Radford University opens doors to future nurses with expanded direct admission

At a time when the need for highly skilled nurses continues to grow, Radford University is opening the door for more high-achieving students to turn their interest in healthcare into a career.

Beginning with incoming freshmen in August 2027, students with a 3.0 high school GPA or higher are eligible for direct admission to Radford University's prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, giving qualified students a clear path into one of the university's most in-demand programs from the start of their college experience.

The change builds on strong momentum within Radford's College of Nursing, which has reached its largest total enrollment in university history. The milestone comes as Virginia and the nation continue to face a critical need for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

During the 2025-26 academic year, Radford also awarded approximately 350 BSN degrees, the most in university history, placing the university among the largest producers of prelicensure BSN graduates among Virginia's four-year public institutions.
For incoming students, the new approach means greater certainty without sacrificing the academic rigor that prepares Radford nurses for success.

Direct-admit students who meet established progression requirements will not have to compete for admission to upper-division nursing coursework later in their college careers. Instead, they can begin at Radford knowing they have a defined pathway toward their nursing degree.

"Students who know they want to become nurses should have a clear opportunity to pursue that calling," said Meagan Arthur, assistant dean of undergraduate nursing. "Radford is responding to the tremendous need for nurses by opening doors for talented students and giving them a pathway to succeed from the moment they arrive. At the same time, we are maintaining the high standards and hands-on preparation that healthcare employers expect from Radford nursing graduates."

Those outcomes are strong. Radford nursing students benefit from clinical experiences with leading healthcare partners, contributing to a 100% graduate placement rate, while Radford has reported a 94.35% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Students can also personalize how they earn their degree. Radford offers prelicensure BSN pathways on its main campus in Radford and at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, with hands-on labs, simulation experiences and clinical education at both locations. Students in Roanoke can choose a traditional schedule or an accelerated pathway with year-round nursing coursework.

The university is also removing a financial barrier before students ever arrive on campus; there is no fee to apply to Radford University.

To remain in the direct admission pathway, students must demonstrate continued academic success, including maintaining at least a 3.25 cumulative college GPA, earning a proficient score on the ATI TEAS examination and meeting established course-repeat requirements. Students also complete an Intent to Progress form before beginning upper-division nursing coursework.

The progression requirements are intentionally rigorous, ensuring that expanding access does not mean lowering expectations. Instead, the new model rewards students who demonstrate they are prepared for nursing by removing the uncertainty of a second competitive admissions process.

"Our goal is not simply to enroll more nursing students; it is to prepare more exceptional nurses," said College of Nursing Dean Wendy Downey. "Students who choose Radford can see how each academic milestone is leading toward licensure, meaningful employment and a profession where they can make an immediate difference in the lives of others."

Prospective students can learn more about nursing admission requirements at radford.edu/nursing/admission and apply to Radford University at radford.edu/apply.