Application Process

Application Process:
All applicants for the BSN Pre-Licensure program at Missouri Western who meet the minimum published criteria (see Admission Requirements) are encouraged to apply by the stated deadlines below.

Admission is competitive, therefore, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. General admission to the University does not admit a student to the baccalaureate degree program in nursing. Admission decisions are based on cumulative GPA for all completed coursework with consideration given to the overall admission packet: TEAS score, prerequisite coursework, previous degrees, personal essay statement healthcare experience, and evidence of LPN licensure. Special consideration is given to prerequisite coursework in General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry and Math as these courses are highly predictive of success in nursing coursework. Patterns of repeated coursework and course failures are also considered during the admission process.

Follow the steps below to successfully apply to the BSN Pre-Licensure Program. Current Missouri Western students will skip step four. Application Instructions Handout

1. TEAS Exam Score of Proficient (58.7% or above)
   Applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS) prior to applying to the nursing program via NursingCAS. TEAS tests taken within the past 3 years from date of application will be valid. Students who have been granted early acceptance (nurse scholars) are not required to take the TEAS. The TEAS is designed to evaluate the academic readiness of candidates prior to admission into the nursing program. The results also provide documentation useful for counseling and advisement. This examination also assesses the candidate’s ability to respond and apply knowledge to new situations and to understand complex technical material and relationships. All students must score at ATI Academic Preparedness Category of Proficient (58.7%) or above in order to be considered for admission. The highest score achieved will be used in the overall admission decision. A copy of the TEAS results must be uploaded to NursingCAS as part of the application process. Potential applicants may take the TEAS test a total of 2 times per calendar year (January 1-December 31). The TEAS will be administered on the MWSU campus. Click here to register for a testing session. (You must first create an account with ATI. The institution is listed as MO Western State U BSN.) For more detailed information, visit our Testing Center website. Applicants who take the TEAS elsewhere are eligible for application.
2. Submit an Application to Missouri Western’s BSN Pre-Licensure Program
   Applications are submitted electronically through NursingCAS. At the NursingCAS website, applicants will select “Apply Now” to begin. Note: Please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to obtain detailed instructions before beginning the NursingCAS application. Applications submitted through NursingCAS are valid for one cycle. After one cycle, applications can be resubmitted for consideration for another cohort, but applicants will be required to pay a new application fee. In your NursingCAS application, complete the following Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information and Program Materials sections. In the Supporting Information section, you will want to include any professional experience (example: healthcare experience, licenses, certifications, etc). In the Program Materials section under “Documents”, you will enter your Personal Essay Statement and upload your TEAS exam results.
3. Additional Application Information
   • A personal essay statement is required and must be included with your application. Criteria for the personal essay statement are: “Provide a personal statement that is between 250-300 words. This statement should provide a rationale as to why you should be accepted to the Missouri Western nursing program. Also describe how you will make an impact on the profession of nursing.”
   • References are not required for the application to the BSN program.
   • Applications will be accepted until 10:59p.m. on the specified deadline dates (listed below).
4. Submit a Missouri Western Admissions Application (if not a current Missouri Western student)
   Submit an undergraduate application for admission to the Admissions Office. For questions regarding undergraduate admissions (including Missouri Western deadlines), please call (816) 271-4266 or check the website. Admission to Missouri Western is a requirement for admission to Missouri Western’s BSN Pre-Licensure program.
5. Submit official transcripts to Admissions
   Submit official transcripts from every college or university attended to the Missouri Western Admissions Office, 4525 Downs Drive, Eder Hall 101, St. Joseph, MO 64507. Transcripts will not be considered until they are received, opened, and processed in the system by the Admissions Office. Admissions will decide what course work is transferable to the University.
6. Submit unofficial transcripts in NursingCAS
   Unofficial transcripts from every college or university that you have attended must be uploaded in NursingCAS.
7. Complete or plan to complete all general studies and prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the BSN program at Missouri Western
   The Missouri Western School of Nursing can only consider applicants who meet all the minimum criteria, which includes completion of general studies and prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the term in which you have applied. Please review the Sample Program for the BSN Pre-Licensure program for more information regarding general studies and prerequisite course requirements.

Application Deadlines
The School of Nursing typically accepts 60 students into the BSN Pre-Licensure program twice per year in the fall and spring semesters. The application deadlines for applications to the BSN Pre-licensure program and for general admission to Missouri Western are listed below:

Title IX, 504/ADA
In keeping with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 in regard to sex discrimination and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in regard to handicap discrimination as well as other applicable federal and state laws, Missouri Western State University follows a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in regard to all employment practices and to all educational programs and activities including financial aid, recruitment, admission, housing, and placement. Inquiries regarding the application of these laws may be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator, Blum 231, (816) 271-4557, titleix@missouriwestern.edu OR the accessibility resource center director, Eder 201, (816) 271-4330 arc@missouriwestern.edu.