Palm Beach Atlantic University

Admissions Policy and FAQ

For the complete Admissions policy, please see the online catalog.  This page contains highlights and frequently asked questions only.

Who is eligible for Guaranteed Admission?

Any student who enrolls at Palm Beach Atlantic University as a freshman (or directly from high school) is eligible for Guaranteed Admission, regardless of their initial major.  Transfer students are not eligible for Guaranteed Admission.

When do nursing classes start?

Upper division classes start in either the Spring or Summer.  Upon acceptance, students choose to take Introduction to Nursing, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I, and Health Assessment in the Spring or Summer.  Clinical courses begin in the Fall.

When should I apply?

To obtain the best chances of being accepted, you should apply by October 1.  If the class is not full, the Admissions Committee will review applications once a month until the class is full.  The earlier you apply, the better your chances of being accepted.  The Admissions Committee gives priority to current PBA students.

Ideal timeline for Admission to the Upper Division Nursing Major:

How do I become a Lower Division Nursing Student?
The Lower Division nursing major is not selective.  Any student who does not require remedial math or English may declare Nursing as a major by declaring it upon admission or filling out a Change of Major form.  (Students requiring remedial coursework need different advising and may declare Nursing upon completing the remedial coursework.)

The Upper Division is selective and competitive.  Meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission to the Upper Division.  Students who are not admitted to the Upper Division may not take nursing classes without special permission (classes with a "NUR" title).

How many students do you accept each year?
The School of Nursing accepts approximately 60 students each year.  Only one class is admitted each year.

What is this Entrance Exam?

The School of Nursing uses the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as part of the application process.  It covers reading comprehension, math, basic English grammar, and science.  Students may retake it after three months, but no more than three times.

When do I take it?

Generally, you should take the TEAS as early as possible, so that you may retake it if you are not satisfied with your score.  For incoming freshman, we recommend that you take the TEAS in the second semester of your freshman year.

What score is passing?

There is no "passing" score for the TEAS; there is only more or less competitive.  Generally speaking, a score of 60th percentile is quite competitive.  Students seeking Guaranteed Admission must have a score of 60th percentile.

You may wish to study for the TEAS.  A Study Manual is available directly from ATI or the Campus Bookstore.

What are the required courses?

General education courses with an asterisk must be completed prior to beginning nursing clinical courses.  Those without an asterisk must be completed prior to graduation.

Articulation:
Students with an A.A. degree from an accredited college or university may articulate into the nursing program.  This also applies to students with a prior bachelor's degree.  Courses with an asterisk must be completed prior to beginning clinical courses.

Are there opportunities for Missions?

Palm Beach County is a very diverse geographic region with very rich clinical experiences, and you will care for patients from all over the world without ever leaving the county.  There are a number of ways for students to engage in cross-cultural service without going anywhere.  PBA and the School of Nursing encourages students to participate in active local ministries and community service. 

Traditional medical missions are also available.  Nursing students have participated in missions to such diverse locations as Haiti, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Uganda, and the Congo.

Is there anything else I should know?

• All nursing students must complete a background check (with fingerprints) and a drug test before clinical courses.
• Academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, lying about patient care, and falsifying documentation are grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
• The first week of classes (e.g., Introduction, Health Assessment) the School of Nursing administers an additional diagnostic test.  Students failing will be dismissed.
• The School of Nursing administers standardized tests throughout the curriculum.  Repeated failure of a standardized test may result in failure of a course.

Okay, that was depressing

Nursing is a very challenging but rewarding profession.  You will have the opportunity to impact your patient's lives and the lives of their families in ways that you cannot possibly imagine.  With great power comes great responsibility.  If you are dedicated and willing to put in the time and effort, the Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Nursing can help you become a successful nurse beyond your wildest dreams.