Entry-Level Master's in Nursing (ELM) (2024)

Transfer Guideline

Which of my courses will count as ELM program prerequisites?

The prerequisites will generally fit the following guidelines:

1. Human Anatomy and lab(4 semester units): May also be titled “Intro to Anatomy”
2. Human Physiology and lab(4 semester units): May also be titled “Intro to Physiology.” You can also take “HumanAnatomy and Physiology” but it must bebothparts for a total of 8 semester units. Both parts must come from the same university/college.
3. Organic Chemistry and lab(3 semester units): The course description should explicity state that organic chemistryis covered, so many “General Chemistry” classes willnotfulfill this requirement (and in fact are often prerequisites for organic and biochemistryclasses).
4. Biochemistry(1 semester unit): You can take a full biochemistry class (generally worth 3 to 5units), or you may combine this prerequisite course with the Organic Chemistry class.If combined, the Organic Chemistry class must be worth 4 semester units, and the coursedescription needs to explicitly state that biochemistry is covered.
5. Microbiology and lab(4 semester units): Acceptable courses are usually titled “Microbiology,” “GeneralMicrobiology,” or “Intro to Microbiology.”
6. Verbal Communication Skills(3 semester units): Acceptable courses are usually titled “Public Communication,”“Speech 101,” or “Intro to Public Speaking.” The course description must explicitlystate that students regularly practice public speaking in front of the class. Onlinecourses will not cover this requirement, and many communication courses that do notinvolve frequent public speaking, such as “Interpersonal Communication” or “Historyof Mass Communication,” will not fulfill this requirement.
7. Written Communication Skills(3 semester units): Acceptable courses are usually titled “Freshman Writing Seminar”or “Intro to Composition.” A literature class will not fulfill this requirement. APEnglish scores from high school that were used as transfer units for your bachelor'sdegree may complete this requirement.
8. General Psychology(3 semester units): May also be titled “Intro to Psychology.” We are looking for abroad foundation in psychology, so specific courses like “Abnormal Psych” or “Psychologyof Sexuality” will not fulfill this requirement. AP Psychology scores from high schoolthat were used as transfer units for your bachelor's degree may complete this requirement.
9. Human Growth and Development(3 semester units): If your college does not offer a class titled “Human Growth andDevelopment,” it is probably called “Lifespan.” “Developmental Psychology”mayfulfill the requirement if the course description explicitly states that the entirelifespan is covered. Classes that focus on one piece of the lifespan, such as “ChildPsychology” or “The Psychology of Aging” will not fulfill this requirement. “Sociologyof Life” classes will not fulfill this requirement.
10. Statistics(3 semester units): We can accept a field-specific statistics class. AP Statisticscores from high school that were used as transfer units for your bachelor’s degreemay complete this requirement.
11. Research Methods(3 semester units): This class will usually be found in the behavioral science department,such as “Research Methods in Psychology” or “Research Methods in Sociology.” The coursedescription must explicitly state that the ethics of research are discussed and thatthe research methodologies are covered. Experimental methods or bench research coursesdo not fulfill this requirement.

After studying the list, if you have questions about your prerequisite courses andwhether they will count toward your ELM, refer to ourTransfer Guidelines.

Remember, your application for the ELM program cannot be moved forward for admissionconsideration until you have completed all prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

Theuniversity graduateand program admission requirements below must be met before an application is consideredcomplete.

Students must first apply and be admitted to graduate status at the university beforebeing considered for admission to the School of Nursing graduate programs, includingELM and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcriptsfrom all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree froma regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  

  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in anenvelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of thecollege or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point averageon the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittancemay be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown throughmultiple measures.

Transcripts should show completion of prerequisite courses (in expected semester units):

• Sciences: human anatomy and lab (4 units), human physiology and lab (4 units), biochemistry(1 unit), organic chemistry and lab (3 units), general microbiology and lab (4 units)(Biochemistry and organic chemistry may be combined in one 4-unit class.)
• Nonsciences: communication skills—verbal (3 units) and written (3 units), generalpsychology (3 units), human growth and development (lifespan) (3 units), statistics(3 units), and a research methods course in any behavioral science field (3 units)
• Successfully complete prerequisite requirementsincluding General Microbiology with lab (4 units); Human Anatomy with lab (4 units);Human Physiology with lab (4 units); and General, Organic, and Biological Chemistryfor the Health Sciences (4 units) with no lower than an overall 3.0(B)grade-point average.
• If you have questions regarding specific prerequisite courses, please refer to theFrequently Asked Questions tab below .

Any applicant submitting international (non-U.S.) transcripts must submit both anofficial, comprehensive transcript evaluation report from one of APU’s approved agencies(list is available from Graduate and Professional Admissions) and a copy of the internationaltranscripts themselves (translated into English, if necessary).

• Two recommendations, from professional or academic (work or school) sources, submitted through the onlineapplication
• A personal statementno longer than 2-3 pages (double-spaced). This statement should include attentionto each of the following:
  • Why you are applying to the Azusa Pacific University ELM program.
  • Your motivations for pursuing nursing at this time in your life, including relevantbackground experiences and why you are choosing nursing over other healthcare professions.
  • Any professional or volunteer experiences you have related to nursing.
  • Brief background information which would help someone get to know you as a uniqueperson.
  • Brief discussion of professional goals.
• Résumé or statement of experience
• For applicants who are U.S. permanent residents, submit a photocopy of your greencard. If you have applied for a green card but have not yet received it, you will needto apply through APU’s International Center. Please see “Admission Requirements—InternationalApplicants” below.

Send official transcripts to:

Application Deadlines

Note that all deadlines refer to the dateGraduate and Professional Admissionsreceives yourcompleteapplication package. This isnota postmark deadline.

Deadlines

• Spring Semester: September 15
• Summer Semester: January 15
• Fall Semester: May 15

Admitted students will be required to submit a $500 nonrefundable admissions depositwithin a week to hold their spot in the cohort.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and ImmigrationServices and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduateand graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 andJ-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilledin addition to meeting the domestic applicant andprogram-specific admission requirementsspecified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Englishthrough a placement test with theAcademic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer toAPU’sEnglish proficiency requirementsto learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms ofproof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directlyto International Services.
• Provide aGraduate Affidavit of Financial Support(PDF)and a bank statementfrom within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education coststhrough personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passportshowing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth,and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated.International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) mustbe evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a listof approvedForeign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by theStudent Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notifiedin writing of the admission decision.

Many financial aid options are available to make yourentry level nursingdegree affordable.

Financial Aid

Several types offinancial aidare available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and stategrants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details aboutfinancial aid available for your program, please contact theStudent Services Centerat(626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify forfinancial assistancecovering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon Universityand Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefitsand flexibility you need to complete your education.

Program-Specific Aid

For more details on these scholarships and funding opportunities, as well as otherpossible resources, please contact theSchool of Nursingat(626) 815-5386.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a government loan program set up to increase thenumber of qualified nursing faculty by providing loans to students in advanced nursingeducation programs. Students must be pursuing a MSN or doctoral nursing degree. TheNFLP loans will be forgiven—up to 85 percent of the amount received—over a consecutivefour-year period if the student commits to serve as full-time faculty at a schoolof nursing following graduation. Faculty at private universities, state schools, andcommunity colleges are eligible. Students receiving these loans must also completethe nursing education courses prior to graduation.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academiccatalog:

Program Requirements

At the beginning of clinical coursework, including health assessment labs, the studentis required to provide documentation concerning CPR certification, malpractice insurance,TB screening, and immunizations appropriate to the clinical setting.

The student’s health status must permit him/her to safely undertake and complete clinicalexperience required for theentry level nursingdegree.

As a fully prepared health professional, the student is expected to take responsibilityfor self-evaluation of her/his own health status, including an assessment of the safetyand appropriateness of practice in the clinical context, both for the student andthe patient. An individual faculty member may require documentation of the student’shealth status.

In light of recent statements from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthcareOrganizations (JCAHO) and contracted facilities, the School of Nursing now requiresthat all undergraduate and graduate students undergo a background check prior to theirinvolvement at clinical sites. The cost of the background check is the responsibilityof the student.

Note: International students are required to pay the additional fee based upon theactual costs of background checks for their country.

All students are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the policies and requirementsarticulated in the Second Degree and MSN Handbook.

How long is a term?

Fall and spring terms are 16 weeks. Summer terms are 12 weeks.

How many evenings per week do I attend classes?

Lecture classes and clinicals vary and may be offered Monday through Saturday, daysand evenings.

Are scholarships available?

Several types offinancial aidare available to students, including scholarships. However, most nursing studentsfund their education through federal loans.

How often is this program offered?

Students may start the program three times a year (September, January, and May) atthe main campus in Azusa, and theInland Empire or San Diego Regional Campuses.

Whom do I contact if I have more questions?

For general graduate or professional admissions questions, contact theStudent Services Center (SSC)comprised ofGraduate and Professional Admissions, theGraduate and Professional Registrar, andGraduate and Professional Student Financial Services. The main phone number is (626) 815-2020.

For questions regarding the ELM program, contact your regional campus program manager.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walkyou through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016or [emailprotected], and visitapu.edu/sscfor details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or[emailprotected], and visitapu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission(WSCUC).
• The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of NursingPractice at Azusa Pacific University are accredited by theCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• The traditional baccalaureate nursing program, upper-division transfer (2+2/LVN toBSN) programs, entry-level master’s program, and the nurse practitioner program areapproved by theCalifornia Board of Registered Nursing.

Christine Joy Phongdara

Program Director, Entry Level Master's Program at Inland Empire Regional Campus and Associate Professor

Jenna Reyes

Department Chair, Nursing Education and Associate Professor

Jessica Oliver

Instructor

*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparisononly.

All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.