Bachelor of Science in Nursing

There are two ways to earn your BSN through the University of the Incarnate Word: the Traditional BSN Program and the Accelerated BSN Program.

The three-part application process must be completed prior to the deadline (July 1 for Spring Entry, Feb. 1 for Fall Entry) in order to be considered for admission to the nursing program.

 

How to Apply to the Traditional BSN Program

  1. Applicants must be accepted to UIW by the deadline (July 1 or Feb. 1), therefore applications to the University need to be completed at least three to four weeks in advance of the deadline.
  2. Application through NursingCAS must be completed prior to the deadline. Both the UIW and NursingCAS applications can be processed concurrently. NursingCAS application can be submitted prior to acceptance to the University.
  3. The following two documents must be uploaded to your NursingCAS application.

If you have any questions, contact Mrs. Eunice Avila at: euavila@uiwtx.edu or (210) 283-5094

Applicants who have enrolled in a nursing program in the past must disclose it on their application and ask their previous program director or dean to e-mail a letter of good standing to Dr. Kathleen Tilton, BSN Program Chair, at ktilton@uiwtx.edu.

The Following Individuals Will Not be Considered for Admission:

  • Applicants who do not complete all the application steps
  • Applicants who do not meet the deadlines
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum cumulative or science 2.5 GPA
  • Applicants who have not completed and/or have not demonstrated proof of enrollment in the final prerequisite courses
  • Applicants who do not score proficient or higher on the ATI TEAS
  • Applicants who have been unsuccessful in another nursing program
 

Apply to the Traditional BSN via NursingCAS

  • Visit NursingCAS.
  • Click "Apply Here" to initiate the application.
  • Click on "Create Account".
  • Complete the required fields in order to start your application.
  • Select UIW’s program in the “Full Programs List” section of the NursingCAS application.
  • All course work and letter grades must be entered as part of the application for an overall GPA calculation.
  • Applicants are charged $55 for the first school to which they apply and $40 for the second school. Applicants MUST pay the application fee at the time of submission.

Monitor the Status of Your Application:

Any messages from NursingCAS or the school will be sent to the “View My Notifications” inbox and your personal email address used to create your account.

Use the “Manage My Programs” option to check the status of your application including Transcripts, References and Programs Selected. You can access your “Program Status” page in the “Manage My Programs” section of NursingCAS when logged into your account at NursingCAS Program Status.

Instructions and FAQs

 

Apply to the University

Note: Applicants must be accepted to the University by the deadline, so applications to the University needs to be completed at least three to four weeks in advance of the deadline.

 

Send Official Transcripts

Applicants must send official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to both NursingCAS and the UIW Office of Admissions:

NursingCAS
PO Box 9201
Watertown, MA 02471

University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway, CPO 285
San Antonio, TX 78209

Important Information Concerning Transcripts:

  • All transcripts submitted to NursingCAS and UIW must be official and sent directly from your school’s Registrar’s Office.
  • Transcripts stamped “Issued to Student” will not be accepted.
  • Transcripts must show completion of, or proof of enrollment in, prerequisite courses.
  • In order to expedite processing, include the NursingCAS Transcript Request Form from their website.
  • Transcripts from international institutions must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service, World Education Services. Foreign evaluations should be mailed to NursingCAS and UIW at the addresses above.

The following is a list of prerequisite courses needed for admission into the Traditional BSN program. Candidates must have completed the course with a grade of C or better or be currently enrolled in the following courses to be considered for admission into the program:

  • English Composition I and II (not required for second degree seeking students)
  • Biological or Organic Chemistry - See degree plan (pdf) for details. Transfer students must have two chemistries.
    Note for Alamo Colleges Students: The Alamo College equivalent of the required chemistry class is 1307. However, 1307 has a prerequisite of 1305 so students transferring from the Alamo Colleges will be required to take 1305 and 1307 to satisfy the Biological or Organic chemistry requirement. Click here to see articulation agreement (pdf).
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
  • Microbiology with Lab
  • Nutrition
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Child/Adolescent and Adult Development OR Lifespan Development Psychology
  • Dimensions of Wellness (if new to UIW, may complete upon admission)
 

Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skill (ATI TEAS)

The ATI TEAS is the Test of Essential Academic Skills which:

  • Evaluates an applicant's general academic knowledge
  • Tests the concepts learned in prerequisite math, science and reading/writing courses
  • The Minimum Total Score to apply to our nursing program must be a Proficient Score.
  • The Total score and the Individual (Reading, Math, Science, English) scores will be considered. The target* scores for the individual sections are.
    • Reading-75
    • Math-64
    • Science-60
    • English-60

For more information about the ATI TEAS content, please see their content updates document (pdf).

*Applicants who do not achieve the TEAS individual section target scores may be required to complete supplemental, content specific, academic success support assignments prior to beginning the BSN program.

  • The ATI TEAS tests the concepts learned in prerequisite math, science and reading/writing courses. Prospective applicants should approach all prerequisite courses with a desire for lifelong learning. Students who study every day throughout the semesters and the breaks will score better on the ATI TEAS than those who memorize material for exams, which frequently means material will be forgotten.
  • Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC offers excellent preparatory options for the ATI TEAS.
  • Use the same link to register and schedule to take the ATI TEAS exam.
  • ATI TEAS scores from the previous 12 months will be considered for an application cycle.
  • The ATI TEAS exam may be taken twice during an application cycle. Scores from both attempts must be submitted. A minimum of three weeks must elapse between the first and second attempt if taken twice.
  • The scores on the exam with the highest composite score will be considered. Applicants who posted high scores on their initial attempt will receive priority over those who required two attempts.
 

Complete the Immunization Record

All nursing students are required to meet recommended standards for immunizations for health professions personnel. Immunizations are required upon admission to the program and updated as required. Accepted applicants will be required to submit documentation of the following completed immunizations and/or titers to Sentry MD upon their confirmation of acceptance to the nursing program. Some may require six months or more to complete, so applicants should ensure all requirements are met prior to application. Professional documentation is required for medical contraindications.

Accepted students will receive instructions and deadlines for submission of immunizations from the Dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions in the acceptance letter. Accepted students who do not submit required documentation by the deadline will forfeit their admission into the program. In preparation, applicants may download the Immunization Validation Form (pdf) for completion and signature by their healthcare professional prior to applying to the nursing program.

  • Hepatitis B Immunizations (may require more than 6-months to complete)
    • Hepatitis B vaccine series (at 0, 1, 6-month schedule), or
    • Hepatitis A/B vaccine series (at 0, 1, 6-month schedule), or
    • Hepatitis A/B vaccine series (alternative schedule of doses at 0, 7 days, 21–31 days, and a booster dose 12 months after the first dose).
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Titer documenting post-vaccine series immunity to Hepatitis B is also required. Failure to complete the titer (blood test) prior to application deadline and consult with a health care provider if the titer doesn't document immunity may cause delays that preclude enrollment in the program.
  • Varicella vaccine (2 doses) or laboratory evidence of immunity (titer)
    • Note: History of having had the chickenpox disease will not be accepted as evidence of immunity.
  • MMR vaccine (2 doses) or laboratory evidence of immunity.
  • Seasonal Influenza (1 dose) annual fall/winter vaccine. Required annually in the fall.
  • Tdap (1 dose)
    • Note: Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) is the adult/older children vaccine. It is not to be confused with Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine) or DTaP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine, intended for children). A titer is not accepted.
  • TB screen (PPD) within the past 6 months is required. Alternately, a medical plan for follow-up if PPD contraindicated.
    • Note: TB screen is required annually while in the nursing program, so it is ideal to have the first one done in May, June or July. That way it was expire and get repeated during the summer break.
  • COVID Vaccine
    • May be required by certain clinical agencies for practicum.

Criminal Background Check Procedure/Legal Requirements for RN Licensure

Applicants who have previously received documentation of clearance from the Texas Board of Nursing may submit that information when requested. Persons licensed in Texas as LVNs in the past five years may submit this clearance as documentation when requested. However, all applicants still need to complete the Acknowledgment of Legal Requirements form and submit as instructed on or before the application deadline in order to begin the background check process.

The School of Nursing requires that each applicant complete a criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Following review, the BON reports directly to the applicant by mail. If accepted, applicants must show clearance by the BON prior to enrollment in nursing courses. In the event that the applicant was required to petition for a declaratory order, a copy of the declaratory order must be presented to the BSN program chair. This BON documentation is a mandatory requirement for acceptance/enrollment in the program.

Texas residents will receive directions for fingerprinting from the School of Nursing (SON) via email approximately 30 to 60 days after the application deadline. Applicants will have ten days from the date of the notification to complete the fingerprint screening by the designated office. Fingerprint screening cannot be done in advance of the email notification which identifies the individual as an applicant to the University of the Incarnate Word Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions.

If you live outside of Texas, please contact Dr. Kathleen Tilton, BSN Program Chair, at ktilton@uiwtx.edu about the fingerprinting process for out-of-state applicants.

The following information is obtained from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Visit their website for further information or contact.

Texas Board of Nursing
333 Guadalupe, Ste 3-460, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7400 or submit questions to webmaster@bon.texas.gov

Applicants to the nursing program who answer "yes" to any of the following questions MUST contact the Texas Board of Nursing and file a petition for a Declaratory Order (an order which indicates the candidate will be eligible for a nursing license). Admission into and continuation in the BSN Program (either traditional or accelerated track) is contingent on positive outcome notification from the Texas Board of Nursing.

  1. For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:
    1. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
    2. been convicted of a misdemeanor?
    3. been convicted of a felony?
    4. pled no contest or guilty?
    5. received deferred adjudication?
    6. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
    7. been sentenced to serve jail time, prison time or court-ordered confinement?
    8. been granted pre-trial diversion?
    9. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
    10. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
    11. been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?
      (Note: You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.)
  2. Have you ever had any licensing (other than a nursing license) or regulatory authority in any state, jurisdiction, country, or province revoked, annulled, canceled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew, or otherwise discipline any other professional or occupational license, certificate, nurse aide registration or multistate privilege to practice that you held?
  3. Are you currently suffering from any condition for which you are not being appropriately treated that impairs your judgment or that would otherwise adversely affect your ability to practice nursing in a competent, ethical, and professional manner?
  4. Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
  5. Have you, in the last 5 years*, been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?

Please refer to the links below for more information:

Laws and Rules Nursing Practice Act 2013 refer to Section 301.257 (pdf)
Licensure Eligibility

 

Additional Documentation After Admission into the BSN Program

Required:

  • Official Immunization records
  • CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers)
  • First Aid certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross)

Navy Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) Applicants

Prospective students who desire a conditional letter of admission to the UIW Traditional BSN for Navy Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) application purposes must complete the following by June 30 of the year prior to desired fall entry:

  • Submit official transcripts from every institution attended to UIW Admissions and complete the University application.
  • Submit the following items directly to Mrs. Eunice Avila in the UIW School of Nursing Office - Nursing Building 141. Students who are unable to deliver these two documents in person should mail the documents to:
    University of the Incarnate Word
    Attn: Traditional BSN Applicant
    4301 Broadway, CPO 300
    San Antonio, TX 78209
    If sending by mail, requesting a delivery confirmation is recommended.

Applicants can expect to receive e-mail confirmation from the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions that the transcripts, ATI TEAS scores and the Legal Acknowledgement Form were received within five business days of the documents’ submission or arrival in the nursing office. If e-mail confirmation is not received, the applicant should contact Mrs. Eunice Avila by e-mail (euavila@uiwtx.edu).

Students who apply to UIW and submit all required documents by June 30 will be considered for advance admission to the fall cohort for the following year if selected for the MECP (for example, apply by June 30, 2025, to be considered as an MECP student for admission to the UIW Traditional BSN in Aug. 2026).

Please direct questions to Dr. Kathleen Tilton (ktilton@uiwtx.edu)

 

Checklist for Nursing Program Applicants

Checklist for Nursing Program Applicants (pdf)