Nursing Programs Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need to get accepted?

There are no set point limits for acceptance. The individuals with the highest number of points will be accepted into the Nursing program.

Is there a waitlist for acceptance into the Nursing program?

Yes, there is a waitlist for the Nursing program. The waitlist is created and ranked by the Admissions Office in June and December. Students are moved off the waitlist and accepted into the Nursing program as spaces become available, leading up to the beginning of each start term. If you are on the waitlist and a space becomes available for you, the Admissions Office will call you directly to offer you the space. The waitlist does not carry over from year to year; waitlisted students who are not offered admission into the Nursing program must reapply.

Once I am admitted into the Nursing program, how long will it take to complete my degree?

Once admitted into Nursing, it will take you two years (four semesters) to complete the program. The Nursing clinical coursework is only offered in a four-semester sequence, and any other coursework not already taken must be completed within this two-year period as well.

I already have a bachelor's degree. Why was I admitted to the Health Care Studies program instead of being accepted into the Nursing program?

Admission to the Nursing program is transparent and strictly based on the points you earn. If you were not admitted, it means you did not earn enough points to rank among the top applicants. Although having a bachelor's degree and a GPA of 2.0 or higher will earn you 4 bonus points, it may not have put you at the top of the applicant pool.

Does working in the healthcare field increase my chances for admission?

Working in the healthcare field will not increase your chance of admission. However, many nursing students find that previous healthcare experience is quite valuable as it provides insight as to whether nursing as a career is the path for them, as well as experience and skills upon which the student can build.

I earned a C- in a required course in the nursing degree sequence. Can I still be accepted into the Nursing program?

Yes, providing the C- was not earned in BIO 171 Anatomy & Physiology I.

Is there an expiration to any courses I may have already taken in the Nursing sequence?

Yes, BIO 171 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 172 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, and BIO 230 Microbiology must be taken within seven years of matriculation into the nursing program, beginning Fall 2023.

I’m considering withdrawing from one of my courses and taking it another semester. Will I lose points when I apply for the Nursing program?

Yes, if you withdraw from a bonus point-earning course, it is considered an unsuccessful completion, even if the grade you receive is a “W” or a “NA.” One unsuccessful completion of a bonus point-earning course will result in your points being reduced by half. If you have two unsuccessful completions in a bonus point-earning course, you will receive zero points for the course. Before dropping any class, you should first check with your advisor to ask how it may impact your chances of getting into the Nursing program.

What if I want to retake a course that I successfully completed (with a grade of C or better) for a higher grade to earn more bonus points? Will I be penalized?

No, if you retake a bonus point-earning course in order to earn a higher grade, you will not be penalized as long as you successfully completed the course with a grade of C or better the first time you took the class. You will receive the full point value for the repeated course if you earn a B- or better. However, it is important to remember that financial aid usually will not cover repeated courses that have already been successfully completed. If you’re unsure whether or not you should retake a course for a higher grade, contact the Admissions Office or a Faculty Advisor.

How can I maximize my chances of admission into the Nursing program?

The best way to increase your chances for admission into the nursing program is to score well on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam. If you enroll in a bonus point-earning course, it is important to earn a grade of B- or better on the first course attempt to secure the most bonus points. Review the enclosed Nursing Admission Self-Evaluation form.

If I can’t get into FLCC’s Nursing program, what other options do I have?

You can pursue another degree, and many students interested in Nursing are also interested in one of the following: Health Care Studies, Human Services, Biotechnology, Chemical Dependency Counseling, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. After two years, you may be eligible to graduate with a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree without completing additional courses and transfer into a four-year college, and earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing or another field of study. For assistance in exploring other career fields, contact FLCC’s Career Services Office by calling 585-785-1270 or emailing careerservices@flcc.edu.

What if I still have more questions?

Visit our Nursing program page, sign up for a Nursing Admissions Information Meeting, or contact the Admissions Office by calling 585-785-1279 or emailing admissions@flcc.edu.

How do I know if I'm ready to apply to the nursing program?

If you have a 2.5 GPA or better, a C or higher in all coursework required for the nursing program, and have completed either high school biology or one semester of college biology, you are eligible to apply to the nursing program. Please remember that you do not need to have completed all of the Liberal Arts and Sciences coursework to be admitted to the nursing program.