in and motivation toward the nursing profession as a Clinical Nurse Leader is an important factor in the admissions decision. 
• Standard Test Scores:
  • Master’s Entry 2nd Degree applicants must also present scores from: 
    • Test of Essential Academic Skills™ (TEAS)
      • Applicants must minimally achieve the national median composite score (TEAS 5.0) of 64%.
      • The average composite score for the 2012 entering class was 76%.

Students who were previously enrolled, but did not complete a nursing program, must submit a letter of good standing from the Director of the Nursing Program.

Admission Guidelines

1. Application Process
   
   • Prospective students MUST apply to the MSN CNL program through NursingCAS, a national nursing centralized application service endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Specific instructions are provided at the NursingCAS portal.
2. Degree Requirement
   • Master’s Entry 2nd Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing field from a regionally accredited college or university (or approved international equivalent) upon entry to the program.
   • Post - BSN: Bachelor’s of Nursing Science (BSN) degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university (or approved international equivalent) AND current RN licensure.
3. Official Transcript
   • Official transcripts from every college/university you have attended will be needed to complete your on-line application through NursingCAS. In addition, you will need to request that a copy of your transcript also be sent to NursingCAS for verification.
4. Standardized Test Score
   (required for Master's Entry 2nd Degree applicants only)
   • Submit official test score results from:
   • TEAS
   • Students who have begun the application process through NursingCAS and are interested in taking the TEAS assessment at UTHSC may contact Jamie Overton, CON Coordinator for availability at jgarre25@uthsc.edu .
   • TEAS will be offered for $35. to UTHSC applicants on the following dates:
   • Friday, February 1st 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   • Wednesday, February 6st noon - 4 p.m.
   • Tuesday, February 19th 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   • Thursday, March 7th noon - 4 p.m.
   • Wednesday, March 27th 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   • Applicants can also find study materials and TEAS test sites in their area at ATI Testing.
   • Go to the ATI website (follow link below)
   • Click on “Register for TEAS” and search for a location in your area
   • Register an account
   • Go to: https://www.atitesting.com/Home.aspx
   • Click the “Register” button for the TEAS 5.0.
5. Recommendation Forms
   • Applicants are required to provide the names and addresses of three (3) persons who can address their ability to successfully complete the program -- of the three, two (2) are faculty members and one (1) is an employer.
6. Ability to meet Minimum Performance Standards for MSN-CNL Students. For Master's Entry 2nd Degree students, verification by the student's healthcare provider is required prior to enrollment to the program.
   1. Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment;
   2. Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, and populations from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds;
   3. Communication abilities sufficient for verbal written interaction with others. Speak, write and comprehend the English language proficiently;
   4. Use computer to word process, email, and access the World Wide Web;
   5. Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, walk in hallways, maneuver in small spaces, and the strength necessary to lift and transfer patients, including the ability to exert up to 50 lbs. occasionally and 25 lbs. of force frequently. Physical activities include climbing, pushing, standing, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
   6. Gross and fine motor abilities with good balance and coordination sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.
   7. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs;
   8. Visual ability, with close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care;
   9. Tactile ability and manual dexterity sufficient for physical assessment and to provide nursing intervention including manipulating equipment necessary for providing nursing care.
7. Certifications
   • Current RN licence (For BSN and applicants only)
   • Current Basic Life Support (CPR Certification) prior to UTHSC enrollment and maintained throughout UTHSC enrollment
8. Laptop Required & Essential Computer Skills
   • Must own a web-connected laptop
   • Computer/web-based literacy skills expected
9. If Native Tongue not English or if there is reason to believe the applicant is not proficient in the English language. (minimum TOEFL scores required)
   • Evidence of English proficiency is mandatory part of application process
   • Official minimum TOEFL Score earned within two (2) years prior to application to College of Nursing
   • Three versions of TOEFL: Paper-based Test (minimum score 550), Computer-based (minimum score 213), and Internet/web-based (minimum score 80).
10. Other Important Criteria
    • On-campus interview is required as part of the admission process.
    • Individuals dismissed from other nursing programs are not eligible.
    • Successful background check must be completed prior to enrollment.
11. If Not a U.S. Citizen …
    • Applicant must provide photocopy of immigration documentation showing “legal immigration status” (e.g., “Green Card”).
    • Copy of Immigration Status Doc.
12. After acceptance, students are required to submit a $75 Admission Processing Fee and a $200 Guaranteed Enrollment Deposit (GED). The GED, a non-refundable fee due within 30 days of acceptance, is held in escrow and applied to the student’s first term of study.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR ALL PROGRAMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.

Program Inquiries

901-448-6125

Jamie Overton, M.A.Ed.
Coordinator,
Student Affairs
jgarre25@uthsc.edu

Roylynn Germain
Administrative Coordinator,
Student Affairs
rgermain@uthsc.edu

Contact Information

UTHSC College of Nursing
920 Madison Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
901-448-6128
Fax: 901-448-4121
Toll Free: 800-733-2498

BSN/MSN Current Student
Contact Information

P: 901-448-6149
Toll Free: 800-733-2498