Acceptance to Morningside College does not insure admission into the nursing major. Admission to the nursing major requires a separate application and admission process. To be eligible for admission students must:

• Have completed at least 27 credits including Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Psychology, and Composition and Communication.

• Earn at least a grade of "C" in all required nursing support courses and present a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. (A "C-" grade in required support courses is not acceptable.)

• Present a composite ACT of 20 or above, if available.

• Present Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification (75 hours minimum) prior to entering the first nursing course.

• Submitted a written application and completed an interview with a faculty member of the Department of Nursing in the spring semester of the freshman year.

• Report status of any felony conviction.

The Department of Nursing reviews all applications and determines acceptance.  Students are notified in writing of their admission status.

Applicants who have minor deficiencies in meeting the above criteria will be reviewed and may be granted conditional admission. However, enrollment may be limited to the best-qualified candidates.

After admission to the nursing major, all students are responsible for meeting the following requirements:

a. Purchase regulation uniforms.

b. Present proof of American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS

    certification and maintain certification while enrolled in the nursing major.

c. Procure professional liability insurance coverage and maintain coverage while

    enrolled in the nursing major.

d. Complete criminal and dependent adult and child abuse background checks.

e. Fulfill immunization requirements.

f. Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50.

g. Earn a grade of "C" or better in remaining required support and nursing courses.

h. Provide their own transportation to nursing courses and clinical experiences.

i. Participate in and complete requirements of the NCLEX Assessment Plan.

Felony Conviction
The Iowa Code (Chapter 147.3) states that conviction of certain felonies will make an individual ineligible for licensure or registry. Some state licensure agencies may require students to submit credentials for review. Previous conviction of a felony does not automatically bar an individual from eligibility for licensure or registry. The Iowa Board of Nursing determines if the felony relates directly to the professional practice of nursing and if sufficient time has elapsed for successful rehabilitation. The Board will then decide on eligibility for licensure from materials presented.

Students not eligible to take a clinical component will not be admitted to the nursing major.

Students must complete all nursing courses within 5 years of initial enrollment in the first nursing course.

Registered Nurse degree completion students must meet the same academic requirements as basic students.  When enrolled in the first nursing course (Nurs 306), a written application and an interview with a faculty member must be completed.  Current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa is required. The Iowa Code Section 152E.1, the interstate nurse licensure compact, recognizes licensure from participating states.

Under the Iowa Articulation Plan, registered nurses choose one of four options to be granted credit for previous learning.  In all options students will receive 30 nursing credits from the initial program.

Option 1.  Direct transfer of credit for graduates of Iowa diploma and associate degree nursing programs.  This option is designed for graduates of validated diploma and associate degree nursing programs in Iowa.  At leat one-half of the total credits required for the baccalaureate degee in nursing are granted.  Additional general education and support course credit may be transferred.

Option 2.  Standardized examinations for graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs from any U.S.state.  This option provides the opportunity to earn at least one-half of the nursing credits for the baccalaureate degree in nursing by successfully completing standardized nursing examinations.  General education and support course credit may also be transferred.

Option 3.  This option has been removed as of December 2002.

Option 4.  Escrow/validation of credit for graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs from any U.S. state.  This option awards at least one-half of the required nursing credits to students enrolled in the baccalaureate program.  The credits are held in escrow until the student has successfully completed at least 3-4 credit hours of designated baccalaureate nursing course work.  General education and support course credit may also be transferred.

To be eligible for admission, the registered nurse must:

       a.  Present transcript(s) of course work completed toward an earned diploma or associate degree in nursing from a state

            approved school of nursing.

       b.  Present current licensure as a registered nurse in Iowa.  The Iowa code section 152E.1, the interstate nurse licensure

            compact, recognizes licensure from participating states.

       c.  Earned at least a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all required nursing support courses which are transferred from other

            institutions.

       d.  Present a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

       e.   While enrolled in NURS306, submit a written application and complete an interview with a faculty member of the

             Department of Nursing.

       f.    Report status of any felony conviction.

The Department of Nursing reviews all applications and determines acceptance.  Students are notified in writing of their admission status.

After admission to the nursing major, all students are responsible for meeting the following requirements:

a.       Fulfill immunization requirements.

b.      Procure professional liability insurance coverage and maintain while enrolled in the nursing major.

c.       Maintain American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certification.

d.      Complete criminal and dependent adult and child abuse background checks.

e.   Earn a grade of “C” or better in remaining required support and nursing courses.

f.        Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50.

g.       Provide their own transportation to nursing courses and clinical experiences.