BSN New Student Information
Congratulations!
Once you have been accepted into the BSN Program you will receive an information packet with instructions. Meanwhile, this quick start page will help you prepare and assure you meet the special requirements of nursing majors as listed in the Shepherd University Catalog. Detailed information is available in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook.
New Student Checklist
This step-by-step checklist can assist you in completing your special requirements and meeting deadlines. The New Student Checklist will be distributed in the admission informational packet. Read this carefully! Students are required to adhere to all deadlines.
Health Insurance, Health Data, & Immunizations
Health insurance is required for BSN program admission. Upon admission to the BSN program, a completed Health Requirements Verification (HRV) is required to be uploaded to CastleBranch. There are areas where your provider (MD, DO or NP) must sign the document and only these licensed professionals are acceptable. A physical examination and immunization verification are required. Immunization series in progress (i.e. Hepatitis A) are required to be completed by the due date. Failure to do so will result in the inability of the student to attend clinical experiences. Religious exemptions are provided for Hepatitis B, Flu, and COVID-19. Students requesting a religious exemption may complete a Religious Exemption Form located in the admission packet. However, the regional healthcare organizations may require these immunizations at any time. This may affect the student’s ability to attend the required clinical experiences resulting in a delay in graduation. YELLOW Health Requirements Verification Form
CPR Certification
School of Nursing accepts only American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Professional course. A current copy (both sides) of your signed CPR certification is required to be uploaded to CastleBranch by date designated on New Student Checklist. If you have the required CPR, upload your current card. The student is responsible for renewing CPR prior to the expiration date.
Criminal Background Check
Obtain fingerprinting for your criminal background check. Fingerprinting is to be completed ONLY by IdentoGo, located at 3051 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg, WV. You can make an appointment online at www.uenroll.identogo.com or by calling 855-766-7746. You will need to make two separate appointments; one for your WV Employer Record Check and one for your Federal Background Check.
Fingerprinting for the WV Employer Record Check will be done digitally. Pay $34.00 directly to IndentoGO in the form of a money order or you can pay by credit or debit card at the facility. They will need to know where to mail the results. Please give the following address: Shepherd University School of Nursing, Attn: Dr. Mary Hancock, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.
The Federal Background Check will be completed as the WV Employer Record Check except the fingerprinting will be on paper cards. You will pay $21.20 directly to IndentoGO in the form of a money order or you can pay by credit or debit card at the facility. Return the completed Application Information Form along with a money order for $18.00 payable to the Treasury of the United States. Attach your money order or cashier’s check to the completed fingerprint cards and bring to the School of Nursing office in EOB 202.
You cannot participate in learning activities in any clinical setting without a completed criminal background check.
Professional Liability Insurance for Nursing Students
Professional liability insurance is required prior to you beginning classes. You may purchase student coverage online at www.nso.com. Premiums vary according to state of residence. Print out your verification and upload the form into CastleBranch by the required date. This is a recurring annual requirement.
ATI Testing Fee
Nursing students are required to take Assessment Technologies Inc. (ATI) achievement tests while progressing through the nursing program. This requires a semester fee for all printed materials and access to the ATI website. Each semester, students sit for proctored examinations to gauge knowledge assisting them to prepare for NCLEX. During the last semester, students will focus on ATI proctored comprehensive tests and the ATI Predictor to assess students’ readiness to take the NCLEX. The semester fee is set by ATI and the student is responsible for payment of fees associated with this testing program by the deadline. Review the New Student Checklist for details and ATI registration information in the admission packet.
ATI Launch
Nursing students are required to complete the ATI Launch course prior to beginning the BSN program. The student is responsible for payment of the course fee and completing the course within the scheduled timeframe. Upon completion of the course, the student is required to upload the completion certificate in CastleBranch.
BSN Program Student Uniforms
Shepherd University has partnered with The Uniform Store, located at 10 Weems Lane, Winchester, VA 22601. You can order your uniforms online or visit the store to order. The Uniform Store will be onsite during New Student Orientation for students to try on uniforms and place orders. Pricing includes embroidery. It may take up to a month to receive your uniform. Students are required to wear their uniforms during Level 1 Orientation scheduled the week prior to the semester beginning.
New Student Orientation & Level 1 Orientation
New Student Orientation occurs 1-2 weeks after the offers of admission have been sent. This meeting in mandatory. School of Nursing faculty review the admission requirements, deadlines, answer questions, and you can order your uniforms. The Level 1 Orientation is also mandatory and occurs the week prior to the semester beginning. Program overview, expectations, lab tour, etc. are part of the orientation. SUSNA members are on hand to provide a student perspective of the BSN program. Lunch is provided by SUSNA. This is an all-day meeting.
BSN Student Handbook
Adherence to the policies and procedures of the School of Nursing are special requirements of all nursing majors. A copy of the BSN Student Handbook is located in CastleBranch and can be downloaded for future reference. Be prepared and ready for the new semester by looking over this handbook to find answers to many questions you will have as a new student. BSN Student Handbook 2025-2026
White Paper: A Nurse’s Guide to the Use of Social Media
The SON follows the recommendations found in the document linked below from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Students are expected to read this document and adhere to is recommendations.
Other Helpful Information
Financial Information
Financial Aid