Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, Catholic University and the Conway School of Nursing will allow students to apply for the nursing program as part of a 1 + 3 transfer program. This decision is part of the initiative to double the size of the Conway School as they prepare to move into their new facility in 2024.

Students admitted to Catholic University will initially be matriculated into the Nursing Exploratory Program, where they will pursue general liberal education courses, foundational science and math courses, and learn about the vocation of nursing through selected courses.

Transfer students will be required to complete a minimum of three years of study at Catholic University. The Committee on Admission will make all admission decisions in the context of each candidate’s overall preparation, with a specific focus on the academic performance in required science courses. Students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all college work, and in all transferable science courses to be considered for admission.

  • The following core requirements must be completed at Catholic University:
    • PHIL 201 (The Classical Mind)
    • PHIL 202 (The Modern Mind)
    • TRS 201 (Foundations of Theology)
    • TRS 202A or B (The Church and the Human Person)
  • The following science courses must be completed at Catholic University to be eligible for the clinical component of the program, which begins in the junior year:
    • Chemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Introduction to Health Systems and Professions
    • Population Health, Health and Wellness across the Lifespan
    • Pathophysiology;
  • Either through transfer credit or while enrolled at Catholic University, students must complete the following foundation courses:
    • English Composition
    • Statistics
    • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
    • Intro to Psychology
    • Growth and Development
    • Nutrition
    • Literature/Fine Arts elective
    • Three free elective courses
  • Students must have a minimum science GPA of 2.75 in Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Health Science Chemistry lecture and lab. This 2.75 science GPA must be met prior to continuing to pathophysiology and health and wellness.
  • Students must also successfully complete the HESI Nursing Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 75%, with no less than 75% on any section.

Students may use Catholic University summer session courses prior to their junior year to fulfill any remaining required pre-clinical coursework.

The required Upper Division Courses (after the completion of all prerequisites) include:

  • Health Assessment
  • Pharmacology
  • Community and Environmental Nursing Lecture and Clinical Applications
  • Fundamental Applications
  • Mental Health Nursing (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Adults in Health and Illness I (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Adults in Health and Illness II (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Women in Health and Illness (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Children in Health and Illness (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Adults in Health and Illness III (Lecture and Clinical)
  • Management of Health Care Delivery
  • Transition to Professional Practice
  • Strategies for Professional Practice
  • Evidence Based Care/Health Informatics
  • Nursing Research
  • (Optional - Practicum in Complex Nursing)

Course descriptions are available on the Conway School of Nursing courses page.

Students who wish to transfer to Catholic University from another college or university are required to submit the Common Application and all additional application materials by the appropriate application deadline. The priority deadline is April 15; however, applications will be considered if submitted before July 15. There is a limit on transfer enrollment; therefore, it is essential that students apply as close to the April 15 priority deadline as possible. Applicants must submit the following materials:

  • Official Transcripts
    • An official final high school transcript that includes graduation date
    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
      • For courses to be reviewed for Catholic University credit, please submit course syllabi whenever possible
  • Recommendation Letter (One required)
    • At least one letter must be from a current professor or instructor
  • The Common Application College Official's Report
    • An official document from your current college or university stating you are in good academic standing, are eligible to return to the institution, and contains an explanation of any disciplinary infractions; the document must be submitted directly by your institution. There are two options for submitting the Report:
  • Catholic University does not charge an application fee.

Catholic University provides merit-based academic scholarships ranging from $17,000 - $24,000 and provides need-based grants based on eligibility determined by completing the FAFSA.

Please contact Andrew Cox, Associate Dean of Admission and Transfer Coordinator, at coxa@cua.edu or by phone at 202-319-5305 with questions.