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Idaho State
University-Boise
12301 W. Explorer Dr.
Suite 102
Boise, ID 83713
(208) 373-1700

boisectr@isu.edu

ISU Boise

Fast Track Baccalaureate Nursing Program

Thank you for your interest in the Idaho State University-Boise 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) upon completion of the program.
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 1st. A maximum of thirty (30) 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:

  1. Prior Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  2. Prerequisite courses - Addendum I
  3. 3.0 minimum GPA calculated from "Set A" prerequisite courses
  4. Application/acceptance to Idaho State University - Addendum II
  5. Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam (TEAS) - Addendum II
  6. Personal interview, in early October, for eligible candidates only – Addendum II
  7. Background Investigation - Addendum II
  8. Current Immunization Status - Addendum II
  9. Physical Exam from a healthcare provider - Addendum II
  10. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from American Heart Association. CPR for Healthcare Providers is required - Addendum II
  11. Application form, Health Certification record, official transcripts, TEAS score, and $50.00 application fee to the Fast Track Program by September 15th

We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in meeting your education goals. Please review the Addendums and Frequently Asked Questions.  If you would like additional information, you may call 208-373-1785 or e-mail nurseboi@isu.edu.


ADDENDUM I

Prerequisite and Corequisite Course Requirements

  • All prerequisite and corequisite courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 among "Set A" prerequisite courses is required for application to the Fast Track Program.
  • September 2009 applicants for January 2010 enrollment must complete all "Set A" prerequisite courses prior to the September 15th application deadline and complete "Set B" prerequisite courses prior to the January 2010 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

Nutrition for Health Professionals

NTD 340

3

Bioethics

PHIL 230

3

Pharmacology for Nursing

PSCI 315

4


ADDENDUM II

Additional Components of ISU-Boise Fast Track Nursing Application Process
●  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 as part of the application process. The application fee is $40.00. Applications are available on the ISU Web site at www.isu.edu or through ISU, Office of Admissions, Box 8270, Pocatello, ID 83209-8270, phone 208-282-2475.
●  Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) - The TEAS exam must be completed and scores submitted by the September 15th application deadline. ISU will administer the TEAS at ISU-Boise, 12301 W Explorer Drive, Suite 102, between April and July 2009, dates/times listed below. 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.
April 22, check-in at 12:30, test begins at 1 pm - DEADLINE: April 15
May 22, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am - DEADLINE: May 15
June 4, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am – DEADLINE: May 28
June 24, check-in at 12:30, test begins at 1 pm - DEADLINE: June 17
July 13, check in at 12:30, test begins at 1 pm DEADLINE: July 6
July 24, check-in at 8:30, test begins at 9 am DEADLINE: July 17
●  Personal Interview – Personal interviews will be conducted in early October for those applicants who have successfully met all program requirements and are included in the group of eligible candidates.  These interviews will be conducted in the Fast Track Nursing Department and will be a determining factor in the applicant ranking process.
●  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 15th. No other background investigation will be accepted.
Initiating the background investigation 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 process requires a $45.00 check written to ISU and an additional $5.00 paid to the agency where fingerprinting is completed.  Out-of-area applicants must contact ISU Public Safety Department at (208) 282-3618 for background investigation materials.


●  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
  • MMR - second dose or positive titer
  • Adult DT/Td - 3 injection series and a booster dose every 10 years
  • Varicella - year of disease or positive titer or vaccination date
  • Hepatitis B - 3 dose series and positive titer

●  Physical Exam – 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.  The health care provider must sign the Health Evaluation Form which is part of the Fast Track Nursing Program application.  Physical exam must be performed within one year prior to application date.
●  CPR Certification - Proof of current CPR for Healthcare Provider certification must accompany the application. Certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter what field my current baccalaureate degree is in?

No, any Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school is acceptable.

What factors are considered for admission to the Fast Track Nursing Program?

 

The 3 factors are:

  1. Grade point average among "Set A" prerequisite courses
  2. Score on the TEAS
  3. Personal interview

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?

Unofficial transcripts can be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the Fast Track Nursing Program for evaluation 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 from 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.  If necessary, advising appointments can be completed in person or over the phone.  You may schedule an appointment with an advisor by calling 208-373-1785. 


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.

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 $35.00 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 ISU-Boise. See Addendum II for the dates and times that the TEAS test will be available in 2009.  Call 208-373-1785 to schedule your exam.

How competitive is the admission process?

The process is highly competitive with only 30 applicants accepted each year.

Where and when can I get an application?

The application is available online by March 1 at www.isu.edu/nursing/bft.

How much does the program cost?

ISU full-time in-state tuition for 2009-2010 is $2,484 per semester. Student health insurance is $647 per semester; a waiver is available with documentation of other health insurance. Books and supplies are extra, and there are additional professional fees each semester for nursing students. 
Last Modified: 01/27/09

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Last Modified: 07/21/09 at 03:18:49 PM