Youngstown State University
 
 
Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Admission Requirements

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The Centofanti School of Nursing admits students to the Nursing Program once per year for Fall Semester start.

Admission to Youngstown State University provides students with the opportunity to complete a core of pre-nursing courses, after which they may apply and compete for a position in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program. The admission requirements for the BSN Program consist of two parts: 

  1. General College Admission Requirements for YSU
  2. Nursing Program Requirements

Application Process Contact Information 
Pre-Nursing Professional Academic Advisor: Kellie Tervo | kamills@ysu.edu 

STEP 1: GENERAL UNIVERSITY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

The applicant must be fully admitted to Youngstown State University.

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STEP 2: PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicants must first apply and be admitted to the University before submitting a Nursing Program application.
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions and high schools must be submitted to the YSU Admissions Office.
  • LPNs and students requesting transfer of nursing courses from another program should refer to the Centofanti School of Nursing Advanced Standing Policy.

Academic Requirements: 

  • Completion of all required pre-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Pre-nursing GPA of 3.0 or greater in required pre-nursing courses.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or greater in all college coursework.
  • Completion of the following pre-nursing courses:
    • BIOL 1551/L – Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 (with lab)
    • BIOL 1552/L – Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 (with lab)
    • CHEM 1510/L – Chemistry for Allied Health (with lab)
    • ENGL1550 OR ENGL 1549 (with support) - Writing 1
    • ENGL 1551 – Writing 2
    • PSYC 1560 – General Psychology
    • PSYC 3578 – Lifespan Development
    • SOC 1500 – Introduction to Sociology
    • STAT 2625 – Statistics (support course STAT 2625C may be required)
    • Note: YSU 1500 (First Year Orientation) is required but is not included in the pre-nursing GPA calculation. 

Additional Admission Considerations:

  • Number of course repetitions: Applicants may have no more than two (2) repetitions in any pre-nursing course within the last five years.
  • Availability of program spaces. 

STEP 3: REQUIRED TESTING – ATI TEAS

Applicants must complete the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and submit official scores to YSU by December 8, 2026.  

Note: It can take 3-4 business days to receive your final TEAS scores.

  • Minimum Score: Overall TEAS score of 66% or higher.
  • Retakes: The TEAS test can be retaken twice within a 12-month period, with a 14-day waiting period between attempts.
  • TEAS scores are valid for two years.
    • The ATI TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a standardized test designed specifically to assess a student's preparedness for entering the health science fields. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform successfully in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. 
  • For more information on taking the TEAS test, go to TEAS Exam.

STEP 4: REQUESTING A REVIEW 

  • Review Request Opens: October 1, 2026
  • Review Request Deadline: December 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST 

Applicants will receive a response within 7 business days via their YSU student email only. If approved, they will receive a personalized link to apply to the BSN program. 

Checklist Before Requesting a Review

Do not request a review until all of the following are complete:

  • Have been fully admitted to YSU and have a student ID number
  • Have submitted all official transcripts to YSU
  • Complete all pre-requisites and meet GPA requirements listed in Step 2.
  • TEAS test is taken, the minimum score is met, and scores are submitted to YSU.
  • Copy of your “TEAS Test Score Sheet” to upload with your Request for Review. Please make sure to include the full report.
  • I have reviewed this checklist and confirm that I meet all requirements
  • I understand that submitting a Request for Review does not guarantee admission to the program  

Upon a successful review, students will be sent, via YSU Student email, information to proceed with the BSN application. Please note, this process may take 2-3 weeks. 

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STEP 5: SUBMIT FULL APPLICATION

Only applicants who meet the program admissions requirements will receive a personalized link to apply to the program. This link cannot be shared with other individuals.

  • Application Submission Deadline: Applicants must submit their online application by 4:00 PM (EST) on the Friday of week 16 (Finals Week) in December. 

STEP 6: POST ACCEPTANCE

  • Students must provide satisfactory evidence of the following:
  • Current CPR certification (BLS for Health Care Providers).
  • Completed history and physical examination.
  • Immunization records.
  • Fingerprinting and drug testing through CastleBranch.
  • Note: Certain felony offenses may bar students from taking the licensure exam or securing clinical placements, which may impact program progression.

Post Acceptance Contact Information
Program Director: Randi Heasley, DNP, RN, CNE | rlheasley@ysu.edu  

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