UTMB - School of Nursing (Student Affairs & Admissions)

Frequently asked questions
What type of CPR certification is needed for the School of Nursing, where can we get certified, and when do we have to obtain the certification? The Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Course covering the adult, infant, child, and two man CPR (Hospital Level Provider-2 year) is required. All new generic BSN students must complete CPR classes prior to enrollment. Documentation (copy of CPR card) must be presented at orientation. Classes may be taken through the American Heart Association. Please visit their web site at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011764 for course offerings.
Where should I go to request information about the School of Nursing Programs? Information regarding admission requirements, the application process and program specific information can be found on this web site.
If I am interested in receiving an unofficial transcript evaluation, what should I do? Information regarding prerequisite course requirements can be found on this site. For additional questions, please contact the Preadmission Advisor at 409-772-8328.
Do all of the prerequisite courses need to be completed in order to apply for the Nursing Program? No. At least 40 of the 61 prerequisite hours must be completed in order to apply. You will need to complete the remaining hours before the program begins.
How do I find out if my application materials have been received? You may contact Enrollment Services at 409-772-1215 or you may use the “p number” you will receive from Enrollment Services to check your status online at https://sisweb.utmb.edu/sp/utmb/student
Does UTMB School of Nursing require the Nurse Entrance Test (NET)? No. We no longer require students to take the NET exam.
How many applications does the School of Nursing receive and how many students does the school accept? The number of applications and the number of openings available varies each enrollment period. Please contact the Preadmission Advisor, Leann Carmical, at lecarmic@utmb.edu t o request information regarding statistics for past entrance dates.
What is considered a competitive GPA for the School of Nursing? The competitive GPA is dependant on the applicant pool and consequently varies each application period.
What information will the School of Nursing consider when reviewing files for admission? The school considers three GPA’s for the BSN program: Science, Prerequisite, and Overall. Your GPA is an important aspect of your application. The school also considers the number of withdrawals and failures on your transcripts. We also will look at your personal accomplishments, scholastic honors, leadership roles, hardships, cultural experiences, community service, and any extra curricular activities in which you have been involved. Your personal statement is another very important aspect of your application.
When will I find out the outcome of my application? The School will send both acceptance and denial letters when the review of all files is completed.
What is the Work School Program? The Work School Program is offered to UTMB employees only. Please contact Community Outreach- Workforce at 409-747-0835 or 409-747-0836 or visit their web site at www.utmb.edu/workschool for additional information.
What type of housing is available at UTMB for students? We offer semi-private and private dormitories and semi-private apartments for students. For more information on dorms and apartments, please call 409-772-1898 or search http://www2.utmb.edu/housing/
If I am a current student or if I graduated from UTMB School of Nursing and I want to request a copy of my transcripts, whom should I contact? Please contact Enrollment Services at 409-772-1215 or go to https://sisweb.utmb.edu/sp/utmb/student
Am I required to take any standardized tests before entering the Baccalaureate Nursing Program? The THEA (or one of the approved alternative tests) is the only test required, and is mandated by the state of Texas.
How do I schedule an advisement appointment with the School of Nursing? The School of Nursing hosts an Open House every first Saturday of every month. We highly recommend all prospective students to attend. For more information and a schedule of the open house dates, please go to the Open House page . If you are unable to attend one of our information sessions please contact the Preadmission Advisor by phone at 409-772-8328 or by email at lecarmic@utmb.edu to schedule an appointment.
Can I take prerequisite courses at UTMB School of Nursing? No. UTMB School of Nursing is an upper division nursing school. You will need to attend a community college or another university to complete the prerequisite courses.
Does UTMB accept CLEP scores? Yes. We accept up to 12 hours of CLEP scores, which must be posted on your official transcript.
Does UTMB accept online courses? Yes. We accept online theory-only courses from accredited schools. Courses that require a lab component are not accepted as online courses. Please visit www.vct.org to view a list of colleges and universities in the state of Texas that offer online classes.
What happens to my application if any materials are not received by the deadline? Application materials must be received in the Enrollment Services office by the appropriate deadline. Materials received after the deadline will not be reviewed, and your file will not be considered.
What is the cost to attend UTMB School of Nursing? Please visit the Office of Enrollment Services' web page at http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/prospect/tuition.html for the most current tuition and fee rates.
What will my schedule be like once I start the nursing program? The curriculum sequence for the nursing programs can change each entrance. To view the most current sequence for the different programs please see the program specific page on this site. Detailed schedules with classroom times will be available during orientation.
How can I find out more information about Galveston Island? Please visit the official site for the Island at http://www.galveston.com/
Does UTMB School of Nursing offer an accredited Program? Yes. The undergraduate and graduate programs are approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Texas Medical Branch is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, an institutional accrediting body.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for UTMB School of Nursing? For the past 10 years the NCLEX pass rate has ranged between 90-100%.
What are the current students and faculty like at UTMB School of Nursing? UTMB School of Nursing has a diverse student and faculty population. To view biographies of our faculty members please see the faculty directory here: http://www.son.utmb.edu/general_info/faculty.asp.
Are scholarships available at UTMB School of Nursing? Yes. UTMB School of Nursing offers scholarships to students in the nursing program. These are competitive scholarships and based on how well the student performs in the nursing program. Assistance is also available through Financial Aid, which includes scholarships, loans, and grants outside of UTMB.
How do I apply for financial aid? You can complete a financial aid application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . The code to enter for UTMB School of Nursing is 013976. Once you are accepted into the program, UTMB will send you a UTMB financial aid application. For more information on financial aid, please call 409-772-1215.
What is the environment like at UTMB School of Nursing? UTMB School of Nursing is located in the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. Three other schools on UTMB campus: Allied Health & Sciences, Medical School, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The School of Nursing shares a building with the School of Allied Health & Sciences. We offer an excellent learning facility for students entering health care and are surrounded by several hospitals and clinics on campus. To take a virtual tour of the UTMB Medical Center, please go to http://www.utmb.edu/tour/ or to visit the campus contact Office of Educational Outreach at 409-772-7972.
Does UTMB offer student organizations/sports? We offer over 60 different student organizations and intramural sports which are available for all new and current students. One specific organization supported by the School of Nursing is the Student Nurses’ Association. Please contact Student Life at 409-772-1996 for more details.
Where do students complete their clinical component? UTMB School of Nursing offers clinical sites within the UTMB Medical Center as well as the Houston-Galveston area. Students rotate with different hospitals to gain significant experience in different facilities.
Do students take an exit exam in order to graduate? Yes. Students must pass the HESI in order to graduate from the School of Nursing.
Does the School of Nursing offer Internships for students? John Sealy Hospital at UTMB offers an internship program called Bridges. The hospital also offers a Graduate Externship program. Please contact the nurse recruitment office at 409-747-4717 to request information.
Can I transfer from UTMB's School of Nursing if I have a degree from another country? In order to be considered an applicant for the School of Nursing, if you have credits from outside the USA, you must submit your transcripts to a foreign translation evaluation company, such as SpanTran, for a course-by-course evaluation. Both your original transcript and the foreign translation evaluation may then be submitted to the Preadmission Advisor for evaluation. You may fax these documents to 409-772-0395.
Do I have to take the Test of English at a Foreign Language (TOEFL) ? Applicants whose tertiary-level education has been completed at international institutions must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if the native language is not English. A minimum satisfactory score is a total of 550 (or a score of 213 on the computer-bases exam) or 6.5 for IELTS.

Frequently asked questions

What type of CPR certification is needed for the School of Nursing, where can we get certified, and when do we have to obtain the certification?

The Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Course covering the adult, infant, child, and two man CPR (Hospital Level Provider-2 year) is required. All new generic BSN students must complete CPR classes prior to enrollment. Documentation (copy of CPR card) must be presented at orientation. Classes may be taken through the American Heart Association. Please visit their web site at http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3011764 for course offerings.

Where should I go to request information about the School of Nursing Programs?

Information regarding admission requirements, the application process and program specific information can be found on this web site.

If I am interested in receiving an unofficial transcript evaluation, what should I do?

Information regarding prerequisite course requirements can be found on this site. For additional questions, please contact the Preadmission Advisor at 409-772-8328.

Do all of the prerequisite courses need to be completed in order to apply for the Nursing Program?

No. At least 40 of the 61 prerequisite hours must be completed in order to apply. You will need to complete the remaining hours before the program begins.

How do I find out if my application materials have been received?

You may contact Enrollment Services at 409-772-1215 or you may use the “p number” you will receive from Enrollment Services to check your status online at https://sisweb.utmb.edu/sp/utmb/student

Does UTMB School of Nursing require the Nurse Entrance Test (NET)?

No. We no longer require students to take the NET exam.

How many applications does the School of Nursing receive and how many students does the school accept?

The number of applications and the number of openings available varies each enrollment period. Please contact the Preadmission Advisor, Leann Carmical, at lecarmic@utmb.edu t o request information regarding statistics for past entrance dates.

What is considered a competitive GPA for the School of Nursing?

The competitive GPA is dependant on the applicant pool and consequently varies each application period.

What information will the School of Nursing consider when reviewing files for admission?

The school considers three GPA’s for the BSN program: Science, Prerequisite, and Overall. Your GPA is an important aspect of your application. The school also considers the number of withdrawals and failures on your transcripts. We also will look at your personal accomplishments, scholastic honors, leadership roles, hardships, cultural experiences, community service, and any extra curricular activities in which you have been involved. Your personal statement is another very important aspect of your application.

When will I find out the outcome of my application?

The School will send both acceptance and denial letters when the review of all files is completed.

What is the Work School Program?

The Work School Program is offered to UTMB employees only. Please contact Community Outreach- Workforce at 409-747-0835 or 409-747-0836 or visit their web site at www.utmb.edu/workschool for additional information.

What type of housing is available at UTMB for students?

We offer semi-private and private dormitories and semi-private apartments for students. For more information on dorms and apartments, please call 409-772-1898 or search http://www2.utmb.edu/housing/

If I am a current student or if I graduated from UTMB School of Nursing and I want to request a copy of my transcripts, whom should I contact?

Please contact Enrollment Services at 409-772-1215 or go to https://sisweb.utmb.edu/sp/utmb/student

Am I required to take any standardized tests before entering the Baccalaureate Nursing Program?

The THEA (or one of the approved alternative tests) is the only test required, and is mandated by the state of Texas.

How do I schedule an advisement appointment with the School of Nursing?

The School of Nursing hosts an Open House every first Saturday of every month. We highly recommend all prospective students to attend. For more information and a schedule of the open house dates, please go to the Open House page . If you are unable to attend one of our information sessions please contact the Preadmission Advisor by phone at 409-772-8328 or by email at lecarmic@utmb.edu to schedule an appointment.

Can I take prerequisite courses at UTMB School of Nursing?

No. UTMB School of Nursing is an upper division nursing school. You will need to attend a community college or another university to complete the prerequisite courses.

Does UTMB accept CLEP scores?

Yes. We accept up to 12 hours of CLEP scores, which must be posted on your official transcript.

Does UTMB accept online courses?

Yes. We accept online theory-only courses from accredited schools. Courses that require a lab component are not accepted as online courses. Please visit www.vct.org to view a list of colleges and universities in the state of Texas that offer online classes.

What happens to my application if any materials are not received by the deadline?

Application materials must be received in the Enrollment Services office by the appropriate deadline. Materials received after the deadline will not be reviewed, and your file will not be considered.

What is the cost to attend UTMB School of Nursing?

Please visit the Office of Enrollment Services' web page at http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/prospect/tuition.html for the most current tuition and fee rates.

What will my schedule be like once I start the nursing program?

The curriculum sequence for the nursing programs can change each entrance. To view the most current sequence for the different programs please see the program specific page on this site. Detailed schedules with classroom times will be available during orientation.

How can I find out more information about Galveston Island?

Please visit the official site for the Island at http://www.galveston.com/

Does UTMB School of Nursing offer an accredited Program?

Yes. The undergraduate and graduate programs are approved by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Texas Medical Branch is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, an institutional accrediting body.

What is the NCLEX pass rate for UTMB School of Nursing?

For the past 10 years the NCLEX pass rate has ranged between 90-100%.

What are the current students and faculty like at UTMB School of Nursing?

UTMB School of Nursing has a diverse student and faculty population. To view biographies of our faculty members please see the faculty directory here: http://www.son.utmb.edu/general_info/faculty.asp.

Are scholarships available at UTMB School of Nursing?

Yes. UTMB School of Nursing offers scholarships to students in the nursing program. These are competitive scholarships and based on how well the student performs in the nursing program. Assistance is also available through Financial Aid, which includes scholarships, loans, and grants outside of UTMB.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can complete a financial aid application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . The code to enter for UTMB School of Nursing is 013976. Once you are accepted into the program, UTMB will send you a UTMB financial aid application. For more information on financial aid, please call 409-772-1215.

What is the environment like at UTMB School of Nursing?

UTMB School of Nursing is located in the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. Three other schools on UTMB campus: Allied Health & Sciences, Medical School, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The School of Nursing shares a building with the School of Allied Health & Sciences. We offer an excellent learning facility for students entering health care and are surrounded by several hospitals and clinics on campus. To take a virtual tour of the UTMB Medical Center, please go to http://www.utmb.edu/tour/ or to visit the campus contact Office of Educational Outreach at 409-772-7972.

Does UTMB offer student organizations/sports?

We offer over 60 different student organizations and intramural sports which are available for all new and current students. One specific organization supported by the School of Nursing is the Student Nurses’ Association. Please contact Student Life at 409-772-1996 for more details.

Where do students complete their clinical component?

UTMB School of Nursing offers clinical sites within the UTMB Medical Center as well as the Houston-Galveston area. Students rotate with different hospitals to gain significant experience in different facilities.

Do students take an exit exam in order to graduate?

Yes. Students must pass the HESI in order to graduate from the School of Nursing.

Does the School of Nursing offer Internships for students?

John Sealy Hospital at UTMB offers an internship program called Bridges. The hospital also offers a Graduate Externship program. Please contact the nurse recruitment office at 409-747-4717 to request information.

Can I transfer from UTMB's School of Nursing if I have a degree from another country?

In order to be considered an applicant for the School of Nursing, if you have credits from outside the USA, you must submit your transcripts to a foreign translation evaluation company, such as SpanTran, for a course-by-course evaluation. Both your original transcript and the foreign translation evaluation may then be submitted to the Preadmission Advisor for evaluation. You may fax these documents to 409-772-0395.

Do I have to take the Test of English at a Foreign Language (TOEFL) ?

Applicants whose tertiary-level education has been completed at international institutions must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if the native language is not English. A minimum satisfactory score is a total of 550 (or a score of 213 on the computer-bases exam) or 6.5 for IELTS.

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301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555-1132