Admission Criteria for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program

Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing (MFSON) at GCC Admission Criteria for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program

The admission process for the ADN program is a two-phase process. Students must first be granted admission to the College (Phase One) and then be formally accepted into the nursing program beginning in semester 3 (Phase Two).

Policy for Admission to ADN Program and the LVN to ADN pathway at MFSON

The admission of students and the criteria developed will be evaluated annually to determine if criteria for admission and student success is consistent. MFSON ADN program has three admission periods each year: spring, summer, and fall. The process of admission of students is a two-phase process. The first phase involves enrollment and acceptance into the college and semester 1 (pre-nursing). The second phase consists of official acceptance into the ADN program beginning with semester 3. Criteria for acceptance into each phase is outlined below.

Admission Criteria for Phase One – General Education Courses
To be considered for admission into the first semester of General Education courses (pre-nursing) at MFSON, the applicant will need to complete the following:

1. Complete an online nursing application.
2. Attend an information session provided by the Admissions Coordinator. Information sessions are offered frequently throughout the year.
3. Take the Wonderlic/Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) and pass with a minimum score of 20. This exam is offered at no cost and is administered through the college. This exam is a national standardized exam recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The exam measures cognitive ability. Items include word comparisons, antonyms, dates and times, folding boxes, graphs, number comparisons, simple math, sentence forming, rotational series, syllogisms and others. The test questions are carefully arranged in order of difficulty, beginning at a modest level and progressively increasing in complexity. Applicants who score below 20 may repeat the SLE once after a 7-day waiting period. Applicants not passing on their second attempt are not eligible for admission to the ADN program.
4. Submit these required documents:
   • High School Diploma with transcripts;
   • or a certificate of completion in General Education Development (GED);
   • or a foreign degree that is credentialed for 12th grade proficiency, including official transcripts, and which must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts may be mailed or hand-carried, but they must be unopened and with have an official seal.
   • Applicants with college experience must submit all college transcripts from every college or University attended. To receive consideration for transferable course credit, only official transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts must be sent via US mail from the college or University to the Registrar’s Office. If transcripts are hand delivered, they must be in an officially sealed envelope from the college or University, and cannot have been opened for any reason when submitted to the Registrar’s Office. If sent electronically, transcripts must be sent directly to the Chair of the Admissions Committee.
5. Provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation written on professional letterhead. Letters of recommendation must be written by someone having had a professional working relationship or from a high school or college teacher. Letters written by personal friends or family members will not be accepted.
6. Meet with a financial representative to understand tuition costs and payment plans.
7. Applicants meeting the above criteria will be scheduled for an interview with the Admissions Committee.
8. Once accepted into Phase One (pre-nursing), any students with potential transfer credit through course equivalency, prior experience, or challenge exams must review the Transfer Credit policy and notify the Admission Coordinator immediately, prior to the start of the first semester. (Please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy.)

Admission Criteria for Phase Two – ADN Program:
The prospective student will need to meet all requirements by the prescribed deadlines to become an eligible candidate for the ADN Program Acceptance Pool:

1. Students must successfully complete all general education prerequisite courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Required general education prerequisites are:
   • Human Anatomy – 3 credits
   • Human Anatomy Lab – 1 credit
   • Human Physiology – 3 credits
   • Human Physiology Lab – 1 credit
   • Microbiology – 4 credits
   • Microbiology Lab – 2 credits
   • Psychology – 3 credits
   • English Composition – 3 credits
   • Oral Communication – 3 credits
   • Sociology – 3 credits
2. Students must take the ATI TEAS at a MFSON campus and achieve a score at or above the 60th percentile/proficient level in each required TEAS subject area. Students may attempt three times; the most recent attempt will be used for ranking within the ADN Program Acceptance Pool. Students are responsible for all fees associated with the ATI TEAS exam.
   • First attempt: Students who do not achieve the required score for each TEAS subject area may repeat the TEAS once more within the same semester.
   • Second attempt: Students who do not achieve the required score for each TEAS subject area on the second time may repeat the TEAS during the following semester.
   • Third/final attempt: Students who do not achieve the required score for each TEAS subject area will not be considered for the ADN Program.
3. Students who are accepted must successfully pass the background check and drug screen requirements as required by institutional policies and clinical partners, as well as provide all other required documentation.

ADN Program Acceptance Pool: The BRN approves a maximum number of students that may be accepted each semester to ensure program quality, regulatory compliance and adequate clinical placement capacity. As a result, the ADN program cannot guarantee acceptance to all students who meet minimum eligibility requirements. When the number of qualified students exceeds seat capacity, the program uses a rank-ordering process to determine Acceptance into the ADN Program. Students who meet all eligibility and prerequisite requirements are evaluated using the program’s established multicriteria selection process. Each application is assigned a composite score based on these criteria and then rank-ordered from highest to lowest score. Acceptance offers are extended beginning with the highest-ranked applicants until all seats are filled. Remaining qualified applications may be placed on an alternate list for the semester, receive acceptance in a subsequent semester, and/or utilize a Program Change – Academic Credit Pathway to pursue a different associate degree.

MFSON reserves the right to deny admission.

Important notice: Students who are accepted must disclose any misdemeanors and/or convictions, as this may prevent students from participating in clinical experiences, and/or qualifying to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing-RN (NCLEX-RN®). Students are encouraged to review all California BRN licensing information.

Get Credit for What You’ve Already Accomplished

Your previous education and experience may help you move closer to earning your nursing degree. We evaluate eligible transfer credits, prior coursework, and applicable experience to determine how they may apply toward your nursing program. Our team will review your background and help you understand your options so you can build on what you’ve already achieved and continue moving forward in your nursing education. See the video on this page to learn more.