The keys to success

MSU Application
Candidates with no prior enrollment at MSU must apply to the university. There is a non-refundable $65 fee for domestic and international applicants. For more information, refer to the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships website. 

Candidates who have not applied to MSU previously:
Submit an application for undergraduate admission to MSU.

To apply to the accelerated second degree BSN (ABSN) program:
•    Submit an application as an undergraduate transfer student
•    Select major code 4023
•    Select summer semester start

Candidates who are returning MSU students:
Applicants should proceed with submission of the supplemental nursing application. Students who have not been registered at the university for three or more consecutive semesters (counting Summer) must submit a readmission application to MSU. There is no charge. The application should be submitted to the Registrar's Office. This process can wait until an offer of admission to the ABSN has been extended.

College of Nursing application
The College of Nursing supplemental nursing application must be submitted directly to us at:

Michigan State University
College of Nursing
Accelerated Second Degree Program
Bott Building for Nursing Education and Research
1355 Bogue St., Room C-120
East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1317

Transcripts
Official transcripts from all postsecondary education institutions attended should be sent directly to: 

Michigan State University
Office of Admissions
426 Auditorium Rd., Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-0590 

MSU transcripts do not need to be submitted to us — College of Nursing staff will already have access to these scores.

Professional references
Two references are required for admission consideration to the accelerated second degree BSN program. The Reference Forms should be completed by a person in an educational, administrative, professional, or volunteer capacity who has worked closely with you within the past five years. Reference writers must answer all of the questions and complete the ranking boxes on our Reference Form. Reference writers may also submit a letter if they choose to do so, though personalized letters are not required. Do not submit more than two Reference Forms.

Candidates should collect the Reference Form from the person completing it on their behalf, and submit it with their other application materials. The person completing the Reference Form should seal the form in an envelope, and place their signature across the seal. Reference Forms can be found here, and should be returned with your complete application packet to the College of Nursing at the address provided.

The reference should not be from a friend, family member, or peer-coworker.

Essay
A brief essay should be included responding to the statements below. This essay should be no longer than three double-spaced pages on 8½” x 11” paper. Please utilize the headings below throughout your essay to clearly identify the information provided.

• What do you believe are the role(s) of a nurse in today's healthcare environment(s)? And how do you see yourself embodying those roles?
• Why are you ready and able to study in an accelerated program versus a traditional (slower-paced) nursing program?
• Tell us about your personal characteristics that you believe will enhance your ability to be successful in an accelerated program.
• Tell us about your previous life/work experiences that you believe will enhance your ability to be successful in an accelerated program.
• Given that this program requires you to attend class two days a week and clinical three days a week, plus time outside of class for lab and study time, reflect on your current life situation and work demands. Share with the admissions committee your plan for managing these competing time demands.

Professional resume
A resume or curriculum vitae outlining the candidate’s varied experiences to date should be submitted to provide the program admissions committee additional background information. Any relevant work/volunteer experience and academic achievements can be listed.

Background checks and drug screens
The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) guidelines have resulted in many practice sites opting to require background checks for nursing students working in clinical settings. Additionally, many clinical, non-JCAHO accredited sites affiliated with the university for educational purposes have adopted this requirement and also require drug screens. The clinical programs of Michigan State University College of Nursing require students to participate in the care of patients in various health care settings. Accordingly, passing a criminal background check and drug screen is a condition for participation in the clinical component of all Nursing (graduate and undergraduate) programs.​​​​​​​

Admission packet checklist

• A complete application packet to the accelerated second degree BSN program will include the following items/completed tasks:
• An Undergraduate Application for Admission submitted to MSU (new undergraduate transfer application) or previous MSU enrollment
•  A Readmission Application to the Registrar’s Office for returning students will be required after an offer of admission to the AO BSN program is extended.
• The College of Nursing Supplemental Application for the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program.
• Official transcripts for each institution of post-secondary education attended (excluding MSU) – sent directly to the Office of Admissions
• Two completed reference forms
• Essay
• Professional resume or curriculum vitae

Only completed applications received by the Dec. 1 (5 p.m. EST) deadline will be reviewed for admission consideration.