Admissions Requirements

• The traditional BSN program is for students who do not have a registered nursing (RN) license and are seeking initial licensure.
• BSN program admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online.
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended.
  • GPA recommendations: Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Official test scores: Submission of the official TEAS exams score reflecting a 76 or higher composite score to “Mercer U Georgia Baptist College of Nursing BSN”.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal
  • Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, speak to the following: What are your reasons for pursuing the profession of nursing as well as enrollment into our College of Nursing? Additionally, briefly describe the type of work you wish to practice/accomplish once you become a nurse.
  • Recommendations (optional): Medical professional, teacher, supervisor or someone else who can speak to your character and work ethic.
  • Admissions interview (as needed)

View prerequisite requirements.

• The RN-BSN completion track is for students who are already registered nurses (RNs) who have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program and meet the following conditions:
  • Successfully completed the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
  • Currently licensed to practice nursing in the state of Georgia with an unencumbered RN license. (Applicants with RN licensure and/or residency outside of the state of Georgia may be considered for admission on an individual basis in accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.)
• RN-BSN completion track admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online.
  • Resume: Including any healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, and research, civic or leadership awards.
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal
  • GPA recommendations: Minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Personal Statement: In 1000 words or less, tell us your reasons for pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as well as enrollment into our College of Nursing.
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license to practice in the state of Georgia. (Applicants with RN licensure and/or residency outside of the state of Georgia may be considered for admission on an individual basis in accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.)
  • Two recommendations: Medical professional, teacher, supervisor or someone else who can speak to your character and work ethic.
  • Admissions interview with the program coordinator to be scheduled after submission of application.

View prerequisite requirements.

• The Accelerated BSN track is for students who do not have an RN license, and are seeking initial licensure. All students must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to be eligible to apply for this program.
• ABSN program admission requirements:
  • Application: Speak with an ABSN Enrollment Counselor before submitting the application.
  • Resume: Including any healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, and research, civic or leadership awards
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended.
  • Official test scores: Submission of the official TEAS exams score reflecting a 76 or higher composite score to “Mercer U Georgia Baptist College of Nursing ABSN”.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal
  • Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, speak to the following: What are your reasons for pursuing the profession of nursing as well as enrollment into our College of Nursing? Additionally, briefly describe the type of work you wish to practice/accomplish once you become a nurse.
  • GPA recommendations: Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Recommendations (optional): Medical professional, teacher, supervisor or someone else who can speak to your character and work ethic.
  • Admissions interview (as needed)

• The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is designed for BSN-educated nurses with a current unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia and at least one year of work experience as a professional registered nurse. We have four specialty tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• MSN program admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online
  • Résumé: Including any healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, and research, civic or leadership awards
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended. Applicants must have graduated from a BSN program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA, or CCNE
  • GPA requirements: An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99 on a 4.0 scale in the upper division undergraduate nursing courses may be conditionally accepted
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal
  • Admissions cover letter: In 1,000 words or less, tell us your professional goals and reasons for seeking graduate education
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license to practice in the state of Georgia
  • Work experience: Minimum of one year of work experience as a professional registered nurse.
  • Three professional references: Individuals who can address the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study. At least one reference must be from a nurse prepared at the master’s degree or higher. Applicants who have completed BSN coursework within the last five years must include a faculty reference from that program
• Admission process:
  • Admissions interview with graduate programs coordinator/dean after submission of application

• The BSN-DNP track is for registered nurses who completed a BSN degree program and desire to complete a DNP. We have four specialty tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This program does NOT require a minimum amount of work experience.
• BSN-DNP track admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online
  • Résumé: Including any healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, and research, civic or leadership awards
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended. Applicants must have graduated from a BSN program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA or CCNE
  • GPA requirements: An undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0-3.19 on a 4.0 scale in the upper division undergraduate nursing courses may be conditionally accepted.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal.
  • Admissions cover letter: In 1,000 words or less, tell us your professional goals and reasons for seeking additional certification.
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license to practice in the state of Georgia.
  • Three professional references: Individuals who can address the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study. At least one reference must be from a nurse prepared at the master’s degree or higher. Applicants who have completed BSN coursework within the last five (5) years must include two faculty references from that program.
• Admission process:
  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the selection committee review all materials submitted to determine whether the applicant progresses to the next phase. The Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted in the decision process.
  • Selected applicants are invited for an interview.
  • Interview with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice Coordinator, or faculty designee.
  • A scholarly writing sample is required following the interview.
  • Applicants are typically notified of the admission decision within three weeks from interview.

• The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice track is for registered nurses who have a master’s degree in nursing. Additionally, applicants have the option to complete the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track or the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track while in the DNP program.
• Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended. Applicants must have graduated from an MSN program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA or CCNE
  • GPA requirements: A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.85-2.99 on a 4.0 scale in the upper division nursing courses may be conditionally accepted.
  • Graduate statistics course: Post-graduate doctoral student applicants must show evidence of a graduate-level statistics course prior to enrollment. This course must be reflected on an official transcript and must have been taken within five years from the date of application. Applicants who have not taken a statistics course can learn more here about the college’s NUR 675: Statistics for the Clinical and Behavioral Sciences, offered in the summer.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal.
  • Admissions cover letter: In 1,000 words or less, tell us your professional goals and reasons for seeking additional certification.
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license to practice in the state where the clinical project will be completed. Applicants seeking AGACNP specialty must be licensed in Georgia.
  • Advanced practice national certification and/or national certification as a nurse executive/nurse administrator (if applicable).
  • Clinical hours: Confirmation of practicum/clinical hours from the director of prior master’s program.
  • Curriculum Vitae: Please use these CV guidelines to create your CV for your application.
  • Three professional references: Individuals who can address the applicant’s clinical practice and/or the applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study.
  • Evidence of strong writing ability, potential leadership and scholarship.
  • Preference may be given to applicants meeting one or more of the following criteria: Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater in graduate coursework, distinguished leadership or scholarship, or APRN certification.

*Applicants who do not have APRN licensure/certification or earn fewer than 500 graduate level clinical nursing hours as part of their MSN degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Additional courses may be required.

• Admission process:
  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the selection committee review all materials submitted to determine whether the applicant progresses to the next phase. The Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted in the decision process.
  • Selected applicants are invited for an interview.
  • Interview with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice Coordinator, or faculty designee.
  • A scholarly writing sample is required following the interview.

The BSN- Ph.D. in Nursing program is for registered nurses who have completed a bachelors degree in nursing.

• Ph.D. program admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online.
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended. Applicants must have graduated from an BSN program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA or CCNE.
  • GPA requirements: An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 to 3.49 on a 4.0 scale may be conditionally accepted.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal.
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license.
  • Curriculum Vitae: Please use these CV guidelines to create your CV for your application.
  • Three professional references: It is strongly suggested that references include a minimum of one university nursing faculty member. The two remaining references should be from instructors, administrators or managers who have evaluated the applicant’s professional practice.
  • Evidence of strong writing ability.
  • Preference may be given to applicants demonstrating distinguished leadership, service, or scholarship.
• Admission process:
  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the selection committee review all materials submitted to determine whether the applicant progresses to the next phase. The Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted in the decision process.
  • Selected applicants are invited for an interview.
  • Interview with faculty members teaching in the Ph.D. program.
  • A scholarly writing sample is required following the interview.
  • Applicants are typically notified of the admission decision within three weeks from interview.

The Ph.D. in Nursing program is for registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree in nursing.

• Ph.D. program admission requirements:
  • Application: Begin and submit online.
  • Official transcripts: Required from all higher education institutions previously attended. Applicants must have graduated from a BSN and/or master’s program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA or CCNE; OR graduated from a BSN program accredited by the ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA, or CCNE and a master’s program in a related field. Transcripts should reflect completion of a graduate level statistics taken within five years from the date of application. Read more about this requirement.
  • GPA requirements: A GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.19 on a 4.0 scale may be conditionally accepted.
  • Application fee: $50 nonrefundable application fee paid online through application portal.
  • Nursing license: Unencumbered RN license.
  • Curriculum Vitae: Please use these CV guidelines to create your CV for your application.
  • Three professional references: It is strongly suggested that references include a minimum of one university nursing faculty member. The two remaining references should be from instructors, administrators or managers who have evaluated the applicant’s professional practice.
  • Evidence of strong writing ability.
  • Preference may be given to applicants meeting one or more of the following criteria: Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater in graduate coursework, distinguished leadership or scholarship.
• Admission process:
  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and the selection committee review all materials submitted to determine whether the applicant progresses to the next phase. The Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted in the decision process.
  • Selected applicants are invited for an interview.
  • Interview with faculty members teaching in the Ph.D. program.
  • A scholarly writing sample is required following the interview.
  • Applicants are typically notified of the admission decision within three weeks from interview.

Mercer University offers all of our required prerequisites in multiple capacities.

• Traditional students: The pre-nursing curriculum is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on the traditional residential undergraduate campus in Macon. Students interested in attending Mercer immediately after high school at the residential campus can learn more and apply here.
  • The College does not accept freshmen students to the Mercer-Atlanta campus for the nursing program. Interested high school students are strongly encouraged to complete their freshmen and sophomore years at Mercer University-Macon campus.
• Nontraditional/working adult students: The pre-nursing curriculum is offered by the College of Professional Advancement at the regional academic centers in Henry and Douglas counties and online. Students can learn more about the COPA pre-nursing programs here.
• Special considerations program: Qualified pre-nursing students at the Macon campus who submit their application by Jan. 30 of their sophomore year are guaranteed to receive an admission decision by Feb. 15. Students must have completed all pre-nursing coursework at Mercer University, with the exception of AP/IB credits and/or limited transient courses; submit required TEAS score; complete the necessary requirements; and achieve minimum GPA requirements.

• International students are required to hold and maintain a visa which allows study in the United States.
• Applicants with academic records originating outside of the United States must have their credentials translated and evaluated by one of the international credential evaluation services listed below:
  • Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
  • Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc.
  • World Education Services 
•  Applicants whose prior education is from a country other than the United States and whose first or primary language is not English must:
  • Submit TOEFL scores taken within 5 years. A minimum official TOEFL score of 100 TOEFL iBT (internet based) TOEFL or 213 TOEFL CBT (computer based) is required as well as minimum score of > 26 in the speaking subtest, and minimum scores of > 20 in the listening, and reading and writing subtests.
  • Prelicensure BSN applicants may qualify for a waiver if they meet the following requirements:
    • Meet all minimum admission requirements,
    • Earn a B or higher in English composition prerequisites,
    • Have a maximum of 3 or less prerequisites pending completion prior to enrollment, and
    • Have English and Language Usage and Reading sub-section scores on the TEAS of > 64.
    • TOEFL waiver approval is determined by the UGAPRC.
• The second degree prelicensure ABSN track is not approved for international student enrollment. Therefore, international students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa or who are not permanent residents or citizens of the U.S. cannot be accepted for enrollment into this program track.
• The international applicant deadline is Dec. 1. F-1 students cannot be considered for online degree programs.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Student immigration status and NCLEX-RN®
  • Students in the United States who are undocumented immigrants, qualified alien status, or are out of status with Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Immigration Department and who are accepted to the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University must comply with requirements of the Georgia Board of Nursing to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN®. The Board of Nursing makes the decision whether a nursing graduate is eligible for licensure, not the College of Nursing.
  • Students who are in undocumented status, qualified alien status, or are out of status with immigration should be advised that although a degree can be achieved at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University, there is no guarantee that the Board of Nursing will approve the student for testing for licensure or that they will be hired by any healthcare institution. Any student who has concerns with this should contact the Georgia Board of Nursing for more information regarding the requirements necessary to obtain licensure.
  • United States immigration regulations require all international students on both F-1 and J-1 study visas to maintain a full load of courses. International students are not permitted to drop to a part-time load without prior consent from the Office of International Programs. Please ask your academic advisor to contact the Office of International Programs on either campus if you feel you are in academic difficulty and must drop below a full-time load. This action will avoid placing you, as an international student, in an out-of-status classification with either the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services or the U.S. Department of State.
  • For more information, contact:
    • Atlanta Campus: (678) 547-6109
    • Macon Campus: (478) 301-2573
  • Please note: DACA status has no bearing on the admissions decision.

• BSN Traditional: Fall application opens, August 15; Early action, December 1; Special Consideration Program, January 30; Priority deadline, March 1.
• RN-BSN Completion: Fall, July 15; Spring, Dec. 1; Summer, April 30.
• Accelerated BSN: Fall, July 15; Spring, Nov. 1; Summer, March 15.
• MSN:
  • Fall (priority), April 1; Fall (final), July 1
  • Spring (priority), Oct. 1; Spring (final), Nov 1
  • Summer (priority), March 1; Summer (final), April 1.
• BSN to DNP: Fall application opens, August 15; Fall (priority), April 1; Fall (final), July 1.
• Post-Master’s DNP: Fall application opens, August 15; Fall (priority), April 1; Fall (final), July 1.
• Ph.D. in Nursing: Fall application opens, August 15; Fall (priority), April 1; Fall (final), July 1.

All accepted students will receive specific information tailored to their program post acceptance. Below is an overview of information for newly accepted students to prepare for their start date.

All students (ABSN, BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD) accepted to the College of Nursing need to complete enrollment requirements. General information is listed below and detailed information will be provided by the admissions office, program coordinators, and associate deans.

• Immunization, Clinical Credentialing and Health Documents
  • The College of Nursing requires nursing students to submit health information and maintain updated immunization records.
  • Student health insurance: All students must have health insurance the entire duration of their nursing program. Students may visit the Core Benefits website to learn more about student health coverage and/or waive the coverage if needed.
  • OSHA and HIPAA: All students complete OSHA and HIPAA online training through the CANVAS orientation course you have been assigned.
  • Background check and drug screen: Once accepted students are conditionally accepted, they are provided information regarding completion of required background check, drug screen, OSHA, and HIPAA. All information is located in the Student Handbook and in materials received after acceptance.
  • Nursing license: Students enrolled in the RN-BSN, MSN, DNP and Ph.D. programs must submit a copy of an unencumbered nursing license card from current state of residence. A “pocket card” printed from the Georgia Board site is acceptable. The College will monitor the student’s license for renewal. Upon each renewal, students should continue to submit the renewed licensure card.
  • Orientation: All students in all programs are required to participate in a new student orientation prior to beginning their program of study. Orientation dates will be disseminated post acceptance. Orientation may be hybrid with online and/or in-person components.
    • Pre-licensure tracks also require attendance at either a Resource Day or Immersion Day.
  • Formation of Scholars: Doctoral students will have mandatory orientation and will also attend the Formation of Scholars session in August.
  • Registration: Undergraduate students will be registered by the university registrar (unless otherwise noted) at or after new student orientation. Graduate students will be registered by the graduate programs coordinator after enrollment in orientation canvas course.
    • Students must be in compliance with all health requirements; health forms and immunization documents before they can be registered for classes.
• Nursing Central
  • All students admitted to the undergraduate pre-licensure program are required to incorporate the Nursing Central® software from Unbound Medicine onto a handheld device.
  • The Nursing Central® software includes a drug handbook, lab handbook, disease manual and ExamSoft, virtual simulation (SofTest), academic electronic health record (vSim), and application of other software and technology products. This technology provides a direct link to medical reference materials. Research supports the use of medical-based software to facilitate safe care of patients. Course fees include a subscription to the required software. Visit Unbound Medicine for specific requirements. DO NOT purchase software from this site but take time to review application download requirements and mobile web requirements. Students will initially register for this program on campus after classes begin. (ONLY students enrolling in designated courses — see tuition/fee page — will be able to register for this software.) Following the initial registration process, students will download and update their device from their own computer.
• Distance learning: Distance learning courses are delivered through the Canvas ExamSoft. High-speed LMS access is highly recommended for all distance learning students to engage in teaching and learning activities using software and various technologies. Some courses will require that students have access to headphones, speakers, microphones and/or internet. Some graduate courses require students use their laptops for learning and evaluation activities that include online testing in the classroom (webcams/ExamSoft).
• White coat and scrubs: Scrubs and uniforms are ordered through the Mercer University bookstore. At this time, they can only be ordered and picked up in person at the Bookstore on the Atlanta Campus.
  • White Coat Sizing Guide
  • Scrubs Sizing Guide
    Enrollment packet: Accepted students will have access to a downloadable document in the Canvas orientation course with very detailed information on how to complete all task listed above.
• Student housing: Any student who desires on-campus student housing must complete housing forms as soon as possible. General information about housing can be found here.
  • Student Handbook