JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing

College of Nursing and Health Professions

BSN Pre-licensure Policy

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Admission Application Instructions

Please read the BSN admission application instructions carefully. Missing requirements may make you not qualified for admission.

Application Cycle Dates

Fall Admission

October 1 – March 1

Spring Admission

April 1 – September 1

Evaluation Criteria

  1. Completion of required admission criteria as listed in the Lamar University Catalog.
  2. Academic performance, GPA, and number of course attempts.
  3. HESI® A2 Admission Assessment exam scores.

Admission Requirements

Course Completion

  • Prerequisite courses completed with a minimum grade of C
  • Elective core courses completed with a minimum grade of D
  • Successful completion of CLEP exams, if applicable

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Category Minimum GPA
Science Courses 2.5
Core & Prerequisite Courses 2.5
Overall GPA 2.0

Unsuccessful Course Attempts

Applicants may have no more than six unsuccessful prerequisite attempts.

HESI® A2 Exam

All required components must be completed by the application deadline.

Minimum Reading Comprehension score: 79%

Required Sections

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary & Knowledge
  • Chemistry
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Mathematics
  • Critical Thinking

Application Instructions

Please follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  1. Apply to Lamar University

    Apply through Apply Texas or Common App if not currently enrolled.

  2. Meet with an Academic Advisor

    Advising is required prior to enrolling in specific nursing courses.

  3. Submit the BSN Online Application

    Applications must be completed in one sitting.

    Screenshots or photos of documents will not be accepted.

  4. Application Fee

    A non‑refundable $30 application fee is required.

  5. Criminal Background Check

    Instructions will be sent by the Texas Board of Nursing after submission.

  6. Conditional Acceptance Requirements

    • Immunization and health requirements
    • Professional liability insurance
    • Drug & alcohol screening

Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) Eligibility

A criminal history may affect eligibility for licensure.

Applicants answering “yes” are not automatically disqualified.

Revised Spring 2026 | JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing