Program Overview

---

Nursing, BSN

Overview

The BSN program emphasizes person-centered care while collaborating with members of interprofessional healthcare teams and a commitment of service to our community. Our students begin clinical experience in the first semester of their first year and complete their program with a 280-hour clinical preceptorship during senior year.

Program Requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must complete the following:

• Minimum of 120 credit hours as specified by the requirements with a 2.000 GPA
• A minimum of C for all courses specifically required for the major in nursing
• A minimum of 50 credit hours in 300 and 400 level courses
• The University General Education Requirements

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrates the ability to integrate principles of evidence-based practice and quality improvement to deliver safe patient-centered care.
• Exhibits leadership skills to optimize health care outcomes, influence health policy and advance the nursing profession.
• Demonstrates clinical reasoning that promotes a culture of quality and safety to individuals, families and populations.
• Collaborates with interprofessional teams, fostering open communication and shared decision making to ensure safe, high quality and cost-effective care.
• Integrates behaviors, values and the professional code that reflects the nursing profession.
• Explains the benefits of utilizing health care information systems and technologies to promote safe, patient-centered care and support decision making.
• Recognizes the individual as a full partner in coordinating care that promotes health and well-being based on respect of their preferences, values and needs.

Progression in the BSN Program

Progression in the BSN program is contingent upon satisfactory academic achievement in all required courses. To maintain satisfactory academic standing, students must attain a GPA of 2.000 or above by the end of their junior year.

Advising

All students starting the nursing program have a first year nursing advisor assigned to assure a smooth transition during their first year. Academic advisors are assigned for the remainder of the program to work with nursing students each semester to assist with course registration and progression.

Curriculum

The BSN program includes nursing, science and liberal arts courses. A minimum of 120 credit hours, with at least 50 credits from upper division courses, are required for award of the BSN degree.

Sample Plans of Study

There are two sample plans of study for the BSN program. Both plans include the same required nursing courses and prerequisites, but the order and timing of the courses may vary.

Option 1

• First Year:
  • Fall: NURS 115, BIOL 114, BIOL 116, NURS 112, Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 122, NURS 201, NURS 160, BIOL 117, CHEM 119, Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth or Elective course
• Second Year:
  • Fall: NURS 230, NURS 211, NURS 250, NURS 210, NURS 317, CHEM 121, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 240, NURS 212, NURS 342, NURS 260, SOCI 203, Breadth or Elective course
• Third Year:
  • Fall: NURS 343, NURS 315, NURS 316, STAT 201, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 318, NURS 320, NURS 330, NURS 370, Breadth or Elective course
• Fourth Year:
  • Fall: NURS 371, NURS 372, NURS 373, NURS 344A
  • Spring: NURS 341, NURS 344B, NURS 380, NURS 381

Option 2

• First Year:
  • Fall: NURS 115, BIOL 114, BIOL 116, NURS 112, Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 122, NURS 201, NURS 160, BIOL 117, CHEM 119, Academic Inquiry Seminar, Breadth or Elective course
• Second Year:
  • Fall: NURS 230, NURS 211, NURS 342, NURS 260, CHEM 121, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 240, NURS 212, NURS 210, NURS 250, NURS 317, SOCI 203, Breadth or Elective course
• Third Year:
  • Fall: NURS 318, NURS 330, NURS 370, STAT 201, Breadth or Elective course
  • Spring: NURS 343, NURS 315, NURS 316, NURS 320, Breadth or Elective course
• Fourth Year:
  • Fall: NURS 341, NURS 344A, NURS 380
  • Spring: NURS 371, NURS 372, NURS 373, NURS 344B, NURS 381

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.