Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Nursing Program

Students in UE's nursing direct entry program work closely with our talented faculty to gain hands-on experience in and out of the classroom, giving them the experience they will need to succeed in the field.

Assisted by dedicated faculty mentors, students acquire knowledge, skills, and professional experience within the direct entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. Students study the natural, behavioral, and social sciences while practicing in clinical settings.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. and the Indiana State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses. The UE pass rate for this test is at or above the national average. Graduates are prepared for beginning professional practice positions and graduate study. 100 percent of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Accepted students who meet the following required standards enter directly into the nursing program.

  • ACT score of 22 or above or an SAT score of 1100 or above.
  • Minimum four years English and three years mathematics.
  • Minimum three years science, including grades of C or above in two semesters of chemistry.

High school students who do not meet admission criteria for direct entry into the nursing program are considered on an individual basis by the program's Admission, Standards, and Progression Committee and may be conditionally admitted as Pre-Nursing. At the end of the freshman year, students must achieve both a cumulative and Nursing GPA of 2.5 or higher and complete the ATI TEAS test with the required proficiency level prior to being fully admitted.

UE also welcomes transfer students.

  • For classes starting Fall 2023, students applying for admission as an internal or external transfer student must either supply ACT score of 22 or above, or SAT-R score of 1100 or above taken in last 5 years OR complete the ATI TEAS test and achieve proficiency level.
  • To apply as a transfer student, complete the transfer admission application indicating a desire to study nursing.
  • After being accepted by UE for admission, the application is reviewed separately by the Dunigan Family School of Nursing.
  • Admitted students are placed at either the first or second year based on the number and types of courses completed and accepted for transfer credit.
  • In order to be considered for placement at the second year of admission, the transfer student needs a minimum of 30 hours of transfer credit applicable to the nursing degree, including courses equivalent to the anatomy and physiology (EXSS 112, EXSS 113) and chemistry (CHEM 108 or CHEM 118) courses at the University of Evansville.
  • We accept transfer students who have maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA in their college studies.
  • May be required to submit a letter of “good standing”

“I had it all figured out. I was going to a big state school that I always dreamed about to major in nursing. My freshman year, everything was going as planned and I was doing well; I had a 3.8 GPA. There was every indication I would be admitted into the nursing program; however, that's not what happened. I was placed on a waitlist and encouraged to try again because there weren't enough positions in the program.

It was devastating. It felt like my dream of becoming a nurse would be delayed or maybe not happen at all. So, I started exploring transfer options and discovered the University of Evansville's School of Nursing direct admit program. To my surprise, most of my credits transferred, and I was able to start the nursing program immediately!

But what about the cost? I was sure UE would cost more than the state school, but I was surprised again. With the scholarship and financial aid I received from UE, I'm paying the same that I did to go to the state school.

My time at UE has been awesome. I'm about to begin my senior year and will attend Harlaxton College, UE's study abroad center in Grantham, England, with 14 of my nursing classmates.

I'm happy that I transferred to UE. I feel that professors here want us to succeed. There is comradery and a sense of respect for students.”

Emma Vassy
Nursing Major and Transfer Student