Pre-Licensure, B.S.N.

Pre-Licensure BSN Option

The Pre-licensure BSN option is 4 years in length and encompasses two phases. The first phase is comprised of 61 semester credit hours of lower-division work (liberal arts and nursing prerequisites) which may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university but must be comparable to those offered at UNCP. The broad educational background in the physical, social, and behavioral sciences afforded by this phase provides the foundation for the nursing major. The second phase is comprised of 59 semester credit hours of upper-division work in the nursing major and is completed within the McKenzie School of Nursing. Taken during junior and senior years, these courses are designed to prepare the baccalaureate nurses for practice in a variety of settings.

Admission to the McKenzie School of Nursing is extremely competitive. Admission to UNCP does not guarantee admission to the McKenzie School of Nursing. Applicants must be eligible to return to all educational institutions previously attended. Applicants who are attending or have attended another nursing school are required to provide a letter with the application from the Dean/Chair or Director of previous nursing program stating that they are eligible to continue in that nursing program to be considered for admission to McKenzie School of Nursing. Students are admitted to the pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program at the upper division level. Lower division courses must be completed before beginning nursing courses. The first nursing courses begin in the fall semester of the junior year. The nursing curriculum includes both didactic and clinical experiences for students to develop a beginning level of competency and independence in the provision of quality professional nursing services, across the life span, for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Integrated throughout the nursing curriculum are concepts and skills most critical to the delivery of professional nursing services to culturally diverse rural populations.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing will be awarded to students who successfully complete both phases of the requirements for the degree. Degree recipients will then be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN^® licensure examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. A registered nurse (RN) license will be awarded upon a successful “Pass” on NCLEX-RN^® and satisfaction of other Board of Nursing licensure requirements.

Admission Requirements

1. Admission to UNCP by meeting general requirements for admission as a regular degree-seeking student.
2. Successful completion of all 61 hours of general education nursing core and pre-requisite nursing major courses with a grade of C or better by end of spring semester of the year of admission.
3. A Total GPA of 2.5 (4.0=A) is required for admission consideration. Each student’s total GPA is calculated on the required general education nursing core courses and nursing pre-requisite coursework.
4. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the following mathematics and science courses: MAT 1050 or higher, BIO 2110 , BIO 2120, BIO 3150 , CHM 1300 and CHM 1100 OR CHM 1400 and CHM 1120, NUR 3250, and statistics.
5. Physical, mental, and emotional health that enables a student to participate in and complete the program (see departmental policies).
6. Submission of a supplemental application to the Department of Nursing by February 15 of the year they plan to enter the BSN program. All applicants will be notified of acceptance status no later than March 15.
7. Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS™) prior to submission of the Supplemental Application. A minimum level of “Proficient” on the test is required for admission consideration. (See TEAS™ Registration and Administration Guidelines.)

Academic Standards for Progression

The following requirements must be met to progress in the nursing program:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of C (2.0) or higher.
2. Achieve a grade of C or higher in each nursing course before proceeding to the next nursing course.
3. Receive a P (pass) grade on the laboratory or clinical component of each nursing course that has either laboratory or clinical experience. A grade of F (fail) in any laboratory or clinical component will result in an F for the course.
4. Only one nursing course may be repeated one time during progression in the nursing program. A remediation plan established by the department must be successfully completed prior to re-taking the nursing course in which the student was not successful.
5. A student who is unsuccessful in or withdraws from NUR 3010, Introduction to Professional Nursing, or NUR 3030, Foundations of Professional Nursing, will need to apply to the program during the following admissions cycle and complete the entire admission process. The student will be considered for admission as a new applicant and must meet the admission criteria of the cohort they seek to join.  
6. Maintain current CPR certification, TB (or x-ray) testing, evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination, health insurance, and professional liability insurance while enrolled in the nursing program.
7. Adhere to all policies of the University, Department of Nursing, and clinical agencies.