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School of Nursing

English Proficiency Policy



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Policies Regarding English Proficiency

Pacific Lutheran University English Proficiency Requirements:

All applicants to Pacific Lutheran University must meet the University's English proficiency requirements, as listed in the  Admissions section of the current PLU Catalog. The PLU Catalog can be viewed online (click here) or requested from the Admissions office. International and ESL applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the PLU Admissions office for more information on application requirements:

    PLU Admissions Office
    Location: Hauge Administration Building
    Phone: 253-535-7140
    E-mail: admissions@plu.edu
    Online Request for Information


School of Nursing English Proficiency Requirements:

A certain level of English proficiency is necessary for academic success in nursing as well as for patient safety. In addition to the University requirements, all applicants to the School of Nursing for whom English is not their native language (including international and/or U.S. residents) must meet additinal requirements.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all applicants to the School of Nursing for whom English is not their native language, with the exception of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses who hold current United States LPN or RN licensure. (LPN and RN students for whom English is not their native language may be required to take the TOEFL or other testing before or during the course of the program, if so recommended by the Dean and/or School of Nursing faculty instructors).

Minimum TOEFL Scores for Consideration of Admission

To be considered for admission to the School of Nursing, applicants must achieve minimum scores on the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) of:

Minimum Cumulative Score of:
    86 combined

AND Minimum Individual Scores of:
    26 in Speaking
    20 in Writing
    20 in Reading
    20 in Listening

Test Preparation and Registration

TOEFL iBT Registration:



Additional Information:

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Policy for Continuing Nursing Students

Nursing students for whom English is not their native language should be aware that they may not be able to complete the program of study within the described time frame. Individual advising is available and is directed toward assisting students to be successful.

Current students who have difficulty in the program may be encouraged to take extra steps (e.g., enroll half-time in nursing courses, participate in ESL courses or activities) in an effort to increase the probability of their success in the program and on the on certifying examinations.

Nursing students for whom English is not their native language, even after successful completion of English language testing, are encouraged to meet with an advisor on a regular basis during their program of study.

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