Degree Fit
Students interested in pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing must complete all pre-requisite coursework for admission to the program. Pre-requisite* coursework includes:
- Principles of Biology I
- Principles of Chemistry I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- Algebra for Health Sciences
- Lifespan Human Development
- Writing & Research I: Argumentation
- Culturally Safe Healthcare
*APU students who have successfully completed equivalent pre-requisite coursework at an accredited institution may have their transcript(s) evaluated to determine coursework transferability. Pre-requisite coursework completed more than ten (10) years ago and any nursing major courses are not eligible for transfer.
The eligibility criteria to apply for admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing program are:
Eligibility
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Most applicants admitted to the associate degree nursing program at APU have an extracted GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Applicants who do not meet the published GPA standards may request an appeal form from the Office of Admissions. Appeals will be considered first by the Director of Admissions and may be forwarded to an academic department or committee for review. The applicant will be notified in writing once a decision has been made regarding their appeal.
Applicants must successfully complete all pre-requisite coursework with a minimum grade of C in each course.
All pre-requisites must be completed prior to interview.
If applying for a fall cohort all pre-requisites must be completed in prior spring semester.
If applying for a spring cohort all pre-requisites must be completed in prior summer semester.
Application Requirements
Completed application form submitted by the deadline noted on APU website.
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be submitted.
If applicant has less than 24 college credits they must also submit high school transcripts.
Current resume or curriculum vitae and cover page.
Headshot photo or professional photo.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a nursing faculty admissions committee based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s academic record, resume, relevant experience, and personal statement.
Top applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited for an interview to assess communication skills, critical thinking, and suitability for the nursing program.
Following a holistic review of the application materials and interview proceedings the nursing faculty admissions committee will select candidates for admission.
Notification
All applicants will be notified of the admissions decision by the date on the APU website.
Accepted students will receive information regarding program orientation and registration procedures.
Appeals Process
This program utilizes a holistic admissions process, carefully considering each applicant’s complete profile beyond just grades and test scores. Due to the multifaceted nature of this evaluation, admissions decisions are final.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The APU nursing program admits students without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability status.
Additional Considerations
The nursing program reserves the right to modify this admissions policy at any time.
Applicants are highly encouraged to attend information sessions offered by the program to learn more about the application process and curriculum.
Career Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of all requirements of the APU ADN nursing program, the student can file a form with the state to indicate their intent to take the national nursing licensure examination. These forms are available online. In Alaska: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing/ApplicationsForms.aspx.
- The APU Registrar’s Office sends the verification form to the Alaska Board of Nursing, assuring that the student has met all requirements to take the NCLEX examination.
- It will take at least six (4-6) weeks after graduation for the posting of the information necessary for the affidavit and testing attestation to be completed.
If a student is interested in licensure in another state, they are responsible for contacting that state’s Board of Nursing office for information. A list of state licensure requirements is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Website: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm
Students requiring accommodations will refer to the State Board of Nursing for information.
Degree Roadmap
Associate Degree in Nursing Major Studies
Coursework includes:
- NUR 20000 – Foundations of Culturally Safe Nursing Practice(8)
- NUR 20500 – Pathopharmacology I(2)
- NUR 22001 – Population Health: Culturally Safe Nursing Care of Individuals and Families within the Alaskan Indigenous Population(3)
- NUR 26000 – Mental and Behavioral Health in Nursing: A Culturally Safe Approach(3)
- NUR 26500 – Med/Surg I: Care of the Client with Chronic and Acute Conditions(8)
- NUR 27500 – Pathopharmacology II(2)
- NUR 33000 – Pathopharmacology III(2)
- NUR 37500 – Holistic Care of Families(4)
- NUR 38500 – Med/Surg II: Transition to Care of the Client with Critical Conditions(8)
*For a full listing of the coursework required for the Associate Degree in Nursing, please visit the APU Academic Catalog
LPN to RN Bridge Program
The Practical Nursing to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN) Bridge Program provides a streamlined course of study to the Associates Degree in Nursing for those who already have an unencumbered practical nursing license in Alaska. The associates degree to nursing (ADN) at APU prepares nurse generalists. The program aims to provide foundational nursing skills needed to provide holistic, culturally safe healthcare
for Alaskan communities. After completing all foundational requirements and a nursing transitions course for the pathway, students are integrated into the ADN coursework and clinical rotations.
Coursework includes:
Foundational Studies (32 credits)
• HS 20500 – Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry & Practice (4)
• MT 11000 – Algebra for Health Sciences (4)
• SC 16100 – Principles of Biology I (4)
• SC 17000 – Principles of Chemistry I (4)
• SC 26000 – Human Anatomy and Physiology l (4)
• SC 26200 – Human Anatomy and Physiology ll (4)
• PY 21500 – Lifespan Human Development (4)
• WRIT 10100 – Writing & Research I: Argumentation (4)
Nursing Studies (31 credits)
APU approves 9 credits of self-determined credit for graduation from a nationally accredited LPN or LPV program. Course registration is approved by nursing faculty for the following courses:
• NUR 11500 – LPN to RN Transition (4)
• NUR 22001 – Population Health: Culturally Safe Nursing Care of Individuals and Families within
the Alaskan Indigenous Population (3)
• NUR 26500 – Med/Surg I: Care of the Client with Chronic and Acute Conditions (8)
• NUR 27500 – Pathopharmacology II (2)
• NUR 28500 – NCLEX Capstone Course – Transition to Practice (2)
• NUR 37500 – Holistic Care of Families (4)
• NUR 38500 – Med/Surg II: Transition to Care of the Client with Critical Conditions (8)
Minimum Graduation Credit Hour Requirement: 72
Completion & NCLEX Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is tuition?
-
Semester 1 Semester 2 Estimated Cost
Tuition 10175 10175 20350
Mandatory Fees 205 205 410
Room 6650 6650 13300
Board 2100 2100 4200
Books/Supplies 600 600 1200
Transportation 1080 1080 2160
Personal/MISC 1125
1125
2250
Cost 21935 21935
43870
ADN Fee 1550
850
2400
ADN Off-Campus Cost 23485 22785 46270
Are there additional fees associated with the program?
Yes. The Associate Degree in Nursing has a mandatory program fee of $3250, not included in the university “Mandatory Fees ($510.00)”: for identity verification, supplies, and the ATI (Assessment Technology Institute) nursing education platform. The fee is split over the three semesters ($1550.00, $850.00, $850.00 respectively) and charged as a non-refundable lab fee in three relevant courses. The program fee is subject to modification, and may be changed more than once if courses are repeated and/or program completion requires additional semesters.
What if I decide I don’t want to stay in nursing?
If you decide that pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing is not a good fit, you may pursue another concentration within the BS in Health Sciences program or another academic program at APU. It is imperative to work with your Academic Advisor to set up an updated course of study and degree plan.
What pre-requisite courses do I take in the program?
Pre-nursing coursework is listed below:
Principles of Biology I
Principles of Chemistry I
Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
Lifespan Human Development
Algebra for Health Sciences
Writing & Research 1: Argumentation
Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry and Practicum
Is the ADN program accredited at APU?
APU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU) and authorized by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). The Alaska Board of Nursing in keeping with statutes AS 08.68.100(a) and AS 08.62.290 and regulations 12 AAC 44.010 and 12 AAC 44.055, provides oversight and annual approval of nursing programs. Alaska Pacific University nursing program has submitted the required reports and has ACEN approval. All records were found to be in order. The Alaska Board of Nursing has issued full approval of APU’s LPN, ADN, and RN to BSN programs. The Board fully supports the continuation of the nursing education program at Alaska Pacific University.
Does APU accept/transfer nursing courses from other nursing programs?
No. Per the nursing department no transfer courses within the nursing curriculum will be accepted for courses required for the program.
When will the application period open/close?
Application cycles are open.
For admission to the Spring Cohort: Application closes October 1
For admission to the Fall Cohort: Application closes May 1
The completed application, including all required documents, are due no later than 11:59 PM (AKDT) on the due date listed above.
After processing, the completed files will be sent to the nursing department for review. The nursing department will contact selected students for an interview with the nursing faculty. Applicants can expect to be notified about the interview within two weeks after the application cycle closes.
On what is my application assessed?
Your application is assessed based on a holistic assessment of your GPA, transcripts, your résumé, statement, and (if applicable) the interview stage. The résumé is evaluated by faculty based on a rubric that involves grammar and content, just like anything else you would submit to an instructor.
How many students are admitted every year?
Up to 24 students are admitted each semester.
I work full-time. Can I still do the program?
This is a full-time program. For the first 6 – 8 weeks of the semester, you should expect to meet in-person each week from 8am – 4pm on: Mondays and Wednesdays OR Tuesdays and Thursdays, depending in which semester you are currently enrolled. For the last 8 – 10 weeks of the semester, you will need to be available for your weekly clinical rotations, which may include night and weekend shifts. Lastly, every credit hour in nursing correlates to 3 hours of homework, reading, and studying. Even when you are not meeting in-person, you should build self-study time into your weekly schedule.
I am not sure if one or more of my pre-requisite courses is over the 10-year requirement. What should I do?
For students applying to the program, no courses taken prior to 10 years will be allowed under the 10-year rule.
Are any College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP) exams accepted in place of pre-requisite courses?
APU’s nursing faculty will accept up to 8 credits from CLEP exams. No science courses can be tested out of using CLEP.
Why do pre-requisite classes have to be within the last 10 years?
This is to ensure you have a current base of knowledge to build on. Pre-requisite courses form the foundation of knowledge on which nursing classes are built.
I still need more information. Who can I contact about the program?
APU Office of Admissions – admissions@alaskapacific.edu or (907) 564-8248
Institute of Health & Wellness – healthandwellness@alaskapacific.edu or (907) 564-8225
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