Program Overview
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
Why Earn Your Nursing Degree at Saint Leo University?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a highly competitive program designed for a student seeking a professional advantage in their role as a provider of care and leader in practice across today’s complex healthcare systems.
Through a critical combination of generalist nursing practice and applied clinical judgement, Saint Leo University’s limited-access nursing program goes one step further. We provide students with a contemporary program that delivers best practices and current innovations within a Culture of Health framework that emphasizes inter-professional communication, as well as the health and well-being of people and clinicians. Our nursing program is inspired by a “simple to complex” curriculum that educates students on the foundations of professional nursing and then advances to coursework in areas such as acute care, population and global health, and chronic care and End-of-Life-Care (ELNEC) and palliative nursing concepts, as well as research to assure life-long focus on evidence-based nursing practice. Students become immersed in lab, simulation, preceptorships, and clinical in healthcare and community settings.
As a graduate with a Saint Leo nursing degree, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses.
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on University Campus begins with a concentration in arts and sciences courses in the first two years, followed by nursing major courses in years three and four. Upper-level nursing courses commenced in Fall Semester 2023 and the first group of students will complete their studies in Spring Semester 2025.
Join a community of Saint Leo Lions who are highly sought-after by employers in the sciences and healthcare industries throughout Florida and the Southeast.
Undergraduate Nursing Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is inspired by a “simple to complex” course curriculum, educating students on the foundations of professional nursing and then advancing to coursework in acute care, population and global health, and chronic care and End-of-Life-Care (ELNEC) and palliative nursing concepts, as well as research to assure life-long focus on evidence-based nursing practice.
- View BS Nursing Curriculum Plan
- View BS Nursing Course Descriptions
- View BS Nursing Program Fees
Additional information about tuition, fees and cost of attendance can be found at
View in Course Catalog
Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a limited-access program. Freshmen are admitted to Saint Leo as Pre-Nursing students. Admission as a Pre-Nursing major requires a 2.7 or better high school grade point average (GPA) and an acknowledgment of background check requirements. Students can be admitted into the Pre-Nursing program during both the Fall and Spring Semesters.
To be considered for admission to the Saint Leo Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, applicants must submit an application to NursingCAS the semester prior to the junior year and must meet minimum admission requirements for consideration. The strongest applicants will be selected; meeting minimum requirements to apply does not guarantee selection.
The Saint Leo University Explorations requirements and BS Nursing program prerequisite/support courses may be completed through the A.A. degree from a Florida College System institution only if the required BSN prerequisites and support courses are included. If a student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree and has fewer than 60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the student must meet the university’s entering freshman requirements for Pre-Nursing status which includes a 2.7 or better GPA and an acknowledgement of an acceptable background check. Catalog course descriptions and a copy of the course syllabus are required for review to determine if the prerequisite courses requested for transfer satisfy the prerequisite requirements. Transfer students may not apply to the BS Nursing program if they are not in good standing with their previous nursing program.
Beginning May 1, 2025, the nursing program will no longer accept transfer credit from StraighterLine or Sophia Learning for the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II with lab.
Only students who have formal, written unconditional acceptance into the BS Nursing program will be allowed to register for nursing courses and complete work for the major.
To be considered for admission to the Saint Leo University nursing program, applicants must meet the following minimum conditional admission requirements:
- Earn a grade point average of 3.30 or better for all coursework taken by the end of the semester prior to the semester for which application is made.
- Complete all required non-nursing courses for a total of 60 credits prior to beginning nursing program courses. Earn a grade of ‘C’ or better for all courses except MAT 151, BIO 140 and BIO 140 Lab and BIO 150 and BIO 150 Lab which require a B or better. Prerequisite courses may be repeated only one time.
- The following courses must be completed before the application deadline (February 15th) with a grade of B or better: Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, and College Algebra.
- Take all parts of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and upload into the NursingCAS portal with the nursing application. A minimum composite score of 72 or greater is required. To be considered competitive, higher scores are recommended. The most current version of the TEAS exam may be attempted three times in a calendar year with 30 days in between attempts.
- Matriculation into the nursing courses is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory history and physical signed by a provider and completion of required immunizations and other health requirements, including drug screening, completion of American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support CPR certification, and completion of an acceptable background check; this occurs after receiving the conditional admission email and will be due by July 15th .
Unconditional admission is granted when students have been selected for admission to the BS Nursing program and all admission criteria have been successfully completed.
Admission is extremely competitive and successful applicants may present much higher credentials for admission
The Application Period for entry into the Fall 2025 junior-level nursing courses deadline is March 1, 2025.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines in forming the basis for clinical judgement and nursing practice.
- Demonstrate communication and collaboration skills to support achievement of positive health outcomes.
- Apply current evidence in nursing practice and principles of safety and quality in health care in care delivery.
- Demonstrate knowledge of nursing interventions supportive of a Culture of Health in delivery of holistic, person-centered care that supports achievement of positive health outcomes.
- Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics and the role of the BSN-prepared nurse in accordance with best practice, professional and regulatory standards, and the Saint Leo University Core Values.
- Apply organizational and leadership skills in systems-based practice to improve health.
- Engage in population health partnerships to support and improve population health outcomes which emphasize promotion of health and well-being/disease prevention, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care.
How will you gain real experience?
The BSN degree program builds on arts and sciences course content to extend prior learning. In addition, nursing coursework goes from simple to complex which positions students to learn more complex content.
Experiential learning in lab, simulation, and clinical settings is emphasized to prepare students for a successful transition into a meaningful role as a registered nurse with their future employer.
What can you do with an undergraduate nursing degree?
The bachelor of science in nursing program positions graduates for entry level employment in a variety of settings following completion of the national licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, and supports career advancement into leadership positions and graduate nursing degree programs.
College of Health Professions
Through a growing number of degree programs at the new College of Health Professions, health-minded students can earn a degree that prepares them for a variety of roles in health care fields that impact the health and well-being of our communities.
Dedicated to the advancement of health care, the College of Health Professions is expert in offering innovative programs in Nursing, Social Work, and Health Care Administration.
Accreditation
The BS Nursing program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Saint Leo University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Saint Leo University is a highly competitive and limited-access program designed for students seeking a professional advantage as providers of care and leaders in practice across today's complex healthcare systems. The program combines generalist nursing practice with applied clinical judgment, emphasizing inter-professional communication, and the health and well-being of both individuals and clinicians. The curriculum follows a "simple to complex" approach, educating students on the foundations of professional nursing before advancing to coursework in areas such as acute care, population and global health, chronic care, End-of-Life-Care (ELNEC), palliative nursing concepts, and research.
Outline
- Arts and Sciences Courses (Years 1-2): Provide a foundation in core subjects such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and communication.
- Nursing Major Courses (Years 3-4): Focus on professional nursing practice, including clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and leadership.
- Nursing Course Descriptions:
- NUR 305 Foundations of Professional Nursing
- NUR 320 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- NUR 330 Pharmacotherapeutics for Nursing Practice
- NUR 340 Pathophysiology
- NUR 360 Nursing Care of the Adult I
- NUR 370 Nursing Care of the Adult II
- NUR 390 Nursing Care of Children
- NUR 405 Nursing Care of the Family
- NUR 415 Nursing Care of Populations
- NUR 425 Nursing Care of the Adult III
- NUR 435 Nursing Care of the Adult IV
- NUR 495 Senior Seminar
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the BSN program include:
- Exams: Midterms, finals, and quizzes to evaluate knowledge and understanding of course content.
- Clinical Evaluations: Observations and assessments during clinical rotations to evaluate clinical skills and judgment.
- Projects: Research papers, presentations, and other projects to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Simulation: Use of simulated patient scenarios to assess clinical decision-making and patient care skills.
Teaching:
The BSN program at Saint Leo University is taught by experienced faculty who are active in clinical practice and research. Teaching methods include:
- Lectures: Presentations of course material by faculty members.
- Discussions: Collaborative discussions and debates among students and faculty.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-life nursing cases to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Clinical Rotations: Supervised experiences in clinical settings to provide hands-on patient care experience.
Careers:
Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses. Upon passing the exam, they can work as registered nurses in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Home health agencies
- Public health organizations The program also prepares graduates for career advancement into leadership positions and graduate nursing degree programs.
