Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program prepares graduates to take the licensure examination to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Nursing courses include clinical experiences in a variety of settings with clients across the lifespan. Our nursing education building includes a modern clinical learning center that offers high fidelity simulated learning experiences. UIW graduates are employed around the world in all areas of healthcare including hospitals, community settings, research, education, parish ministries, government agencies, and the military services. A minimum of 123 hours is required for graduation.
Admission Requirements
Traditional BSN program admission requirements
Admissions to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is a two-part process.
1. Apply to UIW: Students must be admitted for general admission to the University of the Incarnate Word before applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
2. Apply to the Program: Applicants apply to the program while completing prerequisite coursework. Applications to the program must be submitted to the Ila Faye School of Nursing and Health Professions by February 1 for fall admission and July 1 for spring admission each year.
Accelerated BSN program admission requirements
Applicants must have at least 60 prior non-nursing college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA for all undergraduate coursework. Applicants must also meet additional admission requirements. See Accelerated BSN Requirements.
Apply to the Program: Submit an application through NursingCas.
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Full Traditional BSN program admission requirements
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Applicants must have been accepted to the University of the Incarnate Word for Fall semester admissions by February 1st and Spring semester admissions by July 1st.
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Applications to the nursing program must be completed as directed by the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. Additional information about immunization requirements, admissions testing schedules, and other requirements should be obtained from the School of Nursing.
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In order to be reviewed, the nursing program application must be completed through the Nursing's Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) by the February 1st (or July 1st) deadline. The applicant must have:
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Submitted official copies of transcripts of all schools attended.
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Submitted record of current enrollment.
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Acknowledged and agreed to complete the criminal background screen when directed by the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions.
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Completed a designated admissions test (refer to website for specific test).
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If admitted, the student will need to submit documentation of required immunizations, basic life support for health care providers, and first aid prior to enrollment in nursing courses. Failure to meet submission deadlines may invalidate the acceptance, so students should have immunizations completed by the application deadline.
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By February 1 (or July 1), in order to be considered for admission, the applicant must have completed (with a minimum grade of C) or be currently enrolled in all courses designated as prerequisite to admission:
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Dimensions of Wellness (transfer students may complete upon admission during their first semester at UIW).
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English Composition I and II (prior bachelor’s degree exempt).
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Biological Chemistry II/Lab - equivalent of CHEM 1320/CHEM 1120 at UIW (4 hours of Organic Chemistry [CHEM 2311/2111] or CHEM 1301 and 1302/CHEM 1203L will be accepted in lieu of Biological Chemistry).
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Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab and II/Lab.
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Microbiology/Lab.
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Nutrition.
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Statistics.
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Psychology-Introduction.
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Psychology-Lifespan Development (or Child Development and Adult Development).
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Admission to the nursing program may be limited based on the availability of qualified faculty and clinical practice sites. Acceptance is primarily based on academic performance. The applicant's overall academic record is considered in admission decisions. Criteria include:
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A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all course work to date. More favorable consideration will be given to applicants with higher GPAs and to those who passed courses the first time taken.
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A minimum GPA of 2.5 in science courses. This includes all biology, chemistry and nutrition courses.
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Scores on the standardized nursing entrance test are also considered in admission decisions.
Fulfillment of these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Students must also have completed the designated prerequisite courses, the designated health requirements and a background check in order to enroll in the program. If applicable, students must have received a declaratory order from the Texas BON. An interview may be required.
Students applying to transfer from another baccalaureate nursing program must satisfy the same prerequisite course work as do all other applicants. Students must also meet the same standards for progression as do students enrolled in the UIW nursing program. This means that applicants must be in good academic standing and eligible to continue in the original nursing program. Applicants who have been unsuccessful in another nursing program will not be considered. Prior nursing course work will be evaluated for equivalency with the UIW curriculum. Placement in the program will be determined on an individual basis and placement is subject to available space in the program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Plan—Traditional Program
A minimum of 123 credit hours is required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
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43 total core credit hours |
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| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Nursing Coursework
| NURS 2125 | Integrated Clinical I | 1 |
| NURS 2313 | Basic Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 2315 | Nursing I Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS 2350 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 3125 | Integrated Clinical II | 1 |
| NURS 3311 | Health Communication | 3 |
| NURS 3315 | Nursing II: Aging, Chronicity, and Care Coordination | 3 |
| NURS 3325 | Healthcare Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 3335 | Pharmacology and Safe Medication Administration | 3 |
| NURS 3355 | Evidence Based Practice and Informatics in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 3345 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing I Clinical | 3 |
| NURS 3545 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing I | 5 |
| NURS 4282 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| NURS 4415 | Nursing of Children and Families | 4 |
| NURS 4431 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 4441 | Nursing of the Childbearing Family | 4 |
| NURS 4445 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing II | 4 |
| NURS 4462 | Nursing III: Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 4650 | Professional Leadership Capstone | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 62 |
Required Supporting Coursework
Total Credit Hours: 123
Accelerated BSN Degree Plan
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 16-month program for those who have at least 60 non-nursing credit hours or a bachelor's degree that is not in nursing from an accredited institution.
Students must complete a minimum of 45 semester hours at UIW where at least 36 of the final 45 hours are taken at UIW and at least 36 hours must be upper division credits. Active military students must take a minimum of 30 hours, or at least 25% of the total degree plan, at UIW.
Nursing Coursework
The Accelerated program requires 62 credit hours of nursing coursework, divided over four semesters.
Semester 1
| NURS 2350 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 2313 | Basic Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 2313L | Basic Health Assessment Lab | 0 |
| NURS 2315 | Nursing I Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS 3325 | Healthcare Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 3335 | Pharmacology and Safe Medication Administration | 3 |
| NURS 2125 | Integrated Clinical I | 1 |
| NURS 3125 | Integrated Clinical II | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Semester 2
| NURS 3315 | Nursing II: Aging, Chronicity, and Care Coordination | 3 |
| NURS 3311 | Health Communication | 3 |
| NURS 3545 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing I | 5 |
| NURS 3345 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing I Clinical | 3 |
| NURS 4431 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Semester 3
| NURS 3355 | Evidence Based Practice and Informatics in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 4445 | Medical-Surgical and Complex Care Nursing II | 4 |
| NURS 4441 | Nursing of the Childbearing Family | 4 |
| NURS 4415 | Nursing of Children and Families | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Semester 4
| NURS 4282 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
| NURS 4462 | Nursing III: Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 4650 | Professional Leadership Capstone | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |