Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where are the buildings on campus located?
How do I know which pre-nursing courses to take?
Review of pre-nursing courses for each program is available under the Academics menu above or by contacting our Admissions Office at (309) 655-2596.
Admissions
What is the required grade-point average to apply?
An overall grade-point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 on a 4.00 scale and a grade of "C" or above in each of the pre-nursing courses is required.
In addition, a 2.50 GA is required for the two anatomy and physiology courses. Students must receive at least one grade of "B" and one grade of "C".
However, applications are competitive and the grade-point averages of selected applicants are usually higher than 2.50.
In addition, a 2.50 GA is required for the two anatomy and physiology courses. Students must receive at least one grade of "B" and one grade of "C".
However, applications are competitive and the grade-point averages of selected applicants are usually higher than 2.50.
Do I need to take the ACT or SAT college entrance exams?
No, we do not require these test results.
What is the application fee and required application materials?
The application fee is $50, which is non-refundable. Also required are:
- Official high school transcript or official score report of the GED.
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Essay
How many new students are admitted each semester?
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing admits 90 new students each Fall and Spring semester.
Is an interview required?
No, but most applicants arrange for an individual visit to the College of Nursing. Also, high school students may schedule a College Day visit.
An interview is optional at the request of either the College of Nursing or the applicant. Please contact the Admissions Office.
An interview is optional at the request of either the College of Nursing or the applicant. Please contact the Admissions Office.
How often does the college admit new students?
The College of Nursing admits new students each Fall and Spring semester.
When do I apply?
All students must attend any other accredited college or university of choice and complete 59 semester hours of pre-nursing courses which are transferable to Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.
The pre-nursing courses are general education courses in the areas of humanities, communications, social and behavioral sciences, physical and life sciences, and mathematics.
An application may be submitted upon satisfactory completion of at least 30 semester hours of the pre-nursing courses.
At least eight semester hours of the 30 must be in the physical/life sciences area (example: anatomy and physiology I & II, chemistry, microbiology).
If you are a full-time student, the 30 semester hours can be completed after the first year of college.
The pre-nursing courses are general education courses in the areas of humanities, communications, social and behavioral sciences, physical and life sciences, and mathematics.
An application may be submitted upon satisfactory completion of at least 30 semester hours of the pre-nursing courses.
At least eight semester hours of the 30 must be in the physical/life sciences area (example: anatomy and physiology I & II, chemistry, microbiology).
If you are a full-time student, the 30 semester hours can be completed after the first year of college.
What is the application deadline date?
| Semester | PRIORITY Application Deadline | Selection Date |
| Spring | February 15 | March 31 |
| Fall | September 15 | October 31 |
Is there a wait list? When do I receive a decision letter?
There is no wait list. Applicants must submit current college transcripts. Completed applications received prior to the application deadline date may be considered for early acceptance notification.
Decision letters are mailed by the established selection date for each semester.
Applicants not accepted must request in writing that their academic files remain active for a minimum of one academic year.
Decision letters are mailed by the established selection date for each semester.
Applicants not accepted must request in writing that their academic files remain active for a minimum of one academic year.
In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.