Looking for upcoming Start Dates and Application Deadlines? Visit our step-by-step How to Apply page!
View program start dates, application deadlines, pre- and corequisite course requirements, ATI TEAS Test resources, and more for each of our programs.
Applications Options
Early Accept
If you are interested in hearing about your acceptance status sooner and receiving your acceptance packet early, consider applying Early Accept to your desired program!
Regular Application Deadline
Regular Accept is another great option if you are planning to apply. Regular Accept students typically hear about their application status approximately three weeks after the final deadline.
Upcoming Start Dates
Upcoming start dates for each program can be found on the How to Apply page.
Apply Online or on Paper
Visit our online application or download a paper application to submit in-person.
*Percentage of students, across all programs, that passed their licensure or certification exams on the first attempt.
**According to the nationwide 'Top 30 Two-Year Trade Schools' released by Forbes (2017).
***Percentage of students working in a related field within 12 months of graduation.
All numbers based off of the most recent reporting period (2022).
General Admission Criteria
All applicants must be 18 years of age prior to their program start date. Prospective students must abide by the following admission criteria to be admitted to the program:
- Completed application packet submitted no later than the published application deadline.
- Ability to meet essential program requirements and satisfactory preadmission test results.
- Satisfactory criminal check and urine drug screen.
- Previous employment: Current or past employees of Riverside Health will be evaluated for job performance and eligibility for rehire. Adverse references from previous employers will be evaluated in the admission process and may result in non-acceptance to the program. Riverside Health employees who are in good standing are awarded additional points toward admission.
- Official High School transcript or GED certificate. The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate with a HS GPA of 2.0.
- A high school transcript or signed attestation of graduation (signed attestation is only applicable for non-degree programs) must include the name of the high school attended, city, state, graduation year and indicate the high school or program was approved by the applicable governing or state authority.
- Official College transcripts from all schools attended regardless of prerequisite completed courses. Only a "C" or higher is eligible for transfer credit.
- Immigration or citizenship documentation is required if the applicant is not a U.S. citizen by birth. The College is not Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified and cannot accept international students on an F-1 or M-1 visa.
- If English is an applicant's second language, a TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 79 (internet-based) is required. The test must have been completed within the last two years.
Individual Program Application Requirements
The applicant must hold a minimum of an associate degree.
Completion of a health-related program with evidence of certification or licensure, as applicable, that is active within the last five years (current active certification or licensure is not required).
Students currently enrolled in a health-related program may apply provided they are in good standing and expected to graduate before the first scheduled day of the Cardiovascular Program.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs - 8 Credits
- English Composition - 3 Credits
- College Math (any 100-level or higher) - 3 Credits
- Psychology: Gen, Intro or Developmental - 3 Credits
- General or Conceptual Physics - 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology - 3Credits
All prerequisite courses must be completed before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- None
Recommendations
- Cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5 or higher is recommended.
- Prospective students for the Cardiovascular Technology (Adult Echocardiography or Vascular Non-Invasive Specialties) with prior criminal offenses are urged to review the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) Compliance Policies and/or contact ARDMS to verify eligibility for obtaining credentials.
Students must be licensed to practice in a licensure compact state.
Applicant has been employed as an LPN for at least one year since being licensed, with no more than five years since their last work experience.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II with Labs - 8 Credits*
- English Composition - 3 Credits*
- Developmental Psychology - 3 Credits*
- Chemistry: 1 unit of High School or College level chemistry (Also accepted: CLEP of 100 level chemistry course; job-related chemistry; LPN developmental courses in chemistry; adult education courses; or Chemistry related courses in military education)*
*Applicants must have completed Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology with Labs, Developmental Psychology, and English Composition requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
The following course must be completed prior to the program start date:
- Basic Nutrition for Nursing - 3 Credits
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits
- Microbiology with Lab - 4 Credits
Pre-Admission Testing Requirements
ATI TEAS Suggested Score: 66.1% or higher
Average Accepted TEAS Score: 74.6%
Skills Test: Achieve a minimum score of 80 percent on a faculty-prepared test based on the content of the first level courses of the Professional Nursing Program.
Validation of clinical competency in areas previously mastered may be required at the discretion of the Program Director.
Recommendations
Cumulative College-level GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended due to the competitive nature of admissions.
Average Accepted GPA: 3.26
Documentation of previous healthcare experience (including volunteer hours) is recommended.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- None
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- None
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology with Lab - 4 Credits*
- English Composition - 3 Credits*
- College Math (any 100-level or higher) - 3 Credits*
The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:
- Psychology: Gen, Intro, or Developmental - 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology - 3 Credits
*Applicants must have completed the Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, English Composition, and College Math requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Psychology and Medical Terminology must be completed prior to the program start date. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits
- Physics - 3 Credits
- Ethics - 3 Credits
- Intro to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 Credit
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- ATI TEAS suggested score: 61.4% or higher
- Average accepted TEAS score: 73.6%
Recommendations
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.34
- Documentation of previous health care experience (including volunteer hours) is recommended.
High School Seniors may be eligible to apply.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- None
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- ATI TEAS suggested score: 58.4% or higher
- Average accepted TEAS score: 66.0%
Recommendations
- Average accepted GPA: 2.96
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
- None
Preadmission Testing Requirements
ATI TEAS
Minimum Score: 50%
The ATI – TEAS Exam is required with a minimum score of 50% to enroll in Pre-Nursing or Pre-Allied Health courses. Students scoring between 50-70% will be automatically enrolled in the ATI Launch: Academic Readiness program. If enrolled, satisfactory completion of the ATI Launch program is required as part of the application process for a core program (Professional Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care, or Surgical Technology.) The ATI Launch program is optional for students with an initial TEAS score above 70%.
Other Requirements
- The applicant must graduate from an accredited U.S. high school with a GPA of 2.0 or higher or have earned a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
- High School Seniors are eligible to apply.
- Preadmission testing is required.
- All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab - 4 Credits*
- English Composition - 3 Credits*
- Developmental Psychology - 3 Credits*
- Chemistry: 1 unit of High School or College level chemistry (Also accepted: CLEP of 100 level chemistry course; job-related chemistry; LPN developmental courses in chemistry; adult education courses; or Chemistry related courses in military education).*
The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:
- Basic Nutrition for Nursing - 3 Credits
*Applicants must have completed Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab, Developmental Psychology, and English Composition requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Basic Nutrition for Nursing must be completed prior to the program start date. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits
- Intro to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 Credit
- Microbiology with Lab - 4 Credits
- Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab - 4 Credits
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- ATI TEAS suggested score: 66.1% or higher
- Average accepted TEAS score: 74.6%
Recommendations
- Cumulative college-level GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended due to the competitive nature of admissions.
- Average accepted GPA: 3.26
- Documentation of previous health care experience (including volunteer hours) is recommended.
- While they are considered corequisites, the admissions department recommends taking Microbiology with Lab and Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab prior to the start of the Professional Nursing program so as to lighten the course load during the program.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology with Lab - 4 Credits*
- English Composition - 3 Credits*
- College Math (any 100-level or higher) - 3 Credits*
The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:
- Psychology: Gen, Intro, or Developmental - 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology - 3 Credits
*Applicants must have completed the Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, English Composition, and College Math requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Psychology and Medical Terminology must be completed prior to the program start date. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits
- Physics - 3 Credits
- Ethics - 3 Credits
- Intro to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 Credit
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- ATI TEAS suggested score: 60.6% or higher
- Average accepted TEAS score: 74.7%
Recommendations
- Average accepted GPA: 3.46
- Prospective students for the Radiologic Technology Program are urged to review the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Ethics Pre-Application Review prior to starting any radiologic technology program. (https://www.arrt.org/).
Applicants must have earned an associate degree in Professional Nursing (ADN, AAS, AOS) or a Diploma in Professional Nursing; and hold a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Virginia (or compact state).
Applicants may be considered for Concurrent Enrollment in the RN-to-BSN Program if currently enrolled and in good standing in an affiliated Professional Nursing associate degree program. Successful completion of the associate degree and successful NCLEX-RN are required to be eligible for conferment of the BSN regardless of courses achieved.*
*All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Pre-application General Education Course Requirements
- English Composition - 3 credits
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs - 8 credits
- Developmental Psychology - 3 credits
- Microbiology with lab - 4 credits
Pre or Corequisites General Education Course Requirements
- English Elective - 3 credits
- Fine Arts and/or Humanities Elective - 6 credits
- Mathematics Elective - 3 credits
- Natural Sciences Elective - 3 credits
- Social Sciences Electives - 6 credits
- Speech and Communications Elective - 3 credits
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- None
Prerequisite College Courses
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/ Labs - 8 Credits
- English Composition - 3 Credits
- Microbiology w/Lab - 4 Credits
- Psychology - 3 Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:
- General Chemistry I with Lab* - 4 Credits
- Medical Terminology* - 3 Credits
- Physics* - 3 Credits
- Statistics / Introduction to Statistics* - 3 Credits
- College Algebra* - 3 Credits
- Speech / Communications Elective* - 3 credits
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses
- Essentials of Nutrition - 3 credits
- Fine Arts / Humanities Electives - 6 credits
- Electives - 13 credits
- GEN 111 Introduction to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 credit
- GEN 321 Academic Writing - 3 credits
- GEN 445 Leadership & Management in Healthcare - 3 credits
All credits are reflected as semester credits.
Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses cannot be substituted with CLEP testing.
Official transcripts must be evaluated and accepted by the College Registrar prior to matriculation.
Completion of all Pre-requisite General Education Courses (marked *) are required prior to matriculation.
All General Education courses must be 100 College-level or above (no developmental/remedial courses)
All General Education courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher.
All General Education courses must be taken at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) will be accepted. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a current member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES).
Pre-Admission Testing Requirements
None
Recommendations
Cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5 or higher is recommended.
Prerequisite College Courses/Credits
The following courses must be completed prior to application submission:
- Anatomy and Physiology with Lab - 4 Credits*
- English Composition - 3 Credits*
- College Math (any 100-level or higher) - 3 Credits*
The following courses must be completed prior to the program start date:
- Psychology: Gen, Intro, or Developmental - 3 Credits
- Medical Terminology - 3 Credits
*Applicants must have completed the Anatomy & Physiology with Lab, English Composition, and College Math requirements before a formal application can be submitted and reviewed. Psychology and Medical Terminology must be completed prior to the program start date. All transferable credits must have a minimum of a "C" or higher.
Pre- or Corequisite College Courses/Credits
- Physics - 3 Credits
- Ethics - 3 Credits
- Intro to Healthcare or a College Success Course - 1 Credit
Preadmission Testing Requirements
- ATI TEAS suggested score: 61.4% or higher
- Average accepted TEAS score: 69.8%
Recommendations
- Average accepted GPA: 3.14
Essential Program Requirements
The following are Essential Program Requirements for Riverside College of Health Sciences students. The ability to meet all these requirements, with or without accommodation, is necessary to demonstrate clinical competency and complete the program outcomes required for graduation.
View RN-to-BSN Essential Program Requirements
View Pre-Licensure Essential Program Requirements
Request Official Academic Transcripts
Are you an applicant looking to send your official transcripts to Riverside? Make sure to contact all prior institutions (including high school) to send your official Transcripts to Riverside College of Health Sciences.
Official Transcripts may be sent electronically from a previous institution through an official online service (i.e. Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse or Scribbles) or official sealed (unopened) paper Transcripts may be sent to:
Riverside College of Health Sciences - Office of the Registrar
316 Main Street
Newport News, VA 23601
Please Note: transcript requests often can take up to 3 weeks to be processed, sent and received.
