Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What programs are offered?

The College of Nursing offers three program tracks to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

  1. Generic BSN Program: This traditional face-to-face program is five (5) semesters and is designed for students who have no prior nursing degree or experience.
  2. LVN-BSN Program: This traditional face-to-face program is four (4) semesters and is designed for applicants who currently hold an unencumbered license as a vocational nurse in the State of Texas.
  3. RN-BSN Program: This online program is three (3) semesters and is designed for applicants who currently hold an unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the State of Texas.  Note: International students, per Department of Homeland Security, can take only one online course per semester. This means that some of the courses for the RN to BSN Program for the international student (only) will need to be taken face-to-face. Additionally, Student Applicants for the RN to BSN Program must reside within the state of Texas.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted online at https://www.applytexas.org.  Step-by-Step instructions are listed on the College website www.pvamu.edu/nursing detailing additional documents and processes required to complete the Nursing application.

When can I apply?

  • Fall Application deadline: March 1st
  • Spring Application deadline: September 1st

Students should apply up to two months before these deadlines to ensure admission to the University at New students must be admitted through the Prairie View A&M University Office of Admissions before being considered for acceptance into the College of Nursing.  Students are responsible for ensuring that all courses needed to meet the 60-hour prerequisite requirements (taken at other institutions) are posted to their Prairie View A&M University transcript.

How many applications do you receive each semester? How many students do you accept?

Generic-BSN Program: The College of Nursing receives approximately 300-400 applications for the Generic Nursing Program each fall and spring. Of the applicants approximately 75 students are admitted each semester.

LVN-BSN Program: The College of Nursing receives approximately 30-50 applications for the LVN-BSN Program each fall and spring. Of the applicants approximately 20 students are admitted each semester.

RN-BSN Program: Approximately 15 students may be admitted for this online program.

Do you offer the BSN option online?

The RN-BSN Program for currently licensed registered nurses is the only program that is completely online.

How is my application evaluated? 

As with all student documents, applications to the College of Nursing are confidential. Each application is reviewed and evaluated based on academic performance, including support courses,  pre-nursing entrance examination scores, community service, and special skills and abilities that may affect care delivery or contribute overall to the nursing profession

When should I expect my admission decision letter?

Admission decision letters for all applicants are emailed out approximately 30-60 days after the application deadline.  Approximately 75 students are accepted each fall and spring. The number of students accepted is based on space availability.  Admission decisions are not provided via phone.

Is there a waitlist?

Applicants will receive admissions decisions via email indicating if they have been accepted or denied. There is no waitlist.

When do classes begin?

  • Spring classes begin in January
  • Fall classes begin in August
  • Summer classes usually begin in June (RN-BSN only)

How many classes will I take each semester? How many hours per day will I attend class?

Each semester is 12-13 credit hours with three to four courses, including a 12-hour practicum courses.  Each course typically meets once a week. The complete nursing curriculum for all undergraduate programs may be located in the eCatalog at https://catalog.pvamu.edu/

Is there a part-time option?

All programs are offered as full-time.

Where are clinical rotations held?

Clinical rotations are held at many health care locations throughout the Greater Houston Area, including surrounding counties.

Will I be able to work full-time while attending the College of Nursing?

The majority of nursing students find the demands of attending courses and their clinical rotations far too rigorous to include full-time employment.

Can I finish my prerequisite courses after I begin the nursing program?

No.  All courses must be completed and documented at the University’s Office of Admissions and the College of Nursing by the first day of Orientation to Semester I.  Specific instructions are located at www.pvamu.edu/nursing.  Prerequisite courses may only be repeated once to earn a grade of “C”, and no more than two (2) prerequisite courses may be repeated.  NOTE: A course that was repeated and then passed is still a repeated course.

I took the science prerequisites more than five (5) years ago; do I need to retake them?

Yes.  All science courses have a five-year time limit.  Other Support Area courses (psychology, statistics, nutrition and human development) have a ten (10) year time limit.

If I do not pass the pre-nursing entrance examination, will I be able to retake it?

Students are permitted to take the pre-nursing entrance examination (HESI A2) twice.  Successful completion of the examination is a score of 75% in the areas of Reading, Grammar, Mathematics and Anatomy/Physiology sections within two attempts, from any location. If taking the exam for the first or second time, you may go to https://evolve.elsevier.com and use the Prairie View Code 198687 or at Prairie View https://www.pvamu.edu/student-success/sass/testing/hesi/.

I already have a bachelor’s degree. Do you have an accelerated program that I may pursue?

Congratulations on your bachelor’s degree, however we do not currently offer an accelerated program. Courses completed that convert to the prerequisite courses, and within the time limits, will be accepted.  Students may complete their prerequisite courses at our main campus at Prairie View A&M University or the community college or university of their choice. See www.pvamu.edu/nursing for complete Transfer information.

I am in high school or have never attended college and I want to earn my BSN from Prairie View in nursing.  What should I do first? 

Students should first contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at http://www.pvamu.edu/admissions to obtain information about admission to the University.  The Office of Pre-Nursing Advising in J.P Coleman Library is also available to assist students in planning and scheduling their prerequisite courses.  The first two years of study will be devoted to completing Core Curriculum requirements including the nursing prerequisites. Students seeking a first bachelor’s degree are admitted to Upper Division Clinical Studies (junior/senior) in the spring and fall semesters.   Students must complete all lower-division (first-year/sophomore) courses, the pre-nursing examination, and all other requirements, prior to matriculating to upper division studies at the College of Nursing, Houston Center.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, information and contacts to the Student Financial Aid Office are located at www.pvamu.edu/faid.  Students admitted to the nursing programs after completion of the 60-prerequisite hours are also eligible to apply for University/College Scholarships at www.pvamu.edu/faid.