Visit the webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

For more information on either of these requirements, please email the Nursing Department or the Health Sciences Office.

For Advising appointments to discuss application requirements for the Nursing program, call (269) 927-8128.

TOEFL iBT Test Information – Nursing

For all applicants planning to apply for consideration for the Fall 2020 program and onward who have learned English as a Second Language (ESL), the TOEFL is a requirement for entry into the Nursing Program. This is in addition to the HESI A2 score requirements.

TOEFL iBT score requirements are different for the Nursing Program than for Lake Michigan College general admission. This is based on recommendations from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to assure that students who are admitted to the program are able to be successful and can perform their duties safely and effectively.

What is the TOEFL iBT? Why do I need to take it? NCSBN’s recommendation regarding the English proficiency-passing standard of 84 with a minimum speaking score of 26 for TOEFL iBT is consistent with the previous passing standard recommended for TOEFL, IELTS and the level of English proficiency needed to perform entry-level nursing safely and effectively. Additionally, this recommendation is consistent with the NCSBN policy position on International Nurse Immigration, which states that “domestic and international nurses need to [be] proficient in written and spoken English skills” (NCSBN, 2009).

How do I take the TOEFL iBT? NNES students can sign up to take the TOEFL iBT test by going to Educational Testing Services. Click on TOEFL from the options along the bottom of the page. When you select TOEFL, you will be taken to the TOEFL webpage. You can click on Register for the Test, About the Test, Frequently Asked Questions, and more. TOEFL iBT scores should be submitted to Lake Michigan College directly from Educational Testing Services (ETS). This helps to ensure that the score reports that we receive from students are authentic and properly processed.

Students must request that the test provider send official score reports to LMC. They can make this request either at the end of the exam for TOEFL iBT or they can contact ETS to request a copy of the score report be sent to LMC (see instructions on the ESL web page at LMC).

Can I retake the TOEFL iBT? After taking the TOEFL iBT exam for the first time, students who score below an 84 overall score and below a 26 in Speaking subscore can retake the exam for a higher score within one month of taking it the first time. After the second attempt, the student must wait at least 3 months or before the next application deadline to take the test again for a third time to reach the cut scores.

How long are my scores valid? Per ETS, TOEFL iBT scores are valid for up to two years.