Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions frequently asked of AMH Dixon SON representatives by prospective students.

General	Admission/Application	Required prerequisite courses
Continuing Education	Alumni	Standardized Testing
Financial

General Questions

Is the school accredited?
Yes. Click here to view accreditation information.

Where is the school located?
The school is located on the Schilling Campus in Willow Grove, 4 miles north of the hospital's main campus.

Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing
2500 Maryland Road
Suite 200
Willow Grove, PA 19090

Click here for directions.

What is the program length?
Three years.
The first year is all academic college course work completed at the college or university of your choice. Download the college course reference sheet (PDF).
The second and third years are spent at the Dixon School of Nursing completing the nursing curriculum. Download the curriculum plan (PDF).

How many students are accepted to the school?
We have 64 students enrolled in the day option and 64 students in the evening/weekend option. Our diverse student population includes multicultural students, diverse age groups (ranging from high school to mature adults), non-traditional students, and post-secondary degree students.

How large are the classes?
Class sizes vary based on the curriculum.

What is the student to faculty ratio?
For clinical rotations, the ratio is one Instructor to 8-10 students.

When do classes begin each year?
Day Option: August, Evening/Weekend Option: September

Does the school grant a degree?
All students graduate with a diploma in nursing. The college course work completed in combination with the nursing curriculum can be applied towards a college degree for completion of a BSN.

How many college credits are earned at the school?
Since the AMH Dixon SON is not a college, we are not able to grant college credit for the nursing courses. Based on the college chosen to complete a nursing degree, most schools will give college credit for our nursing curriculum. Our experience has been that the AMH Dixon SON course work does not need to be repeated or tested, but is granted college credits at the discretion of the college.

Are there residence or dormitory facilities offered?
AMH Dixon SON is a commuter school currently. Public transportation is available, but is limited. All students need to remember that transportation to and from clinical experiences remains the student’s responsibility.

What is the school’s success rate on boards?
Pass rates are public information and may be viewed on the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website. Currently the AMH Dixon SON has maintained their pass rate of first time test takers on the state licensure exam in the top 90th percentile. We are very proud of our students and the faculty.

How do I learn more about the school, meet students from the program, and find out more about a career in nursing?
You can attend and information session. Click here to see a schedule and to register to attend. If you are interested in meeting our students and learning more about our program and a career in nursing, sign up for our Meet A Student Nurse Program. To find out more information about this worthwhile experience, please click on the upcoming events section of our Web site.

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Admission/Application Questions

What are the requirements for entrance into this program? Grades? Rank? SAT’s?
All applicants are encouraged to have a minimum of 16 college course credits completed (exception is the High School senior). Of those 16 credits, two courses must be science courses. All course work must be a "C" or higher grade. Applicants with all course work complete, all official high school/GED and college transcripts received, and references completed as per application instructions is a plus. Standardized testing results will need to accompany the application to be considered complete.

Specific requirements for admission are discussed in the Web site based on the pathway from which you are approaching nursing at AMH Dixon SON. Which type of student best describes you?
High School Student
Post-Secondary Degree Student
LPN bridge to RN Student
Nursing School Transfer Student
Non-USA Citizen

I have not taken any college courses. What do I need to take to be admitted?
Please review our course reference guide carefully. It lists several of the local colleges and universities and gives course numbers that directly apply to our prerequisites. Click here to access the course reference guide. A helpful hint : DO NOT let your sciences wait to the end. If the school that you are attending does not offer a required science, you might need to explore other colleges to meet application deadlines.
PLEASE READ THE COURSE REFERENCE GUIDE - THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN BEING ADMITTED TO THE SCHOOL.

What is the closing date for admission?
The application deadline each year is as follows:
Early Decision – November 15th
Regular Decision – January 15th

Is the Evening/Weekend Option Part time? What’s the difference between the Day and Evening Options?
The nursing curriculum is considered a full time commitment regardless of which program attended.

Regarding the Evening/Weekend option, the students meet two evenings (Tuesday and Thursday) and assigned weekends for clinical. The combination of clinical and classroom work involved is extensive. Students are required to prepare for clinical. For example, on the Friday evening prior to the weekend clinical assignment, there will be patient assignment reviews required. Freshman orientation is scheduled generally during the last week in Aug (1 day) but the academic year is actually September–September and graduates in 2 years from the start of the nursing course work.

The day option is considered full time as well. The day option is Monday–Friday and is scheduled from August–May. The combination of clinical and classroom work involved is extensive. Students are required to prepare for clinical. The student is required to pick up their assignment prior to their scheduled clinical day. The student completes the program of study in 2 years.

Can I meet with the Admission’s Officer to discuss my application?
The AMH Dixon SON offers frequent Information Sessions throughout the year to discuss applications with prospective students. We are happy to answer questions via email or phone if a student still has questions regarding the status of their application. Individual appointments are reserved for the informational interview conducted during early and regular decision time frames respectively.

Do I still need to send my high school transcript if I have a college degree?
Yes. In the state of PA, it is a requirement.

I am having trouble obtaining my high school transcript because my school does not have it on file any longer or my high school closed. What can I do?
The PA Department of Education can assist you in obtaining your high school transcript. Visit http://www.pde.state.pa.us

What standardized testing should I submit?
Currently enrolled high school students will be permitted to submit the Verbal and Science components of their SAT testing. The highest scores achieved will be recorded for application/admission criteria. For all other applicants who intend to submit their application, you will be directed to take the TEAS test. Please visit www.atitesting.com for information and to apply for a test ID number. Click here for more information on standardized testing.

When do I take and how do I register for the N-100 Perspectives in Nursing self study class?
The course is a one-day mandatory seminar offered in early July/August. Upon acceptance, all students will receive a letter of notification of acceptance to the AMH Dixon SON and the process for participating in the N-100 Perspectives in Nursing self study class prior to beginning the nursing curriculum at the AMH Dixon SON.

What CPR certifications do I need?
All accepted students will be required to have a current American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider Course or Red Cross CPR certification. Abington Memorial Hospital will not accept certifications from the following organizations:

• American AED/CPR Association (ACA)
• American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)
• National Safety Council
• International CPR Institute Incorporated (ICPRI)

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Required Prerequisite Courses

What are the required college courses that I need to take? Where can I take these courses?
For a list of required prerequisite courses that need to be completed before entering the Dixon School of Nursing, please download the college course reference grid. Students can take their prerequisites at any properly accredited college but should consult the Admissions team at Dixon first if the school of their choice is not listed on the College course reference grid for verification of equivalency.

If a high school student is taking advanced placement college level courses while enrolled in high school, are they accepted?
In order to be accepted, any advanced placement course work must be placed on a college transcript and submitted to the Admission office as part of a transcript.

Do you accept online courses for Liberal Art requirements and Sciences?
Students may submit prerequisite course work that is completed online from an accredited University or College. The DSON reserves the right to request copies of course syllabi and college or university accreditation upon request to determine eligibility of course submitted for approval. Regarding the Sciences…the DSON will review prerequisite science courses (with a lab) taken online on an individual basis. As with all other course work, the credits awarded must match our college course requirements and have been completed successfully and be within the time restriction of five years for Anatomy and Physiology I & II or a Math prerequisite as per our admission criteria.

How many pre-requisites must I complete prior to making application?
You may apply at any time, however, the DSON will only review applicants with a minimum of 16 credits completed for the application year they are applying for entrance. Two science prerequisites courses (with associated lab) are required with three other prerequisite courses. All other prerequisites must be completed before beginning classes at Dixon. Applicants are encouraged to complete more than 16 of the 31 required credits at the application deadline. See admission criteria for further clarification.

What math course is needed to satisfy the math over 5 years requirement?
One Math (college and/or high school level) must be taken within five years of enrollment start date. Your choice may be to take a college level math course or a drug calculation course. For those students who never took Algebra in high school, an algebra course is required.

If I had a high school chemistry class do I still need to take college Chemistry?
Yes. College Chemistry with a lab is required for the AMH Dixon SON. A grade of C or better is required for both the coursework and lab. If you had Chemistry in college, and did not have a lab, you may be required to re-take. Transcripts are reviewed on an individual basis. For example, if a student holds a degree in the course work in question.

Where can I take additional courses to get me ready for AMH Dixon SON?
Effective January 2010, AMH Dixon SON is partnering with Cheyney University to offer Developmental Math, English, and Computer classes!
For Students: Get all the details
For AMH Employees: Get all the details

Continuing Education options for Diploma graduates
The Dixon School of Nursing believes that education is a lifelong commitment. Students are encouraged to pursue continuing education options to include but not limited to the RN to BSN or RN to BSN/MSN completion programs but to perhaps consider doctoral education in their professional journey. There are multiple programs both online and through accredited Colleges and Universities to select from.

AMH offers to its employees the convenience of taking courses onsite (at the DSON) as offered through LaSalle University and Immaculata University. To expand options for all graduates of the DSON program a partnership has been created between Jefferson School of Nursing (Thomas Jefferson University) and AMH DSON.

What would the Jefferson School of Nursing RN-BSN or RN-BSN/MSN completion programs entail?
Link to info on the RN programs
Link to the Application

Is Jefferson’s program onsite at the DSON?
Jefferson’s courses are offered in a hybrid format, meaning online as well as in the classroom. Currently all Jefferson classes are held in Philadelphia.

What is meant by the term dual enrollment?
Students as they enter the DSON diploma education will be offered the opportunity to apply and be considered for admission into the Jefferson School of Nursing RN-BSN or RN to BSN/MSN program upon completion of the DSON nursing curriculum and successful passing on the NCLEX licensure examination. This information is provided at new student orientation and throughout the two years of enrollment with the DSON.

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Alumni Questions

How do I request a transcript to be sent to a potential employer, a BSN completion program, or MSN completion program?
If you are an alumni of the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing and would like to request a transcript, please visit our Bursar and place your request and pay your fee. A staff member of the school of nursing will complete your request within 3 business days.
Please note: You MUST have a signed signature card form on file at the school in order for your request to be processed. If you do not have a signed consent form on file, download it here and fax it to the school at 215-481-5597.

I am graduating from or a graduate of the Abington Memorial Hospital Dixon School of Nursing. Where can I learn more about advancing my nursing career by becoming a BSN?
At the AMH DSON, we strive to advance our students careers in nursing. NEW: Currently LaSalle University, Immaculata College and Drexel university work very closely with our AMH employees and graduates of the DSON.

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Questions about Standardized Testing Requirements for the DSON

How has the Standardized testing admission criteria changed?
The DSON is committed to assisting students with the standardized testing requirement. The chart provided was designed to help you determine if your current standardized testing results meets our admission criteria as of 7/1/10.

Please Note:

• The TEAS Version 4.0 offered by ATI is the current standardized pre-admission test that the DSON will require for all current and new applicants. Exception: current High School seniors applying before January 15th.
• Effective 7/1/09 if an applicant has taken a standardized test other than the TEAS Version 4.0 and his/her application is active, he/she will be required to submit TEAS test results for the upcoming entry class.
• If it is determined that an applicant’s scores do not meet the admission criteria he/she will be sent a post card or an e mail advising them of the recommendation to consider re-taking the TEAS Version 4.0.
• Be sure to select a test date at least three weeks ahead of your AMH Dixon SON application deadline.
• Please note SAT/ACT standardized testing will only be accepted if you are a current high school student applying before the January 15th deadline. There will be no exceptions.

How do I register to take the TEAS Test at the Dixon School of Nursing?
Applicants who are interested in taking the TEAS test computer version must visit the DSON Bursar and sign up to take the Pre-Acceptance Nursing Test.

When is the TEAS test offered?

• REGISTRATION MUST BE DONE IN ADVANCE. NO MONEY WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. Please bring your receipt of payment to the test.
• The fee for testing is non-refundable, and requests for rescheduling will NOT be considered. All “no show” registered test applicants will forfeit the test fee paid.
• No one will be allowed in the testing room without two forms of ID (one must be a government issued ID).
• If a student took this exam within the last 3 months, they are not eligible to retake as per the DSON Admissions Committee and ATI Testing Company.
• High School Students do not have to take unless directed to do so by DSON Admissions Department.
• TEAS Version 4.0 results if taken elsewhere may be submitted and will be reviewed for acceptance if they are within 2 years of entrance to DSON.
• ATI Resource and study guides: go to www.atitesting.com – Click on “ATI Product Solutions”. Under “Pre-Nursing School”, Click “Test of Essential Academic Skills”. At the bottom of the page, you can purchase TEAS 4.0 Products.
• Test results will be made available within 24 to 48 hours after test completed.
• Please do not contact the Dixon School of Nursing to have the staff interpret your results. Instructions on how to interpret your results are provided by ATI.

Where do I report to take the TEAS test at the Dixon School of Nursing?
The location of the testing center at the Dixon School of Nursing is 2500 Maryland Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090. Registration is in the lobby and the exam room is the Computer Resource Center on the Lobby Level of the Dixon School of Nursing.

• Two forms of identification must be shown at your scheduled test session. One of these must be government issued photo identification (example, driver's license). No one is permitted to test without proper identification.

Where else can I take the TEAS test?
Applicants may take the TEAS test at another location as long as the following criteria are met:

1. The TEAS test includes the four separate English, Mathematics, Reading and Science modules.
2. The applicant submits their results to the Dixon School of Nursing by requesting a transcript from ATI (www.atitesting.com) or by mailing in a hard copy.

For testing centers, please visit the “Register for TEAS” link at www.atitesting.com. Educational Institutions also offer the TEAS test. The applicant is responsible for finding these institutions and ensuring they meet the above criteria. Please consult the selected institution for policies related to registration and transmission of results.

What is the format of the TEAS test?
The format consists of all multiple-choice questions. Each module includes trial items for the purpose of future test development. Answers to these questions are not counted in the scoring. The test is computerized; students will receive pencil and paper for their calculations since calculators are not permitted.

• English – Punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Reading – Comprehension, inferences, and conclusions
• Mathematics - assesses arithmetic (integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages and basic algebraic and geometric skills)
• Science - assesses knowledge of general science, biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and physics.

When do I get the TEAS results?
TEAS results are available within to 24-48 hrs. The TEAS test results will be available based on your test ID number assigned by ATI Testing. It is the student’s responsibility to provide us with the most current test scores.

How can I review for the test?
Visit the ATI testing site and click “ATI Product Solutions.” Under “Pre-Nursing School,” click “Test of Essential Academic Skills.” At the bottom of the page, you can choose from the products offered for TEAS 4.0.

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Financial Questions

What does it cost to attend the School?
Tuition is $3,000/term or $9,000/year. School fees are assessed at $1,135 for the incoming Intermediate (2nd year) students. School fees are assessed at $600 for the Senior (3rd year) students for AY 2010-2011.Click here to view an explanation off all expenses.

Is financial aid available?
Women's Board Scholarships are available to all students accepted for admission to the Dixon School of Nursing These Scholarships are awarded to students after they make application for need-based financial aid. After the accepted student remits his/her acceptance fee to the Registrar/Bursar, the student will be contacted by the Coordinator of Student Financial Aid Services to begin the financial aid application/delivery process.

The School of Nursing does not meet tuition costs for the required 31 pre-requisite college credits, nor for the additional educational expenses, such as uniforms, books, supplies, etc. charged per academic year when the student enters the Dixon School of Nursing.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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