Application Deadlines: October 1 for Spring Entry | March 1 for Fall Entry
Application Instructions
Admission into the upper division, or final two years of study, in the Nursing program is competitive. All applications are carefully reviewed by the Nursing Program’s Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee.
- Applicants must first be admitted to Francis Marion University
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better by December (Spring admission) or May (Fall admission)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Core Science GPA of a 2.6 on a 4.0 scale (Anatomy, Microbiology, and Physiology)
- Three positive, signed references. Please use the reference forms provided below.
- Completion of short answer questions that pertain to the core values of the FMU BSN Nursing Program
- Copies of any current health care licenses, if applicable
- $95.00 non-refundable application fee
The instructions on this page will walk you through the steps of the application process.
If you have any questions regarding the application or the application process, please feel free to contact the Nursing Student Services Coordinator at nursingadmissions@fmarion.edu.
1. Apply to FMU (if you're not a current student).
If you are not a current FMU student, you will need to apply to FMU and be accepted before you can apply for the BSN Program. Please allow one week for Admissions to process your FMU application before applying to Nursing.
2. Fill out the Application for Upper Division Nursing.
Click the button on the right to open the online application form.
Be sure to provide a current email address and valid phone number when filling out your application. We will use that contact information to communicate with you through the rest of the application process.
While completing your application, you will be given the opportunity to submit your references and your answers to the short answer questions.
3. Submitting Reference Requests.
Please click the button on the right for a blank reference request form. You will need to fill this form out for each of your three references. Be sure to have all of your references in by the application deadline.
Submission Instructions
Applications for Fall admission are due by March 1. Applications for Spring admission are due by October 1.
Paper copies of the application will not be accepted.
Only three (3) references will be reviewed. References should be from academic sources. If the student cannot provide three academic references, s/he may choose to provide two academic references and one employer reference. References from family and friends, while sincere, do not provide an accurate assessment of the student’s ability to handle upper-level academic work. Application packets with inappropriate references may be sent back to the student for revision.
If you have questions about the application process, or if you experience any difficulty completing the application, please contact the Nursing Student Services Coordinator at NursingAdmissions@fmarion.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered below, please contact the Student Services Coordinator at NursingAdmissions@fmarion.edu for more information.
Where do I send my application?
When you complete and submit your electronic nursing application, it will be sent to the Nursing Department. Paper copies of the application will not be accepted.
Do I need to include copies of my FMU transcript?
No. If you have been at Francis Marion University for at least a semester, the Nursing Program will have access to your transcripts. However, if you are not a current student at FMU, you will need to include transcripts with your application.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be received by March 1 (Fall Admissions) or October 1 (Spring Admissions). Late applications will not be accepted.
What do I need to turn in by the application deadline?
You will need to turn in a complete application packet by the application deadline. A complete application packet includes your application, your short answer questions (found in the application), three letters of reference, and proof of application fee payment.
Documents such as drug screens, background checks, immunizations and CPR cards are not required until after you have been accepted and you will receive instructions on how to submit those documents in an acceptance packet.
If I am a new student, where can I find my Student ID number?
Once you have been accepted to FMU, you will receive your ID number from the Admissions office. If you cannot locate this number or do not receive it, please contact Admissions at 843-661-1231.
How do I know if my application was received?
Once your completed application has been processed, you will receive an email from Mrs. Kelly Heavner, Student Services Coordinator, to let you know it is complete. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email. If you do not hear from the nursing department within 3 to 4 weeks, please contact Mrs. Kelly Heaver at kelly.heavner@fmarion.edu. Thank you in advance for your patience as each application is individually reviewed.
How should I send the reference forms to the people I want to complete it?
The reference forms are electronic. You will be given the opportunity to submit your references while completing your application. If, however, you would like to submit your reference requests before you complete your application, please click here for a blank reference request form. Be sure to bookmark it and have all of your references in by the application deadline.
Once you submit the contact information for your references, an email will be sent to them with your information and the evaluation questions. Once they submit the completed evaluations, they will receive an email letting them know the reference has been received. As the student, you will receive an email letting you know when we have received your complete packet. We will not send you an email for every reference.
How will I know if the Nursing Program received all of my references?
Once your application is complete (application, short answer questions (found in application), three references, and proof of application fee payment), you will receive an email letting you know that everything has been received. Thank you in advance for your patience, as each application must be individually reviewed.
If everything is to be turned in electronically, how do I pay for my nursing application?
If you are on campus: please take your payment to the Cashier’s office. They will accept credit/debit cards, money order, check or cash. You may scan your receipt and send it with your application, but the Nursing Program also receives a weekly report of application payments from Accounting.
If you are not on campus: you may call the Cashier’s office 843-661-1120 and pay by phone. You may also mail a check or money order if you prefer. Please make your check or money order out to Francis Marion University and address the payment to:
Student Services Coordinator, FMU Nursing Program
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502
When should I expect to hear if I was accepted or not?
Applications are reviewed by the Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee once final grades are posted. Letters officially acknowledging your application status are usually mailed out a week after that. A second round of letters is mailed at the end of the semester letting you know if you were accepted or denied. If your address changes during the semester, please let the Student Services Coordinator in the Nursing Program know.
If you are applying for the Fall, your application could be held until after the Summer 1 term. GPA is the factor that determines if you are accepted at the end of the Spring semester or if it will be held until after Summer 1.
