Frequently Asked Questions About the ACC BSN Program

How many students do you accept for the ACC BSN program? We currently accept 60 students for the fall semester which begins in late August, and an additional 60 students for the spring semester which begins in early January. The deadline for fall admission is February 1, and the deadline for spring admission is September 15.

Do you have a waiting list for your ACC BSN program?  No, our admission process is competitive and students are either accepted or rejected for admission. Some students may be placed on an alternate list. In this case, an alternate may be offered admission at a later date if a student offered admission does not accept their position in the program. If an alternate is not admitted, they must re-apply for admission in the next cycle. Applicants who are rejected from the program may request a review of their application to explore their strengths and weaknesses.

I am still working on prerequisites, can I still apply? Yes, you can apply to our programs while you are working on prerequisites, as long as they are complete by the time you begin the nursing program.

How do I determine which courses will meet the prerequisite coursework and transfer to the College of Nursing? A database of frequently approved coursework is available through the Office of Enrollment Management. Prospective students may also ask Mardi Long, Director of Student and Alumni Relations to unoffically review transcripts. Please scan them and send then via e-mail to longm@musc.edu

Can a student attend full-time or part-time? The Accelerated BSN program is only offered as a full-time program. It is a 16 month, four consecutive semester program.

How do you make your admission decisions? Our Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee takes their responsibility very seriously. Each application is reviewed in its entirety. Data about grades, standardized test scores, and references are used in the decision-making process. Information about your work and volunteer experience, as well as what an applicant shares in their 100 word essay is reviewed.

I already have a bachelor's degree in another area, do I need to submit ACT or SAT scores? Yes, all applications require submission of an SAT or ACT score.

Who should I use as references? The Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee prefers references from employers or academic professionals who are familiar with you and your abilities. They must use the reference form provided in the application. Letters may not be used as a substitute.

How do I apply for admission to the ACC BSN program? Applications must be submitted electronically through the Office of Enrollment Management. Applications are received and processed by this office. Questions or problems concerning the application should be addressed to Mardi Long at longm@musc.edu

Do you accept out-of-state students? Yes, tuition and fees are higher for out-of-state students, however. For tuition and fee information, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/nursing/departments/studentservices/tuition_fees.htm

How do I become a South Carolina resident? Residency is determined by the Office of Enrollment Management. For more information, please visit this site: http://www.musc/edu/em/records/residency.html

Do you accept international students? Yes, for specific information, guidelines, and policies, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/em/admissions/international.html

Is financial aid available? Yes, for more information, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/em/financialmanagement

Are scholarships available? Yes, scholarships are available to students who have completed a FAFSA with the Office of Financial Aid. They are awarded based on need, academic merit, and scholarship criteria after a students has been admitted to the College of Nursing. There is no separate scholarship application process required. To review scholarships offered through the College of Nursing, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/nursing/scholarships.htm

Is it possible to work while I am in the program? Students are discouraged from working while they are in the ACC BSN degree program. Some students find after they have completed their first semester of coursework, they are able to work a minimal number of hours per week as a nurse extern or tech. Essentially, the program will require you full attention each day either in the classroom or clinical areas. There may be some evening or weekend clinicals as well.

Do you have on-campus housing? No, but MUSC has an excellent Office of Off-Campus Housing which will provide you with information about the Charleston area. The office even coordinates "room-mate finder" parties. The telephone number is 843-792-0394.

To learn more about the College of Nursing, read our monthly newsletter, eCONnections, and Lifelines, the College of Nursing magazine. Find these publications at this site: http://www.musc.edu/nursing/publications/index.htm

To learn more a career in nursing, visit the Johnson and Johnson Discover Nursing site at discovernursing.com