Admission Requirements

The nursing program curriculum is evaluated and modified on an on-going basis to meet the changing needs of society.  Requirements for admission are likewise evaluated and modified. Applicants are notified through the website of changes as they occur.  

Note: Admission to the Nursing Program is competitive and is granted to the best qualified candidates.  There are frequently more applicants than available spaces.  Applicants will be reviewed only when application files are complete.  All prerequisite courses (High School Algebra, Biology and Chemistry / or college equivalent) must be completed prior to review for admission.  Admission will be granted to applicants who best meet the stated admission criteria.  

Applicants Without College Credits:  

An applicant must either be a high school graduate (GPA 2.7 or above) or a general equivalency diploma recipient (GED – 570 score or higher required – score of 57 prior to 2002).  

An applicant should  have completed and passed the necessary high school courses, or their college equivalents:  

• English – three units (May include public speaking or journalism. Not required for GED recipients) 
• ** Biology – one unit 
• ** Chemistry with a lab – one unit 
• Math – two units (One must be Algebra**) 
• Social Studies – two units (Not required for GED recipients) 

All courses must  be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better; a grade of ‘B’ or better is preferred. Courses marked with ** must have been completed within the past seven years with grade of ‘C’ or better; a grade of ‘B’ or better preferred. For prerequisites, the seven-year time frame applies to all applicants, regardless of their previous academic performance. There is no waiving of the seven-year time frame for prerequisites, even for applicants who hold degrees or healthcare diplomas.  

An applicant must have achieved the following testing scores:  

• ACT composite score of 21, with a score of at least 20 on the mathematics sub-test and a score of at least 19 on the scientific reasoning sub-test, or SAT with a combined score of 1575 or above. 
• ACT/SAT testing will be waived for transfer applicants who have earned a minimum of 12 college semester hours at a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a minimum 2.7 GPA. 

Current Mercy College Students and Transfer Students:  

An applicant must either be a high school graduate (GPA 2.7 or above) or a general equivalency diploma recipient (GED – 570 score or higher required – score of 57 prior to 2002). Applicant must have completed at least 12 hours of course work at a regionally accredited institution of higher education for college GPA to be considered. The Algebra, Biology and Chemistry prerequisite courses (required of all applicants regardless of college status or current job)  must have been completed within the past seven years with grade of ‘C’ or better.  

Additional Requirements – All Applicants  

All applicants are required to take the TEAS test as part of the nursing program admission process.  The TEAS is a national standardized test that assists in measuring preparedness for a nursing program of study.  The test measures English, Math, Science and Reading of Scientific material.  Applicants schedule the test directly with ATI Testing through the following website:  www.atitesting.com  

The cost of the test is $50.00 payable to ATI online.    

The minimum GPA requirement for admission is 2.7.  

Applicants who meet all admission requirements and have completed 12 or more credit hours at Mercy College of Ohio are given preference for admission.  

Applicants will be denied admission if they have demonstrated a pattern of science and math grades below a grade of “C”.  

Applicants will be denied admission if they have demonstrated a pattern of nursing course grades below “C” in another nursing program.  

For students who are not United States citizens and/or for whom English is a second language, please review the College catalog for further admission information.  

High School Student Contacts-Toledo
Aimee Bishop Stuart, MEd
Admissions Director
419-251-1313 or 1-888-80-MERCY
aimee.bishop-stuart@mercycollege.edu

Shelly McCoy Grissom, BA, MEd, PhD
Associate Dean of Students for Enrollment Services/Chief Admissions Officer
419-251-1313 or 1-888-80-MERCY
shelly.mccoy-grissom@mercycollege.edu

Adult Learner & Transfer Student Contact-Toledo
Beverly Vasko, MLS, LSW
Admissions Officer, Adult/Transfer Students
419-251-1313 or 1-888-80-MERCY
bev.vasko@mercycollege.edu

Distance Learning Student Contact
Brandy Bennett, MEd
Admissions Officer
419-251-1906 or 1-888-80-MERCY, ext. 1-1906
brandy.bennett@mercycollege.edu

Youngstown Student Contacts 
Aimee Bishop Stuart, MEd
Admissions Director
419-251-1313 or 1-888-80-MERCY
aimee.bishop-stuart@mercycollege.edu

Shelly McCoy Grissom, BA, MEd, PhD
Associate Dean of Students for Enrollment Services/Chief Admissions Officer
419-251-1313 or 1-888-80-MERCY
shelly.mccoy-grissom@mercycollege.edu