Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing Admissions

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The official high school transcript must reflect two mathematics courses (one of which must be algebra) and two science courses that have laboratory component (one of which must be chemistry). In addition, an applicant must meet the minimal admission standards. The criteria used to determine an applicant’s eligibility may include: high school class rank, General Educational Development (GED) score, high school grade point average, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, past collegiate performance and grades, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) grade, or other criteria deemed appropriate for admission consideration. Not every criteria category may apply to all applicants.

Pre-Entrance Test

High school students are encouraged to take the SAT in the spring of their junior year. Other applicants who have not taken the SAT will be considered on an individual basis and may be asked to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) for admission consideration.

Placement and Transfer

Applicants who previously attended an accredited nursing program, college or university may, under certain circumstances, receive credit for previous successfully completed course work. This includes non-nursing as well as professional nursing courses. Learn more.

Licensed Practical Nurses may apply for advanced placement.

Your Education

Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a three-year diploma program in professional nursing. Graduates of the program qualify to take the NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination.

Classes are admitted in late August of each year. Students follow a full-time program of studies that includes two semesters (one academic year) of pre-requisite university courses and six terms (two years) of nursing courses. The class week extends from Monday through Friday. The majority of classes meet during daytime hours.  However, some evening clinical or class assignments might be scheduled.

Students benefit from an affiliation with Pennsylvania State University. College credits earned in the program through Penn State can be applied toward a bachelor of science in nursing degree. In addition, our students may use Penn State student services. Please see the Curriculum Plan for more detailed information on required courses.