Graduation from an accredited U.S. high school, which includes one year of biology and chemistry at the high-school level or one semester of each at the college level;
-- or --
A high school equivalency diploma with a minimum GED score of 250 or better.  Applicants applying with a GED must also fulfill the biology and chemistry prerequisites.

If educated outside the U.S., a high school equivalency diploma may be necessary (this may be waived if the candidate has a baccalaureate degree from a foreign institution where instruction is conducted in English).

Please refer to the Admissions section of this Website for information about additional entrance requirements and directions on how to apply.

Q: Where can I go to satisfy the chemistry and biology admissions requirements? 

You may satisfy these requirements by taking one semester of chemistry and one semester of biology at a local community college.  Or, you may wish to satisfy these requirements through online courses, e.g., with Penn Foster High School (http://shop.pennfosterhighschool.com/c-36-science.aspx) or Nursing ABC (http://www.nursingabc.com/courses).

Q, I am still in high school and would like to know what courses I should be taking to increase my chances of being accepting into your program?

Because the program is very competitive, we recommend four to five years of science and four years of math.  Your grade point average for the core courses (science, math, English, social studies, foreign language), should be at least 83% to 85% or better.  Students in New York State are strongly encouraged to take Regents courses.

Q. I earned my high school and/or college degree(s) in another country. Should I send my official transcripts?

No, your high school and/or college transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a credentialing service, such as World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/) or Globe Language Services, Inc. (http://www.globelanguage.com/).

Q. What is the application deadline?

The application filing deadline is April 1st.  See the Admissions “How to Apply” Section for more information.

Q. When are new classes admitted?

PBISN admits one new class annually.  There is only one application cycle and deadline (as above).  For the Traditional, ATOP, and three-year schedules, classes begin in the Fall semester.  The Evening Schedule begins in the Spring semester.

Q. I applied a few weeks ago and have not been contacted.  How long does the process take?

The Admissions Committee will only review your application if it is complete.  Remember, it is the applicants’ responsibility to ensure that his or her application is complete; therefore, you may wish to contact us via e-mail to determine that we have received all the required materials. If you are being considered for enrollment, you will be called for a personal interview, which is the final step in the acceptance process.

Q: My application was denied, what can I do?

PBISN is a very competitive program. Unfortunately, not everyone will be accepted. It may help to contact the Admissions Office to discuss your individual circumstances.  Applications remain on file for two years.

Q. I received my NLN pre-RN exam scores, but I do not know how to interpret them.

On the right-hand side of the page, you will see “Composite Percentile Score” followed by three columns:  DI, AD, ALL.  Your results are listed in the AD column for all sections: composite percentile, as well as verbal, math and science.

Q. Can I apply credits earned at another school toward a degree at PBISN?

Every applicant's transcript(s) is evaluated individually.  In general, comparable liberal arts and science courses from an accredited college--passed with a grade of C or better--may be eligible for transfer credits.  Science courses must have been completed within the past five years.
 
Q. I have completed all of your nursing program’s science and liberal arts co-requisite courses, does this mean I will finish in less than two years?

No, because the nursing courses are given sequentially by semester, it will still take two years to complete the program. 

Q: I have a BS, Master’s, PhD., etc. in another field, can I still apply to your program?

Yes, you may still apply, but you will graduate with an AAS, major in Nursing.

Q. Is financial aid available?

Federal, state, and institutional aid is available to eligible students, including Federal Pell grants and nursing loans, State TAP awards, federal work study, and school-based scholarships. 

Q. Does your School offer an accelerated LPN to RN Program?

PBISN does not offer a LPN to RN program.  If you are a LPN, you will be considered for entry to PBISN based on the standard eligibility requirements detailed on the Admissions section of the website.

Q. How can I find out more about the School?

Everyone is welcome to attend an Open House program.  Please see the Open House link on the left-hand side of our Home page.