Admission Criteria
The full-time program can be completed in two academic years and a summer session. Upon graduation from the pre-licensure program, individuals are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

Admission to or graduation from the nursing program does not guarantee obtaining a license or certificate to practice nursing. Licensure and certification requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Students must satisfy the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act; statutes, rules, and regulations independently of any college or school requirements for graduation. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing has the authority to deny, revoke or suspend a license issued or to otherwise discipline a licensee upon proof that the licensee has violated any of the provisions of a specified Code of Pennsylvania. Individuals with criminal records may be denied licensure and should contact the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing for further information.

If there is any question about eligibility for licensure, contact the nursing education advisor at: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649; website -- www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa

Requirements for Admission to the Nursing Program
Prior to enrollment in the Nursing program, the applicant must meet the requirements for admission to the College; these requirements are listed in the La Roche College Catalog which can be accessed by clicking here.

The applicant interested in entering the Nursing program must meet the following requirements and submit all the requested materials at one time to the appropriate admissions office by May 1.

1. An official high school transcript or proof of the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) high school equivalency and previous college transcripts, if applicable.

a. High School graduates: Successful completion of a minimum of 16 units including:

b. Applicants admitted from a high school must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).

c. Students who have graduated from high school within five years of application date must have an SAT minimum composite score of 1000 (a minimum SAT verbal of 500 preferred) or an ACT score of 23. A student who has graduated from high school over five years from the date of his/her La Roche College application will not be required to take the SAT or ACT.

d. Completion of the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills) with required composite score of at least the 70th percentile rank-national and a math score of at least the 60th percentile rank-national. Each applicant is permitted to take this exam only one time in order to be considered for admission. For an explanation of the TEAS Exam, click here. To schedule a testing date click here.

e. Mathematics and English classes will depend on placement testing scores and high school GPAs. Placement exams will be waived if the applicant has a bachelor's or associate's degree with a minimum QPA of 3.0.

2. Completion of chemistry is required prior to acceptance to the Nursing Program. Acceptable chemistry courses include one unit of high school chemistry with a grade of "B" or a grade of "C" or better in a four-hour college chemistry course (CH 101/103 or equivalent). Any chemistry course must have been taken within ten years of application date to La Roche College. If it has been more than ten years, a chemistry course must be taken prior to admission into the program. The prerequisite of chemistry may be waived for the applicant with a degree in science or health-related fields, as determined by the Nursing Department.

Admissions Process
Initial admission to the Nursing program is in the Fall Semester only. All applications for the Nursing program must be received by May 1. Applications received after the deadline may be considered on an individual basis with exceptional circumstances.

The applicant must meet all requirements as stated.
The following materials must be submitted to be considered for review:

Once accepted into the Associate of Science in Nursing program, students must meet health requirements before enrolling in any nursing courses. The health requirement forms will be sent to prospective students with their acceptance letter.

1. A physical examination is required. For patient safety, clinical facilities utilized by the Department of Nursing require proof of satisfactory physical and mental condition and current immunizations. For assurance of patient safety, a random drug screen may be required.

2. An FBI and criminal background check are both required.*

3. Child Abuse Clearance is required*

4. Serum Drug Screening is required.*
*Click here for link to background check  instructions.

5. The applicant must submit documentation of the following:

Once all documentation is obtained, all forms should be returned to nursing department staff/faculty.

Students who fail to provide written documentation that they have met the above stated health requirements will not be allowed in the clinical areas.

Faculty reserve the right to recommend a student's withdrawal from the program for reasons of health.

Each student is responsible for: