Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing

Admissions

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The official high school transcript must reflect two mathematics courses (one of which must be algebra) and two science courses that have a laboratory component (one of which must be chemistry). In addition, an applicant must meet the minimal admission standards. The criteria used to determine an applicant’s eligibility may include: high school class rank, General Educational Development (GED) score, high school grade point average, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, past collegiate performance and grades, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) grade, or other criteria deemed appropriate for admission consideration. Not every criteria category may apply to all applicants.

Placement and Transfer

Applicants who previously attended an accredited nursing program, college or university may, under certain circumstances, receive credit for previous successfully completed course work. This includes non-nursing as well as professional nursing courses. Learn more.

Your Education

Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing at Lehigh Valley Health Network offers a three-year dual enrollment program with Alvernia University. Graduates of the program will receive both an RN diploma and an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN Licensure Examination.

Classes are admitted in late August of each year. Students follow a full-time program of studies that includes two semesters (one academic year) of university courses and six terms (two years) of nursing courses. The class week extends from Monday through Friday. The majority of classes meet during daytime hours. However, some evening clinical or class assignments might be scheduled.

Students benefit from an affiliation with Alvernia University. College credits earned in the program through Alvernia can be applied toward a bachelor of science in nursing degree. In addition, our students may use Alvernia University student services. Please see the Curriculum Plan for more detailed information on required courses.