Program Overview

School of Nursing Programs

The School of Nursing offers a range of programs designed to educate and prepare students for careers in nursing. These programs include:

• BSN Program
  • About Our BSN Program
  • BSN Application & Admission
  • BSN Student Learning Outcomes
  • Information Sessions
  • BSN Curriculum
• BSN Honors
  • Two Paths to Nursing Honors Degree
  • How to Apply
  • Admission Requirements
  • FAQ about Nursing Honors Curriculum and Thesis Options
• Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN
  • About our Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN
  • ABSN Application & Admission
  • ABSN Student Learning Outcomes
  • ABSN Curriculum
  • ABSN FAQs
  • Facts about ABSN Students
  • Information Sessions
• Master of Science in Nursing
  • Master's Student Learning Outcomes
  • MSN Application & Admission
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Informatics
  • School Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • DNP Program Student Learning Outcomes
  • DNP Application & Admission
  • Health Systems Executive Leadership
  • Nurse Anesthesia Major
  • Nurse Practitioner Major
  • Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP Distance Education Format
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Purpose & Student Learning Outcomes
  • PhD Application & Admission
  • PhD Dissertation
  • Funding
  • BSN-PhD Curricula
  • MSN-PhD Curricula
  • Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD)
  • PHD Student Profiles
• Online Graduate Programs
• Certificates
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • School Nurse Certificate
• Minors
  • Gerontology Minor for Nurse Practitioners
  • Health Care Genetics Minor
  • Nursing Informatics Minor
  • Nursing Administration Minor
• Courses
  • Undergraduate Independent Study & Elective Courses
  • Graduate Independent Studies & Elective Courses

About Our BSN Program

Education for the practice of professional nursing demands a substantial knowledge of nursing, using the behavioral and biological sciences as a theoretical base. Throughout the program, nursing courses are taken concurrently with courses in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, contributing to the development of the liberally educated practitioner.

The first year establishes the foundation for the study of nursing with an introduction to concepts and theories related to understanding nursing practice. Clinical study is introduced in the second year with the focus on health promotion and identification of risk factors. Clinical nursing skills are practiced first in the School's Skills Laboratory.

Clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, senior citizens' centers, and long term and acute care facilities. Third year nursing courses focus on the care of individuals and families of all ages who are experiencing the stress of illness. Clinical experiences take place in acute care settings. During the fourth (final) year, student clinical experiences are planned to encourage synthesis of knowledge gained in preceding years and focus on individuals, families, and communities. Students provide care to those experiencing more complex illnesses and problems.

Professional role behaviors that are introduced in the first year and augmented during the years of subsequent study are expanded during the senior year. During the senior year, students have a culminating clinical course that provides a transition into clinical practice. Throughout the program, students have an opportunity to work on faculty and/or doctoral student research projects.

The program provides a foundation for graduate education in nursing and serves as a stimulus for continuing professional development. A series of NCLEX Preparation Practice Tests are integrated throughout the nursing program. A Diagnostic Prep, a Predictor exam, and a 3 day NCLEX Review are scheduled at the end of the program to provide students with prep resources to take the National Nursing License.