Admission Requirements
An applicant must be officially accepted by Purdue University Northwest before his or her application can be considered for admission to the College of Nursing. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the College of Nursing.
Admission to the College of Nursing
Fall and Spring admission to the undergraduate Professional Option in Nursing are offered at both the Hammond and Westville campuses. Applicants interested in Fall admission at both campuses must apply by February 1st. Applicants interested in Spring admission must apply by October 1st. Second Degree Accelerated student applications are only accepted for Fall admissions. This is a limited enrollment program and admission is competitive.
Admission criteria for the Nursing Baccalaureate programs:
- Baccalaureate Degree Professional Option: Beginning Students Who Have Not Attended College
- Baccalaureate Degree Professional Option: Change of Degree or Transfer Students
- Accelerated Second Degree Baccalaureate Option: Change of Degree or Transfer Students
- Online RN to BSN Completion Program
Criminal History Background Check
In order to maintain compliance with state/federal laws and/or agency regulations for individuals working with patients, a criminal history background check is required upon admission and may need to be updated per agency requirements.
Students admitted to the College of Nursing in the Spring of 2018 and forward must submit criminal background check results by July 1st each calendar year. Students admitted prior to Spring 2018 will continue to submit an annual criminal background check each year on the anniversary date of their first background check. For all nursing students, if there is any change in status regarding criminal history, a new criminal background check must be submitted and the College of Nursing notified immediately.
Students who have been charged for violation(s) of law may not be eligible for clinical placement in the practicum setting, thus interrupting or preventing progression in the nursing program until such time that their legal issues are resolved.
In addition, the Indiana State Board of Nursing will ask those applying for professional licensure to provide a Criminal Background check and may ask for an explanation of results prior to being granted the right to complete the NCLEX licensure exam. The criminal history background report is valid for a period of one year from date of issuance. This report must be updated annually by the student, at the expense of the student, by yearly due date.