Frequently Asked Questions

Do prerequisites need to be completed before I apply?

Some prerequisites may be in progress at the time you apply.  The following is a list of minimum application requirements:

1. 11 semester/16 quarter credits of lab science prerequisites (biology/chemistry, anatomy & physiology, microbiology).
2. All other prerequisites: nutrition, lifespan developmental psychology, statistics, college writing.

These must be completed (not in progress) at the time of application.

Will Linfield College accept prerequisites completed at another college, university or community/junior college?

Prerequisites may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university.

Accreditation is regional depending on the location of the college.  Consult your college to determine their regional accrediting body.  This will usually be stated in the college catalog, reverse side of your academic transcript or the college website.  Acceptable regional accreditation organizations include:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and other locations overseas).

New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and other locations overseas).

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington).

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia).

Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (California, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia, Northern Marianas Islands, Palau, and other locations overseas).

Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?

AP scores of 4 or 5 and IB scores of 5, 6 or 7 will transfer to Linfield to meet prerequisites, but will not meet Linfield Curriculum (general education) requirements.  AP and IB transcripts must be official.  You may request these from the College Board (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB).

May I complete my prerequisites at Linfield College, Portland?

The Portland Campus does not offer any prerequisite coursework.  All students enter as transfer juniors with prerequisites completed.

I have a question about a specific course.  Will it apply toward my prerequisites?

Please check our transfer course selection guides for specific courses.  Forward other questions to mcowan@linfield.edu. 

Do courses expire?

Anatomy, physiology and microbiology must have been completed within the last 7 years.  Other courses do not expire.

Are admission decisions based on my cumulative grade point average (GPA)?

Three aspects of your GPA will be evaluated.  The greatest weight will be given to your prerequisite lab science courses.  Additional consideration will be given to your grades in all non-science prerequisites.  Finally, your overall GPA will be calculated and considered, but to a lesser extent than the above. 

Is housing available on the Portland Campus?

Yes.  Loveridge Hall housing information.

How many applications do you receive?

Approximately 800 were received for the 2012-2013 academic year.

How many students are admitted to the nursing program?

200 seats will be available for the coming year.  56 in June, 72 in fall and 72 the following spring.  Admission to the program is competitive.

Does Linfield have an accelerated BSN program?

Yes.  Our accelerated program is offered once a year for students with a prior bachelor degree.  It begins in June and is 15 months long.

I'm completing my first bachelor degree in June.  May I apply for the accelerated program?

To qualify for the accelerated second degree program, you must have your first degree conferred prior to application.

How are admission decisions made?

The Linfield--Good Samaritan School of Nursing uses an application scoring system based on many academic and non-academic factors, but the greatest weight is put on your prerequisite GPA and essay score.

Should I get my CNA before I apply?

Having your CNA license is not necessary for the Linfield program, but we do recommend professional or volunteer experience in a medical setting prior to nursing school.

Do I have an advantage if I have applied previously and wish to reapply?

You will not receive points for reapplication.  We start fresh each application cycle.

When can I apply?

The next application cycle will be June 1-August 1, 2013, for admission to the Spring 2014 cohort.

Is it better to get my application in early?

Applications are assessed as they arrive but they are not ranked until all qualified applications have been evaluated.

I have a foreign transcript.  How do I submit it with my application?

An official evaluation of foreign academic credentials is required.  The evaluation must be provided by a NACES member organization/company or AACRAO International Education Services and include a course by course listing with grades.  These must be submitted directly to NursingCAS, our common application service, along with any domestic official transcripts at the time of application.

I am an international applicant.  What additional application items must I submit?

International applicants seeking admission as an F1 student must also submit

1. International Application Financial Statement.
2. Official evaluation of foreign academic credentials.  The evaluation must be approved by a NACES member organization/company or AACRAO International Education Services and include a course by course listing with grades.
3. Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

I have already started a nursing program and am interested in transferring to Linfield.  Is this possible?

Applicants transferring from another baccalaureate nursing program must submit an application for admission during a regular application cycle.  In addition to the regular application requirements, the applicant must submit

1. a letter of good standing from the dean of your previous/current school of nursing
2. syllabi of all completed nursing courses (if seeking advanced placement).

Is financial aid available?

Yes.  Financial Aid information.

Am I too old for nursing school?

We have students from all age groups and walks of life.  There are many career change students represented in our program.

How will the criminal background check affect me?

It is the policy of the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing that all admitted students are required to pass a background check prior to enrollment.  Criminal history on a background check may be cause to deny or revoke admission to the School of Nursing, may impede student progression and placement in clinical sites, and/or may be cause for a student to be denied nursing licensure following graduation.  Applicants are required to provide accurate and sufficient information related to their criminal history on the application and when necessary authorize additional or expanded background checks.  Failure to provide this information or knowingly providing false or misleading information is grounds for denying or revoking admission or enrollment.

Policy excerpted from the Linfield College, Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing Student Manual 2012-2013, Chapter VII: Policies and Procedures:

The School of Nursing requires that each student have a criminal background check through the school’s authorized vendor (www.certifiedbackground.com) no more than six months prior to enrollment in the nursing program. Students must authorize release of the results of the criminal background check to the school and to clinical sites. The School of Nursing reserves the right to deny admission in the School of Nursing to any student whose criminal conviction might: (1) pose a risk to public safety, (2) preclude the ability to complete required clinical practica, or (3) result in Notice to Deny Licensure on application for initial licensure in Oregon.

The School reserves the right to require random criminal background checks throughout the time the student is enrolled in the nursing program. If the results are positive, the information will be sent to the Dean of Nursing who will determine the appropriate course of action. The School of Nursing reserves the right to deny continuation in the nursing major to any student whose criminal conviction might: (1) pose a risk to public safety, (2) preclude the ability to complete required clinical practica, or (3) result in Notice to Deny Licensure on application for initial licensure in Oregon.

The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) may deny nurse licensure to persons with criminal conviction histories. Contact the Board for information at 971-673-0685 or the Web site for the Nurse Practice Act, Division 45, http://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/adminrules.shtml.

How many clinical hours will I have?

You will participate in almost 1,000 hours of clinical during your program here at Linfield.

Can I work while I’m attending nursing school?

Maybe part-time.  It is rare for someone to work while attending the nursing program, especially our accelerated program.  The program is demanding and will require much of your time and energy.

What does the curriculum look like?

Check out our current curriculum outlines.

What distinguishes Linfield?

The Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing has a long tradition of alumni who are well prepared to enter the professional arena.  Our small campus supports learning in an intimate environment.  We often get wonderful reports about our student nurses.  They are able to combine applied knowledge and critical thinking skills.  This is the result of a strong campus community combined with professional, caring educators, and the power of a small college.