School of Nursing 2023 - 2024 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 the 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.

Note:

  • International students with F1 and F2 visa status are not eligible to apply to an online program.
  • All copies of immunization records, lab reports, and/or health records must be provided prior to the start of the program. Students will not be allowed to register in courses until all records are received and approved by the Office of Institutional Health. All applicants and incoming students need to be aware that while the School of Nursing does not require COVID-19 vaccination, our clinical partners are requiring that all students are fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to clinical placement and proof of vaccination must be provided, in advance. The successful completion of the clinical component of your program is essential for graduation. As a result, students will not be able to complete program requirements for graduation without completing the clinical requirement.


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, Permian Basin (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, Permian Basin (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


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.


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 website or have completed at least 40 credit hours (SCHs) of non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment for the remaining prerequisites. Prior to application close date, 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 with a passing grade of 'C' or better.
  • All general education requirements (core curriculum) and prerequisites must be documented on official transcript prior to the first day of class.
  • Completion of a medical terminology course (can be for credit or certificate of completion).
  • Completion of certified nursing assistant (CNA) training. Preference for those certified at time of admission consideration.
  • American Heart Association BLS certification prior to first day of class.


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 or Zoom 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.
  • Active reservists must provide signed letter from reserve commanding officer indicating allowance to participate in program with completion of two-week annual training prior to and after the ABSN Program. ABSN Active Reservist Agreement
  • Active duty applicants will not be accepted to the Accelerated Second Degree/VBSN Track without verification of an approved conditional release from active-duty services for the duration of the program.


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

  • Active duty will not be accepted to the Accelerated Program (Second Degree BSN or VBSN Track) without verification of an approved conditional release from active-duty services for the duration of the program.
  • Health Care Specialist Rating (i.e. medic, corpsman, vocational/practical nurse) while in the service. Individuals who have separated from the military are required to submit a DD214 showing proof of a medical rating. Active duty military and reservists are required to submit a Joint Services Transcript. 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, please go to the following link: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/militaryservice-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 website. Prior to admission offer, applicants must have either completed all 59 credit hours (SCH) of lower division general education courses as outlined in the School of Nursing Catalog and posted on the SON website or have completed at least 40 credit hours (SCH) of non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment for the remaining perquisites. Prior to application close date, 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 with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
  • 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.


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 civilian
  • 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 (Attachment A) from reserve commanding officer indicating allowance to participate in program with completion to two-week annual training prior to and after VBSN track (SON OP 60.125)
  • Active duty applicants will not be accepted to the Accelerated BSN Program (Second Degree BSN or VBSN Tracks) without verification of an approved conditional release from active-duty services for the duration of the program.
  • 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 or Zoom 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.



Additional 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 if released from active duty service to attend the one year Accelerated BSN Program.


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 meet the stated requirements will result in retraction of the offer of admission. 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 from the American Heart Association 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 (academic or 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 appropriate student affairs coordinator will forward the application, the letter, any observations regarding academic performance and behavior during prior enrollment at the School of Nursing, 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. successful completion of a benchmark examination.

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

Applicants must submit original copies of official college transcripts from all institutions in which the student has enrolled. These transcripts will be reviewed and course work evaluated by the Program Director for each track in consultation with the Associate Dean and Department Chair. Final determination regarding applicability of completed course work toward degree requirements lies with the Associate Dean and Department Chair.

  • Applicants requesting admission to either program and requesting that nursing credit be transferred, must submit a letter from each School of Nursing attended from the dean or department chair outlining the student’s academic standing. 
  • Course equivalencies for transfer credit are assessed based upon the catalog course description or the course syllabus and/or notes provided by the student. Generally, courses of equivalent course content completed with the grade of “C” or higher at any accredited educational institution will be accepted for transfer credit toward degree requirements. 
  • Applicants are encouraged to meet with the School of Nursing Student Affairs Coordinator for the appropriate program to discuss applicability of transfer credit for degree purposes. 
  • Credit for nursing course cannot be earned via credit by examination. 
  • A maximum of 31 credits from another school of nursing may be accepted via transfer. (30 semester credit hours must be in residence.) 
  • The approval process for any transfer credit course for previous nursing classes must be completed prior to the first day of enrollment in the program. Applicants may be required to attain a specified score on a standardized competency assessment prior to approval of transfer credit.


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.


Deferment of Admission

ABSN students who have been admitted to the School of Nursing and have completed all required prerequisite courses but wish to defer the start date to a later semester will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions and Progressions Committee. Deferments may be granted for reasons including, but not limited to, personal illness or illness of immediate family member, military service, humanitarian or religious service, or financial hardship. All requests for deferment will be forwarded to the Chair of the Admissions and Progressions Committee along with supporting documentation for requested deferment. Faculty will notify Admissions staff as to the decision. All decisions are final. Deferments will be granted for no more than one academic year from the time of initial offer of admission.


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

A second bachelor’s degree will not be 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. Pass/Fail grades are not accepted for credit toward degree requirements except courses where credit is awarded to VBSN students for prior learning credits through successful demonstration of competency.


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 4325 - Synthesis of Conceptual 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 3213
Evidence-Based Nursing Concepts
(2:2:0 O)
NURS 3327
Health Promotion Concepts
(3:3:0 O)
+NURS 3555
Fundamental Nursing Concepts
(5:5:0 O)
+NURS 3415
Pharmacological Concepts
(4:4:0 O)
NURS 3610
Experiential Learning I, CL
(6:0:18 H)

Total Semester Hours
20

Semester 2

Number
Course Name
Credits
NURS 3328
Mental Health Nursing Concepts
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 3335
Perinatal Nursing Concepts
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 3338
Community and Public Health Nursing Concepts
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 4515
Advanced Nursing Concepts
(5:5:0 O)
NURS 4715
Experiential Learning II, CL
(7:0:21 H)

Total Semester Hours
21


Semester 3

Number
Course Name
Credits
+NURS 4321
Leadership Concepts in Nursing
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 4323
Child Health Nursing Concepts
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 4325
Synthesis of Conceptual Nursing Knowledge
(3:3:0 O)
NURS 4530Complex Nursing Concepts
(5:5:0 O)
NURS 4615
Experiential Learning III, CL
(6:0:18 H)

Total Semester Hours
20


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 12 prior learning credits (PLC) by successful demonstration of competency in the courses indicated by “+”. PLC may be awarded in NURS 3327, NURS 3415, and NURS 4321. 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 3213 Evidence-Based Nursing Concepts (2:2:0,O)

    This course introduces evidence-based practice and the basic principles of the research process. Emphasis is on the process of generating, synthesizing, translating, applying, and disseminating nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care. Pre-requisite: None Co-requisite: All first semester courses.

  • NURS 3327 Health Promotion Concepts (3:3:0,O)

    This course introduces the concepts of health promotion and maintenance across the lifespan to establish holistic, individualized, developmentally appropriate person-centered care. This includes a focus on physiologic changes, maintaining functional capacity, and access to health care. Content will focus on respect for diversity, differences, preferences, values, needs, resources, and the determinants of health unique to the individual. Emphasis will be placed on foundational concepts to improve quality of life through routine wellness assessment, advocacy, and education resulting in risk reduction and disease prevention across the lifespan. Pre-requisite: None Co-requisite: All first semester courses.

  • NURS 3328 Mental Health Nursing Concepts (3:3:0,O)

    This course emphasizes the concepts of mental health including altered states and pathological processes associated with mental health disorders. The focus is on person-centered care approaches to promote optimal mental health of patients, including families and/or important others, experiencing varying states of mental health utilizing evidence-based standards. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4715 Experiential Learning II. Pre-requisite: All first semester courses. Co-requisite: All second semester courses.

  • NURS 3335 Perinatal Nursing Concepts (3:3:0,O)

    This course emphasizes the concepts of perinatal nursing related to the safe delivery of evidenced-based care to childbearing families throughout the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn experience. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4715 Experiential Learning II. Pre-requisite: All first semester courses. Co-requisite: All second semester courses.

  • NURS 3338 Community and Public Health Nursing Concepts (3:3:0,O)

    This course emphasizes the concepts of community and public health essential for professional 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 related concepts are explored. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethics are also emphasized. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4715 Experiential Learning II. Pre-requisite: All first semester courses. Co-requisite: All second semester courses.

  • NURS 3415 Pharmacological Concepts (4:4:0,O)

    This course introduces the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of wellness. Emphasis is on the knowledge of drug classifications required for nursing practice. Legal, ethical, cultural, and life span implications of drug therapy are also explored. Concepts of safe medication administration, dosage calculation, client monitoring and education are a major focus. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 3610 Experiential Learning I. Pre-requisite: None Co-requisite: All first semester courses.

  • NURS 3555 Fundamental Nursing Concepts (5:5:0,O)

    This course introduces the foundations of nursing as a systems-based practice to provide safe, quality, equitable care to diverse populations. Using evidence-based practice, the skills of health assessment, communication, and select nursing skills are explored. Select standards of nursing care an introduction to the professional nursing role will inform safe use of these skills. Clinical reasoning is introduced as the foundational basis for providing patient-centered care, recognizing shared commonalities and uniqueness of a patient's health such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, lifestyle, socio-economic class, and sexual orientation. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 3610 Experiential Learning I. Pre-requisite: None Co-requisite: All first semester courses.

  • NURS 3610 Experiential Learning I (6:0:18,H)

    This course introduces the application of foundational knowledge, skills, and values central to evidence-based professional nursing. The course integrates knowledge from foundational concepts, health promotion, and pharmacology for the delivery of evidence-based person-centered care. Select nursing skills, health assessment, medication administration, and standards of professional nursing care are included. Knowledge is applied within the simulation and clinical setting to develop mastery of designated nursing skill competencies. Various levels of fidelity of simulation and evaluation by formative/summative examination are implemented. Pre-requisite: None Co-requisite: All first semester courses.

  • NURS 4321 Leadership Concepts in Nursing (3:3:0,O)

    This course focuses on responding to and leading within complex systems of health care. The nurse's role as a leader, manager, and member of the interprofessional team are emphasized. Quality and process improvement, conflict resolution, care coordination, and related concepts and theories are explored. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4615 Experiential Learning III. Pre-requisite: All first and second semester courses. Co-requisite: All third semester courses.

  • NURS 4323 Child Health Nursing Concepts (3:3:0,O)

    This course emphasizes the concepts of child health related to the safe delivery of evidenced-based nursing care. The focus is on growth and development, health promotion, alterations in health, the role of the nurse, and coordination with the interprofessional team. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4615 Experiential Learning III. Pre-requisite: All first and second semester courses. Co-requisite: All third semester courses.

  • NURS 4325 Synthesis of Conceptual Nursing Knowledge (3:3:0,O)

    This course emphasizes the integration and application of a broad knowledge base to demonstrate clinical judgment. Conceptual knowledge is analyzed to identify and address areas needing enhanced understanding. Emphasis is on demonstrating content mastery to promote the successful transition of the student nurse into the professional role. Pre-requisite: All first and second semester courses. Co-requisite: All third semester courses.

  • NURS 4515 Advanced Nursing Concepts (5:5:0,O)

    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, genetics, and illness management. Clinical judgment, reasoning, and select nursing skills are developed in the context of evidence-based chronic care. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4715 Experiential Learning II. Pre-requisite: All first semester courses. Co-requisite: All second semester courses.

  • NURS 4530 Complex Nursing Concepts (5:5:0,O)

    This course emphasizes acute care nursing concepts essential for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. Special focus is on complex disease management including environmental factors, genetic risks, and preventive care using a collaborative approach. Clinical judgment, reasoning, and select nursing skills are strengthened in the context of evidence-based acute care. Knowledge is applied and evaluated in the clinical and simulation setting in the co-requisite clinical course, NURS 4615 Experiential Learning III. Pre-requisite: All first and second semester courses. Co-requisite: All third semester courses.

  • NURS 4615 Experiential Learning III (6:0:18,H)

    This course strengthens clinical judgment and reasoning through the application of complex decision- making essential for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. The course integrates knowledge from complex concepts, child health, and leadership nursing for the delivery of evidence-based person-centered care. Knowledge is applied within the simulation and clinical setting to develop mastery of designated nursing skill competencies. Various levels of fidelity of simulation and evaluation by formative/summative examination are implemented. Pre-requisite: All first and second semester courses. Co-requisite: All third semester courses.

  • NURS 4715 Experiential Learning II (7:0:21,H)

    This course develops clinical judgment and reasoning through the integration of therapeutic nursing skill concepts essential for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings. The course integrates knowledge from advanced concepts, community health, mental health, and perinatal nursing for the delivery of evidence-based person-centered care. Knowledge is applied within the simulation and clinical setting to develop mastery of designated nursing skill competencies. Various levels of fidelity of simulation and evaluation by formative/summative examination are implemented. Pre-requisite: All first semester courses. Co-requisite: All second semester courses.