
Nursing Program Application Process FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the nursing program application process including:
- Application Schedule & Process
- Nursing Program Ready to Apply Dates
- NLN RN Pre-admission Exam (PAX)
- Pre-requisite Courses
- Background Checks and Drug Screens
- NSG 101 Schedule for Those Accepted
What do I need to know?
- You will pick up the application at a Ready-to-Apply conference beginning in March.
- You can only apply if you meet all of the requirements, including the PAX exam, by Friday, May 14, 2021 when applications are due.
- You will gather your materials and submit them to the pre-nursing advisor, where you will complete a checklist and finalize your application.
- Information on the mandatory PAX test, including how to register, what is on it, study resources, and recommended scores are listed below.
Application Schedule and Process
- All pre-requisite classes completed before application deadline with a grade a C or better.
- Possess active KY CNA and CPR-BLS certifications.
- Completed PAX exam.
- Submission of required application documentation.
Yes. If you are applying for a Fall 2021 start, the last day to take the PAX is May 13, 2021.
NOTE: For more information about the PAX, review the NLN RN PRE-ADMISSION EXAM (PAX) section of this document.
Nursing Ready-to-Apply Conferences
NLN RN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)
Schedule your NLN RN PAX (National League for Nursing RN Pre-Admission Exam) by:
- Clicking this link: https://www2.registerblast.com/gctc/Exam/List
- In the “Choose a group” dropdown, select “NLN RN PAX”
- In the “Choose an exam” dropdown, select “NLN RN PAX ($60.00)”
The rest of the requirements are self-explanatory. You’ll select your test date, time, enter personal info, pay, etc.
Students have at least two resources to help them brush up on material covered in the PAX.
- Students are welcome to purchase or locate resources to assist them with studying for the PAX. One that has been helpful for students has been found on Amazon.com.
- That same book is also available for check out at the Kenton County Public Library.
Students take the PAX at the Boone Campus Assessment Center.
500 Technology Way, Florence, KY 41042
Pre-testing is very common with nursing programs. Since admittance into the program is a selective process, the Selective Admission Committee needs all the relevant academic data for an applicant that they can get in order to assess strengths and weaknesses. Our data shows that students who score low on the PAX have a lower success rate in the Nursing Program. Students that score an RN Percentile Rank of 50 or higher on the PAX have better odds of being able to keep up with nursing content. Think of the data we collect as your academic resume. The better your grades, GPA, and PAX scores are, and the more co-requisite classes you have completed, the more qualified you are for the role of the nursing student.
If you have taken the NLN RN PAX with Gateway since May 2020, you are welcome to reuse your scores if you would like. It is recommended that students strive to achieve at least a RN Percentile Rank of 50.
Yes, all applicants are reviewed thoroughly by the Selective Admission Committee. A score lower than 50% does not disqualify an applicant.
No. The test must be taken at Gateway for your scores to be used.
Login into the NLN account you created in order to take the PAX and you can see your scores there. Scores sometimes take four hours to appear after completion of the test.
The image below is a screenshot example of what you should be looking for. The RN Percentile Rank is what earns a student points. 50 or higher receives points.
The RN Percentile Rank shows how you stack up against all the pre-nursing students in the nation that have ever taken the NLN PAX.
< 50 = Below Average
50 = Average
> 50 = Above Average
We have online access to everyone’s scores and we take the best of your attempts. You do not need to give us the information.
PRE-REQUISITE COURSES
Yes! As long as all of your pre-requisites are completed by May 9, you are good to go.
Here is a chart for future applications periods that shows when all pre-requisite courses must be complete for application eligibility. NOTE: Application schedules and deadlines are subject to change.
NSG 101 Start | Pre-requisite Completion Deadline |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | May 2021 |
Spring 2022 | October 2021 |
Fall 2022 | May 2022 |
Spring 2023 | October 2022 |
BIO 137 and BIO 139 can be no older than five years by the start of NSG 101. Here is a guide to help you determine the status of your BIO course:
NSG 101 Start | Last Completion Date BIO 137 and 139 are acceptable. |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Fall 2016 |
Spring 2022 | Spring 2017 |
Fall 2022 | Fall 2017 |
Spring 2023 | Spring 2018 |
No, applicants are not penalized for renewing BIO 137 after they have already passed it. Likewise, if a student is retaking BIO 137 for a better grade even though they have already earned at least a C in a previous attempt, the higher of the two grades will be taken and no points will be docked.
Points are only deducted if the student had an unsuccessful attempt in BIO 137 and are retaking it for application eligibility.
Background Checks and Drug Screens
Some charges are eligible for expungement. For more information about this option, visit the Department of Public Advocacy website.
Yes, students are responsible for paying for the background check and drug screen. The cost is $61.20. *Subject to change
NSG Schedule for those accepted
Component | Days | Times | Dates |
---|---|---|---|
Mandatory Orientation | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Lecture | Mondays & Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Fall 2021 |
Lab | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Fall 2021 |
Clinical | Fridays | 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Fall 2021 |
No, the core nursing (NSG) courses have a set schedule. Sometimes there are lab and clinical time groups that the students may be able to choose from. However, those options are presented to accepted students when applicable.