The BSN admission process may vary slightly depending upon the route that students take to complete the first two years of foundation and general studies courses.
Application Deadlines
Current or Potential UAB Students
There are two special-entry programs available for students who are currently enrolled or intend to apply for admission to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The first program is the UAB Nursing Scholars Program directed toward high school seniors who have a minimum high school GPA of 3.25 and a composite ACT score of 25 or a composite SAT score of 1130. Applicants who meet these criteria may be granted early admission to the upper division nursing major.
The second program is the UAB Pre-Nursing Scholars Program that is available to students who have completed the first two years enrolled at UAB. Pre-Nursing scholars must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.2 GPA in all required nursing foundation courses. Applicants to the upper division major will be admitted to the BSN program provided that all other requirements are met.
BSN Admission Process
To apply to the BSN program in the School of Nursing at UAB, two different applications are submitted:
- UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions
- UAB School of Nursing
Current UAB Undergraduate Students need to submit only the UAB School of Nursing BSN application.
- Admission as a degree-seeking, pre-nursing student through the UAB Office of Undergraduate admissions is the first step toward a major in Nursing. Admission is based on high school and prior college coursework, along with any necessary college admission entrance exam scores. The on-line application for the UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions is available at Application for UAB Undergraduate Admissions along with contact information.
- Once admitted as an undergraduate pre-nursing student, the student is notified through an offer of admission letter to contact their assigned Pre-Nursing Advisor in the Office of General Studies at (205) 934-6135 for pre-nursing academic advisement. Advisement with the assigned Pre-Nursing Advisor is a requirement for application to the School of Nursing.
- At the scheduled appointment, the Pre-Nursing Advisor will review the student's academic record, including an evaluation of any previous college course work to establish a plan for the sequencing of the pre-nursing courses that need to be completed before admission to the School of Nursing. The Pre-Nursing Advisor will also explain the requirements and process for admission to the BSN Program.
- When the student has either completed the required pre-nursing courses or is in the last semester of pre-nursing courses, the student is issued the School of Nursing (SON) BSN application by their assigned Pre-Nursing Advisor.
- The student completes the SON application and submits the application and all additional application material to the SON Student Affairs Office by the application deadline.
Admission Requirements
- The minimum cumulative GPA for all traditional BSN applicants is 2.75 at the time of application (includes transfer students). Admission is competitive and is based on space available. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 does not guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.
- Students are eligible to apply when they have successfully completed a minimum of 41 semester credit hours. Successful completion of all pre-nursing foundation courses with a "C" or above in each course must be met prior to matriculation into the nursing program.
- Students offered admission to the SON who are enrolled in pre-nursing coursework must make a "C" or better in every foundation course for the nursing major. The final minimum cumulative/overall Nursing Foundation Coursework GPA must be a 2.75 or greater.
- Admission decisions are competitive and based on the applicant's academic record and application at the time of the application deadline. *All grades (UAB and other colleges/universities) from previous terms must be posted on the applicant's UAB transcript by the application deadline.
- A resume outlining health care interest/experience, campus/community involvement, leadership, and employment is due by the application deadline.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide proof of work/volunteer experience in a healthcare setting as part of the application process. The healthcare work is to be documented by letters from a supervisor (on agency letterhead) and/or time sheets and must consist of a minimum of 60 hours of paid or volunteer work in a healthcare setting. Completion of a nursing skills course does not meet this criterion.
- Applicants to the School of Nursing are strongly recommended to demonstrate a record of full-time study and a minimum number of course repeats/grade forgiveness options.
Admission Decisions
- Admission decisions will be based on the applicant's academic record, supporting documents, and BSN application at the time of the application deadline.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide proof of work/volunteer experience in a healthcare setting as part of the application process. This experience is not required for admission but may factor into the admission decision.
Special Options for Tradition BSN Admission
- UAB Nursing Scholars Program for entering freshmen is a special early admission option for academically
qualified high school seniors who have an ACT score of 25 or above or a composite SAT score of 1130 and a
minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. This option insures admission to the nursing program as long as a minimum GPA
of 3.25 is maintained in the BSN foundation courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is maintained.
- UAB Pre-Nursing Scholars Program is a special option for native UAB students (attended UAB for all university
coursework. Students who maintain a 3.2 GPA on all BSN foundation coursework and who have a cumulative 3.0
GPA are guaranteed admission to the nursing program.
Prior to Enrollment for Upper Division Nursing Courses
CPR certification will be due prior to registration for upper division courses. The following courses meet this requirement:
- American Heart Association's Healthcare Provider Course (Course C or BLSC)
- American Red Cross' Professional Rescuer Course
Medical clearance is required prior to registration for all upper division nursing courses.
Applicants will receive an admissions decision a minimum of 4 weeks after application for the semester for which they are applying.
Future updates on the BSN admission process will be posted on the School of Nursing website (www.uab.edu/son ), will be available from your Pre-Nursing Advisor, and sent to your "@uab.edu" email address. If you have any questions concerning these changes, please feel free to contact the School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs at sonstudaffrs@uab.edu .
*Traditional Students are those students who seek to enter the Undergraduate BSN program and are not a RN.