FAQs

Click each link below for answers to many of the most common questions. The Admissions team looks forward to working with you, and is happy to answer any questions you may have!

Application Requirements

What are the requirements?

All applicants must have a high school diploma/GED, complete the required college/university prerequisites, and complete the application items. Click here for complete details.

Do you require an entrance exam?

Yes, all applicants must take the entrance exam prior to the admission deadline at our institution. Please click here for more details.

What makes an applicant highly qualified?

High ending grades in prerequisites with minimal repeats and attempts, large courseload, high scores on the entrance exam, and true passion for the profession of nursing aid an applicant’s application. Health care experience is not required, but recommended.

A school that I attended is closed. How do I obtain the official transcript?

Contact the Department of Education for the state the school was located in, as records will be maintained elsewhere.

Why do I have to submit transcripts from all institutions attended?

All coursework that an applicant completed is considered. This requirement also keeps us in compliance with our governing and accrediting bodies.

I took courses 10+ years ago, will they still transfer?

Yes, however, it is expected that you make an effort to refresh and be current within all areas of study.

If I had a high school chemistry course, do I still need a college-level chemistry course?

Yes. See an updated list of acceptable courses at local colleges.

Do you accept online courses?

Prior to taking online courses, all applicants should verify transferability of courses not listed here by contacting the Admissions Office. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the lab sciences on-campus.

Do I have to take mathematics courses to enter the nursing program?

Eligible applicants must complete Algebra I, either in high school or college with a grade of C+ or better, and successfully complete one other math course at the high school or college level. Applicants who hold a GED must show successful completion of Algebra I in either high school or college and successfully complete one other math course at the high school or college level. Contact the admissions office for alternatives.

How do I know if my college credits transfer?

Acceptable courses from local colleges are listed in this document, but everyone is encouraged to have their unofficial transcripts reviewed by the Admissions team prior to applying. We are happy to help!

Do I still need to send you a high school transcript when I have a college degree?

Yes, per the Department of Education. Our admission criteria is based on high school course completion as well.

Can I complete my courses through NursingABC.com?

Applicants may take Mat 091 or higher through NursingABC.com to satisfy the mathematics requirement.

Can I complete my courses through PortageLearning.com?

Applicants may complete some of their college/university prerequisites through PortageLearning.com, but must consult with Admissions team prior to registering. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the lab sciences on-campus.

I have my GED, can I still enroll?

General equivalency diplomas (GED) may be substituted for a standard high school education. However, the GED meets only the English and Social Studies requirements above. The math and sciences may be completed at the college level. Sciences taken at the college level may be considered as prerequisites to the nursing program. An official GED transcript and high school transcripts for the years you did attend are required as part of the application process.

Will my credits transfer to another program?

Each institution at the four-year level will provide you with an evaluation of your credits and determine how many credits will be accepted for transfer. Contact the RN to BS Coordinator for information on the Moravian College opportunity.

I am currently an LPN, what are my options?

LPNs still have to satisfy all application requirements. If you are accepted and have current licensure as an LPN, you will be considered for transfer. LPNs may be qualified to challenge nursing courses by examination.

I attended a school/institution not on the approved comparable college courses list. Will SON accept my prerequisite courses?

Click here to view the approved comparable college courses list

To align with our governing and accrediting bodies, all prerequisites must be taken at schools accredited by one of the following:

MSCHE (Middle States)
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Colleges and Schools
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The Western Association of College and Schools: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
The Western Association of Colleges and Schools: The Senior Commission

Are there any health requirements?

Yes, Students must be able to practice nursing as it is defined in the law. Pre-Entrance Health Screening is required for nursing students. Prior to beginning classes, registered students must complete all health records and required forms provided and requested by the School of Nursing as follows: Physical Examination, Laboratory Testing, Pre-Admission Immunizations including Influenza and Covid Vaccination. Please visit pages 50-52 in the student handbook for policy details.

Will you accept courses taken outside of the U.S.?

In order to be acceptable, all courses must appear on a U.S. college/university transcript. Applicants should have their coursework evaluated by WES, then be awarded transfer credit from another college/university. Please contact the Admissions team for additional information.

Program length and hours

How long is the program?

Starting May 2016, five 15-week semesters over 20 months. For classes entering during and prior to September 2015, five 14-week semesters over 20 months.

What is the school’s progression policy?

Students must successfully complete all courses in a semester with a grade of C+ (77.50) in order to progress to the next semester. A nursing course can only be repeated once. Two failures in nursing courses will lead to dismissal. The standard program length is 20 months; students must complete the program in no more than three years.

Do you offer a flexible schedule (can I go part-time)?

We offer a Day option and an Evening/Weekend option. Both options are considered full-time, and clinical attendance is mandatory.

What are the hours?

The Day option and Evening/weekend option have different hours that vary from one semester to the next but the expectation is a minimum of 75 classroom hours and 180 clinical hours per 15-week semester. See Class schedule for incoming student.

When do classes begin?

A class of new students is admitted every four months. Click here for the application, entry, and graduation dates.

Why am I required to have a laptop?

The School of Nursing utilizes Examsoft's Examplify. Tablets are NOT supported. Students must have a Windows laptop or Mac laptop that meets the system requirements listed here.

Can I meet with an admissions counselor?

Yes! We look forward to meeting you at one of our events!

What is a diploma in nursing?

Completion of a diploma nursing program allows you to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to be an entry-level RN in less time than a 4-year college degree in nursing. The diploma program is hospital-based and usually completes in about two years. There are RN to BS in nursing completion programs if you decide later to pursue a college degree in nursing.

What is the NCLEX pass rate?

The PA NCLEX pass rate is consistently at or above national rates. See our Graduate Profile here.

Is housing available?

On-campus housing is available! See our Location and campus facilities, or come to an Information Session for a tour!

Are there any requirements I must meet to sit for the NCLEX licensure examination?

Students are required to achieve a 90% score on the ATI® RN Comprehensive Predictor test before being approved to take the NCLEX-RN® exam for licensure. Students who do not achieve a 90% score are required to take the Virtual ATI NCLEX Review and provide evidence of “readiness to test” from the ATI virtual tutor.

Where will I do clinicals?

Throughout St. Luke’s University Health Network and the surrounding community.

If I have a criminal background, will I still be able to get into your program and/or get a nursing license upon graduation?

Criminal background issues are considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the St. Luke’s School of Nursing does not guarantee RN licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing may refuse, suspend or revoke any license in certain cases. For further details, please refer to the PA State Board of Nursing’s web site and the links to the Professional Nursing Law (RN LAW) and Frequently Asked Questions for the student/graduate nurse. Applicants with questions relating to licensure are strongly encouraged to contact the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. This document located in this link may be helpful.

Will tattoos impact my acceptance into St. Luke’s School of Nursing?

One of the strengths of our program is the high number of student clinical hours completed within the St. Luke’s University Health Network. While on a clinical unit, students must comply with St. Luke’s dress code policy, which requires that tattoos or body art of any kind be entirely covered. Therefore, tattoos that cannot be covered will prevent students from satisfactorily completing the program.

Paying for school

What is the cost?

See Estimated Expenses. Most students’ out-of-pocket costs are considerably less with financial aid and scholarship assistance.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes, any student who wishes to be considered for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or on-line at fafsa.ed.gov.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, contact the Financial Aid Coordinator. Scholarship opportunities will be communicated to students for consideration. Other sources you may seek are private clubs and organizations, employers and unions, service clubs and fraternal orders (example: Rotary, Kiwanis), health-related organizations, and churches, religious organizations.

Employment

Are St. Luke’s employees given preference over other applicants?

The highest-qualified applicants are accepted, and all applicants are given equal consideration.

Will St. Luke’s have work opportunities for me while I am in school, or after I graduate?

Yes, students may work within the network while they are in school, and often remain in the network after graduation. We offer assistance with contacts at Human Resources for employment. However, students are encouraged to work 16 hours or less while enrolled.