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BSN Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ACT requirements?

An unofficial ACT score is required as part of the documentation process for applicants who have not obtained a previous bachelor's degree. Applicants for the Traditional BSN program who have not taken the ACT are eligible to apply and, if accepted, will be placed on a defined plan of support throughout their matriculation. ACT scores on transcripts are considered unofficial and will not be accepted.

What are the GPA requirements?

The Traditional BSN program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The Accelerated BSN program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Both programs also consider a prerequisite GPA. All GPAs are based on a 4.0 scale.

How many students are accepted?

The Traditional BSN program accepts 120 students students in Jackson and another 50 students in Oxford. The Accelerated BSN program accepts 70 in Jackson and another 70 in Oxford.

When is the deadline to apply?

The deadline for the Traditional BSN program is Jan. 15 of the year you plan to start the program. The deadline to apply for the Freshman Early-Entry (FEE) program is Nov. 1 of your freshman year of college. Note: The FEE program is only offered for Traditional BSN at the Jackson site. For the Accelerated BSN program, the application deadline for fall admission to the Oxford instructional site is March 1 of the year that you plan to begin the program; the deadline for spring admission to the Jackson campus is Sept. 1 of the preceding year.

How many times a year do you admit students?

Students are admitted into the Traditional BSN program one time annually in the summer semester. Admission to the Accelerated BSN program occurs once in the fall for the Oxford program and once in the spring for the Jackson program.

Is the ACT required if I have a baccalaureate degree? Do you accept residual ACT scores?

An official ACT score is not required for applicants who have earned a previous baccalaureate degree. An official ACT score is required for Traditional BSN applicants who have not earned a previous baccalaureate degree. Freshman Early-Entry applicants must have a minimum ACT superscore of 25. Residual ACT scores are accepted. For more information about this, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management. Scores on transcripts are considered unofficial and will not be accepted.

What classes do I need to take before starting nursing school?

There are 62 hours of prerequisites. These can be taken at the college or community college of your choice and usually take at least two years to complete. All prerequisites must be finished prior to starting nursing school. SON prerequisites

Is there a part-time option available?

No, all students admitted into the Traditional and Accelerated BSN programs are done so on a full-time status.

What is Freshman Early-Entry?

The Freshman Early-Entry program provides an entry into the baccalaureate nursing program as a college freshman rather than as a junior. Freshman Early-Entry students avoid the competitive selection process for admission into the Traditional BSN program (Jackson site) following the completion of the pre-nursing curriculum. This program is offered only at Millsaps College, Mississippi State University, Tougaloo College and the University of Mississippi.

What is the average starting salary of a newly licensed RN?

In Mississippi, the average starting salary is around $32.66 per hour (about $68,000 annually), excluding shift differentials, weekends and holidays.

Is it possible for a student to have a job while enrolled in the Traditional or Accelerated BSN program?

Typically, classes for the Traditional and Accelerated BSN programs are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. While the schedule varies from day to day, due to the intensity of the program, students are discouraged from taking on additional work responsibilities while enrolled in this program. In addition to daytime/weekday class and clinical, the Accelerated BSN program often schedules clinical in the evenings and on weekends. The 12-month Accelerated BSN program is rigorous and has variable scheduling in order to cover all classroom and clinical activities, making it difficult for the student to have the time or opportunity to work. At the beginning of each semester, students in both the Traditional and the Accelerated BSN program receive a course calendar outlining their schedule for the semester.

What is the professional fee for the Accelerated BSN program?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a smart investment in your future and provides a wealth of exciting career opportunities. The Accelerated BSN program offers a quality nursing degree within 12 months. Students in the program are charged a $3,000 professional fee each semester to offset the cost of delivering this labor and resource-intensive program. The fee includes, but is not limited to, additional faculty needed to offer the intense program, ATI testing and resource fee, additional learning resources, simulated practice environment cost and skills lab supplies.

Are financial aid and scholarships available?

Yes, both are available to qualified students who apply. Please visit the Undergraduate Nursing Scholarships webpage for details on how to apply for scholarships and financial aid at UMMC.

For more information

If you have further questions, please call (601) 815-0124 or email admissioncounselor@umc.edu.