Back to AS Nursing Homepage
Frequently Asked Questions - AS Nursing Program
Once admitted, how long is the Associate of Science in Nursing Program?
The Associate of Science in Nursing Program is 4 sequential semesters (fall & spring only) or 2 academic years, starting every fall semester.
What prerequisites do I need before applying to the Associate of Science in Nursing Program?
(Please see the Associate of Science in Nursing Grid) Math 123 or 143 or higher GE Math Course, Chemistry 101 or one-year High School Chemistry, Documentation of computer literacy by a satisfactory score on Computer Skills Assessment (CSA) or CISA 101 Computer Literacy Skill Development- (see p. 52 of 2011-2012 CWI Catalog).
Is the program full-time? Is it during the day, night, and online?
Primarily courses are Monday thru Friday, during the day. This varies by semester and by clinical site. At this time, there are no on-line courses available for nursing courses once accepted into the program.
Can I still work while in the program?
Students have found it difficult to work full time while attending the program. This is a personal choice and is encouraged to be looked at carefully, especially in the final semester. In general, part-time work schedules fair better.
What kind of medical experience do you prefer?
All types of health care experiences are encouraged, with emphasis on direct patient care.
What if my only medical experience is dealing with an ill family member?
Caring for ill family members is considered as experience but must be documented.
Can I get accepted into the program without medical experience?
Yes, although experience can be an asset.
Can I transfer into a BSN program?
Nursing courses from associate degree programs do not usually transfer directly into BSN programs. However, once you have the Registered Nurse license, there are multiple available RN to BSN completion programs available to you. BSU has an online RN-BSN program as well as an on-campus in-person RN-BSN program for associate degree nursing graduates.
What is the cost of the program once accepted – tuition, books, and supplies?
Tuition, books, uniforms, supplies, course fees, background check, immunizations and insurance is APPROXIMATELY $6,000 for the four semesters.
What kind of grades do I need to maintain to pass?
At the very least, you will need a "C" or better in every course, and a "Pass" in every clinical/lab experience.
If I have a few "C"s in my pre and co- requisites/support courses will that negatively affect my chances of acceptance? Should I retake those classes for a higher grade?
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of your most recent transcripts (with 12 or more college credits) and your cumulative GPA for Math and Science Courses will be a factor as well as points given for Plan of Study courses on the advising sheet which are completed prior to December 31st. (Refer to Associate of Science in Nursing Grid for details).
It has been 15+ years since I was in college. Will everything transfer?
Many courses from accredited programs/colleges will transfer. In order to be sure of the transferring coursework, you will want to apply to CWI on-line, pay the $25.00 Application Fee and submit your official transcripts directly from each college/university to One Stop Student Services, P.O. Box 3010, Nampa, ID 83653. CWI will then evaluate your transcripts and send you a Transcript Evaluation Report by mail.
It has been years since I completed most of my college courses – what specific courses would you suggest I retake?
If you are uncertain of course materials, you can choose to take any or all prerequisites over. Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology are all helpful, along with Psychology, Math, and English skills.
Is there a wait-list to get into the program?
We accept new applications every spring for fall admission. There is no waiting list. Students who wish to be considered for application must reapply each year.
Do we need to take the TEAS test prior to acceptance?
Yes - the successful completion and corresponding score on a TEAS test will be an important part of the application process moving forward. Information is online at: www.atitesting.com
Where can I take the TEAS?
You can take the TEAS assessment at any of CWI's Compass Testing Centers or through a proctoring facility such as Pearson View.
How many students are accepted yearly to the Associate of Nursing Program?
The top 40 scores, as determined using the published admission ranking criteria, will be sent letters of acceptance into the program. Thus there are 40 openings to be filled each fall. Several applicants, according to their scores, will also be notified that they are on an 'Alternate List' should any of the first 40 accepted students decline admittance to the program.
If I took nursing courses at another college, can I transfer those and then not have to take them when I am accepted into the nursing programs?
This is not applicable in the Associate Degree Nursing Program, due to a full cohort of students. Any transfer of credit would be decided on a case-by-case basis. Any applicant would need to be in good standing from their previous program, confirmed by a letter from the previous program's Dean or Director and provide the nursing program with course syllabi for any completed AS level or higher level nursing course taken in the last 4 years. Nursing courses taken more than 4 years previous would not be considered for any possible transfer.
Is your nursing program accredited?
We are NWCCC accredited through the college partnership with the College of Southern Idaho. The Associate of Nursing Program is approved and recognized by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. We are working toward NLNAC accreditation.
Will you help us get a job after graduation?
We are often notified of openings through clinical rotations at facilities. We are willing to post job openings and to pass along any openings as we hear of them. However, we do not promise jobs, although we will write letters of recommendation. CWI offers resources to assist in looking for RN positions, and to assist in resume writing.
Am I too old to apply?
There is no age limit.
How do credits transfer from TVCC on a quarter system?
Many courses from accredited programs/colleges will transfer. In order to be sure of the transferring coursework, you will want to apply to CWI on-line, pay the $25.00 Application Fee and submit your official transcripts directly from each college/university to One Stop Student Services, P.O. Box 3010, Nampa, ID 83653. CWI will then evaluate your transcripts and send you a Transcript Evaluation Report by mail.
Where will my clinical experiences be and do I get to choose?
Clinical experience sites are arranged through a series of coordinated efforts with other facilities and schools throughout the Treasure Valley. Clinical sites are not selected by students, although there are options for students to select the sections (days and times) for most clinical courses.
If I CLEP out of a class, how does that effect my points when applying?
A CLEP score indicates you have mastered the minimal knowledge required for a passing grade in that course. Credits received in this manner count towards the credit requirements for graduation, a grade of (P) is given, and they are not computed in the student's grade point average.
Where can I study for the TEAS?
Information is online at: www.atitesting.com
If I have completed my bachelor's degree and I am core certified, do I still need to complete all the specific pre and co-requisites?
Please refer to the Admission to AS Nursing Program: Process and Criteria, spring 2011, Section III for a breakdown on the application point system.
For more information contact:
One Stop Student Services
Phone: 208.562.3000
E-mail Us Your Question »
To Get Financial Aid:
Almost all prospective students are eligible for some kind of
financial aid, regardless of credit history, income or assets. Visit Financial Aid for more information.