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What
grade point average (GPA) should I have to be considered for the BSNExpress
program?
Prospective students should have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher from
their previous degree program to be considered for the BSNExpress
program. A GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered if performance in science courses
is 3.0 or higher.
I am
interested in the BSNExpress program. What should I
do next?
If you need more information about the program, contact the
Second Degree Program Coordinator
or if you are ready to discuss your specific background and prerequisite status,
fax or mail your transcript to
BSNExpress
Program Office. A preliminary transcript review should be done by one of our
academic advisors to assist you in completing your prerequisites before applying
to the program.
Are
there special requirements for international students?
International students must have foreign degrees and courses evaluated by a foreign
transcript evaluation service such as World Education Services, Inc. (www.wes.org)
or Joseph Silny & Associates, Inc. (www.jsilny.com).
If you are from a non-English speaking country, you must send your Test of English
as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to the College of Nursing. If your test was
paper-based, your total score must be 550 or better; if it was computer-based, your
total score must be 213 or better. Accepted international students are required
to submit a Certificate of Finances form along with their registration deposit before
they can be issued the I-20 form needed to receive a student visa. Need-based financial
assistance is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
May
I visit Villanova University and the College of Nursing?
Prospective students are encouraged to visit Villanova University and the College
of Nursing. Villanova University is easily accessible. You will find
transportation
information and a map on the university site and may take a
virtual tour of the
university. You may also learn about upcoming Open Houses and
arrange for a meeting
with an advisor in the College. Applicants are requested to bring copies of their
prior college transcripts to appointments with advisors and to Open House functions.
What
is the cost of the BSNExpress program?
The current tuition cost for the BSNExpress program
class is $30,000. This cost is for the entire 14-months. In addition to tuition and
living expenses, other expenses you may anticipate include books; transportation
to clinical sites; parking; uniforms; physical examination and required immunizations;
stethoscope, protective mouthpieces and eye shields; CPR certification; background
checks for specific clinical agencies; and standardized tests at the completion
of major courses in preparation for the national licensure examination.
How
can I finance my education while I am in the BSNExpress
program?
While students in this program are not eligible for Villanova University scholarships
(they are for first degree students only), there are other financing options available.
If you are interested in pursuing additional assistance to finance your education,
you will need to work with the University Office of Financial Assistance.
Students interested in pursuing federal financial assistance while enrolled in the
BSNExpress program can apply for the Federal Stafford
Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Nursing Student Loan program by submitting the
Villanova University BSNExpress Institutional Financial
Aid Application, the appropriate year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA), and signed copies of the previous year’s U.S. Income Tax Returns and W-2
forms.
Students who are not interested in applying for federal assistance but are
looking for additional financing options may utilize the Villanova Financing Plan.
Information about financial aid can be obtained from the Office of Financial Assistance
at www.finaid.villanova.edu. Questions
regarding federal and alternative financing opportunities should be addressed to
the Office of Financial Assistance
finaid@villanova.edu.
Many of the funding opportunities for second degree students are “non-traditional.”
Due to the present shortage of nurses, many prospective employers are interested
in assisting students prior to graduation in return for the student agreeing to
work for the agency after graduation. This applies to numerous healthcare
agencies, as well as all branches of military service; check healthcare employer
and military advertisements and websites for information. Some students have
worked as nursing assistants or in other capacities for a hospital and that
hospital either agreed to pay for their education or promised a sign-on bonus. In addition, most states
offer loan forgiveness for nursing education in return for working in the state
after graduation. The following websites may be of assistance:
Pennsylvania Nursing Loan Forgiveness
Program; Indian Health Service;
National Health Service
Corps; www.bhrp.hrsa.gov;
www.fedmoney.org;
www.finaid.com;
www.fastweb.com;
www.financialaid.com
and www.scholaraid.com.
Johnson & Johnson’s Discover
Nursing website provides specific information about nursing loans and scholarships;
the funding sources may be searched by state, deadline dates, GPA, and ethnicity.
Is
there housing available for BSNExpress students?
University Housing is always at a premium, even for our basic undergraduate students.
The standard dormitory housing available to our freshmen and sophomores is not available
to second degree students. However, there are many options for housing in the Villanova
and Greater Philadelphia area. Information about area housing may be accessed
via Villanova’s website at
www.reslife.villanova.edu;
click on off campus housing after accessing Residence Life’s home page. In addition,
people in the area many times offer rooms or small apartments within a home in return
for assistance with childcare, eldercare, or household chores. Further information
about these opportunities may be accessed at
www.helpforhousing.com.
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