On Wednesday, February 25, Southern University School of Nursing academic advisors hosted an informational session for Pre-Nursing students. Students received information about the requirements for nursing school, had the opportunity to connect with nursing students who have passed the entry level exam for nursing school, and fostered a safe environment for students to discuss their challenges and questions regarding the nursing field. Jillian Barnhill, a freshman pre-nursing student, said the session eased her concerns about applying to the program in the fall. “After the session, I feel determined to go down this path and continue working toward my dream of becoming a nurse,” she shared.
To get accepted into SUSON, pre-nursing students are required to have at least 60 credit hours, a 2.8 cumulative GPA, completed all of the required nursing pre-reqs, and a score of 80% or higher on the ATI TEAS Exam. The TEAS exam is the standardized entrance exam for nursing and allied health programs. Jade Evans, a freshman, pre-nursing student, voiced how she felt about having to take the TEAS exam.“I’m not scared,” she said. “I plan to study over the summer so I can be prepared to take the TEAS exam in the fall”.
According to Ms. Falon Gant, an academic advisor with SUSON, advisors work closely with students to ensure they are prepared for the exam. “Once they get their scores back with the help of SUSON and the amazing academic advisors, we make sure that they excel through all of their pre-reqs so that they are able to get through the TEAS test, pass, and get to nursing school,” she explained.
After the scores are received by the school, students typically find out if they are accepted into the nursing program a few weeks after taking the test. “After students have taken the test, they usually have a sense of relief, because this is just what they’ve been waiting for after taking that leap of faith and facing the challenges of all the pre-reqs that they’ve taken,” Ms. Gant added.
When asked about some advice she had for pre-nursing students, Ms. Gant emphasized the importance of health. “Health is important. If you want to be a nurse, you have to save lives, and you have to know how to save lives,” she stated. “This journey will not be easy, but when you get there, it’ll be worth it, and you’ll be able to save a life”.
