Beginning in fall 2026, the College of Nursing will offer a Foundational Entry concentration that allows students who didn’t take chemistry, biology or advanced math in high school to complete those prerequisites as part of their bachelor’s degree program.

The university expects the track to bring more than 125 additional first-year nursing students each year.Leaders say the goal is to give motivated students from a variety of backgrounds a fair chance at entering the nursing field while still maintaining Kent State’s academic standards.

Dean Versie Johnson-Mallard says the program is designed like “a marathon rather than a sprint,” giving students the time and support to build the STEM foundation they need while staying on pace for a four-year graduation.Interest is already strong, with around 100 students asking about the new option.

Those admitted will take the same nursing curriculum as their peers and will be required to complete CNA certification before advancing to clinical courses, ensuring they gain hands-on experience early. Students must meet GPA and testing minimums to qualify and maintain a 2.75 overall and science GPA to progress.

University officials say graduates of the Foundational Entry track will be just as prepared for professional practice, with clinical training, cultural competency, and evidence-based care at the center of their education.

Students can apply through Kent State’s standard admissions process. More details online at kent.edu/nursing.