Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
-
How many students are admitted per semester?
Each term is slightly different depending on the cohorts that we are admitting and based upon our clinical arrangements. Generally, 24 students are admitted to the daytime cohort every fall, spring, and summer. Evening and/or weekend cohorts are offered alternately each year, generally affording an additional 16 seats each Fall.
-
How do I know what transfers?
Students must apply and be admitted via undergraduate admissions to receive a full transcript evaluation.
- Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Transfer Credit Guide
- Prospective applicants should apply to Kent State University as a post-undergraduate, degree-seeking student in the Nursing major. You will need to send official transcripts to Kent State Admissions. The Transfer Center will conduct an official evaluation of all transfer credits.
-
How and when do I apply to Kent State?
Ideally, you will want to apply at least one semester prior to when you want to start at Kent State. You should apply to the University prior to completing the Accelerated application. Applications to Kent State are available at www.kent.edu/apply.
-
How and when do I apply to the Accelerated sequence?
You will first need to apply and get accepted to the university. The accelerated sequence application is online, and is available:
- Fall: April 1-June 1
- Spring: July 1-September 1
- Summer*: December 1-February 1
*Due to application trends and required enrollment minimums, Summer admission is currently under review. Whether or not the College will take on a Summer 2023 cohort and/or future summer cohorts is yet
to be determined.
-
What are the prerequisites?
All ABSN applicants must have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.75 (average of all regionally accredited, collegiate coursework). In order to be eligible for the ABSN professional nursing sequence, students must be admitted to the university as a post-undergraduate degree-seeking student and have completed the following coursework:
-
A minimum science prerequisite GPA of 2.75, and a minimum grade of C in each course/equivalent:
-
Anatomy & Physiology I
-
Anatomy & Physiology II
-
Microbiology
-
Chemistry
-
-
A college-level algebra course (or higher-level, algebra-based course) with a minimum grade of C
Students who are in-progress with any of the above prerequisites may apply for the program so long as they will be completed before the program begins. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed all program prerequisites and have satisfied required minimums. Please note that meeting the prerequisites for admission is not the same as being competitive for admission.
Preference will also be given to applicants who will complete the following prior to cohort admission:
- Human Growth and Development
- Human Genetics
- Science of Human Nutrition
- Statistics
The previous four classes would need completed during the 4/5 semester program if admission is earned without that preference. Admits must also account for the following two additional graduation requirements during the sequence if not prior to admission:
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar for an in-depth discussion regarding how we determine admission to the ABSN professional nursing sequence.
-
-
Can I be enrolled in the prerequisite courses when I apply to Kent State/Accelerated sequence?
Yes, you can - as long as you will be finished with your prerequisites prior your intended program start date. Preference is given to students who have completed the prerequisites at the time of application, but all applicants who will have the prerequisites completed before classes begin and who have the appropriate GPA (2.75) will be considered. Please note that meeting the prerequisites for admission is not the same as being competitive for admission. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission.
-
What courses in the curriculum, if any, can I take before being enrolled in the sequence?
Please note that no clinical courses can be completed prior to admission into the professional nursing sequence. However, you will need to complete the following prerequisites prior to starting the sequence:
-
Science GPA Courses (minimum grade C with minimum 2.75 GPA):
-
A college-level algebra course (or higher-level, algebra-based course, minimum grade C)
Preference will be given to applicants who will complete the following prior to cohort admission:
-
Human Growth and Development (minimum grade C)
-
Human Genetics (minimum grade C)
-
Statistics (minimum grade C)
Admits must also account for the following two additional graduation requirements during the sequence if not prior to admission:
Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission.
-
-
Do I need references?
No references, letters of recommendations, resumes, etc. are required upon applying to the ABSN program. Admission is determined through a formula consisting of cumulative GPA, science GPA, and the completion of auxiliary degree requirements. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar for an in-depth discussion regarding how we determine admission to the ABSN professional nursing sequence.
-
How competitive is the sequence and how many people apply?
The sequence is very competitive. We receive 60-120 applications each round and - on average - 50% of eligible candidates earn admission to the professional cohort each application cycle. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to gather further specifics.
-
What GPA do I need to be competitive?
While 2.75 GPA’s are the minimum thresholds for eligibility, the GPA amongst candidates who earn admission average around a 3.5. Beyond GPA, preference is awarded to candidates who have completed program prerequisites upon the application deadline and for the completion of and/or enrollment in additional BSN degree requirements. Applicants are ranked by the established point system and seats are offered to the top candidates until the cohort is full. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission and what it takes to be competitive for admission.
-
Do you have a waiting list?
No, we do not. If you are not accepted for a semester, you will need to reapply for the following semester to be considered again. It is recommended that the student meet with an academic advisor to discuss how to create a stronger application.
Other Cohorts
-
Do you offer nights or weekend programming?
Yes, Kent State offers two different cohort sequences for students seeking evening and weekend options: the Akron Cohort (admits on Fall, even years) and the Cleveland Cohort (admits on Fall, uneven years).
-
What is the Evening & Weekend: Cleveland Cohort?
The College of Nursing has partnered with University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic to offer a five-semester, weekend sequence. The Cleveland Cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (odd years). Students admitted to this cohort typically meet for class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm at the Kent Campus in addition to lab on Saturdays on campus. Clinical is generally held on Saturdays and/or Sundays at the partnering facilities in the greater Cleveland area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Cleveland Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2023.
-
What is the Evening & Weekend: Akron Cohort?
Similar to the Cleveland Cohort, this cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (even years) for a five-semester sequence partnered with Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General, both located in Akron, OH. Classes typically meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm, in addition to lab on Saturdays at the Kent Campus. Clinical is typically held on Saturdays or Sundays in the Akron area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Akron Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2022.
Costs & Financial Aid
-
What is the cost of tuition?
University tuition rates are reviewed on an annual basis. Please visit our Tuition & Costs page. Total ABSN program costs average around $30,000 for in-state residents throughout the professional nursing sequence. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to gather the most up-to-date estimation of the ABSN program’s total cost.
-
Can I qualify for student loans or federal/state aid, and does Kent State offer any scholarships?
- The most common form of funding is student loans provided by the Federal Government by filling out a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The award range is from $5,500 to $12,500 per year for students who have already earned a degree.
- The College of Nursing offers a few scholarship opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in the professional nursing sequence. Learn more about those on our Financial Aid & Scholarships page. In addition, you may wish to seek outside scholarships through the Ohio Board of Nursing and healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson.
- If you are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for state or federal grant programs designed for re-educating students. Contact your local One Stop, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Department of Jobs and Family Services for more information.
- Some hospitals and other healthcare agencies will provide tuition assistance if the student signs a multi-year contract to work for the agency following graduation. Contact your local and regional agencies.
-
Can I take any courses at other universities while in the sequence?
Upon admission to the professional nursing sequence, all NURS course must be taken through Kent State. Any remaining auxiliary degree requirements (i.e. genetics, nutrition, sociology, etc.) may be taken as a guest/visiting/transient student through an external institution with prior approval from your ABSN Academic Advisor.
-
How long does the sequence take to complete (including/not including prerequisites)?
The Accelerated Nursing Sequence is an extensive program lasting four to five (4-5) consecutive terms in length (not counting prerequisites). Prerequisites generally take two semesters to complete but most student take at least a year to create a competitive application. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission and what it takes to be competitive for admission.
-
Can I complete the Accelerated sequence at a regional campus?
The sequence is offered at the Kent campus only.
-
At what hospitals will I be completing clinicals?
You will have hospital-based clinicals at various facilities throughout Northeast Ohio: University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (formerly Robinson Memorial), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, or Akron City Hospital to name a few. We also work with non-hospital agencies such as Jennings Center for Older Adults, Town Hall II, and Coleman Professional Services to name only a few.
-
Can I have a job while going through the sequence?
Some students have worked while in the sequence, mostly part-time in the evenings or weekends. Students in the Summa Cohort or Weekend Cohort can work part-time during the regular work week. It can be done, but we highly recommend that you focus more on the sequence than work because it is an intensive program. Students who work more than 16 hours a week are less likely to complete the sequence.
-
How many credit hours will I take each semester?
You will be taking classes full-time. Most semesters are at or near 16 credit hours. The sequence curriculum can be found on our website.
-
What are the average times of day that classes are offered?
Refer to the cohort page to see what class schedule to expect for each cohort.
-
Do you have any online courses?
Select courses are offered online giving students the opportunity to have both online and traditional learning experiences.
-
Can I take more classes so that I can finish the sequence in a shorter amount of time?
No, because nursing courses are offered in a sequence (one is a prerequisite for the next, etc.) the clinical courses are not able to be taken out of order or earlier. Once you are accepted into the sequence, it is four or five semesters, depending on the cohort.
-
Does the nursing program at Kent State offer any specializations such as forensic nursing?
No, it does not. Instead, we offer a broad amount of clinical experience that will prepare you for such areas as gerontology, pediatrics, etc.
-
Do you offer STNA or LPN certification training?
Although, we do not offer STNA or LPN certification programs, we do offer an LPN-to-BSN bridge program for those who are currently LPN’s as well as an online RN-to-BSN program for RN’s who went through an ADN program.
Admissions
-
How many students are admitted per semester?
Each term is slightly different depending on the cohorts that we are admitting and based upon our clinical arrangements. Generally, 24 students are admitted to the daytime cohort every fall, spring, and summer. Evening and/or weekend cohorts are offered alternately each year, generally affording an additional 16 seats each Fall.
-
How do I know what transfers?
Students must apply and be admitted via undergraduate admissions to receive a full transcript evaluation.
- Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Transfer Credit Guide
- Prospective applicants should apply to Kent State University as a post-undergraduate, degree-seeking student in the Nursing major. You will need to send official transcripts to Kent State Admissions. The Transfer Center will conduct an official evaluation of all transfer credits.
-
How and when do I apply to Kent State?
Ideally, you will want to apply at least one semester prior to when you want to start at Kent State. You should apply to the University prior to completing the Accelerated application. Applications to Kent State are available at www.kent.edu/apply.
-
How and when do I apply to the Accelerated sequence?
You will first need to apply and get accepted to the university. The accelerated sequence application is online, and is available:
- Fall: April 1-June 1
- Spring: July 1-September 1
- Summer*: December 1-February 1
*Due to application trends and required enrollment minimums, Summer admission is currently under review. Whether or not the College will take on a Summer 2023 cohort and/or future summer cohorts is yet
to be determined.
-
What are the prerequisites?
All ABSN applicants must have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.75 (average of all regionally accredited, collegiate coursework). In order to be eligible for the ABSN professional nursing sequence, students must be admitted to the university as a post-undergraduate degree-seeking student and have completed the following coursework:
-
A minimum science prerequisite GPA of 2.75, and a minimum grade of C in each course/equivalent:
-
Anatomy & Physiology I
-
Anatomy & Physiology II
-
Microbiology
-
Chemistry
-
-
A college-level algebra course (or higher-level, algebra-based course) with a minimum grade of C
Students who are in-progress with any of the above prerequisites may apply for the program so long as they will be completed before the program begins. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed all program prerequisites and have satisfied required minimums. Please note that meeting the prerequisites for admission is not the same as being competitive for admission.
Preference will also be given to applicants who will complete the following prior to cohort admission:
- Human Growth and Development
- Human Genetics
- Science of Human Nutrition
- Statistics
The previous four classes would need completed during the 4/5 semester program if admission is earned without that preference. Admits must also account for the following two additional graduation requirements during the sequence if not prior to admission:
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar for an in-depth discussion regarding how we determine admission to the ABSN professional nursing sequence.
-
-
Can I be enrolled in the prerequisite courses when I apply to Kent State/Accelerated sequence?
Yes, you can - as long as you will be finished with your prerequisites prior your intended program start date. Preference is given to students who have completed the prerequisites at the time of application, but all applicants who will have the prerequisites completed before classes begin and who have the appropriate GPA (2.75) will be considered. Please note that meeting the prerequisites for admission is not the same as being competitive for admission. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission.
-
What courses in the curriculum, if any, can I take before being enrolled in the sequence?
Please note that no clinical courses can be completed prior to admission into the professional nursing sequence. However, you will need to complete the following prerequisites prior to starting the sequence:
-
Science GPA Courses (minimum grade C with minimum 2.75 GPA):
-
A college-level algebra course (or higher-level, algebra-based course, minimum grade C)
Preference will be given to applicants who will complete the following prior to cohort admission:
-
Human Growth and Development (minimum grade C)
-
Human Genetics (minimum grade C)
-
Statistics (minimum grade C)
Admits must also account for the following two additional graduation requirements during the sequence if not prior to admission:
Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission.
-
-
Do I need references?
No references, letters of recommendations, resumes, etc. are required upon applying to the ABSN program. Admission is determined through a formula consisting of cumulative GPA, science GPA, and the completion of auxiliary degree requirements. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar for an in-depth discussion regarding how we determine admission to the ABSN professional nursing sequence.
-
How competitive is the sequence and how many people apply?
The sequence is very competitive. We receive 60-120 applications each round and - on average - 50% of eligible candidates earn admission to the professional cohort each application cycle. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to gather further specifics.
-
What GPA do I need to be competitive?
While 2.75 GPA’s are the minimum thresholds for eligibility, the GPA amongst candidates who earn admission average around a 3.5. Beyond GPA, preference is awarded to candidates who have completed program prerequisites upon the application deadline and for the completion of and/or enrollment in additional BSN degree requirements. Applicants are ranked by the established point system and seats are offered to the top candidates until the cohort is full. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission and what it takes to be competitive for admission.
-
Do you have a waiting list?
No, we do not. If you are not accepted for a semester, you will need to reapply for the following semester to be considered again. It is recommended that the student meet with an academic advisor to discuss how to create a stronger application.
Other Cohorts
-
Do you offer nights or weekend programming?
Yes, Kent State offers two different cohort sequences for students seeking evening and weekend options: the Akron Cohort (admits on Fall, even years) and the Cleveland Cohort (admits on Fall, uneven years).
-
What is the Evening & Weekend: Cleveland Cohort?
The College of Nursing has partnered with University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic to offer a five-semester, weekend sequence. The Cleveland Cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (odd years). Students admitted to this cohort typically meet for class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm at the Kent Campus in addition to lab on Saturdays on campus. Clinical is generally held on Saturdays and/or Sundays at the partnering facilities in the greater Cleveland area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Cleveland Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2023.
-
What is the Evening & Weekend: Akron Cohort?
Similar to the Cleveland Cohort, this cohort typically admits 24 students every other Fall (even years) for a five-semester sequence partnered with Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General, both located in Akron, OH. Classes typically meet Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-9:00pm, in addition to lab on Saturdays at the Kent Campus. Clinical is typically held on Saturdays or Sundays in the Akron area. Weekday clinical assignments are possible, particularly during the final two semesters. The next Akron Cohort will begin in the Fall of 2022.
Costs & Financial Aid
-
What is the cost of tuition?
University tuition rates are reviewed on an annual basis. Please visit our Tuition & Costs page. Total ABSN program costs average around $30,000 for in-state residents throughout the professional nursing sequence. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to gather the most up-to-date estimation of the ABSN program’s total cost.
-
Can I qualify for student loans or federal/state aid, and does Kent State offer any scholarships?
- The most common form of funding is student loans provided by the Federal Government by filling out a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The award range is from $5,500 to $12,500 per year for students who have already earned a degree.
- The College of Nursing offers a few scholarship opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in the professional nursing sequence. Learn more about those on our Financial Aid & Scholarships page. In addition, you may wish to seek outside scholarships through the Ohio Board of Nursing and healthcare companies such as Johnson & Johnson.
- If you are currently unemployed, you may be eligible for state or federal grant programs designed for re-educating students. Contact your local One Stop, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Department of Jobs and Family Services for more information.
- Some hospitals and other healthcare agencies will provide tuition assistance if the student signs a multi-year contract to work for the agency following graduation. Contact your local and regional agencies.
-
Can I take any courses at other universities while in the sequence?
Upon admission to the professional nursing sequence, all NURS course must be taken through Kent State. Any remaining auxiliary degree requirements (i.e. genetics, nutrition, sociology, etc.) may be taken as a guest/visiting/transient student through an external institution with prior approval from your ABSN Academic Advisor.
-
How long does the sequence take to complete (including/not including prerequisites)?
The Accelerated Nursing Sequence is an extensive program lasting four to five (4-5) consecutive terms in length (not counting prerequisites). Prerequisites generally take two semesters to complete but most student take at least a year to create a competitive application. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission and what it takes to be competitive for admission.
-
Can I complete the Accelerated sequence at a regional campus?
The sequence is offered at the Kent campus only.
-
At what hospitals will I be completing clinicals?
You will have hospital-based clinicals at various facilities throughout Northeast Ohio: University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (formerly Robinson Memorial), Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, or Akron City Hospital to name a few. We also work with non-hospital agencies such as Jennings Center for Older Adults, Town Hall II, and Coleman Professional Services to name only a few.
-
Can I have a job while going through the sequence?
Some students have worked while in the sequence, mostly part-time in the evenings or weekends. Students in the Summa Cohort or Weekend Cohort can work part-time during the regular work week. It can be done, but we highly recommend that you focus more on the sequence than work because it is an intensive program. Students who work more than 16 hours a week are less likely to complete the sequence.
-
How many credit hours will I take each semester?
You will be taking classes full-time. Most semesters are at or near 16 credit hours. The sequence curriculum can be found on our website.
-
What are the average times of day that classes are offered?
Refer to the cohort page to see what class schedule to expect for each cohort.
-
Do you have any online courses?
Select courses are offered online giving students the opportunity to have both online and traditional learning experiences.
-
Can I take more classes so that I can finish the sequence in a shorter amount of time?
No, because nursing courses are offered in a sequence (one is a prerequisite for the next, etc.) the clinical courses are not able to be taken out of order or earlier. Once you are accepted into the sequence, it is four or five semesters, depending on the cohort.
-
Do you offer STNA or LPN certification training?
Although, we do not offer STNA or LPN certification programs, we do offer an LPN-to-BSN bridge program for those who are currently LPN’s as well as an online RN-to-BSN program for RN’s who went through an ADN program.