Thomas Edison State University

Program Length & Format

• 15-month
• full-time
• Hybrid format: mix of online courses and in-person/hybrid courses and clinical experiences
• Program composition: 26 credits online, 34 credits hybrid
• Nursing curriculum organized across four 16-week terms

Admission Requirements

• Submission of all official transcripts; transcript review takes 5–7 business days
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 preferred
• Advising appointment with W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions required to review prerequisites
• Personal statement (1–2 pages or approximately 500–800 words) addressing background, motivation, program readiness, and examples of professional competencies
• Resume optional
• All clinical compliance requirements must be met before clinical practicums, including drug screen, immunizations, professional liability insurance, and major medical health insurance

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS Exam required for applicants without a previously completed bachelor’s degree
• Required scores: 70% or higher in each TEAS subcategory
• Applicants may retake the TEAS; a 30-day wait time is recommended between attempts; official TEAS scores expire one year after exam date
• TEAS requirement waived for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree

Prerequisites

• Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab — 4 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab — 4 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• Microbiology with Lab — 4 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• Chemistry or Pathophysiology — 3 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• Nutrition — 3 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• Statistics — 3 credits (grade C / 73 or better)
• All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to acceptance into nursing courses

Deadlines

• Admissions offered three times per year with application deadlines:
  • Winter cohort: September 1
  • Spring cohort: January 1
  • Fall cohort: May 1
• Applications remain active for one year from submission

Application

• Complete online application and submit all official college transcripts
• Pay application fee: $50
• Submit official ATI TEAS score report (if applicable) sent directly from ATI
• Submit personal statement (1–2 pages / ~500–800 words)
• Upon acceptance, pay nonrefundable program deposit: $500 within seven days to secure cohort placement
• Clinical compliance documentation required before clinical placement (drug screen, immunizations, CPR, criminal background check, proof of insurance)

Selection Process

• Application files reviewed by the Accelerated BSN Program Admissions Committee using a holistic review process
• Meeting minimum requirements establishes eligibility but does not guarantee admission
• Selections based on program capacity and the overall applicant pool
• Applications reviewed year-round; admissions offered on a first-come, first-served basis when seats are available

Wait List Policies

• Applicants accepted after cohort seats are filled will be invited to join the next available cohort
• Application remains active for one year and may be considered for subsequent cohorts within that period

Cost & Financial Aid

• Estimated total tuition cost: $46,140
• Application fee: $50
• Program deposit: $500 nonrefundable (applied to first tuition payment)
• Clinical Learning Technology Fee: $525 per hybrid course
• Estimated additional costs: course materials $400, uniform and supplies $300, clinical compliance $450, professional liability insurance ~$30, graduation audit fee $298
• End-of-program licensure costs: New Jersey Board of Nursing application $200; NCLEX-RN exam fee $200
• BAYADA Scholars track total program tuition: in-state $58,500; out-of-state $75,000; books and supplies fee for new students $3,300; clinical lab technology fee $525 per clinical course
• Financial aid and scholarship options available through the university (details provided by financial aid office)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical experiences at regional university-affiliated acute care and non-acute care facilities
• Clinical rotations scheduled one or two days per week for up to 12 hours per day
• Simulation and Skills Lab includes dedicated simulation rooms (maternity, homecare/community)
• Simulation sessions are video recorded for learner review; Open Lab hours available for practice
• Clinical placement subject to partner facility requirements; facility partners may deny placement based on background check or vaccine status

Credit Transfer

• TESU accepts transfer credits; prerequisite courses taken at TESU transfer toward Accelerated BSN application requirements
• Some general education courses offer test-for-credit options (check with School of Nursing advisor)
• No time limit on fulfilling prerequisite course requirements, provided all are completed prior to acceptance

International Students

• Transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by an external credential evaluation agency (agency requirements available from the School of Nursing)
• TOEFL testing may be required at the discretion of the School of Nursing regardless of native language if there is concern about English communication ability

Contacts

• W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions, Thomas Edison State University
• Address: 301 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08618