Undergraduate Programs
To be admitted to any undergraduate program at the University, applicants must show a completed high school (or equivalent level) education. This requirement can be met through:
- A completed high school education,
- A completed home school education program at the high school level, or
- An earned GED or other state-authorized high school equivalency examination.
Applicants may also qualify if they have completed significant college-level coursework. Specifically, applicants may meet the admission requirement by providing an official college or University transcript showing:
- Any degree earned at the associate level or higher,
- Successful completion of at least 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) that count toward a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution, or
- Current enrollment in a baccalaureate program with 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) completed, including those accepted through transfer.
As part of the enrollment application, applicants will sign an attestation confirming which of these educational opportunities the applicant has completed.
To support student success, all undergraduate students must complete placement evaluations in English and mathematics before beginning classes. These evaluations help identify academic strengths and determine whether additional preparation is needed to ensure the student is ready for college-level coursework. Students entering a healthcare program will also complete a science placement evaluation.
Graduate Programs
To be admitted to a master’s degree program at the University, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree (or another graduate-level degree) from one of the following:
- A regionally or nationally accredited institution based in the United States or
- An appropriately recognized foreign institution.
The applicant’s academic performance must meet the following minimum standards:
- 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale at the bachelor’s level,
- 3.0 GPA or higher for the most recent 12 quarter credit hours of graduate coursework, or
- At least three years of relevant professional experience.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
Graduate Technology Programs
Applicants to graduate programs under the Dean of Technology must hold a bachelor’s degree in information technology (or a related field) or a bachelor’s degree in another discipline plus at least three years of professional experience in a technology field (as verified by a resume).
Undergraduate Programs
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT
The Medical and Health Services Management program admits students who have earned a prior certificate, diploma, or associate degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution. In addition, applicants must have:
- An overall GPA of 2.0 or higher and
- Hold a license or certification to practice in a health-related area, or have at least 12 months of work experience in a health field.
The applicant’s prior education will be reviewed to ensure the student receives the maximum possible credits in transfer in accordance with the University’s Transfer of Credit Policy.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Admission to the program is limited to residents of specific states. As a highly competitive program, the applicant must submit all college and high school/GED transcripts for review, in which applicants must show a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must submit a current resume. Preference is given to applicants with one year of healthcare experience within the last three years or who hold an active license or certification. Additional considerations for admission include:
- Students with no prior college experience will be evaluated on a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher, or a GED score of 500 or higher.
- Transfer credits will be evaluated case by case, but transfer of nursing core courses (i.e., those with the prefix “NUR”) is not permitted for Virginia residents.
- No additional transfer credit will be accepted after admission to the University.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Applicants must affirm in writing that they:
- Have no known physical or personal limitations that would prevent successful completion of the program.
- Possess reasonable vision and hearing.
- Have no communicable diseases known to the student.
Health Information Management students must:
- Understand that background checks or drug screens may affect externship or employment opportunities.
- Obtain all required immunizations, proof of immunity, or tuberculosis screening as required by externship sites. These immunizations may include varicella, MMR, hepatitis B, Tdap, influenza, and COVID-19.
- Cover all costs associated with immunizations, screening, or certification.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE AND CERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING
Applicants must affirm in writing that they:
- Can lift at least 50 pounds and have reasonable vision and hearing.
- Have no communicable diseases known to the student.
- Understand that a failed drug screen or criminal conviction may affect externship placement or future employment. Prospective students with concerns about criminal, drug, or consumer background findings are encouraged to consult with the program’s director before enrolling to understand potential implications for externship eligibility and employability.
Medical Assisting students must:
- Complete all required immunizations and tuberculosis screening as directed by externship sites.
- Bear responsibility for all related costs.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Admission to the program is limited due to its competitive admission process, which is necessitated by the program’s small cohort sizes and limited clinical placement capacity. The applicant must submit all college and high school/GED transcripts for review, demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.5. Transfer credit is evaluated on a course-by-course basis, but nursing core courses may not be transferable. Applicants are ranked using competitive admissions criteria. Conditional offers of admission are made pending submission of all required documentation and completion of current coursework. Candidates must confirm acceptance by the designated deadline to reserve their seats in the program. Additional considerations for admission include:
- Current résumé (preference may be given to applicants with one year of recent healthcare experience or an active medical license).
- Optional materials such as ACT/SAT scores or proof of healthcare certifications may enhance competitiveness.
Applicants must understand that prior to participation in the clinical externship, students must complete and provide documentation of the following:
- A clear background check and drug screen.
- Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) Certification from the American Heart Association must be maintained throughout enrollment.
- Students must provide proof of immunity or vaccination for varicella (titer or vaccination); rubella (two MMR vaccinations or titer verification); mumps (two MMR vaccinations or titer verification; hepatitis B (three-dose series or verified immunity; tuberculosis (annual PPD test or negative chest X-ray); influenza; and COVID-19 (or approved declination).
- Students must maintain personal health insurance coverage during all clinical activities and provide documentation upon request.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation and lodging when clinical assignments require travel or overnight stays.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL
Applicants must pass the placement exams with 85% in English and 65% in Math, unless the exams are waived by transfer credit or a prior degree. Applicants may retake each exam up to two additional times (waiting seven calendar days between attempts).
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE AND DIPLOMA IN PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Pharmacy Technician applicants must:
- Pass a background check prior to enrollment (at their own expense). Prospective students who believe they may have disqualifying information in their backgrounds should consult with the program director prior to enrolling to determine the potential impact on externship participation or licensure eligibility.
- Understand that those with drug misdemeanors or felonies cannot enroll.
- Understand that drug testing is likely to occur by the placement sites.
- Obtain required immunizations, screenings, and drug testing as required by externship sites.
- Investigate state-specific externship licensing requirements before enrolling.
CERTIFICATE IN MEDICAL ASSISTING OR ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTING
Applicants for the Certificate in Medical Assisting or the Certificate in Administrative Medical Assisting must have either an associate degree with no English grade below “C” (applicants with lower English grades must pass the English placement exam) or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and ENG101 (or equivalent).
CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Applicants for the Certificate in Paralegal Studies must have either an associate degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher, with no English grade below “C” (applicants with lower English grades must pass the English placement exam) or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and ENG101 (or equivalent).
CERTIFICATE IN PRACTICAL NURSING
Practical Nursing applicants who wish to be considered for the program must comply to the following information:
- Submit all college and high school/GED transcripts for academic review.
- Acceptable background check
Additional Considerations:
- Credits from other institutions will be evaluated for transfer on a case-by-case basis.
- Due to the unique nature of nursing programs, it may not be appropriate to transfer nursing program core courses.
- No additional transfer credit will be accepted after admission to the PN program.
DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING OR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Applicants for the Diploma in Accounting or the Diploma in Business Administration must have either an associate degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher, with no English grade below “C” (applicants with lower English grades must pass the English placement exam) or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and ENG101 (or equivalent).
DIPLOMA IN PHLEBOTOMY AND ECG TECHNICIAN
Applicants must meet at least two of the following:
- High school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- SAT score of 1000 or higher or ACT score of 20 or higher.
- ANU placement exam scores of Science 70%, English 80%, and Math 70%.
- Completion of at least 24 college credits with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Phlebotomy and ECG Technician students must also affirm the same health, immunization, and background requirements as the Medical Assisting program.
CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Applicants for the ESL program must:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Provide a government-issued photo ID or passport.
- Submit evaluated foreign transcripts (if applicable) from a NACES member service.
Applicants must submit a Statement of Vocational Purpose for admission consideration to this program.