The University of California, Davis (UCD) School of Nursing (SDN) is a reputable institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. For students seeking admission to the UCD SDN in 2025, it is essential to understand the admission requirements and the competitive process. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the UCD SDN admission requirements, providing a comprehensive overview of the necessary qualifications, application process, and selection criteria.
Overview of UCD SDN Admission Requirements

The UCD SDN admission requirements are designed to ensure that applicants possess the necessary academic preparation, skills, and experience to succeed in the nursing program. The requirements include a combination of academic coursework, entrance exams, and supplemental materials. According to the UCD SDN website, the admission requirements for the 2025 academic year are as follows:
Academic Coursework
Applicants to the UCD SDN must have completed a minimum of 60 semester units of college coursework, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The required coursework includes:
- Anatomy and Physiology (2 semesters)
- Chemistry (2 semesters)
- Microbiology (1 semester)
- Statistics (1 semester)
- Psychology (1 semester)
Additionally, applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 months of work experience in a healthcare setting, with a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience.
Entrance Exams
Applicants to the UCD SDN must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admissions Assessment (A2) exam. The TEAS exam consists of four sections: reading, mathematics, science, and English language and usage. The HESI A2 exam consists of nine sections: mathematics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and five sections on science.
Supplemental Materials
In addition to the academic coursework and entrance exams, applicants must submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. The personal statement should be 2-3 pages in length and address the applicant’s motivation for pursuing a career in nursing, their goals, and their relevant experience.
Category | Requirement |
---|---|
GPA | Minimum 3.0 |
Entrance Exam | TEAS or HESI A2 |
Work Experience | Minimum 12 months, 1,000 hours |

Application Process

The application process for the UCD SDN typically begins in September of each year, with a deadline of January 15th for the following fall semester. Applicants must submit their application through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NCAS) and pay the required application fee. The application fee for the 2025 academic year is $105.
Selection Criteria
The UCD SDN uses a holistic review process to select applicants. The selection criteria include:
- Academic performance (GPA, coursework, entrance exams)
- Work experience (length, quality, relevance)
- Personal statement (clarity, coherence, motivation)
- Letters of recommendation (quality, relevance)
- Resume (relevance, quality)
The UCD SDN also considers factors such as diversity, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Key Points
- The UCD SDN admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of required coursework, and a minimum of 12 months of work experience in a healthcare setting.
- Applicants must take the TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam and submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
- The application process typically begins in September, with a deadline of January 15th for the following fall semester.
- The UCD SDN uses a holistic review process to select applicants, considering factors such as academic performance, work experience, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume.
- The selection criteria also include diversity, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UCD SDN admission requirements are designed to ensure that applicants possess the necessary academic preparation, skills, and experience to succeed in the nursing program. By understanding the admission requirements and the competitive process, applicants can better prepare themselves for the application process and increase their chances of being selected for the UCD SDN.
What is the minimum GPA required for admission to the UCD SDN?
+The minimum GPA required for admission to the UCD SDN is 3.0.
What entrance exams are accepted by the UCD SDN?
+The UCD SDN accepts the TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam.
What is the application deadline for the UCD SDN?
+The application deadline for the UCD SDN is January 15th for the following fall semester.