Accelerated

General Admission Requirements to Mount Mercy University Accelerated Programs

1. Must be at least 23 years of age
2. Must have a minimum of three years full-time relevant work experience
3. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher on 4.00 scale.*

Applicants not meeting the above criteria may qualify for admission upon consideration by the Dean of Adult Programs.

* In accordance with articulation agreements, students who have earned an associate degree from an Iowa Community College and who have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average are allowed admission to Mount Mercy.

Application Procedures for the Accelerated Programs

You may begin the application process by visiting our web site at www.mtmercy.edu/adult. Complete the online application and if you have any previous college coursework, request official transcripts to be sent to: Accelerated Office, 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-4797.

Federal Regulations require that student files contain a certificate of the highest degree earned. A high school transcript is required for applicants who have not yet obtained post-secondary associate, or higher degree.

Application Procedure for Readmission to Accelerated Programs

Students who either exit from Mount Mercy, or who do not attend for one or more consecutive semesters, or who have graduated from Mount Mercy and wish to reenter the program; pursue a second major; pursue a second degree or add a minor, must complete a new application prior to resuming coursework at Mount Mercy. The application is available at www.mtmercy.edu/adult. If any coursework has been completed at other institutions since last attending Mount Mercy, official transcripts documenting coursework must be requested by the applicant and sent directly from the institution to the Accelerated Office.

Special Student Application

Students interested in taking just one or two accelerated courses at Mount Mercy may make an application for special student status. If the student is currently pursuing a degree at another institution, it is recommended that the student seek permission from the home college before enrolling at Mount Mercy. Student must first complete the application form available online at www.mtmercy.edu/adult. If a prerequisite course is needed for the course(s) selected to be taken through Mount Mercy, an official transcript must be sent to the Accelerated Office to verify successful completion of that prerequisite. Any special student that wishes to continue at Mount Mercy must complete the regular admission process for the accelerated programs.

International Students

1. Official or true certified copies of the applicant’s post-secondary academic record (transcripts, examination scores, mark sheets, etc.) evaluated by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency
2. Documentation of English language proficiency for all non-native speakers of English. (TOEFL, Step Eiken, IELTS or equivalent). TOEFL test scores accepted:
   1. 550 on the paper-based version (scores between 500-550 may be accepted upon an interview with the Program Director) or 79 on internet version (iBT) or 213 on computer-based total.
   2. Proof of comprehension and conversational proficiency as indicated by a 23 or higher on the TOEFL speaking sub-section and interview with the Program Director (phone interview can be substituted). Program Directors may waive the English language proficiency test scores upon interviewing a student who meets one of the following criteria:
      1. Undergraduate education in English
      2. Worked in United States in a professional job for more than 1 year
      3. Studied for at least two semesters in the United States
      4. English is native language
3. Students who are applying for an F-1 visa must also provide a Certificate of Finance form or Letter with Affidavit from the Bank stating that they have sufficient funds to study in the U.S. The Certificate of Finance form can be found and downloaded from our Web site.

Admission to the RN to BSN Program

Applicants to the RN to BSN program must meet the following admission criteria:

1. Hold an Associate’s Degree or Diploma in nursing from a regionally accredited college or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States.
2. Hold a current and active RN license in the United States.
   1. Submit a copy of current nursing license.
   2. Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) who has been denied licensure by the Board; b) whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction; c) whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another state or country due to disciplinary action.
3. Currently working at least part time as a nurse.
4. Registered nurse applicants must have an admission cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.  Students with an admission cumulative GPA less than a 3.0 may be admitted to the university and conditionally admitted to the Nursing Major.  In order to continue, all RN-BSN students must successfully complete NU 242 Concepts in Baccalaureate Nursing Education, earning a minimum grade of C.  All students must achieve a minimum of C (C- does not count) in all nursing courses.
   1. Official transcripts from all previously attended schools must be submitted to Mount Mercy University
5. Complete a background check done by a third party company selected by the Department of Nursing. Any concerns will require a meeting with the program director.
6. RN-BSN students, who are not currently working as an RN, will be required to have a physical exam. Students working as an RN will not be required to have a physical exam, as the majority of clinical activities will occur within the student’s own work environment.   All students, regardless of their work setting, will be required to provide documentation of current immunizations. 
7. Show proof of current certification for Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
8. Show proof of health insurance coverage.
9. Show proof of nursing liability insurance coverage (beyond coverage provided by your employer).