School of Nursing 2020 - 2021 Catalog

Accelerated BSN Program

Accelerated BSN Program


Laura Opton, DHSc, RN, CNE 
Professor, Associate Dean/Department Chair

Irene Salinas, DNP, RN, CNE-cl
Assistant Professor, Accelerated BSN Program Director


Program Overview

The Accelerated BSN course of study is derived from the mission of the TTUHSC School of Nursing to create a fast-track for individuals desiring an intense, fast-paced entrance into a career path of professional nursing. The Accelerated BSN model of education instills in graduates a commitment to nursing excellence in the provision of care to individuals, families, communities, and populations with complex health care needs in structured and unstructured settings for present and emerging healthcare arenas, as well as provide a foundation for future graduate education.

The Accelerated BSN offers two tracks which include the Second Degree BSN and the Veteran to BSN (VBSN). Students in an accelerated track (Second Degree BSN or VBSN) are admitted in the spring semester and enrolled in the same courses outlined in the degree plan. All course requirements are completed in three consecutive semesters over a 12 month period. Didactic courses are delivered in a structured online format and clinical instruction is preceptor based with live faculty guidance and oversight.

Students in both tracks are enrolled in the same courses. There are some distinct differences in the tracks in terms of certain admission requirements and eligibility to earn prior learning credit. These differences are provided in the specific track overviews. Under the guidance of the Associate Dean/ Department Chair for Non-Traditional Undergraduate Program, applicants are reviewed by the Accelerated BSN Program Admission and Progressions Committee and are evaluated individually and holistically. No single attribute is considered in arriving at an admission decision. Acceptance into an accelerated track is based upon a competitive ranking process for selection using a point award system of academic and nonacademic requirements and considerations. The actual number of students offered admission is dependent upon a variety of institutional elements such as financial resources, classroom space, and available clinical experiences. Administration reserves the right to adjust the number of offers based upon availability of institutional resources.


Second Degree BSN Overview

The Second Degree BSN is for students with a previous baccalaureate degree. This 12-month web-based track offers clinical instruction and course reviews in Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Lubbock, Odessa, and San Antonio. Students must have completed a minimum of 55 credit hours of prerequisite courses prior to enrollment in the first nursing course with a grade of “C” or higher prior to admission. A total of 61 hours of nursing courses will be completed while in the accelerated course of study which will total 116 credit hours.


Veteran to BSN Overview

The Accelerated Veteran to BSN Track began in Spring 2016. Students in the VBSN Track follow the same curriculum and train at the same clinical sites as Second Degree BSN students including Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Lubbock, Odessa, and San Antonio. The goal is to provide veterans with military medical experience, and who may or may not have a prior bachelor’s degree, an educational option to begin a career path in professional nursing. To be eligible for admission consideration, the applicant must be a veteran and can demonstrate recent health care experience in the last three (3) years.

The track is open to veterans from all branches of the service and is designed to build on the prior healthcare education and experience of the student. Direct assessment of prior knowledge through the Competency Assessment Placement (CAP) Battery is an option for students in this track for basic foundational nursing knowledge, pharmacology, and leadership. Success in any or all CAP eligible courses will allow the student to earn prior learning credit toward the accelerated upper division nursing courses. The Veteran to BSN students are required to complete 59 hours of non-nursing courses and 61 hours of nursing courses during the entire track, totaling 120 credit hours required by the State of Texas to earn a bachelor’s degree.


Application Dates

Fall
No Admission
Spring
May 1 - July 15
Summer
No Admission


Admissions Requirements

Second Degree BSN Admission Requirements

All applicants to the Second Degree BSN track must complete an online application as directed on the Second Degree BSN website. All applicants must meet requirements listed below for admission consideration:


Second Degree BSN Academic Requirements

  • Cumulative and Science GPA minimums must be met at the time of application and maintained once all required nursing prerequisite courses have been completed.
  • Previous Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Arts (BA or BS) from an accredited college or university;
  • Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5; preference for overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • Minimum science GPA of 2.5; preference for science GPA of 3.0 or higher in required science courses including Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology;
  • Prior to admission offer, applicants must have either completed all 55 credit hours (SCH) of lower-division general education courses as outlined in the School of Nursing Catalog and posted on the SON Second Degree BSN website or have completed at least 40 credit hours (SCHs) of non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment for the remaining prerequisites. Prior to admission offer, applicants must have completed at least three of the five required science classes, which include Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Chemistry. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of class.
  • All general education requirements (core curriculum) and prerequisites must be documented on official transcript prior to the first day of class;

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is NOT a requirement for the Spring 2021 applicant.

  • TEAS V or most current version (Test of Essential Academic Skills) requirements:
    • No minimum required score on any section of the TEAS V or overall;
    • Proficient level or higher preferred;
    • Score for the TEAS exam older than one year prior to application submission deadline will not be accepted; and
    • Students applying can take the TEAS V no more than two (2) times per year (both attempts must occur within the one year period prior to application submission deadline). If two sets of scores are submitted the scores will be averaged.
  • Completion of a medical terminology course (can be for credit or certificate of completion);
  • Completion of certified nursing assistant (CNA) training. Preference is given to those who have completed this course at the time of admission consideration.
    • Applicants must complete CNA training prior to the first day of class.
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required prior to the first day of class. Preference is given to those certified at the time of admission consideration.


Second Degree BSN Non-Academic Admission Considerations

The order of the following considerations does not indicate any given priority of consideration in the admission decision. All factors are considered relevant.

  • Rationale for interest in nursing as a professional career choice
  • Work history and experience
  • Permanent resident of TTUHSC service area
  • First generation college student
  • One page resume
  • Prior enrollment at Texas Tech University
  • Diversity of experience, including proficiency in other languages, knowledge of other cultures, and/or study abroad
  • Military service and/or training
  • A face-to-face interview – Based upon fulfillment of all eligibility requirements as outlined in the School of Nursing Catalog and posted on the SON website, a determination will be made on an offer of an interview. For those invited for an interview, an essay will be required. Professional attire is expected for the interview.


Veteran to BSN Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the Veteran to BSN track must complete an online application as directed on the Veteran to BSN website. All applicants must meet requirements listed below for admission consideration. Joint service transcripts (JST) may be submitted to Texas College Credit for Heroes website and evaluation for consideration of possible awarding of lower division credit. For a JST evaluation go to www. collegecreditforheroes.org/.


Veteran to BSN Academic Requirement

  • Health Care Specialist Rating (i.e. medic, corpsman, vocational/practical nurse) while in the service. Individuals separated from the military are required to submit a DD214 showing proof of a medical rating. Active duty, reservists, and veterans are required to submit either a Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force Transcripts. All VBSN applicants must submit either a DD214 or a Joint Services Transcript to provide proof of health care training in the military prior to application deadline. To order your DD214, go to the following link: www.archives.gov/ veterans/military-service-records/.
  • Applicants must complete 59 credit hours (SCH) of general education courses as outlined in the School of Nursing Catalog and posted on the SON VBSN website. At the time of application, students must have completed 40 credit hours (SCHs) of non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment for the remaining prerequisites. Prior to admission offer, applicants must have completed at least three of the five required sciences classes, which include Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Chemistry. All prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of classes;
  • Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5; preference for overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
  • Preference for science GPA of 3.0 or higher in required science courses including Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology;

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is NOT a requirement for the Spring 2021 applicant.

  • TEAS V or most current version (Test of Essential Academic Skills) requirements:
    • No minimum required score on any section of the TEAS V or overall;
    • Proficient level or higher preferred; 
    • Score for the TEAS V exam older than one year prior to application submissions deadline will not be accepted; 
    • Students applying can take the TEAS V more than two (2) times per year (both attempts must occur within the one year period prior to application submission deadline). If two sets of scores are submitted the scores will be averaged.


Veteran to BSN Non-Academic Admission Considerations

The order of the following considerations does not indicate any given priority of consideration in the admission decision. All factors are considered relevant.

  • Documentation of recent health care experience (within the past three years), either in the military or as a healthcare professional
  • Submission of current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification prior to first day of class
  • Rationale for interest in nursing as a professional career choice
  • Work history and experience
  • Permanent resident of a TTUHSC service area
  • Status as a Texas resident or documented willingness to relocate
  • Active reservists must provide signed letter from reserve commanding officer indicating allowance to participate in program with completion to two-week annual training prior to and after VBSN track; VBSN Reservist Agreement, VBSN Active Military Agreement
  • First generation college student
  • One page resume
  • Prior enrollment at Texas Tech University
  • Diversity of experience, including proficiency in other languages, knowledge of other cultures, and/or study abroad
  • A face-to-face interview – Based upon fulfillment of all eligibility requirements as outlined in the School of Nursing Catalog and posted on the SON website, a determination will be made on an offer of an interview. For those invited for an interview, an essay will be required. Professional attire is expected for the interview.


IMPORTANT NOTE FOR APPLICANTS WHO ATTENDED A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN SPRING 2020

An explanation of how TTUHSC School of Nursing considers courses in which a student earns grades of Pass (P), Fail (F), Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) is outlined below:

Official transcripts with courses awarded with P or CR during the SPRING 2020 semester can be used to meet prerequisite course requirements and will not be used in calculating either the cumulative or science GPA for admissions. TTUHSC SON reserves the right to determine how, and if, courses awarded with P or CR during any semester, outside of spring 2020, will be calculated into a GPA and/or considered for transfer credit. Official transcripts with courses awarded with a Fail (F) or No Credit (NC) during any semester cannot be used to meet prerequisite course requirements


Addditional Requirements for Prospective ABSN Students

NCLEX-RN Examination Eligibility

See NCLEX-RN Examination Eligibility under the Eligibility Requirements section of this catalog.


Tuition for Repeated or Excessive Undergraduate Hours

See Tuition for Repeated or Excessive Undergraduate Hours under the Financial Information section of this catalog.


Computer Requirements

See Computer Requirements under the Student Information section of this catalog.


Criminal Background Checks

See Criminal Background Check Requirements under the Eligibility Requirements section of this catalog.


Drug Screening

Drug screenings may be necessary if required by the clinical institution site. The cost of all drug screens are the responsibility of the student. See Drug Screening Requirements under the Eligibility Requirements section of this catalog.


Immunizations

See Immunization Requirements under the Eligibility Requirements section of this catalog.


Special Student Enrollment

Provisional Admission

ABSN applicants who do not meet one or more of the program specific admission requirements may be considered for provisional acceptance by the admissions committee, which reviews applications for provisional acceptance after the conclusion of the admissions deadline. Offers of admission are offered as space permits. Provisional admission is an option for Accelerated VBSN active duty members seeking verification for officer promotion purposes.


Conditional Admission

If the requirements for full admission are not met, conditional admission may be available. The student is required to comply with “conditions” stated in the letter of admission offer prior to the first day of class for the semester the student is applying for. Failing to do so will result in retraction of the offer. Examples of conditional admission are as follows but not limited to:

  • Baccalaureate degree completion confirmation (Student graduating in current semester and verification is not available until the end of the semester. Applicable to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN only.)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification confirmation (Student will not have verification until after admission process is over but before the semester of admission begins. Applicable to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN only.)
  • Basic Life Support (CPR/AED) training and medical terminology completion confirmation
  • Prerequisite course(s) completion confirmation (student will not have verification until after admission process is over but before the semester of admission begins)


Readmission

All requests for readmission must be made no later than two (2) months prior to the first day of the semester in which readmission is requested. The Accelerated BSN Program Council is responsible for overseeing all readmission requests via the Admissions and Progressions Committee. A student who left in good standing and seeking readmission shall complete and submit a readmission application showing the expected entry point to the program’s student affairs coordinator. The coordinator will notify the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee of the request for readmission along with providing the most current transcript, and a summary of the circumstances of the student’s withdrawal, if known.

A student who left with a record not in good standing for disciplinary causes must complete and submit a readmission application to the program’s admissions coordinator along with a letter explaining the circumstances resulting in the withdrawal/dismissal and the plan to improve or correct performance if offered readmission. The program’s student affairs coordinator will forward the application, the letter, and any available academic records including the most recent transcript to the chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee. The Admissions and Progressions Committee shall review all such requests and may take one of the following actions regarding readmission of a student:

  1. eligible and admit,
  2. eligible pending space availability in nursing courses and in sequence to date of action in relation to other readmission applicants,
  3. not eligible.

The Admissions and Progressions Committee may assign requirements to be met as a condition of enrollment, i.e. readmission on a part-time degree plan.

Veterans who are unable to complete a semester due to having been called to active duty may be “readmitted and re-enrolled as a student without penalty or redetermination of admission eligibility within two years following release from the state or federal active military service. If student does not seek readmission within two years of active service, the student will be required to complete admissions process to determine eligibility”. (See TTUHSC Operating Policy 77.16, Miltary Service for additional considerations.)


Transfer Admission

All requests for transfer to TTUHSC School of Nursing from a different School of Nursing must be made no later than two months prior to the first day of the semester in which transfer admission is requested. The minimum cumulative GPA for transfer admission consideration is 3.0. A student seeking transfer completes an online application showing the expected entry point. The criteria considered for transfer are the same as those criteria considered for a new admission. In addition, the transfer student must submit a letter of standing from the dean or department chair of the School of Nursing previously attended. Veteran to BSN students may be required to meet additional criteria specific to military service.


Transfer of Credit

Course equivalencies for transfer credit are assessed based upon the catalog course description or the course syllabus. Courses of equivalent course content must be completed with the grade of “C” or higher to be considered as well as be earned at an institutions of higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting agency at the time the course credit is awarded. Transcripts will only be accepted from educational institutions accredited by regional and professional accrediting agencies approved by the US Department of Education.


Special Student Enrollment

Under certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for an individual to seek admission as a special non-degree seeking student. This admission is for the purpose of taking a limited number of courses for one semester only. It is not an avenue for seeking a degree. The individual must receive approval from the Accelerated BSN Admissions and Progressions Committee for enrollment.


Enrollment without Credit/Course Audit

Students who wish to audit a course for no grade must obtain approval from the Associate Dean/Department Chair. Students who audit a course will not be listed on the class roll, and no notation of the audit will be made on the student’s transcript. Students who are enrolled for 12 semester credit hours or more may audit a course without paying an additional fee.


Accelerated BSN Program Prerequisite Course Requirements

The prerequisite course requirements listed below should be completed with a grade of “C” or higher in each course prior to enrollment in the first nursing course. These requirements as detailed in the table below include a total of 55 semester credit hours (Second Degree BSN) or 59 semester credit hours (Veteran to BSN) and can be taken at any regionally accredited college or university. A maximum of 15 credit hours can be earned via credit by examination.

The prerequisite courses listed in the following table for the Accelerated BSN Program also incorporates the 42 hours of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Core Curriculum for undergraduate nursing degrees. See Core Curriculum Requirements under the Eligibility Requirements section of this catalog to review the Texas Core Curriculum requirements.


Important Information about Prerequisite Course Requirements

  • Pass/Fail grades are not accepted for credit toward degree requirements. 
    • An exception can be made for military courses that do not have a grade designation based on the College Credit for Heroes program, which maximizes college credit awarded to veterans and service members for military experience
  • Applicants may choose to request grades for all non-nursing courses greater than 10 years old not be considered in the GPA for admission. If this option is selected, the credits excluded are not eligible for prerequisite course consideration and must be retaken for credit. The applicant must have at least 34 credit hours within the past 10 years to use this option.
  • Grades earned at all schools attended are calculated in the admission grade point average. The quality points and semester credit hours used to calculate the cumulative grade point average for admission to the School of Nursing are taken from the official transcripts submitted during the application process.

The School of Nursing accepts courses completed via classroom, internet, correspondence, CLEP (College Level Examination Program), or advanced placement examination for which credit with the grade of “C” or higher has been awarded and posted on an official transcript from an accredited college or university when determining completion of prerequisite non-nursing course requirements. All general education courses must be completed prior to beginning the nursing curriculum.


Accelerated BSN Program Prerequisite Coursework Table


HOURS
Pathophysiology (ZOOL 3303 or equivalent)
3
Microbiology w/lab (BIOL 2420 or BIOL 2421)
4
Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab (BIOL 2401)
4
Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab (BIOL 2402)
4
Chemistry w/lab (CHEM 1305/1105 or CHEM 1406/CHEM 1411)
4
General Psychology (PSY 2301)
3
Life Span Human Development (PSY 2314)
3
Statistics (MATH 1342, 1442, 2342 or 2442)
3
Science of Nutrition (BIOL 1322 or HECO 1322)
3
History of the United States to 1877 (HIST 1301)
3
History of the United States since 1877 (HIST 1302)
3
American Government Organization (GOVT 2305 or POLS 1301)
3
American Public Policy (GOVT 2306 or POLS 2302)
3
English Composition I (ENGL 1301)
3
English Composition II (ENGL 1302)
3
Any Texas core approved course in Creative Arts
3
Any Texas core approved course in Language, Philosophy, or Culture
3
Elective* (Veteran to BSN)
4
TOTAL Second Degree BSN
55
TOTAL Veteran to BSN
59

  • *Elective is only required for Veteran to BSN applicants.
  • Course numbers listed are based on the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS). Check with your academic institution to verify the course number corresponds with the TCCNS number.
  • Students must complete 3 credit hours of math to meet core curriculum requirements. Students who take math statistics will simultaneously meet the requirements for the nursing prerequisite and the core curriculum. Students, who take any other statistics course as the nursing prerequisite, must also take an upper level mathematics course in order to meet the core curriculum requirement.
  • All courses are considered prerequisite to admission and beginning first semester of nursing course work.


Offer of Admission

Offers of admission will be made electronically by the Accelerated BSN Programs Admissions and Progressions Committee approximately eight weeks following the application deadline. Applicants are required to respond to the offer of admission no later than the deadline stated in the letter offering admission by returning a $175 nonrefundable placement guarantee/orientation fee, as well as a signed response form accepting the offer. Failure to respond by the deadline results in withdrawal of the offer of admission.


Second Bachelor’s Degree

No second bachelor’s degree is conferred until the candidate has completed at least 24 semester hours—exclusive of credit by examination—in addition to the courses counted toward the first bachelor’s degree. A second bachelor’s degree sought by a student who did not complete the core curriculum at a public Texas institution of higher education must include the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center required core curriculum.


Degree Requirements for Students Admitted to an Accelerated Program

Graduation under a Particular Catalog

A student is expected to complete the degree requirements set forth in the School of Nursing Catalog in effect at the time the student enters the chosen degree or area of study. Only with the specific approval of the Non-Traditional Undergraduate Associate Dean/Department Chair may a different Catalog be selected. Students, in all cases are prohibited from completing the requirements set forth in a catalog more than seven years old. The School of Nursing Catalog is published at least biennially and its provisions are applicable during the following academic year (September 1 through August 31).


Minimum Academic Requirements

A student must earn a 2.0 in each course in the required curriculum and maintain an overall semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. The School of Nursing Student Handbook provides further details regarding academic and graduation expectations.


Maintaining Minimum Academic Requirements

  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA for each semester and overall cumulative
  • A minimum grade of “C” in all nursing (degree required) courses is required.
  • Students earning an overall cumulative GPA or a semester GPA less than a 2.0 in the semester of graduation are ineligible for graduation


Academic Dismissal

  • Any student who is unsuccessful (achieves a grade of “D” or “F” or “WF”) in any single course will be dismissed from the School of Nursing and the University.


Comprehensive Exams

In the Accelerated BSN Programs the comprehensive exams are included in the overall assessment of student knowledge in NURS 4391 - Synthesis of Nursing Knowledge.


Residence Credit

The minimum actual residence credit required of each undergraduate student is 30 hours at TTUHSC, including the final 15 hours in nursing courses taken for a grade. The remaining hours may include transfer credit and correspondence course work. Residence credit as used here means credit for work done while enrolled in and attending classes at TTUHSC and should not be confused with “residence” in the State of Texas for tuition purposes.


Semester Credit Hours and Course Loads

The semester credit hour is the unit of measure for credit purposes. Didactic (lecture) hours are measured on a one-to-one basis; clinical hours are measured on a one-to-three basis. Approximately two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture or recitation and an appropriate amount of time for preparation for clinical activity is required.

The Accelerated BSN Programs enrollment in 12 or more credit hours per semester (6 or more credit hours in each summer session, or 12 or more credit hours in a full summer session) constitutes full-time enrollment. The number of semester credit hours a student may carry (course load) is regulated by the Non-Traditional Undergraduate Associate Dean/Department Chair. In determining course load, the Non- Traditional Undergraduate Associate Dean/ Department Chair takes into account the quality of prior scholastic work performed and the types of courses involved.

The Second Degree BSN students are required to complete 55 hours of non-nursing courses and 61 hours of nursing courses during the entire program, totaling 116 credit hours.

The Veteran to BSN students are required to complete 59 hours of non-nursing courses and 61 hours of nursing courses during the entire program, totaling 120 credit hours.


Accelerated BSN Program Degree Plan

The degree plans are approved by the faculty and is provided to the student as part of an online student affairs orientation. The program’s student affairs coordinator will work with students to revise a degree plan based on a student’s ability to successfully progress through the Curriculum. A revised degree plan needs to be approved by the Non-Traditional Undergraduate Associate Dean/Department Chair. Course enrollment may be limited based on available resources, including but not limited to, availability of clinical sites within the community. When necessary, methods for limiting enrollment will be determined by the Non-Traditional Undergraduate Associate Dean/Department Chair.

All pre/corequisites and any designated conditions/criteria for previous courses apply throughout the curriculum. All general education courses should be completed prior to beginning the nursing curriculum.

Sample Degree Plan - Accelerated BSN Program:

Second Degree BSN and Veteran to BSN

Semester 1

Number
Course Name
Credits
NURS 3215
Basic Skills for Nursing Practice, CL
(2:0.5:4.5 H)
+NURS 3380
Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 3510
Clinical Foundations of Nursing Practice, CL
(5:0:15 F)
NURS 3307Health Assessment, CL
(3:2:3 H)
+NURS 3107
Pharmacology I
(1:1:0 O)
NURS 3325
Essential Concepts for Professional Nursing Practice
(3:3:0 O)
+NURS 4207
Pharmacology II
(2:2:0 H)

Total Semester Hours
19

Semester 2

Number
Course Name
Credits
NURS 3385
Concepts of Chronic Care Nursing
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 3520
Chronic Care Nursing Clinical, CL
(5:0:15 F)
NURS 4411
Mental Health Nursing, CL
(4:3:3 H)
NURS 3407
Perinatal Nursing, CL
(4:3:3 H)
NURS 3326
Evidence Based Practice
(3:3:0 O)

Total Semester Hours
19


Semester 3

Number
Course Name
Credits
NURS 4398
Concepts of Acute Care Nursing
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 4510
Acute Care Nursing Clinical, CL
(5:0:15 F)
NURS 4317
Community and Population Health, CL
(3:2:3 H)
+NURS 4509Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, CL
(5:4:3 H)
NURS 4401
Child Health Nursing, CL
(4:3:3 H)
NURS 4391
Synthesis of Nursing Knowledge
(3:3:0 O)

Total Semester Hours
23


Total Credit Hours
61


Students must earn 61 total credit hours (TCH) to complete the program requirements toward the awarding of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). TCH can be earned through successful completion of 48 semester credit hours (SCH) in traditional program courses and up to 11 prior learning credits (PLC) by successful demonstration of competency in the courses indicated by “+”. PLC may be awarded in NURS 3380, NURS 3107, NURS 4207, and NURS 4509. PLCs may only be awarded to students enrolled in the Veteran to BSN track.


KEY:

  • Courses are listed in numerical order
  • (F) Face-to-face
  • (O) Online
  • (H) Hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online)
  • (CL) Concurrent enrollment in a Clinical Section is required
  • (#:#:#) First # represents the number of credit hours, Second # represents the number of lecture hours per week, Third # represents the number of clinical hours per week
  • * Elective Courses are offered at select times as faculty and interest are present
  • (V) Variable Credit
 
  • NURS 3107 Pharmacology I (1:1:0,O)

    (Corequisites: Enrollment in all first semester courses.) This course introduces principles of pharmacology, drug therapy, classifications of drugs, and nursing implications of pharmaco-therapeutics. Legal, ethical, genetic, cultural and life span implications of drug therapy are also explored. Emphasis is on the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics in the treatment of selected illnesses. The focus is on utilization of the nursing process concepts in the safe administration of pharmaco-therapeutics.

  • NURS 3215 Basic Skills for Nursing Practice (2:.5:4.5,H)

    (Prerequisites: Program admission and completion of all required general education courses.) This laboratory/clinical experience is an introduction to foundational skills for practice and an overview of the standards for nursing practice. This course focuses on client safety and comfort, nutrition, selected nursing interventions, and beginning assessment skills.

  • NURS 3307 Health Assessment (3:2:3,F)

    (Prerequisites: NURS 3215; Corequisites: Enrollment in all first semester courses.) An introduction to health assessment as a systematic process with emphasis on developing skill in the techniques of assessment and therapeutic communication across the life span. Includes introductory concepts of data collection, health history, physical examination, use of technology to access and document holistic health assessment and clinical decision making. Performance assessment of skills is required in a laboratory experience.

  • NURS 3325 Essential Concepts for Professional Nursing Practice (3:3:0,O)

    (Corequisite: Enrollment in all first semester courses.) This course emphasizes concepts essential for professional nursing practice in the various roles of the professional registered nurse. The role of the professional nurse is introduced as well as discovering the nurse’s position in patient care and advocacy, health promotion, and education. The nurse’s legal and ethical responsibilities and role within the interdisciplinary team are explored through case studies of historical events. The focus is on developing an identity as the professional nurse.

  • NURS 3326 Evidence Based Practice (3:3:0,O)

    (Corequisite: Enrollment in all first semester courses.) This course will introduce students to evidence-based practice and research methods utilized in nursing practice. The purpose of the course is to allow students to develop skills in using the cyclical process of carefully identifying clinical problems, critically appraising available evidence, and successfully integrating evidenced based practice for enhancing patient outcomes.

  • NURS 3380 Foundational Concepts of Nursing Practice (3:3:0,O)

    (Prerequisites: NURS 3215; Co-requisites: Enrollment in all second semester courses.) This course is an introduction to nursing as a systematic process with emphasis on the knowledge, skills and values core to evidence-based professional nursing utilizing a framework of clinical judgment and decision-making coupled with a management systems approach of macro/micro systems. Emphasis is on human functioning, human diversity and responses to health and illness.

  • NURS 3385 Concepts of Chronic Care Nursing (3:3:0,O)

    (Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first semester courses; Corequisites: Enrollment in all second semester courses.) This course emphasizes chronic care nursing concepts essential for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. Special focus is on the concepts of aging, health promotion, disease prevention, and genetics as well as illness management. Clinical judgment and reasoning and the integration of therapeutic nursing skills will be demonstrated through case study analysis and critical thinking activities.

  • NURS 3407 Perinatal Nursing (4:3:3,H)

    (Corequisites: Enrollment in all second semester courses.) Encompasses concepts related to the safe delivery of evidenced-based nursing care to childbearing families throughout the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn experience. Special emphasis is placed upon clinical experiences providing opportunity to exercise clinical judgment in case studies, simulation, community and acute care settings.

  • NURS 3510 Clinical Foundations of Nursing Practice (5:0:15,F)

    Prerequisites: NURS 3215; Corequisites: Enrollment in all second semester courses.) This course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate foundational professional nursing skills through clinical and simulated nursing activities for patients experiencing common health problems in a variety of health care settings.

  • NURS 3520 Chronic Care Nursing Clinical (5:0:15,F)

    (Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first semester courses; Corequisites: Enrollment in all second semester courses.) This course provides opportunities for students to integrate knowledge and theory essential to the care of patients experiencing chronic health alterations with special focus on needs of the aging population. Clinical judgment and reasoning, therapeutic nursing skills, genetics and pharmacology concepts necessary for chronic care delivery are demonstrated in the application of evidence based nursing care through case studies and weekly clinical experiences.

  • NURS 4207 Pharmacology II (2:2:0,O)

    Corequesite: Enrollment in all second semester courses) The purpose of this course is to examine pharmcotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of illness and the promotion, maintenance and restoration of wellness. Emphasis is on understanding drug classification, actions, therapeutic use, adverse effect of medications and management of toxicity. The focus is on concepts of safe administration, drug calculation, client education and monitoring the response to pharmacotherapeutic agents. The student will synthesize information learned in previous pharmacology course. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all first semester courses.

  • NURS 4317 Community and Population Health (3:2:3,F)

    (Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all first and second semester courses; Corequisite: Enrollment in all third semester courses) This course emphasizes population-focused nursing and community-oriented approaches essential for understanding and addressing public health concerns. Focus is on the concepts of community and population health nursing practice, epidemiology and disease transmission, comprehensive assessment of risk factors and health problems, program planning and intervention, environmental health, collaboration with the interprofessional team, health promotion and disease prevention.

  • NURS 4391 Synthesis of Nursing Knowledge (3:3:0,O)

    (Pre-co-requisite: all NURS 4000 level courses must be completed or in progress.) The student is guided through a series of learning and assessment experiences that synthesize content from both didactic and clinical courses in the Program. This reflection on learning serves as a basis for review of nursing concepts and how effectively students synthesize those concepts in making decisions regarding professional practice situations.

  • NURS 4398 Concepts of Acute Care Nursing (3:3:0,O)

    (Pre-requisite: Satisfactory completion of all first and second semester courses; Co-requisites: Enrollment in all third semester courses) This course emphasizes acute care nursing concepts essential for professional nursing practice in complex adult medical/surgical environments. Advanced clinical judgment, reasoning and therapeutic nursing skills are demonstrated in the application of evidence based nursing care through the use of case study analysis with increasing complexities and critical thinking activities. The focus is on complex disease management including environmental factors, genetic risks, and preventive care using a collaborative approach.

  • NURS 4401 Child Health Nursing (4:3:3,H)

    (Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all first and second semester courses. Corequisite: Enrollment in all third semester courses) The course emphasizes on child health and illness nursing concepts essential for professional nursing practice in pediatric acute care and outpatient settings. Growth and development, health promotion, and safety are emphasized. Application of evidence based nursing care of pediatric patients and their families will be provided through clinical opportunities in pediatric settings. Application of clinical judgment and critical thinking will be demonstrated by students in the clinical laboratory environment, as well as acute, chronic, and outpatient settings.

  • NURS 4411 Mental Health Nursing (4:3:3,H)

    (Pre-requisite: Satisfactory completion of all first semester courses. Co-requisite: Enrollment in all second semester courses) This course emphasizes the concepts of human mental health in altered states from adaptation through dysfunction to pathological processes. The focus is on approaches to promote mental health/optimal function in the care of patients, groups, and families experiencing altered states of mental health using evidence based standards of care.

  • NURS 4509 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice (5:4:0,H)

    (Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all first and second semester courses. Corequisite: Enrollment in all third semester courses.) This course surveys the key nursing roles with emphasis on leadership, a management and interprofessional team and associated theories. Concepts discussed in this course include quality/process improvement, promotion of client safety, and resource management. This course will provide the entry-level nurse with a foundation from which to engage in effective decision making regarding conflict resolution, care coordination, and professional responsibilities. Students will participate in clinical experiences involving integration of the roles of provider, manager, and interprofessional team member.

  • NURS 4510 Acute Care Nursing Clinical (5:0:15,F)

    (Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of all first and second semester courses; Corequisites: Enrollment in all third semester courses) This course provides opportunities for students to synthesize generalist nursing roles of provider and manager of nursing care, in clinical and simulated acute care setting. Clinical judgment and reasoning and therapeutic nursing skills necessary in the acute care delivery are demonstrated in the application of evidence-based nursing care through simulated case studies and weekly clinical experiences.