Allied Health & Nursing Admissions

In addition to applying to Rio, Allied Health & Nursing Admissions require subsequent applications, requirements, and testing. The requirements are in place to ensure that you are ready to take on the additional demands of the program. With limited clinical spaces and accreditation requirements, these programs can be extremely competitive. It is important to meet application deadlines.

Please see the application links below.

Allied Health Programs

Application Deadline: February 1 (each year). You may apply for more than one program; you would need to meet each program's prerequisite requirements and fill out each program’s application form.

•    Prerequisite Courses: High school or college biology, algebra, and chemistry passed with a grade of “C” or higher
•    High school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher (DMS requires a GPA of 2.8)
•    Current high school and college transcripts attached to applications
•    General admission/acceptance status of University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College

Please log-in with your RioNet email when prompted. 

DMS

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The application window has closed for this program.

RAD

Radiologic Technology

The application window has closed for this program.

RCP

Respiratory Therapy

CPR certification must be maintained throughout enrollment in the program.

Two nursing students study outside on steps

Nursing    

  • High School or College cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) (most recent): a minimum of 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. for high school is required OR a minimum 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. with a minimum of 12 semester hours of college-level coursework is required if the college cumulative G.P.A. is used.
  • Graduation from high school or a G.E.D.
  • High school or college-level courses are required with a final grade of “C” or better for each course: Algebra, Biology (with lab), and Chemistry (with lab).
  • Hesi A2 admission score of 70% required 
     

Nursing Program Applications

Please log-in with your RioNet email when prompted. 

ADN

Traditional RN

Fall Start. Application Deadline April 4. Additional Requirement: HESI A2 Entrance Exam by invitation only. Invitations offered after applications have been submitted and eligibility confirmed. Cost is $65

Apply for Nursing
Campus

LPN to RN

Summer Start. Application Deadline February 28. Additional Requirement: HESI Entrance Exam by invitation only. Invitations offered after applications have been submitted and eligibility confirmed. Cost is $72

APPLY LPN to RN On-Campus
Hybrid

LPN-RN

Fall Start. Application Deadline April 4. Additional Requirement: HESI Entrance Exam by invitation only. Invitations offered after applications have been submitted and eligibility confirmed. Cost is $72

APPLY: LPN to RN Hybrid
BSN Nursing Student smiles after graduation in front of Belltower
Bachelor of Nursing

Advance Your Nursing Career with Rio’s Online BSN Program

Congratulations on taking the next step in your nursing journey! As a licensed RN, you are eligible to enroll in Rio’s fully online, affordable Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program—offering you the quality of a university degree at a community college tuition rate.

Whether you prefer full-time or part-time study, our flexible format is designed to fit your schedule while preparing you for advanced roles in nursing practice and leadership.

To get started, you’ll need:

- A valid, unrestricted, and active RN license from any U.S. state 
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (applicants with a 2.5 GPA or higher will be considered on a case-by-case basis) 
- Official transcripts and RN license verification 
- Selection of your preferred semester start date from the dropdown menu

Your future in nursing leadership begins here—and we’re excited to help you achieve it. Welcome to Rio!