Prelicensure BSN Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program accredited?
The Prelicensure BSN is a new program that has received provisional accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing, a status issued to all new programs until they become eligible for full accreditation. Eligibility for full accreditation with the NJ Board of Nursing occurs after the first cohort graduates and achieves a preestablished pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
Kean University’s RN-BSN and MSN programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Prelicensure BSN program will also undergo this additional voluntary accreditation process once eligible.
Can I attend part time?
The Prelicensure BSN program is a full-time cohort program and cannot be taken on a part-time basis.
How long does the program take?
The Prelicensure BSN program is designed to be completed in 3 years, including mandatory summer sessions.
Can I work while I’m in the program?
The Prelicensure BSN program requires rigorous coursework, and we strongly suggest that you do not work while attending the program.
How many credits is the program?
The Prelicensure BSN program is 120 credits.
What are the clinical requirements for the program?
Clinical education includes placement in a variety of healthcare settings which include but are not limited to hospitals, long-term care facilities, behavioral health, and community settings. Some clinical experiences occur within the Fall and Spring semesters, with additional clinical immersion experiences during the Year 2 & 3 summer sessions.
How much is tuition?
Current tuition rates can be found HERE.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarship information can be found HERE.
What tutoring or extra help is available?
Kean University offers a wealth of resources to support student success! Please visit the Students Support Services website for more information.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 1st or until the predetermined number of seats has been filled.
What is the program's start date?
Program entry is in the Fall semester.
What is the selection process for the program?
Applicants are selected through a 2-step process:
Step 1: Admission to the Intended BSN major (Pre-Nursing): Applicants must meet Kean University’s admission requirements as well as the additional minimum requirements as set forth by the Department of Nursing. Applicants will be scored on a broad set of criteria informed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Holistic Admissions Toolkit. Rubrics have been developed as a tool for admissions scores. Supporting documentation will be required. A predetermined number of applicants will be selected from the applicant pool for admission to Pre-Nursing on a rolling basis until the predetermined number has been reached. Admission into Pre-Nursing does not guarantee admission into the Prelicensure BSN Cohort.
Step 2: Admission to the Prelicensure BSN Cohort (PLBSN Major): Selection for the Prelicensure BSN Cohort will occur in May of the 1st year. Selection is based on rank according to the Holistic Admissions Rubric, 1st year GPA, Nursing Entrance Exam which is taken in April/May of the spring semester of the 1st year, and a Video Essay which must be submitted during April/May of the spring semester of the 1st year. An interview with the Department of Nursing may also be required.
The following courses must be completed no later than the spring semester of the first year:
| GE 1000 Transition to Kean | ENG 1030 College Composition* |
| PSY 1000 General Psychology* | SOC 1000: Intro to Sociology |
| BIO 2403 Human Anatomy and Physiology I* | ID 1111: Intro to Health Professions |
| BIO 2404 Human Anatomy and Physiology II* |
* Must be completed with a C+ or higher.
All remaining prerequisites must be completed prior to the fall semester of the second year. Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.
Are there any testing requirements for admission?
Yes. Though SAT/ACT scores are optional, we encourage you to submit scores that you feel will strengthen your application. A Nursing Entrance Exam will also be required during Spring of the 1st Year.
Where are classes offered?
Classes are offered in-person on the main campus in Union, New Jersey.
Application costs/application waiver:
Information regarding application fees and waivers can be found HERE.
Is on-campus housing available?
Click HERE to learn more about living on campus.
When can I attend and open house or information session?
Click HERE for information on upcoming information sessions.
How can I strengthen my application?
Applicants will be scored on a broad set of criteria informed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Holistic Admissions Toolkit. Rubrics have been developed as a tool for admissions scores. Criteria include academic rigor in high school, work experience (including consistent volunteer work), extracurricular activities, especially any leadership positions, test scores (if submitted), class rank, essay, and GPA. Grades are important, but we understand that sometimes circumstances occur that prevent students from achieving their full potential in high school. Applicants who experienced extenuating circumstances that may have temporarily impacted grades and/or high school GPA are encouraged to share that information if they would like it to be considered during the admissions review.
What classes would I need to take?
You can view our curriculum HERE.
Do I need to take the SAT?
Submission of SAT/ACT scores is optional; however, we encourage applicants to submit scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.
Are classes online or in person?
Classes are in-person on the main campus in Union, New Jersey.
What classes should I take in high school to prepare for admission?
Minimum requirements can be found HERE. Honors and/or AP courses in math and/or science (especially Biology and Chemistry) with a grade of B or better will strengthen your application.
How many students are accepted into the program?
The number of students admitted to the Intended BSN/Pre-Nursing Major is limited to 100. The number of students selected for the Prelicensure BSN cohort will be 40. Please note: Due to the limited number of spaces in the Prelicensure BSN Cohort, the number of qualified candidates may exceed the number of available spaces.
My first language is not English. Can I still apply to the program?
Yes! English Language Learners interested in applying to the Prelicensure BSN Program must achieve a minimum score of 90 on the TOEFL iBT within two years prior to being admitted as an Intended BSN/Pre-Nursing major.