Steps for admission to the Nursing Program

1. Apply to Columbia College
   • Students can apply to Columbia College online, in person, by mail, or by FAX. The application fee must be paid at the time of application.
   • Transfer students must submit official transcripts from every college they have attended. 
   • Note: Acceptance into Columbia College does not guarantee acceptance into the nursing sequence courses. Admission to the nursing program is on a selective basis. Applicants for the nursing sequence courses are considered on a competitive and space-available basis for each admission period. There is a separate, additional application process for the nursing program courses. Read more about selection criteria.
2. Take the prerequisite classes
   Completing the prerequisite classes does not guarantee a spot in the nursing program.
    
3. Take the Nursing Entrance Test
   You must be enrolled as a Columbia College student to take the Nurse Entrance Test.
    
4. Apply to the associate in science in nursing program
   • Apply to the nursing program when you are within one or two sessions of having completed the prerequisite courses. Watch the application deadlines closely.
   • Home Campus Nursing Program Application Packet
     Applications may also be picked up at the Nursing Education Center. The program requires that students be enrolled in the Evening Program for the actual nursing courses.
   • Lake of the Ozarks Nursing Program Application Packet
     You may also download the Lake of the Ozarks Nursing Program Information Packet, which contains much of the information in this Web site and more. Packets may also be picked up at the Lake of the Ozarks campus. Students may call (573) 348-2166 to request that a packet be mailed.
5. Qualify for the Nursing Program

Selection is competitive.

Thirty-two students are accepted at the home campus, and 32 students are accepted at the Lake of the Ozarks campus. An alternate list will be set up if appropriate, designating up to 10 applicants who were not selected but qualified. Those on the alternate list will have the opportunity to join the program should selected students opt out. The alternate list will be considered viable only for the start date for that class. Each class is selected individually based on the criteria from all who apply for that class. Read more about selection criteria.

After reviewing the information contained in this document, feel free to contact us about questions you may have, or to set up a visit.