Freshman Direct Entry to Traditional BSN Program 

To start your journey, apply below:

Freshman Direct Entry Admission Requirements 

Students who plan to attend Rockhurst for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree may be awarded a freshman direct entry seat in the program based on their high school GPA and, if submitted with the application for admission, ACT or SAT scores. With this opportunity, you will begin your path to achieving your BSN degree at Rockhurst University starting day one of your freshman year, and no additional application will be necessary for the graduate-level phase of your degree. 

High School Seniors

• Prerequisite coursework consists of college preparatory high school curriculum
• Admission consideration begins with a minimum high school grade point average of 3.5 (weighted or unweighted) on a 4.0 scale
• Students may choose to submit a test score in the application process, but scores are not required for freshman direct entry consideration. Please note that while standardized test scores are not required for admission, a state board's standardized test is required to become a practicing nurse. 

This seat is offered when admitted to Rockhurst University (as an incoming freshman). To secure your seat, you must be one of the first 96 students to submit your $200 enrollment deposit (non-refundable). 

Please note that standard progression requirements apply to maintain your freshman direct entry seat:

1. Complete (or transfer in from college credit earned during high school) the 60 prerequisite credit hours for the SLCNHS BSN program. A minimum of 24 hours must be earned at Rockhurst University. 
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite coursework. 
3. Earn a minimum grade of B- in all required nursing prerequisite coursework.* 
4. No more than one retake in prerequisite natural science courses or college algebra taken at Rockhurst University. 

*Addendum: For any natural science course taken at the 3000 level or higher, PL1100, CT2000, and HSXXXX a grade of C or better is accepted. 

Current Rockhurst University Students

Rockhurst University students wishing to change their major to nursing may set up an appointment with the nursing advisor to review the plan of study requirements and anticipated cohort. 

Requirements to Begin Junior-Level Nursing Courses

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all prerequisite coursework
• Have completed 60 credits of core requirements, including the required natural science courses (Human Anatomy with lab, Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, and Human Physiology with lab) 
  • Completed Anatomy and Physiology sequences can be one of two options: Human Anatomy then Human Physiology OR Anatomy & Physiology I then Anatomy & Physiology II. A sequence is not complete if a student takes Human Anatomy, then Anatomy & Physiology II or Anatomy & Physiology I then Human Physiology. 
  • The required nursing pre-requisites (Human Anatomy with lab, Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, and Human Physiology with lab, and College Algebra) that are no older than five years old at the time of enrollment
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the following prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra    
  • Have not repeated/failed Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra more than one time. 
• Have graduated from an accredited high school (GED and HiSET also accepted) 
• Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or hold an F1Visa   

Note: If you are completing or have completed your bachelor’s degree at Rockhurst University in another program and want to complete a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, apply here. 

Transfer Students

Step 1: Apply to Rockhurst University by filling out a transfer application. 

Step 2: Submit all transcripts with previous college credits. 

We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2025. 

The following items are required to complete the application: 

• Official transcript(s) from each school attended. Up-to-date transcripts should include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits, and be sent directly to admissions@rockhurst.edu
• Home-schooled students must provide proof of a GED or HiSET exam 
• A resume reflecting qualifications, work, and volunteer experience 
• If you have been enrolled in another nursing program, you must provide a letter from the dean/nursing program director on official college letterhead verifying reasons for withdrawal/dismissal and eligibility for readmission 

Please note: The RU Transfer Wizard is a tool used to guide student advising regarding approved transfer credits. However, it does not replace the nursing program advising process. If you are planning to transfer in one of the required nursing prerequisites (such as A&P, Microbiology, or Chemistry), please confirm with your advisor that the course meets the nursing requirements. Nursing students are required to take Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II with labs OR Anatomy with lab and Physiology with lab. Nursing students cannot mix course structure and curriculum for Anatomy & Physiology. 

For instance, if you are taking Anatomy & Physiology I, you must take Anatomy & Physiology II.  If you take Anatomy, you must take Physiology. The course content is taught in a continuous sequence. If you mix and take Anatomy & Physiology I and then take Physiology (or vice versa), you will miss a major portion of the required content. The nursing advisor or admissions counselor can help you ensure the courses you plan to take provide the necessary content for nursing students.  

If you will be completing your bachelor’s degree at Rockhurst in another program and want to complete a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, apply here. 

Prerequisites for BSN Coursework

The first 60 credit hours of coursework, all of which can be completed at Rockhurst University, another institution, or a combination of both, are completed prior to starting junior-level nursing courses. Students then complete 60 hours of nursing courses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Rockhurst University Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.  

The courses listed below are the BSN prerequisites but may not include additional core requirements and/or electives to earn a degree from Rockhurst University. Your academic advisor will discuss these specific courses with you. All transfer students can send unofficial transcripts to a nursing advisor for evaluation.