Traditional 2nd Degree Program (4 semesters)

• A baccalaureate degree (not required at the time of application)
• If a baccalaureate degree is not complete at the time of application, applicants must submit two letters of academic reference  - one from an academic advisor and one from a professor - indicating readiness for a second degree nursing program and readiness to graduate before starting the nursing program.
• 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher at time of application
• If the cumulative GPA is less than 2.8, a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher is required at the time of application
• For the prerequisite GPA calculation, at least 6 of the 8 prerequisites must be completed at the time of application

• Anatomy/physiology I and II (both must be taken at the same institution)
• One chemistry course (general, inorganic, organic, or biochemistry)
• One psychology course (developmental psychology across the life span preferred)
• One sociology course (must have a SOC prefix; other courses by approval only; minimum 3 credit hours)
• One microbiology course (must include a lab)
• One nutrition course (minimum 2 credit hours)
• One statistics course 

All prerequisite courses must be passed with a C or higher. 

Prerequisite courses may still be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed prior to beginning the clinical level of the program.

Prerequisite courses taken more than ten (10) years ago will not be accepted.

You must first be admitted to the university before the nursing program will consider your application.

A newer laptop (i.e. purchased within the last 3-4 years) with a Mac, Windows, or iPad operating system is required.  Chromebook, Android, or Linux operating systems are not supported by the testing application used in the nursing program.

Application deadline for fall semester is February 15 for submission of all application materials with final decision of admissions by March 30.

Application deadline for spring semester is June 15 for submission of all application materials with final decision of admissions by July 30.

A completed application includes:

• University application: 
  a) graduates of EMU should complete the re-admit application
  b) graduates of other colleges should complete the transfer application
• Official college transcript from all schools attended. Transcript(s) should be mailed to Eastern Mennonite University, Admissions Office, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg VA 22802
• A NACES member credential evaluation is required for foreign university transcripts.

Admitted students will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to beginning the clinical level of the nursing program.  Students should be aware that certain crimes may prohibit them from participating in clinical experiences that are required for the program and/or may affect their ability to take the NCLEX-RN.

For more information, please refer Guidance Document 90-55 from the Virginia Department of Health and Department of Health Professions.  Note that regulations may vary among states.

For students whose first language is not English, we require a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 (does not include speaking section) on the written test, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) that includes a speaking section, or a 213 on the computer-based test. Students who take the IELTS must obtain a score of 6.5 or higher. EMU’s Intensive English Program is available helps students with certain TOEFL scores achieve the level of English skill required to succeed in a degree program. Upon successful completion of the IEP, up to 15 credits may be applied to a degree program.

Also, a NACES member credential evaluation is required for all foreign university transcripts. Incoming EMU students often use World Education Services. Learn more by reading our admissions checklist for international students.