Admission Requirements

The Mark and Huldah Buntain School of Nursing (BSON) Admissions Review Committee evaluates all information in the application and selects applicants for admission to the upper division major as pre-licensure nursing students. The committee uses a holistic process focused on strong academic qualifications, comprehensive communication skills, quantitative skills, faith integration, and professionalism.

All nursing students at Northwest University are expected to communicate effectively on their own behalf, with professionalism and courtesy, and to demonstrate the ability to make independent decisions and think critically. This expectation extends to the application process. Students are expected to provide accurate contact information and respond in a timely manner to communication from the BSON.

The BSON does not discuss individual applications or admission decisions with third parties. Such communication is generally viewed as a hindrance to the establishment of good communication with the applicant.

Please note: Meeting the minimum criteria for consideration of admission neither implies nor guarantees admission to the program. 

Admission Criteria

• Acceptance to Northwest University is required for application to the BSON.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required in the BSON’s prerequisite courses.
• Minimum grade of 2.7 is required in the following BSON core prerequisite courses:
  • Survey of Organic and Biochemistry with Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
  • General Psychology
• At the time of application, you may have no more than six incomplete prerequisite courses, including only one incomplete core prerequisite course. 
• Prerequisite courses taken outside of Northwest University must be completed by June 30 for fall admission.
• Prerequisite courses taken at Northwest University must be completed by the last day of the summer term. 
• Any course with a failing grade must be completed by the end of Northwest University’s Summer A term.
• A self-analysis essay.
• Qualified applicants will be required to complete a virtual asynchronous interview. 

Apply to the BSN Program

The Buntain School of Nursing admits one cohort of 48 students each fall. To apply to the Buntain School of Nursing, applicants must use NursingCAS, a centralized online application service. Students are encouraged to contact NursingCAS or their advisor with questions. View the Application Instructions page for more details. 

• Applications are made available online in October and due the following January.
• All official transcripts must be received by NursingCAS by the January deadline.
• If all requirements are not completed as specified, applications will not be considered.

Admission Decisions

NOTE: At the time of application, you may have no more than six incomplete prerequisite courses, including only one incomplete core prerequisite course. Applicants who have more than six prerequisite courses or more than one core prerequisite course incomplete at the time of application will not be considered for admission until the application requirements are met. If a course is being retaken to earn a higher grade, the current grade will stand until replaced. 

• Complete applications submitted by the January deadline and meeting admission criteria are reviewed in the following order:
  1. Traditional Kirkland Campus in seat students
  2. Transfer students
• Students are notified of admission status by the end of March.
• A waitlist is created for additional qualified students.
  • The waitlist does not carry over to the next year; students must complete a new application for the next year. 
  • Waitlisted students are notified as space becomes available.
• Rationale behind any individual admissions decision is not available for disclosure.