Application Review Process: Behind the Scenes

Deciding to pursue a nursing degree is a big deal, and submitting your application to Chamberlain University is a meaningful milestone on that journey. If you’re exploring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as a working adult, understanding what happens next can help ease the uncertainty and keep you moving forward with confidence.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you apply for nursing school at Chamberlain University, so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Your Enrollment Representative, Guiding You Through the Process 
From the moment you first inquire about attending nursing school at Chamberlain University, you’re assigned an Enrollment Representative. Your Enrollment Representative plays a central role throughout the entire nursing school application process. They help prepare your file, communicate about requirements, and keep you informed of important dates and next steps.
 

The admissions committee is the group ultimately responsible for determining whether you are academically eligible for admission into a nursing school program. It’s important to understand that academic eligibility does not guarantee acceptance, but it does allow you to move forward with the pre-enrollment and registration phases of the admissions process.

What You’ll Need to Submit

Prospective nursing school students are often curious about how long the admissions process takes. The honest answer is that the timeline is largely in your hands. The sooner you gather and submit your required materials, the sooner your file can progress to the next steps. 
 

In addition to your completed application, you must:

• Provide proof of graduation and any other transcripts that you would like our registrar to review for potential transfer credit. 
• Schedule a HESI Admissions Assessment (A2). If you have taken the ACT, SAT, TEAS, or HESI A2 in the last five years, consult with your Enrollment Representative to see if you can use those results. If you haven’t taken those exams, you will receive one attempt at the HESI A2 with Chamberlain University. 
• Complete your admissions interview. This is a conversation with your Enrollment Representative to review your goals and eligibility. 
• Supply any additional documentation your Enrollment Representative identifies based on your individual academic background.

You have more control over your timeline than you might think. Applicants who stay organized and respond quickly to their Enrollment Representative often complete these steps within two weeks of their interview.

How the Admissions Committee Review Works

Once your file is complete, your Enrollment Representative submits it to the admissions committee for review. The committee meets regularly to evaluate applicants, though the frequency of those meetings varies by campus location and the upcoming semester start date. Depending on the campus, meetings may be held weekly or monthly.

This is where working closely with your Enrollment Representative becomes especially valuable. Your Enrollment Representative has access to the admissions committee meeting schedule for your campus and can help you plan your submission timeline to align with an upcoming meeting. If you have a target start date in mind, share that with your Enrollment Representative early so they can help you work backward from that goal.

On average, the full admissions process, from interview and application submission to a decision on academic eligibility, takes approximately one month.

Receiving Your Decision

Once the admissions committee meets and reviews your file, you should expect to hear back within 24 hours of their meeting. Chamberlain communicates all admissions decisions in writing, and your Enrollment Representative will also reach out to you directly with a phone call. 

If you are found academically eligible, the next phases, including pre-enrollment and registration, will begin. Your Enrollment Representative will walk you through each of those steps as well.

Tips to Keep Your Application on Track

The nursing school application process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A few simple habits can make a significant difference in keeping your file moving:

• Respond to your Enrollment Representative promptly when they reach out.
• Request or provide copies of your transcripts from previous schools as early as possible. You can email them to cutranscripts@chamberlain.edu.
• Schedule and prepare for your HESI A2 exam without delay.
• Communicate your preferred start date so your Enrollment Representative can align your file with the right admissions committee meeting.
• Keep your contact information current so you don’t miss any important updates.
  Small delays in any one of these areas can push your review to the next committee meeting cycle, which is why staying on top of each step matters.

Why Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University has more than 135 years of history preparing nursing graduates and healthcare professionals. With more than 20 campus locations across the United States, as well as an online BSN program designed for working adults, Chamberlain offers nursing school students flexible pathways to earn a nursing degree built around their lives.

Chamberlain courses are designed to provide relevant skills so that from day one, what you’re learning connects directly to real-world nursing practice. The Chamberlain Care^® model means that the support you receive as a student goes beyond academics. Enrollment Representatives, faculty, and staff are committed to helping you succeed from application through graduation.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming a nurse, call us toll-free at 877.751.5783 or request more information. We’re ready to help you explore the possibilities 
 

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.
 

By Chamberlain University