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.

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
• No more than 6 prerequisite courses, including one core prerequisite course, may be pending by the application due date. Include a written plan for completing the outstanding prerequisites. 
• Prerequisite courses must be completed by June 30 for fall admission.
• Northwest University Bible and theology courses must be completed on or before the last day of the summer term. 
• Written self-analysis essays are required.
• Qualified applicants will also be required to complete an asynchronous interview.

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

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 by January 31.
• All official transcripts must be received by NursingCAS by January 31.
• If all requirements are not completed as specified, applications will not be considered.

Admission Decisions

NOTE: No more than 6 prerequisite courses (including one core course) may be pending by the application due date. If a course is being retaken to earn a higher grade, it is not pending; the current grade will stand until replaced. 

• Complete applications submitted by January 31 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 beginning of April.
• 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.

Type of Applicant Definitions

• Traditional Kirkland Campus In-Seat: Students enrolled full time (12 to 18 credits per semester) in Northwest University traditional in-seat program for 1 or more semesters.
• Transfer: Students enrolled in Northwest University’s traditional campus for less than one full semester.

Regardless of your priority status no more than 6 prerequisite courses (including one core course) may be pending by the application due date.