When you're not offered admission | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

When you're not offered admission

Don't quit

Becoming a Red Raider Nurse is not always achieved on the first try.

Unfortunately, receiving an offer of admission into the TTUHSC School of Nursing is not something every applicant will experience. This can be a hard reality for an applicant to face. In some cases applicants can feel as though they are left with few options; however, there are actually a number of routes that applicants can take to ultimately fulfill their educational nursing goals. And, the School of Nursing Office of Admissions is here to help you!

Special note about Blue Cards

If you have already been fingerprinted by Identogo and have received your Blue Card from the Texas Board of Nursing, please keep the card in a safe place. If you reapply in the future and are offered admission, you may be able to use that Blue Card to satisfy the background check process.

  • Consider Earning Your ADN and then apply to the TTUHSC SON RN-BSN Program

    An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is an undergraduate degree that allows students to gain core knowledge and clinical skills in the field of nursing. Most associate’s programs are two-year degrees, but there are some programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students who graduate with an ADN may be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the exam required to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

    The School of Nursing offers an exciting and flexible RN to BSN degree program, designed for registered nurses who need access to academic education at work or at home, wherever or whenever they want to study. Click here to learn more: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/nursing/undergrad/rn-to-bsn

  • Make a plan to apply again

    Whether you take a gap semester(s), attend a local or community college, or just take some time to work and gain real-world experience, you’ll need a plan of action should you choose to apply to the TTUHSC SON again. It’s important to start thinking about that now, as your choices now will affect your future application. Take some time to consider your options. Once you have a plan for the next application cycle begin planning for the admissions process again. Just because you’ve been through it once before doesn’t mean you don’t need to take time to prepare. 

  • Consider nursing schools that are still accepting applications

    If you’re set on attending nursing school as soon as possible, consider finding colleges that are still accepting applications. However, don’t apply just to apply. Do your research and make sure the nursing schools you are considering submitting some last-minute applications to align with your academic, professional, and personal goals and values.

  • Take a gap

    For many applicants who had an unsuccessful admissions process, a gap semester(s) can be a great option. There are a number of things that applicants can do during a gap semester(s), including working to gain paid healthcare experience, interning, volunteering by shadowing a nurse, traveling, or even taking a few additional classes, before preparing for the admissions process again. Consider meeting with a School of Nursing advisor to determine what you can do during your time off to enhance your chances of being accepted during the next application cycle.

  • Attend a local or community college

    Taking classes at a local or community college while you figure out your next steps is a smart move, as it can help you fulfill some general credits, if necessary, and can keep you from falling behind academically.

It’s important to stay positive and remember that there are plenty of options for applicants to consider when pursuing their educational nursing goals.