Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by II Editor
Are you aspiring to become a nurse but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of taking the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam? Look no further! In this article, we’ve outlined a number of nursing schools that don’t require TEAS test for admission. Yes, you read that right! We understand the anxiety that standardized tests can bring, so we’ve curated a list of top-notch nursing schools that prioritize alternative admission criteria.
These TEAS-free nursing schools prioritize factors such as GPA, prerequisite courses, interviews, and more. So, if you’re ready to explore alternative pathways to your nursing dreams, join us as we uncover these TEAS-free nursing schools.
Nursing Schools That Don’t Require TEAS Test
Below is a list of some top nursing schools that don’t require TEAS test; we provided the individual admission requirements, including their various GPAs and other admission criteria of the institutions.
1. Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
Northern Illinois University’s School of Nursing equips individuals with the necessary skills to excel as leaders in providing comprehensive patient care across diverse healthcare settings. By offering the B.S. in Nursing and RN-B.S. in Nursing programs, the School ensures that students receive extensive training in both the physical and social sciences, which are essential components for a successful nursing career. Moreover, these programs also prepare students for advanced studies, as the School provides opportunities for pursuing graduate degrees such as the M.S. in Nursing and D.N.P. Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
It is important to note that the baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master’s degree programs in nursing, and the doctor in nursing practice program at Northern Illinois University have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This accreditation serves as a testament to the School’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards and preparing competent professionals in the field of nursing.
Admission Requirement
To apply for admission to the Northern Illinois University’s School of Nursing, you need to submit a completed application indicating nursing as your area of academic interest. Additionally, you are required to provide an official high school transcript or an official GED score report. Students must acquire a prerequisite GPA and an overall or cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. You will be considered a freshman applicant if you have acquired less than 24 semester hours of college credit.
Note: Nursing applications are accepted into the institution annually between September 1st and January 15th. Note that regardless of the intended semester in which applicants plan to commence their nursing courses, the application process is conducted only once a year.
2. OHSU School of Nursing
The OHSU School of Nursing is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards in nursing education, promoting continuous learning throughout one’s professional journey. The School’s core values revolve around providing compassionate and exceptional care to individuals and communities while embracing a holistic knowledge acquisition and exploration approach.
With a diverse range of programs, the OHSU School of Nursing offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that are specifically designed to foster the development of critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and a broad understanding of health systems and economics. These programs also emphasize interdisciplinary care, public health awareness, and effective communication strategies within various healthcare settings. Aspiring scholars can further pursue doctoral and postdoctoral programs, equipping them with the necessary expertise for scholarly inquiry, independent research, and leadership roles within the healthcare field.
For students aspiring to advance their practice, the School provides comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs that empower them with advanced knowledge and skills. These programs prepare students to take on influential roles in healthcare, utilizing their expertise to drive positive change and enhance patient outcomes.
The OHSU School of Nursing prides itself on cultivating an educational community that values excellence, nurtures creativity, encourages self-reflection, fosters accountability, promotes diversity and inclusivity, and fosters a lifelong dedication to learning. These principles are at the base of the School’s mission, creating an environment that supports and empowers nursing professionals to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the field.
Admission Requirement
To be eligible for admission into the BSN program, applicants must fulfil the following criteria:
- Prerequisite GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Only the grades from prerequisite courses will be considered in the GPA calculation.
- Interested applicants must complete at least 45 quarter or 30 semester hours of prerequisite coursework before enrollment.
- Interview: Assessment of verbal and written communication skills and an evaluation of overall suitability for the role and program.
All students must have successfully completed 45 quarter or 30-semester credits of prerequisite coursework at an accredited institution before enrolling in the nursing program. By the end of the fall 2023 term, a minimum of 28 quarter or 19-semester prerequisite credits must be completed; this includes completing at least one Anatomy & Physiology and Intermediate Algebra/Math 95 term or a higher-level math course.
Regarding prerequisite coursework, all courses must be taken for a minimum grade of “C-” or higher and obtained from an accredited college or university. The most recent grade will be considered if a course has been taken multiple times. Natural science courses, such as the Anatomy & Physiology series, Microbiology, and Nutrition, must have been completed within seven years of the intended start year (e.g., 2017-2024 for the 2024 program).
3. Lee University School of Nursing
Lee University’s School of Nursing is dedicated to offering comprehensive programs of study that prepare healthcare professionals to approach their practice with a caring, Christian worldview. This perspective emphasizes transformational servant leadership that is intentional, bold, infused with Christ-centered confidence, and deeply compassionate in providing care to others within an increasingly diverse, global, complex, and ever-changing world.
Furthermore, the School recognizes that developing transformational servant leadership skills among healthcare professionals can catalyze significant positive change in both their health and the health of others. Healthcare professionals can effectively advocate for those in need by promoting relationship-centred care and responsible Christian living. This intentional leadership is applicable across various settings and situations. The school places a special emphasis on giving a voice to the disadvantaged, frail, and vulnerable populations, recognizing their worth, and providing them with the quality care they deserve, as seen through the lens of Christ’s teachings.
It is worth mentioning that the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Lee University has obtained accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, highlighting the school’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards and ensuring the quality of the nursing program.
Admission Requirement
Several factors come into play when considering applicants for full acceptance into the nursing major. These include an evaluation of the courses completed in high school and college, the cumulative GPA (with a minimum of 2.75 for students with prior college coursework), an essay submitted by the applicant, academic recommendations, ACT or SAT scores, and a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) online score of 90 or higher for non-native English speakers.
Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency at or above the MTHS-099 level and the ENGL-105 level or higher. While not required, submitting an ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) entrance exam score can strengthen an applicant’s overall application. The ATI TEAS test covers various subjects such as reading, math, science, English, and language usage, and applicants can refer to the ATI TEAS website for information regarding test dates and locations.
4. Florida State University College of Nursing
Florida State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that holds national accreditation, ensuring students receive a high-quality education and valuable practical experience in the nursing field.
The BSN program at Florida State University spans an extensive duration of four consecutive semesters, equivalent to 15 months. Throughout this program, students engage in a wide range of learning experiences within various clinical settings. These settings include community health agencies, clinics, hospitals, and home-based care. The nursing courses encompass a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and supervised clinical practice, enabling students to hone their theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare scenarios. Through these experiences, students develop essential skills in effectively managing patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The program’s curriculum seamlessly progresses across the continuum of care and addresses the full spectrum of complexity in clinical settings, covering patients of all age groups.
Admission Requirement
Students undergo a competitive application process to gain admission to the College of Nursing program. This process considers their completion of nursing prerequisites, the fulfilment of all Liberal Studies/General Education requirements, and a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of courses that satisfy the General Education criteria, as outlined in the FSU catalogue. Alternatively, students can be admitted with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida public institution.
Furthermore, aspiring nursing students must meet specific academic requirements. They need to have achieved an overall GPA of at least 3.0, reflecting their dedication to academic excellence. Additionally, a grade of C or better is expected in all prerequisite courses, demonstrating a strong foundation in the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success in the BSN program.
Florida State University’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rigorous BSN program, coupled with its emphasis on practical experience and academic excellence, equips students with the necessary tools to excel in nursing. The program’s integration of theory and clinical practice enables students to develop into competent and compassionate nurses who can positively impact the health and overall well-being of the individuals and communities they serve.
5. Leighton School of Nursing
The Mariam University Leighton School of Nursing is a distinguished institution that offers comprehensive nursing programs for aspiring healthcare professionals. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a solid foundation in nursing theory and clinical practice, preparing students to deliver high-quality patient care. The School also offers an RN to BSN program for registered nurses looking to advance their careers.
For those seeking advanced nursing education, the School offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, equipping graduates for advanced practice roles and leadership positions in healthcare. Additionally, their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program combines clinical training, leadership development, and research to prepare nurses for executive positions and advanced clinical practice.
With experienced faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, Leighton School of Nursing ensures students receive personalized attention and hands-on training. They prioritize excellence, innovation, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in healthcare.
Admission Requirement
Applicants must have acquired a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 to be eligible for admission. Additionally, a minimum science prerequisite GPA of 2.8 is required, indicating competence in the foundational scientific knowledge necessary for nursing practice. Successful completion of all science prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of at least C or better is also mandatory to demonstrate proficiency in these subject areas.
In addition to the science prerequisites, applicants must acquire a grade of at least C or higher in each of the general education courses they have completed. This requirement ensures a well-rounded education and prepares students to tackle the diverse challenges they will encounter in their nursing studies.
To further assess applicants’ readiness for the nursing program, they are required to complete the application in full and submit it on time. Additionally, a score in the 60th percentile or higher on the Kaplan Admission Test is expected. Students who do not achieve the desired score on their initial attempt may have the opportunity to retake the test after undergoing remediation.
A satisfactory International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score is mandatory for international applicants. This assessment ensures that students who are not native English speakers possess the language proficiency necessary to excel in their nursing education and effectively communicate in healthcare settings.
Leighton School of Nursing values academic excellence and seeks to admit students who demonstrate the commitment and aptitude to thrive in the rigorous nursing program. By meeting these admission requirements, prospective students will be well-positioned to embark on a rewarding journey toward becoming highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
6. University of South Florida College of Nursing
With a focus on excellence, innovation, and evidence-based practice, the USF College of Nursing prepares students to become highly skilled and compassionate nurses. The programs offered include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. in Nursing.
The BSN program provides students with a solid nursing theory and practice foundation, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional patient care. For individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing offers a fast-track option to enter nursing.
At the graduate level, the MSN program offers various specializations, such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse leader. These programs prepare nurses for advanced practice roles and leadership positions in healthcare. The DNP program focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation, while the Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses for research and academia.
The College of Nursing boasts renowned faculty members who are experts in their diverse fields and dedicated to student success. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs, clinical partnerships with prestigious healthcare institutions, and research opportunities that contribute to advancements in nursing science.
Admission Requirement
The undergraduate nursing programs at the University of South Florida College of Nursing have specific admission requirements that differ from traditional application processes. Unlike other programs, the college does not require submitting or considering the TEAS, HESI exams, letters of recommendation, or resumes. Instead, the selection process for admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation considering multiple factors.
These factors include the cumulative GPA achieved by applicants in their undergraduate coursework. A minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 is required for consideration, highlighting the college’s commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, grades earned on the first attempt in the prerequisite courses are carefully assessed to gauge the candidates’ aptitude and proficiency in the foundational knowledge necessary for success in nursing studies.
An important component of the admissions process is the interview, which allows applicants to express their motivations for pursuing a career in nursing and demonstrate their professional approach to potential clinical scenarios. The interview enables the college to understand the candidates’ dedication, passion, and readiness to excel in nursing.
Applicants selected for the interview process will receive communication regarding their interview scheduling through the SOAR discussion board, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for all candidates.
It is worth noting that while the minimum cumulative GPA requirement is set at 3.20, it is essential for prospective students to complete any outstanding nursing prerequisite courses by the program start date. These prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of at least C or better while maintaining a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum and challenges of the nursing program.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a nursing program that doesn’t require TEAS test can be a game-changer for your educational journey. It allows you to showcase your unique skills, talents, and dedication to patient care, allowing you to shine in ways that standardized tests may not capture.
Remember, becoming a nurse is about more than just acing exams. It’s about compassion, critical thinking, and a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. So don’t let the TEAS exam keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Nursing schools that don’t require TEAS scores are opening doors for individuals like you, who deserve the chance to showcase their best potential. Take the time to explore the nursing schools listed in this article, each offering an alternative path to admission. Find the one that aligns with your values, strengths, and aspirations.
So go ahead and pursue your passion for nursing. Trust your abilities and embrace the nursing schools that recognize your worth beyond test scores. Your journey to becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse starts here. Best of luck!
