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. This phase provides a broad educational background in the physical, social, and behavioral sciences, which serves as the foundation for the nursing major. The second phase is comprised of 54 semester credit hours of upper-division work in the nursing major and is completed within the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing. These courses, taken during junior and senior years, aim to equip baccalaureate nurses for practice in diverse settings.

Admission to the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing is extremely competitive. Admission to UNCP does not guarantee admission to the McKenzie-Elliott 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 the previous nursing program stating that they are eligible to continue in that nursing program to be considered for admission to the McKenzie-Elliott 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.

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 once during progression in the nursing program. A remediation plan established by the department must be successfully completed prior to retaking 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. Adhere to all policies of the university, School of Nursing, and clinical agencies.