Last Updated on October 13, 2024 by II Editor
For many aspiring nurses, passing an entrance exam such as the ACT, SAT or HESI Admission Assessment (A2) can feel like a major hurdle on the path to a fulfilling career caring for patients. However, there are some excellent nursing schools that offer admission without requiring these standardized tests. This guide will explore six such schools, their programs, accreditation and admissions processes to help you determine the best option for your goals and circumstances.
Nursing Schools Without Entrance Exams
Below are some of the nursing schools with no entrance exams. You will also learn about all the admission requirements and the minimum GPA requirements.
1. Texas A&M University-Central Texas
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas A&M University-Central Texas (TAMU-CT) in Killeen offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree without requiring entrance exams. The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Admission is based on a holistic review of applicants’ academic history, work or volunteer experience in healthcare, and a personal statement. Minimum eligibility requirements are:
- High school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a ‘C’ or better.
- TEAS exam is not required but can be taken for additional consideration.
The TAMU-CT nursing curriculum follows a 2+2 model, with the first two years devoted to prerequisites and general education. In the final two years, students complete nursing major courses that combine classroom instruction with clinical placements. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain their registered nurse license.
2. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock takes a similar approach. Admission is granted based on prior academic achievement without requiring standardized admissions tests. Candidates for the Pre-Licensure BSN pathway must have:
- High school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of at least 24 credit hours of prerequisites
- Minimum 2.75 GPA in prerequisite courses
The pre-licensure program is a 4-year plan of study incorporating science, math, humanities and nursing courses. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to allow for personal attention. Clinical experiences take place throughout the junior and senior years at over 30 area healthcare facilities. The school holds CCNE accreditation and prepares students for NCLEX testing.
3. Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
Northern Illinois University offers admission to its CCNE-accredited BSN program without a required entrance exam through two options. The traditional 4-year pathway evaluates a holistic application package, including a prerequisite GPA, a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.
Transfer students may qualify for the RN to BSN completion track by holding an associate’s degree in nursing and a current unencumbered RN license. This fully online program can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study or extended part-time. Both options focus on developing strong clinical reasoning skills alongside leadership abilities through evidence-based coursework and service-learning projects in the local community.
4. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing
The top-ranked School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers applicants for its highly selective BSN program based on academic merit, without requiring standardized test scores. Minimum eligibility includes:
- High school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- SAT combined score of 1280 or ACT composite of 29 if under 20 years old
- Completion of 11 prerequisite courses with a 3.4 weighted GPA
The curriculum immerses students in the science of nursing while cultivating their leadership potential. Small class sizes allow for close faculty mentorship. Extensive clinical opportunities are provided through UNC Medical Center and over 30 additional community partners. Distinguished alumni go on to roles as nurse practitioners, researchers, executives and more. Graduates earn a solid foundation for advanced education.
5. George Washington University School of Nursing
George Washington University accepts applications for its CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN programs without mandating the GRE, MAT or other admissions tests. The evaluation focuses instead on previous academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a brief personal statement and relevant healthcare experience. Minimum criteria are:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (3.2 preferred)
- Completion of prerequisite coursework
- TOEFL scores if English is not the first language (minimum 100)
Located in the heart of Washington D.C., GWU offers an enriching urban environment. Small class sizes support close faculty relationships and interprofessional collaboration. On-site learning is complemented by clinical placements throughout the region. The flexible, full-time 4-year BSN and part-time RN to BSN options accommodate working students well.
6. Florida State University College of Nursing
Florida State University is among the most prestigious universities in the South. Its College of Nursing achieves similar excellence with its respected Bachelor of Science in Nursing program accredited by both CCNE and ACEN.
Admission is granted based on merit without requiring standardized tests. Eligibility includes a competitive minimum:
- High school GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- SAT minimum 1300 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math) or ACT 29+
- 3.5 GPA in prerequisite sciences completed before the application.
The FSU BSN curriculum promotes scientific inquiry, leadership development and community engagement through small classes and early clinical immersion. State-of-the-art facilities support simulation-enhanced learning. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped for advanced practice and prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Floridians as registered professional nurses.
Choosing the Right Nursing Program
Choosing from these excellent nursing schools without entrance exams allows matching your strengths and priorities to the best fit. Consider location, living costs, program length and career goals. Request information to compare accreditation status, licensure pass rates, specialties offered and post-graduation outcomes. Factor in the prerequisites required and plan ahead to complete them on schedule with competitive grades.
Contact admissions for your top choices to discuss deadlines, application requirements and any possibilities for scholarship aid or accelerated admission paths. An informative interview could help assess your fit and potential to succeed. With diligent preparation and selection of a supportive school environment, you can launch a fulfilling career in nursing without standardized testing barriers.
What are the typical career paths for graduates from these nursing programs?
Here are some typical career paths for graduates of the nursing programs we discussed:
- Registered Nurse (RN) – The entry-level role that all new graduates are prepared for. RNs provide direct patient care in settings like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, home health and more.
- Bedside Nurse – Work in medical/surgical units, intensive care, post-anaesthesia care, labour/delivery, paediatrics etc. caring for patients on an assigned team.
- ER/Trauma Nurse – Work in fast-paced emergency departments assessing and treating patients with injuries, illnesses and other emergent issues.
- Operating Room Nurse – Assist surgeons and care for patients before, during and after surgical procedures in hospital operating and procedure rooms.
- Nurse Educator – Teach in university nursing programs after gaining clinical experience. It may also provide staff education in healthcare facilities.
- Nurse Manager – Oversee nursing units and teams as a leader focusing on quality, staffing, budgets and other operational responsibilities.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Advanced practice role that can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications with a graduate degree (usually an MSN or DNP). Work autonomously or alongside physicians.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Masters-prepared expert in a specialty clinical area focused on direct patient care, education, and research.
- Informatics Nurse – Design and implement health IT systems using their clinical knowledge. Roles in system development, data analytics and user support.
- Public Health Nurse – Work for government agencies and non-profits on health education, screening programs, disease prevention and community outreach initiatives.
How do salary expectations vary among these nursing roles?
Salaries for nursing careers can vary depending on several factors like location, years of experience, specialty, education level and practice setting. Here are some general salary ranges that graduates from these programs could expect in the United States:
- Registered Nurse (RN): $70,000 – $102,000 annually on average. New grads start around $62,000.
- Bedside Nurse: $64,000 – $90,000 depending on experience, unit and hospital. ICU/ER is often on the higher end.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $110,000 – $155,000. A Family NP median is $113,000. The setting makes a difference, with dermatology NPs earning more for example.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): $90,000 – $115,000 on average at the masters-prepared level. Leadership roles may pay $110,000-130,000.
- Nurse Educator: $75,000 – $102,000 depending on academic rank and years of teaching. Clinical nurse educators earn less on average than university faculty.
- Nurse Manager: $85,000 – $115,000 average at larger hospitals. Director roles pay $95,000 – $125,000.
- Public Health Nurse: $60,000 – $90,000 depending on position, responsibilities and educational background. Advanced degrees qualify for higher-paying management roles.
- Informatics Nurse: $85,000 – $108,000 on average. Directors earn $115,000 – $140,000 annually. Specialists with graduate degrees can make over $100,000.
Overall salary potential increases substantially with experience and education level for nurses across all these roles and specialties. Large metropolitan areas also typically offer higher rates of pay.
In Summary
In this overview, we explored options for gaining entry into nursing school through programs that admit students based on merit without mandated entrance exams. Schools profiled included highly-ranked options in Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, Illinois, Washington D.C. and Florida. Each takes a holistic approach to evaluating a candidate’s academic history, experiences and potential for success in the nursing major.
With a strategic choice of an accommodating program and conscientious preparation to meet prerequisites and deadlines, you can pursue your calling to care for patients through nursing. Standardized tests present unnecessary obstacles for some, but should not exclude anyone dedicated to serving their community through this vitally important profession. With hard work matched to the right supportive learning environment, a future as a registered nurse remains within reach.
