Fast Track Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Thank you for your interest in the Idaho State University Boise Center Fast Track Nursing Program. The Fast Track is an accelerated program designed for those who have previously completed a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. Students complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and are eligible to take the RN licensure exam (NCLEX).
The Fast Track Nursing program is four (4) consecutive semesters beginning in January of one year and ending in May of the following year. The program application deadline is September 15th. Notification of the selection results are mailed by November 1. A maximum of twenty (20) students are accepted for each January enrollment.
The following list identifies the main components of the admission process. Each addendum provides specific information. The application process requires verification and/or completion of:
- Prior Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Prerequisite courses - Addendum I
- 3.0 minimum GPA calculated from "Set A" prerequisite courses
- Application/acceptance to Idaho State University - Addendum II
- Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam (TEAS) - Addendum II
- Background Investigation - Addendum II
- Current Immunization Status - Addendum II
- Physical Exam from a health care provider - Addendum II
- Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification - Addendum II
- Application form, Health Certification record, official transcripts, TEAS score, and $35.00 application fee to the Fast Track Program by 9/14
We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in meeting your education goals. Please review the Addendums and Frequently Asked Questions and call 208-373-1785 if you would like to schedule an advising appointment.
Addendum I
Idaho State University Boise Center Fast Track Nursing Program
Prerequisite and Corequisite Course Requirements
- All prerequisite and corequisite courses must be passed with a C- or better.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 among "Set A" prerequisite courses is required for application to the Fast Track Program.
- September 2008 applicants for January 2009 enrollment must complete all "Set A" prerequisite courses prior to the September 15 application deadline and complete "Set B" prerequisite courses prior to the January 2009 enrollment date.
Prerequisite Courses
| SET A Application Prerequisites |
ISU Course | ISU Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | BIOL 301 and BIOL 302 | 8 |
| Intro to General Chemistry | CHEM 101 | 3 |
| Intro to Organic and Biochemistry with Lab | CHEM 102 and CHEM 103 | 4 |
| Introduction to Microbiology with Lab | BIOL 221 and BIOL 221L | 4 |
| Pathobiology | BIOL 305 or 463 | 3 |
| SET B Enrollment Prerequisites |
ISU Course | ISU Credits |
| Introduction to Psychology | PSYC 101 | 3 |
| Child Development | PSYC 225 | 3 |
| Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology | SOC 101 or 102 Or ANTH 237, 238, or 239 |
3 |
| Introduction to Statistics | Math 253 | 3 |
Corequisite Courses
Corequisite courses are offered as part of the curriculum during the first semester of the Fast Track Program or may be taken prior to admission.
| Corequisite | ISU Course | ISU Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic Nutrition | NTD 340 | 3 |
| Bioethics | PHIL 230 | 3 |
| Essentials of Pharmacology | PSCI 315 | 4 |
Addendum II
Idaho State University Boise Center Fast Track Nursing Program
Application to Idaho State University - Application to Idaho State University is required prior to initiating the background investigation and applying to the Fast Track Program. Upon acceptance to ISU, a student identification number is assigned that is necessary for the background investigation process. The student ID number is also required on the application to the nursing program. Official transcripts must be submitted to ISU. The application fee is $40.00. Applications are available through ISU, Office of Admissions, Box 8270, Pocatello, ID 83209-8270, phone 208-282-2475 or on the web site at www.isu.edu.
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) - The TEAS exam must be completed and scores submitted by the September 14 application deadline. ISU will administer the TEAS at the Boise Center, 12301 W Explorer Drive between May and September, dates/times TBA. Photo ID and a check made out to ISU for $45.00 are required at the time the exam is taken. To schedule an exam date and reserve a seat, call the Fast Track Nursing Program at 208-373-1785.
May 21, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am DEADLINE: May 14
June 12 , check-in at 12:30, test begins at 1 pm DEADLINE: June 5
July 9, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am DEADLINE: July 2
August 14, check-in at 12:30, test begins at 1 pm DEADLINE: August 7
September 5, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am DEADLINE: August 28
Background Investigation - Applicants must have a background investigation performed by ISU Public Safety. The background check must be "in progress" or completed before the Fast Track application deadline on September 14. No other background investigation will be accepted. Initiating the process requires physical presence, photo identification, and ISU student ID number at the Fast Track Nursing Department at 12301W. Explorer Drive, Suite 102, Boise. The background investigation requires a $45.00 check made out to ISU and an additional $5.00 paid to the agency in Boise where fingerprinting in completed.
Current Immunization Status - Verification of current immunization status must accompany the Fast Track program application and includes the following:
- Mantoux/PPD (TB) - negative test within the year prior to application or negative chest x-ray within the 4 years prior
- MMR - second dose or positive titer
- Adult DT/Td - 3 injection series and a booster dose every 10 years
- Polio
- Varicella - year of disease or positive titer or vaccination date
- Hepatitis B - 3 dose series or at least the 1st of the 3 dose series and submit completion at a later date or positive titer
Physical Exam - A written statement from a health care provider verifying that the applicant possesses the mental and physical health to meet the requirements of being an active and capable student in the nursing program must accompany the application.
CPR Certification - Proof of current CPR certification must accompany the application. Certification can be obtained through the American Heart Association, The American Red Cross or other accredited agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Idaho State University Boise Center Fast Track Nursing Program
Does it matter what field my current baccalaureate degree is in?
No, any Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school is acceptable.
Do the prerequisite courses need to be taken at ISU?
No, the courses can be taken and credits transferred from other accredited colleges/universities.
How do I determine if the classes I have already taken are equivalent to the prerequisite requirements of the Fast Track Program?
Make an appointment with an advisor by calling 208-373-1785. Advising appointments can be completed in person or over the phone. Unofficial transcripts can be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed and evaluated by an advisor to help you determine what, if any, courses you need to take to meet the prerequisites.
You may be required to petition the ISU School of Nursing for consideration of some transfer credits. Petitions are often required for courses with a title that is different than the ISU course title specified in the prerequisite list, occasionally required for out-of-state credits, and necessary if you have a combination of two or more courses that you believe meets one of the prerequisite courses.
How does the petition process work?
The petition form is available here or from the Fast Track office. The form simply requires a brief statement such as "I would like to substitute course number and title taken at ___________ University for the ISU Nursing Fast Track prerequisite course number and title." Attach a course description and/or preferably a syllabus from the course(s) you have completed that are referenced in the petition form. Return the completed petition and attachment(s) to the ISU Fast Track Nursing Program, 12301 W. Explorer Drive Suite 102, Boise, ID 83713. You will be notified of the results of the review process within approximately one month.
When should my transcripts be evaluated?
You should talk to an advisor as soon as you become interested in the program. It is recommended that your transcripts be reviewed by June of the year you intend to apply to ensure that petitions can be processed if necessary. Unofficial transcripts can be used for evaluating prerequisite course needs; official transcripts must be submitted with the application to the Fast Track program.
Is an appointment with an advisor required?
No, but it is highly recommended. Talking with an advisor to review your prior course work and evaluate your status regarding meeting the prerequisite course requirements eliminates uncertainties on your part.
What do I need to know about the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)?
The computerized exam includes four parts: Reading Comprehension, English Language Usage, Science, and Math. The questions are based on grade 10 to 12 material. A study guide is available for approximately $30.00 at http://www.atitesting.com or 1-800-667-7531. The exam takes approximately 4 hours and your score is available upon completion. Make two copies of your score - one for your files and one to attach to your application.
A check to ISU for $45.00 and photo ID are required at the time the exam is taken at the ISU Boise Center. See page 3 for the dates and times that the TEAS test will be available in 2007. Call 208-373-1785 to schedule your exam.
What factors are considered for admission to the Fast Track Nursing Program?
The 2 factors are:
- Grade point average among "Set A" prerequisite courses
- Score on the TEAS
How competitive is the admission process?
The process is highly competitive. Typically, there are over 40 qualified applicants for the 20 seats available in the program. The mean GPA among students admitted to the Fast Track in January 2006 was 3.55 and the TEAS scores were generally above 90%.
Where and when can I get an application?
The application will be available by June 1 at www.isu.edu/nursing or from the ISU Boise Center Fast Track Nursing Program office.
How much does the program cost?
ISU full-time in-state tuition for '06-'07 is $2,095 per semester. Books and supplies are approximately $300-$500 each semester. Student health insurance is $465 per semester; a waiver is available with documentation of other health insurance. There is a $150.00 lab fee for each course that includes a clinical, practicum component. (fees subject to change per academic year)