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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
COLLEGE OF NURSING
English as a Second Language - Undergraduate Students Subsection: 5.2.5
Section 5.0 - Student Policies Originating Date: March 1987
Responsible Reviewing Agency:
Undergraduate Admission, Progression, Graduation and Scholarship/Grant Committee
Global Health Committee

Revised: February 1994
Revised: January 1999
Revised: February 2003
Revised: April 2006
Revised: April 2011
Reviewed: October 2012
Revised: January 2014
Reviewed: January 2018
Revised: November 2023 (changes)

Purpose

Establishes criteria for evaluating English language proficiency for applicants.

Scope

This policy applies to undergraduate applicants.

Policy

Applicants whose language of nurture is not English must present current (within the last 5 years) scores from instruments that measure listening, structure, reading, writing and oral communication competency in the English Language. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson Test of English, and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are acceptable examinations to demonstrate English language competency.

Exemptions for English language competency are:

  • Earned Associate’s or higher-level degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Official transcript required.
  • Completion of English Composition II and Public Speaking or equivalent with a grade of C+ or better from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Official transcript required.

Applicants from outside the U.S at which English is the official language of instruction the minimum scoring standards are:

  1. Internet Based TOEFL (iBT): minimum score of 18 in the Reading, 19 in Listening and Writing sections and a minimum score of 26 in the Speaking section.
  2. Pearson Test of English (PTE): minimum score of 55 in the Reading, Listening and Writing sections and a minimum score of 71 in the Speaking section.
  3. IELTS: Band 6.5 in Reading, Listening, and 6 in Writing sections and Band 8 in Speaking as minimum scores.

Any applicant who presents with a question of English proficiency upon faculty or student service advisor interview must demonstrate English proficiency according to the minimum scoring standards listed here.