Guide for High School Students

Are you a high school student interested in nursing? High school students entering college will typically work to be admitted to the highly competitive Undergraduate Prelicensure Program.   

ODU students apply for entry — typically in the second semester of their college sophomore year — after successfully completing specific courses and the required number of total credits. Applicants may also need to complete aptitude testing and more. Find a complete list of requirements.

The Guaranteed Acceptance Program offers a unique opportunity for highly qualified incoming high school students wanting to attend the Ellmer School of Nursing, read more below.

Once admitted to ODU, to find advising information about the Nursing Prelicensure Program, please contact the Ellmer College of Health Sciences Advising Department.

Acceptance into the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University is highly competitive. This program is designed for highly qualified high school students who are committed to completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University. Deadline for submission of this request form is June 1st for incoming fall, first-year students. All eligibility criteria must be met to be eligible for Guaranteed Entry. Students who do not meet eligibility criteria are not eligible for Guaranteed Entry.

Guaranteed Entry Program

Apply for Guaranteed Entry

Are you an exceptional high school school student who wants to enter ODU's Ellmer School of Nursing? Guarantee your acceptance.

Acceptance into the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University is highly competitive. This program is designed for highly qualified high school students who are committed to completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University. Deadline for submission of this request form is June 1st for incoming fall, first-year students.

All eligibility criteria must be met to be eligible for Guaranteed Entry. Students who do not meet eligibility criteria are not eligible for Guaranteed Entry.

Requirements

Current high school seniors who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for Guaranteed Entry. You must:

  • Apply for admission to Old Dominion University and be admitted as a degree-seeking student
  • Complete a high school degree by spring of the year in which you apply for the GEP program
  • Achieve an overall high school GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Complete two high school science courses (Chemistry and Biology) with grades of ‘B’ or better. Honors/AP/IB/Dual Enrollment courses are accepted but not required.
  • Standardized test scores:
    • SAT (EBRW/MATH) score of 1190 or higher -OR-
    • ACT composite score of 24 or higher
  • Apply for this program by the application deadline of your senior year in high school

If you meet these criteria and wish to be considered for guaranteed entry, complete the eligibility verification form and submit along with required documentation. You will need to provide copies of your high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores.

How do I become a working nurse with a BSN?

1) Apply for Admission to ODU

First become an ODU student. Admission to ODU does not guarantee admission to the Ellmer School of Nursing programs. High school students have a special nursing admission option.

2) Complete Required Classes

To apply, you must complete a certain number of credits and required departmental courses. A departmental GPA of 3.0 or higher is required, and a GPA of at least 3.6 makes you competitive. 

3) Apply for the Prelicensure Program

In addition to submitting your grades, you must take the HESI A2 Entrance Exam. Transfer students should meet with an advisor to evaluate courses.

4) Earn Your BSN

Earn your degree, which includes traditional classes and training in a clinical setting.

5) Pass the NCLEX

With your BSN, you are eligible to take the National Licensure Exam (NCLEX). You must pass to become a registered nurse (RN).

6) Get State Licensure

Every state has different requirements to receive your license. See if earning your license in Virginia will apply to the state where you live.

State Licensure

Plan to work outside Virginia? See if ODU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing meets eligibility requirements for licensure in the state or territory where you want to work.