Accelerated

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.

Accelerated Program Admission – Process and Standards

  • Complete the application for admission
  • Must have a minimum of three years full-time relevant work experience
  • Hold a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher on 4.00 scale*
  • Provide official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education attended
  • Provide official high school transcripts, or equivalent (for applicants who have not earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university)

Applicants not meeting the above criteria may qualify for admission upon consideration by the Mount Mercy Admission Committee.

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

Mount Mercy reviews all files on an individual basis. While specific courses are not required for admission, the transcripts will be evaluated to ensure that a strong college curriculum has been successfully completed. Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have a cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited institution.  However, a variety of additional factors are considered (the quality and nature of the courses taken, most recent grades, work experience, student motivation, personal circumstances, etc.).

*In accordance with articulation agreements with all Iowa community colleges, associate degree holders with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA will be automatically accepted for admission to Mount Mercy.

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

  • Completed online application
  • All official college and/or foreign university transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a foreign credit evaluation agency (college-level GPA of 2.50 or equivalent required)
  • Official high school transcripts translated into English by a foreign credit evaluation agency ^
  • Official scores from standardized tests* that will be considered for admissions decisions include^:
    • TOEFL (550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 IBT)
    • IELTS (6.0)
    • STEP Eiken (Grade 1)
    • ACT (20)
    • SAT (1020)
    • PTE - Academic: Minimum score of 53 (no sub-score below 51 for reading, listening, and speaking)
    • Duolingo (50 or higher)
  • Certificate of Finance or letter/affidavit from the bank certifying funds are available
  • Scanned copy of the information page of the passport, U.S. Visa, and I-20 if a current F-1 student

^High school transcripts and test scores are waived for students who have earned an associate degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university.

*Test scores are waived for students completing Level 112 of ELS's English for Academic Purposes program.

Any student who does not meet the above criteria will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee for closer examination. Admission conditions and/or course recommendations will be determined on an individual basis by the Committee.

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).