Traditional BSN
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of Nursing programs does Auburn Montgomery offer?
We offer a four-year baccalaureate degree in Nursing (BSN); we do not have a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program or an Associate Degree RN (ADN/ASN) program.
Our BSN program is considered one of the best in the state. Our graduates’ pass rates on the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure examination (NCLEX) are well above state and national averages, which are typically in the mid 80 percent range. The Auburn Montgomery nursing program has consistently achieved pass rates in the 90s.
Please view the Alabama Board of Nursing's list of Approved Alabama Registered Nursing Programs along with their recent NCLEX pass rates for first time test takers.
We also offer a master's level program in Nursing - the MSN degree - in conjunction with our sister school, the Auburn University School of Nursing.
What are the advantages to having the four-year bachelor’s degree?
You will have much broader employment and career opportunities. From the DiscoverNursing.comweb site:
“BSN graduates have the greatest opportunity for advancement. For instance, a BSN is required for entry into a Master's program, which may in turn lead to a career in management, or on to more specialized nursing positions such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse researcher. A BSN is preferred and often required for military nursing, case management, public health nursing, overseas/development nursing, forensic nursing and school nursing. Some countries (the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand) require a BSN before being able to sit for the RN exam.”
What is the admission process?
The first step is to be admitted to Auburn Montgomery (apply online or call 800-227-2649 or 334-244-3615.)
Once you've been admitted, you are classified as a Prenursing student in the lower division of our nursing program. You must apply separately for admission to the upper division of the program. Students who are selected for upper division admission are classified as Nursing students. (see next)
Once I'm admitted to AUM, am I accepted into the Nursing program?
No, Nursing has a separate admission process with a higher academic standard than the general university requirements. The upper division (Nursing portion) of the program, which comprises the junior and senior years, begins twice a year in the fall semester and beginning in 2011, the spring semester. The upper division takes two years to complete (5 semesters). Admission is competitive based on GPA and an interview.
What GPA do I need to get in the upper division?
The GPA used for upper division admission is based solely upon our lower division course requirements. Thus, it may differ from your overall GPA, which could include courses not required by our nursing program. (Please view the Lower Division Grade Tracking Worksheet)
You must complete each lower division course with at least a C. If you make a D or F, you must retake the course. But grade adjustments or replacements are not allowed. Your grade is counted each time you take a course in calculating the “Nursing” GPA.
Your “Nursing” GPA must be at least a 2.5 (unadjusted and without rounding) for you to apply to the upper division. However, the number of applicants exceeds available openings, so admission is competitive. Applicants are ranked by their GPA and interview, and the most qualified are selected. The average GPA of admitted students is about a 3.3, the lowest GPA typically ranges from a 2.7-3.0.
You are also strongly encouraged to pursue work or volunteer opportunities at your local hospital or other health care facilities. We incorporate an interview into our admission process to select students who, besides a strong academic record, can relate a clear understanding of what the profession of nursing entails and why they wish to pursue this career. With a limited number of positions in our program, we strive to admit students who are highly motivated to excel in their studies and contribute to the profession of nursing.
When do I apply to the upper division?
We post applications for download on the School of Nursing Web page, under Traditional Program, in early December for Fall admission and in March for Spring admission. The application deadline is February 1st for Fall admission and May 1st for Spring admission, but students are encouraged to submit the application as early as possible.
Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Transfer students must first achieve university admission in order to apply, and a transcript evaluation must have been completed by the School of Nursing academic advisor. (See the transfer question below.) Admission notification letters are sent in April for Fall admission and in July for Spring admission.
Prenursing students attending our sister program at the Auburn University School of Nursing should contact their prenursing advisor if applying to both programs, as the procedures will differ since they have already achieved admission to the Auburn system.
What if I attending another college and wish to transfer?
Send a copy of your transcripts to the advisor for evaluation as soon as possible. You will receive a worksheet showing what course work you have accomplished that will be accepted by our nursing program, a list of what courses are lacking, and your current nursing GPA. Unofficial student copies or web transcripts are acceptable for this evaluation, but official copies must be sent from the Registrar's Office of each school you have attended to the Auburn Montgomery Admissions Office for you to be admitted.
Include your address when you request the evaluation. Please work closely with the School of Nursing advisor to assure proper selection and transfer of your course work. The address is:
AUM School of Nursing
Attn: Academic Advisor
PO Box 244023
Montgomery, AL 36124-4023
Fax: 334-244-3243
Email: Lorinda.Stutheit@aum.edu
If you are currently attending an Alabama community college, please refer to the Lower Division Curriculum and Community College Transfer Guide to view our prenursing course requirements. Substitutions are not allowed, so please check each course carefully, and contact the advisor at the email address above if you have questions.
All but two of the Prenursing courses may be transferred from accredited institutions, upon evaluation for equivalency to Auburn Montgomery course work by the university admissions office. Offered every semester, the following prenursing courses must be successfully completed at Auburn Montgomery prior to beginning upper division nursing studies:
ENGL 3005 Professional Writing for Nurses. This course has prerequisites of English Composition I and II with minimal grades of Cs. The course covers the essential skills of written communication in the field of nursing, with practice in report writing, letters, and other forms of research and professional communication using the APA writing format.
NURS 2020 Professional Nursing: The Foundation of Health Care.This course is taken after a student has received conditional acceptance to the Upper division of the School of Nursing. It is taken the semester immediately prior to entry into Upper Division- in the summer or fall semester.
Prenursing students attending our sister program at the Auburn University School of Nursing should contact their prenursing advisor if wishing to be considered for both programs, as the application procedures will differ since they have already achieved admission to the Auburn system.
How do I register for classes after I am admitted to the university?
Newly admitted students are required to attend a university orientation program. Advising and registration is a component of the session.
How can I prepare for a major in Nursing at the high school level?
Pursue a rigorous academic program! Nursing is not an easy major- students must have strong academic preparation, and be extremely motivated and self disciplined.
Take as many biological science courses as possible. Excellent reading, writing, and algebra skills are essential, as are critical thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills. If you have a Health Care Occupations program in your school, this is also helpful. Volunteer at your local hospital or other health care facilities.
We incorporate an interview into our admission process to select students who, besides a strong academic record, can relate a clear understanding of what the profession of nursing entails and why they wish to pursue this career.
What is it like to be in Nursing School? How hard is it?
During the lower division program, students attend class only about half the number of hours per week that were required in high school - if they are full-time students. However, the outside of class study and preparation time increases!
Prenursing course work has a strong concentration in the lab sciences, and lower division classes may be taken during the day or evenings. You may enter the university any semester to begin the prenursing curriculum. Lower division course work may be completed in two years of full-time study, but you may attend part time if preferred.
Upper division is much more intense. The amount of time required for class and clinical is 30-40 hours per week, most often during the day. Typically classes are two days/week, clinical time two to three days per week.
Anticipate a great deal of outside study/preparation time also. Time management skills are essential in this portion of the program, as well as reading skills. It is highly recommended not to have a heavy work commitment during this portion of the program, so that you may devote the necessary time and attention to your nursing studies.