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Nursing Admissions

Admission to the Department of Nursing is based upon:
  • Reading proficiency at college-level (average)  in comprehension and vocabulary assessed by the Nelson-Denny Reading Test;
  • Completion of a minimum of 32 semester hours of Level I designated core and support courses with a grade of C or better;
  • Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5;
  • Successful score on all entrance examinations;
    Test of Essential Academic Skills Preparation (TEAS)
  • Formal application for admission to the Department of Nursing;
  • Evidence of health compatible with curriculum requirements; and
  • Three letters of recommendation.

Nursing Reading Requirements

  • One criterion for acceptance into the DON is a reading score of a minimum of a 12.0 (12th grade level) average on vocabulary and comprehension on the Nelson Denny reading test. The test is administered each semester by the DON without charge to the student.    
  • It is recommended that students take the University’s reading course, REA 100, if the score is 10.7 grade level or lower in either vocabulary or comprehension. If the student does take the REA 100 course, at the end of the reading course, the students will be retested for reading ability using an alternate form of the test. 
  • Students may take the reading test a maximum of three times in order to improve their reading scores in vocabulary and/or comprehension.  Prior to taking a retest, it is essential that the students do the maximum amount of studying possible (i.e. enroll in the reading course, self-study, tutoring, etc).  If after three times the student cannot achieve a minimum of a 12th grade average on the vocabulary and comprehension, the student will not be considered for admission into the DON.

Admission to the Department of Nursing is competitive.

Due to the use of objective criteria in processing applications, attainment of minimum admission requirements does not ensure admission to the Department of Nursing.

Do you need to complete the nursing prerequisite courses? Learn more about Pre-Nursing at UHC.

Denial or Delay of Licensure, Licensure by Endorsement, Reinstatement, or the Right to Practice Nursing as a Student Nurse

LSBN has witnessed an increase in the number of applicants with a prior serious criminal action and/ or substance use disorder applying for licensure, reinstatement, and the right to practice as a student nurse. Since the Board has a duty to exclude individuals who pose a risk to public safety, the rules will now deny applicants who have been convicted (or similar plea) of felony crimes of violence, sex offenses, and crimes involving the distribution, manufacture and production of drugs. Prior to the revision, grounds for permanent denial were only for crimes of violence and crimes involving the distribution of drugs. The revised rule also permanently denies applicants convicted of certain felony property crimes such as Medicaid Fraud and Identity Theft.

Please refer to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing Title 46 Professional and Occupational Standards LAC 46:XLVII.3331. A pardon, suspension or imposition of sentence, expungement, or pretrial diversion or similar programs shall not negate or diminish the above requirements.

A pardon, suspension or imposition of sentence, expungement, or pretrial diversion or similar programs shall not negate or diminish the above requirements.

Nursing Technology RequirementsNursing General Information Sheet