School of Nursing
Generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing

ATTENTION APPLICANTS

Application deadline September 30, 2022

ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED 

(Note new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy effective January 2022 posted November 19, 2021)

BSN Admission Test ATI TEAS Version 7 Update (May 20, 2022) Below

Admission to the program is competitive and is limited.

NOTE:  New Requirement on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS):

A PROFICIENCY score will be required on the TEAS effective with applications submitted in September 2022 for admission in January 2023.

The selection is based on set criteria, including:

  1. At least a “Proficient” score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), Sixth Edition examination. Before taking the TEAS exam, we recommend completion of the Anatomy and Physiology Courses I & II (BIO 151 and BIO 152). Also visit www.teas6practicetest.com to obtain practice tests and review materials. (Note the change in the TEAS score requirement effective with applicants submitted in September 2022).
  2. A score of 60% or above is required on the Science component of the TEAS effective with application submitted in September 2020 for admission in January 2021.
  3. Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.
  4. At least a “C” grade on ALL required biology courses.
  5. All prerequisite courses listed in Semester 1-3 on the paradigm.
  6. Computer Literacy Examination (taken during the freshman year)

Students with the highest scores in the above categories maybe accepted on the basis of available spaces.  If you do not think that you will qualify, please see your nursing faculty advisor to work on a plan of study to strengthen your application in the next admission cycle.  National Exchange Students are not eligible for admission in the BSN program.

Admission to the BSN Program

In order to qualify for admission to the BSN Program, all applicants must be accepted to UVI and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.  Starting with the entry class of 2019, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to qualify for admission.

Generic applicants must have successfully completed, or be enrolled in:

  • Freshman year courses, including ENG 100/101, MAT 023/024, FDS 100, SCI 100 and SSC 100 (transfer applicants with >24 credits are exempt);
  • General education courses, including HSC 100, ENG 120, ENG 201, MAT 140, MAT  235, PSY 120, PSY 202 and COM 119; 
  • BIO 151/152 and BIO 240 with grades of "C" or better (online courses are not accepted);
  • Computer Literacy Examination (unless exempt); 
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from Assessment Technologies Institute (BSN Completion students are exempt) with a score of "proficient" or better. A score of 60% on the science component of the TEAS is preferred.  The TEAS test is administered by UVICELL. Applicants from other locations can check www.atitesting.com for information about testing in other locations. For information about TEAS testing at UVICELL,visit https://cell.uvi.edu/programs/teas-testing.aspx.

Transfer applicants who have been enrolled in another nursing program and wish to transfer into the BSN program must contact the administrator of the previous institution and request that a letter be mailed directly to the Dean of the School of Nursing indicating their academic standing and eligibility for re-admission. In addition, an interview with the Admissions Committee is required.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

 Effective January 2022, ALL BSN students will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be enrolled in the BSN Program.  A significant component of the BSN Program requires placement at clinical sites on and off campus.  The University, territorial hospitals and our clinical placement sites in the community require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  There is no "reasonable accommodation that can replace face to face clinical practice experiences that are required to meet the End of Program Student Learning Outcomes.

BSN Admission Test ATI TEAS Version 7 Update

What is the TEAS?
 The ATI TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, is a standardied test designed specifically to assess a student's preparedness for entering the health science fields.  Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform successfully in the areas of:  Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.

Why do I (the student) have to take the TEAS?

The ATI TEAS has been statistically proven to be a valid predictor of early nursing school success.  Your score on the TEAS is one measure of academic preparedness that helps UVI consider your acceptance into our nursing program.

What does the TEAS exam consist of?

The ATI TEAS is comprised of 170 questions that are formatted as both multiple choice items with 4 answer options and alternate-type items.  This includes 150 scored questions and 20 unscored pretest questions.  Students have 209 minutes to complete the exam.

For students testing on or after June 3, 2022 (ATI TEAS, version 7), the number of questions in each content section and subsection are as follows:

  • Reading - 45 questions (55 minutes)
    • Key Ideas & Details - 15
    • Craft & Structure - 9
    • Integration of Knowledge & Ideas - 15
    • Unscored Pretest Items - 6
  • Math - 38 questions (57 minutes)
    • Numbers & Algebra - 18
    • Measurement & Data - 16
    • Unscored Pretest Items - 4
  • Science - 50 questions (60 minutes)
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology - 18
    • Biology - 9
    • Chemistry - 8
    • Scientific Reasoning - 9 
    • Unscored Pretest Items - 6
  • English & Language Usage - 37 questions (37 minutes)
    • Conventions of Standard English - 12
    • Knowledge of Language - 11
    • Using Language and Vocabulary to Express Ideas in Writing - 10
    • Unscored Pretest Items - 4

How can I register for the exam?

 To be considered for admission to the BSN Program offered by the School of Nursing at UVI, applicants must sit for the ATI TEAS exam.  You can review registration information at: http://cell.uvi.edu/programs/teas-testing.aspx.

How should I prepare for the TEAS exam?

 ATI, the official provider of prep for the exam, recommends that you allow yourself at least six weeks to prepare for the exam.

There are a variety of prep resources available to hlep you study for the test - all aligned to the ATI TEAS, Version 7 and packed with thousands of practice questions based on the content and format of the actual exam.

Application Process

 Admission to the University is a prerequisite for admission into the nursing program but does not guarantee acceptance into the BSN Program. All prospective BSN students must submit a separate application packet to the School of Nursing by September 30, 2021, either in person or by mail. Application forms may be downloaded from the School of Nursing website or may be requested from the School of Nursing.  Click here for the application form.

Applications for the St. Thomas Campus should be addressed to:

University of the Virgin Islands, School of Nursing
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands, 00802-9990

Applications to the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix should be addressed to:

University of the Virgin Islands, School of Nursing
RR1, Box 10,000; Kingshill, St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands, 00859-9781
The application packet should include:

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (students currently enrolled at UVI may provide unofficial transcripts)
  • TEAS results
  • One page essay on topic "Nursing: My Career of Choice" with at least one citation in APA format
  • Two filled out recommendation forms from professors, supervisors or employers using the form designed for that purpose.  The recommendation forms should be submitted electronically no later than September 30 to kfrett@uvi.edu.  Applications are incomplete if the recommendation forms are not received by September 30.  Click here for the recommendation form.

Additional requirements for (1) transfer students and (2) those who attended other colleges and universities:

  • Copy of transcript evaluation completed by the UVI Office of the Registrar
  • Official letter of good standing from previous nursing program (if applicable)

BSN Completion Applicants:

  • Copy of RN license


Selection and Notification of Applicants

 Admission to the generic BSN program is competitive and based on a point system. Enrollment is limited and applicants with the most points will be selected for admission. Points are awarded to applicants for grades in pre-requisite courses, performance on the TEAS test, current enrollment at UVI and a bachelor's degree in another field.  

 Applicants to the BSN Program will be notified of acceptance, or conditional acceptance, by November 15th. Required courses in progress at the time of application must be completed successfully in order to begin the program. All applicants who are accepted into the BSN Program will have to submit documentation that meets clinical agency requirements, including a criminal background check and drug screen, immunization record and certification in CPR for Healthcare Professionals.