Department of Nursing and Allied Health Technology

Nursing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get started at CSM?

Apply for admission online at no cost
Transfer credits previously earned from other colleges
Take Placement Tests for English, reading, and math
Make an appointment with an advisor to participate in the mandatory information session

What “must” be done before starting clinicals?

High school diploma or GED
Student must have demonstrated readiness to take the ENG-1010 and MTH-1100 levels or have successfully completed/transferred courses having achieved those levels
Student must test out of or have completed RDG-0800
Completion of BIO-2070 and BIO-2070L with a “C” or higher grade
Completion of NUR-1015 with a “C” or higher grade
Minimum 2.0 GPA

What should be done before starting clinicals?

Students are required to participate in a mandatory information session. Appointments can be made by calling one of the following campuses:

Which Math should I take?

If you planning to continue for a BSN after completing the RN program at CSM, then MTH-2300 is the math you will need to take to transfer to Villa Julie College and to the University of Maryland at Baltimore.
If you are “absolutely” sure that you will not continue your education after completing the RN program at CSM, then any general education math meets CSM's program requirements.

When do I take the biologies?

Any of the following can be taken as a prerequisite for BIO-2070 and BIO-2070L:
- BIO-1020 and BIO-1020L
- BIO-1040 and BIO-1040L
- BIO-1060 and BIO-1060L
BIO-2070 and BIO-2070L must be completed with a “C” or higher grade before starting first semester clinicials.
BIO-2080 and BIO-2080L must be completed with a “C” or higher grade before moving on to NUR-1215 and NUR-1215L.
BIO-2010 and BIO-2010L must be completed with a “C” or higher grade before moving on to NUR-2115 and NUR-2115L.

Are there day and evening classes?: There are day and evening clinicals, but the lecture and lab are only offered during the day.

When must I petition?: Students must petition each semester. Download the petition packet (17KB). The deadline for petitions are: January 15 for entry in the fall semester and June 15 for entry in the spring semester.

I have many college credits. Do I still need to take the ACT?

Yes. ALL students must take the ACT (composite score of 20) or the SAT (composite score of 950 for verbal and math).

The CSM Testing Center offers the ACT and SAT exams. Contact the Testing Center for more information.

What is the time commitment once you are admitted to the program?

This varies per semester. The average to expect is:

Who can I contact for more information?

Academic Advisors (located at La Plata , Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick campuses)
Nursing Programs and Outreach Coordinator
Nursing and Allied Health Department