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Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements for the RN Degree Program

The Associate Degree in Registered Nursing offered by Radians College consists of two phases – the Pre-Requisite Phase and the Clinical Nursing Phase.

Pre-requisite Phase

The Pre-Requisite Phase consists of 40 semester credits of classroom instruction in pre-nursing courses and general academic subjects.

The minimum admissions requirements for the Pre-Requisite Phase of the RN degree program are:

  • High School diploma: Applicants must present evidence of graduation from an accredited high school with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 based on a 4.0 scale. Official secondary school transcripts are required for freshmen students who have less than 24 semester credits (or 36 quarter credits) from another college or university.
  • GED scores: Students who have successfully completed the U.S. General Education Development (GED) exam must have an average score of 50 and no standard score below 40 on any of the five tests.
  • Pre-Admission Placement Examination: Applicants must present satisfactory scores on a Pre-Admission Placement Examination in mathematics and English language skills. Placement exams are administered at Radians College according to a schedule of exams.
  • Transfer Students: Students who wish to transfer credits from another institution must submit official transcripts showing a combined cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher. Students with less than 24 semester credits (or 36 quarter credits) may be considered with a minimum GPA of 2.00 provided their high school GPA is 2.75 or higher.
  • Social Security Number: Students must provide a valid Social Security number prior to admission to Radians College. The Social Security number is required for mandatory background checks when entering the clinical phase of study.
  • References: Applicants must arrange for a minimum of two references from previous teachers and employers to be sent directly to the college.
  • Personal Interview: Applicants must satisfactorily complete a personal interview with designated academic and financial officials at Radians College.

Clinical Nursing Phase

Students must complete the Pre-Requisites Phase at Radians College or another institution to be eligible for admission to the Clinical Nursing Phase at Radians College. Admission to the Clinical Nursing Phase is granted only to students with above average grades and acceptable recommendations from previous teachers and employers. Minimum requirements are:

  • Grade Point Average: Applicants must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher.
  • Pre-Admission Placement Examination: Applicants must present satisfactory scores on a Pre-Admission Placement Examination in mathematics and English language skills as specified by the college. Placement Exams are administered at Radians College according to a schedule of exams.
  • Pre-Requisites: Applicants for the Clinical Nursing Phase must demonstrate successful completion of a minimum of 40 semester credits of prescribed courses as shown below with no grade below “C” and a minimum grade point average of 2.50.

    BIOL 111 – Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 hrs)
    BIOL 112 – Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 hrs)
    BIOL 150 – Microbiology (4 hrs)
    CHEM 105 – Introduction to Chemistry (4 hrs)
    MATH 101 – College Mathematics (3 hrs)
    NUTR 260 – Nutrition (3 hrs)
    ENGL 101 – English Composition (3 hrs)
    ENGL 102 – Research & Literature (3 hrs)
    PSYC 105 – Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs)
    PSYC 210 – Developmental Psychology (3 hrs)
    SOCI 105 – General Sociology (3 hrs)
    CPTR 105 – Introduction to Computers (3 hrs)
    —————————————————————
    TOTAL – 40 semester hours

  • References: Applicants must provide at least two satisfactory references from previous teachers or employers.
  • Personal Interview: Applicants must complete a personal interview with the Director of Admissions and Records or a designee.
  • Certificate of Health: Applicants must submit a current certificate of health received from a licensed practicing physician or a certified nurse practitioner.
  • Proof of Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is required before admission to the Clinical Nursing Phase.
  • Documentation of Required Tests and Immunizations: Applicants must have a Tuberculosis Skin Test at least annually (PPD) or a chest X-ray annually if PPD is positive, VDRL annually, MMR and Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD) within the last 10 years, Varicella Titer and Hepatitis B Vaccine (series of 3 injections).
  • Drug Test: Prior to admission to the Clinical Nursing Phase, applicants must submit to a drug test at B & W Lab, 3140 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Results must be sent by the lab directly to Radians College.
  • CPR Certificate for Health Care Providers (BLS): Students must earn a CPR certificate for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association. Current CPR certification must be maintained throughout the nursing program.
  • Background Check: Radians College will secure a background check on all applicants through Kroll Background America, Inc. A Social Security Number is required and must be obtained prior to being admitted to Radians College. A fee for this service is charged.
  • Satisfactory fulfillment of all financial obligations to Radians College.

Transfer Credit Policy

Radians College recognizes prior learning of admitted students by waiving requirements or awarding equivalent credit for comparable courses required for the program. Such courses must have been completed within a reasonable period of time prior to admission at an accredited college or university with satisfactory grades presented on official transcripts.

Credits awarded for foreign credentials are based on official credentials evaluation from one of the following organizations: World Education Services, Inc. (WES); or Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE).

NOTE: Radians College will not accept transfer credits in Nursing from other Practical Nursing or Associate Degree in Registered Nursing programs.

Associates Degree Program: Specific transfer credit policies affecting the pre-requisite courses for the degree program in Registered Nursing are as follows:

  • Up to 40 semester credits will be accepted if the courses are comparable to the pre-nursing courses required for admission to the clinical nursing component.
  • Only grades of “C” or better will be accepted. Credits for Advanced Placement Examinations will be granted for courses with scores of four (4) or better. Credits for College-Level Examination Program’s (CLEP) Subject Examinations will be granted with scores of 50 or above or 50th percentile for exams taken prior to July 1, 2001.
  • Credits will be accepted if the English and science courses were taken within five (5) years of admission, and the other required non-English, non-science courses (psychology, sociology, nutrition, computer science, and mathematics) were taken within seven (7) years of admission. Some exceptions apply.
  • For courses with laboratory components, both the theory and lab portions of the courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Space Availability

Space is limited in the Clinical Nursing Phase. Admission is granted to the most qualified students, with preference given to students who completed their Pre-Requisites Phase at Radians College.