Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Nursing

Program

Procedure for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

General Entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Admission into the BSN degree program is a two step process:

  • Students interested in pursuing the BSN degree are eligible for general entry to the Bachelor Science in Nursing Program by meeting requirements for entry into South University.
  • Students must meet all prerequisite requirements to be considered for admission to the professional phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Admission to the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The criteria used to determine admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • Completion of 90 quarter hours (QH) of science and general education courses as required for admission to BSN degree program with a grade of C or better. Science courses are not accepted for transfer if they are older than 7 years at the time of application to South University.
  • A cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale in the nursing pre-requisite courses. Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
  • A GPA of 2.75 or better in the following science courses: BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab; BO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II and BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab; BIO2070 Microbiology and BIO2073 Microbiology Laboratory; CHM1010 General Chemistry; BIO2015 Human Pathophysiology.  Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
  • A grade of "C" or better in all general education courses.
  • Entrance test results (HESI or TEAS test).
  • A completed, approved Level I and Level II background check.
  • Completed application for admission to the BSN degree program form.
  • Official transcripts from every college or university attended, including courses taken at South University.
  • Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential functions related to the profession of nursing as described in this catalog.
  • Completion of prerequisites courses at South University will be considered in the ranking process.

Provisional admission may be granted if the student is completing prerequisites in the term before matriculation into the nursing program. On the day of matriculation into the nursing, the student must meet the admission criteria as outlined above. Failure to meet requirements of admission will result in rescinding the provisional admission status.

Acceptance into the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science Nursing

Upon acceptance into the Nursing Program, the student must submit:

  • A nonrefundable one -time Acceptance Fee to the business office for enrollment into the BSN program. This fee will be applied to the student's first quarter tuition payment. Students enrolling in the RN to BSN program are not required to pay the registration/acceptance fee.
  • Completed current physical examination record with required immunizations, titers, lab results, and tuberculosis assessment.
  • Urine drug screen
  • Evidence of health insurance

Pre-Licensure (BSN) Laptop Computer Requirement

Laptop computers are required for use in testing. All students are required to have a laptop computer with Internet access that meets university specifications.

Comprehensive Background Check

Please see the General Admissions Policies section here

Acceptance into a South University educational program, or it's completion, does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification.

The Nursing Program Director may be required to submit written documentation regarding the student status to boards of nursing and clinical agencies as early as receipt of the student's CONPH application. Students may be required to obtain additional background checks as requested by clinical agencies or boards of nursing.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here

Offered at Austin, Columbia, High Point, Montgomery, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach. 

The BSN degree program is designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation that prepares individuals for entry into the nursing profession. The BSN graduate will be able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. The comprehensive theoretical and clinical practice components aim to allow South University BSN graduates to make a smooth transition into professional nursing practice. Graduates of the South University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are encouraged to continue the educational process and are prepared for the challenges of graduate study.

The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse. *

*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, student will:

  1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing practice.
  2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
  5. Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 68 Credits 

Professional Development 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Basic Communications 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, researching and writing essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, types of essay and on effective writing procedures. Selected readings supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Mathematics and Statistics 

Course Code
Title
Credits
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Natural Sciences 

Course Code
Title
Credits
6
6
Sub-Total Credits
12

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Choose three additional courses from the list below:

Course Code
Title
Credits
In this course students write analytical and critical essays about fiction, drama, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on literal and figurative interpretations, structural analysis, and variations in thematic and critical reading approaches. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys historical and contemporary world religions and religious movements from ancient to modern times. It will present the basic tenets of the belief systems of major religions and religious movements. The course will further ground the study of world religions in a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that influenced religious thought. This course retains a commitment to teaching religious studies as the secular study of beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in a manner that emphasizes systematic inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Course Code
Title
Credits
An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Credits : 4

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In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12
Note(s): 

*PSY2022 is required by CCNE for all BSN students. Per the Department of Behavioral Sciences, the course meets the South University General Education requirements for Social and Behavioral Sciences for Nursing students ONLY.

Area II Foundation Requirements: 22 Credits 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is an introduction to medical terminology and the language of health care. Students will be able to read and comprehend terminology used in a variety of medical records and reports by focusing on the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical terms relating to the human body with an emphasis on understanding the root words, prefixes and suffixes used in health care settings.

Credits : 4

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Human Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are examined based on a body systems approach. This course emphasizes physiological alterations resulting in disease and illness.

Credits : 4

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6

CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem-solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
22

Area III Major Requirements: 90 Credits 

Core 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces professional nursing as a discipline-based profession, centered in the art of caring and integrating principles of holism in its foundation of service. Topics discussed include evolution and philosophy of nursing, theoretical foundations of practice, legal and ethical issues, healthcare delivery systems, finance and health care policy. Students are introduced to critical thinking, the nursing process and documentation. Students learn the unique contribution of nursing to society. The health-illness continuum, health promotion, basic human needs, therapeutic communication and nurse-client interactions are explored, including the interdisciplinary team approach.

Credits : 4

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This laboratory course is designed to provide the student with practical application of NSG3009. Students will be expected to integrate all components of assessment to perform comprehensive holistic assessments. Students practice interviewing skills, obtain health histories, and perform physical assessments. Students must demonstrate competence of all assigned assessment skills and achieve 80% on a dosage calculation examination to pass the course. 60 total course hours. Course final grade is Pass or Fail (P/F).

Credits : 3

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This course introduces the beginning level nursing student to a systems approach to physical assessment. Each physiological system will be studied with inclusion of normal or expected findings as well as abnormal or pathological findings. A lifespan approach and an end of course integration toward a comprehensive holistic assessment of person will be included. Therapeutic communication skills and cultural diversity issues are integrated.

Credits : 3

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This course addresses the basic principles of pharmacology and studies drugs using a pharmacotherapeutic approach. The course focuses on the major pharmacological classifications and utilizes a prototypic approach. Current pharmacological principles, therapeutic effect, drug interactions, and side effects are emphasized. Drugs that affect neurological, cardiovascular, fluid and electrolyte, and hematological balance are included.

Credits : 3

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This course focuses on holistic caring for basic human needs of individuals, families, and communities. Strategies to promote health and well-being are identified as well as care of persons with special needs including clients with immobility problems, skin integrity and wound problems, sensory alterations, the surgical client, elders and those requiring extended care. Components of professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues), communication, and critical thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 3

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This laboratory course is designed to provide the student with practical application of NSG3023. This interactive course concentrates on psychomotor performance. Students will practice skills until proficient. Practice sessions may include class partners, simulations manikins, and a variety of supplies and equipment. Students must satisfactorily perform all assigned skills to successfully complete the course. Skills for this course will enable the student to care for persons with special needs including clients with immobility problems, skin integrity and wound problems, sensory alterations, the surgical client, elders and those requiring extended care. Components of professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues), communication, and critical thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice for each skill. Students must demonstrate competence of all assigned assessment skills and achieve 80% on a dosage calculation examination to pass the course 4 credits/8 lab hours week. Course final grade is Pass or Fail (P/F).

Credits : 4

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This first clinical course is designed to provide the student with practical application of NSG3023 and NSG3024 and to assist the beginning level student to become grounded in caring for elders and persons requiring long-term care. This course is conducted in extended care facilities where students focus on the skills of communication, assessment, and assisting residents with personal hygiene, feeding and mobility. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues), Communication, and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. Students must satisfactorily perform all assigned skills and perform satisfactorily to successfully complete the course. 60 practice hours. Course final grade is Pass or Fail (P/F).

Credits : 2

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A continuation of NSG3022, this course addresses the basic principles of pharmacology and uses a pharmacotherapeutic focus to study drugs. The course focuses on the major pharmacological classifications and utilizes a prototypic approach. Current pharmacological principles, therapeutic effect, drug interactions, and side effects are emphasized. Content includes drugs that are used in the treatment of cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory, gastrointestinal, bone and joint, cancer, immunologic, inflammatory and infectious disorders.

Credits : 3

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Students are introduced to concepts, issues and processes in nursing research and its application to practice. Emphasis is placed on the review, analysis, evaluation, and application of current nursing research. Selected research studies are critiqued.

Credits : 3

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This course serves as the foundational course in caring for adults with health alterations from a holistic perspective. This unit of study concentrates on adults experiencing cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and related oncological alterations. Concepts of pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatments including Pharmacotherapeutics, are integrated throughout the course. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 4

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This clinical practice course is designed to provide the student with application of theoretical content from NSG3037. Students, utilizing therapeutic communication, provide nursing care for adults experiencing health problems. The clinical focus is related to adults experiencing cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, cancer and immunological disorders. Emphasis is placed on the processes used to implement care and meet the needs of ill adults and their families. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 4

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This clinical practice course is designed to provide the student with application of theoretical content from NSG3044. Utilizing supervised acute, rehabilitative and community-based clinical experiences provides nursing care practice for adults and geriatric adults experiencing health problems primarily in the areas of neurology, integumentary and sensory alterations. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the nursing process to provide holistic care for a culturally diverse population. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. Students develop increased nursing skills, including problem solving and decision making, as they work toward becoming independent. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

Credits : 3

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This course concentrates on caring for adults with neurological, gastrointestinal, integumentary, and sensory alterations. Concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and holistic assessment are integrated throughout the course to promote critical thinking and assimilation of learning. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 3

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This course provides the student with a foundation for caring for women and neonates. Emphasis is on caring for women before, during and after childbirth. Caring for the neonate is also addressed. Traditional and complementary treatments used in the management of women's health are explored. Students critically examine contemporary issues and concerns in gynecological and reproductive health care. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 3

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This course is designed to provide the student with clinical application of NSG3047. Clinical experiences are provided in acute care settings including maternity services and newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care settings. Selected community experiences are also included. Students utilize critical thinking skills in application of the nursing process in the care of the neonate and women. Components of Professionalism, (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues), Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course. 120 Total course hours.

Credits : 4

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This course focuses on caring for aggregates, particularly vulnerable populations. Concepts related to community and public health nursing are addressed. Among these are environment, epidemiological issues, and communicable disease. The nursing process is applied to groups and students are introduced to community-based care settings through observational experiences.

Credits : 3

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This course concentrates on caring for adults with male reproductive, renal and urological, hematological and musculoskeletal alterations. Concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and holistic assessment are integrated throughout the course to promote assimilation of learning. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 2

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This course is designed to provide the student with clinical application of theoretical content from NSG4052. This practicum offers students opportunities to provide supervised care for a culturally diverse adult population in acute care and home health settings with health care problems related to musculoskeletal, urinary, hematological and male reproductive alterations. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

Credits : 3

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This course provides an understanding of the health care needs of children from birth through adolescence. Caring for the child and the family are addressed using the framework of holism. Health promotion, acute and chronic health concerns, and injury prevention are addressed with integration of child growth and development issues. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political, and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 3

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This course is designed to provide the student with the clinical application of NSG4056. Supervised clinical experience takes place with children of various ages both in acute care and community settings. The students learn to care for children within the framework of holism and caring. Components of Professionalism (competency legal, ethical, political, and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course. Course final grade is Pass or Fail (P/F).

Credits : 4

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This course provides the essential theoretical content for the performance of the professional mental health/psychiatric nurse. The conceptual framework of mental health/mental disorders is integrated in caring for culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups throughout the health-illness continuum. Students are introduced to psychiatric disorders, treatment modalities, and contemporary issues that affect persons with mental health/psychiatric problems. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication.

Credits : 3

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This course is designed to provide the student with clinical application of theoretical content from NSG4058. Clinical practice takes place in both in-patient psychiatric facilities and outpatient community settings utilizing the nursing process as well as critical thinking in caring for individuals experiencing specific psychiatric disorders. Group dynamics, treatment modalities, and strategies for prevention of mental illness are practiced. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

Credits : 4

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This course concentrates on caring for critically ill adults. Content includes caring for patients experiencing acts of bioterrorism, conditions of cardiac failure, dysrhythmias, respiratory failure, Multiple Organ Failure, multiple traumas, and shock requiring care in emergent and critical care settings. The challenge of holistic caring in high technologic environments is addressed. Concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and holistic assessment are integrated throughout the course to promote assimilation of learning. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 2

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This course is designed to provide the student with clinical application of theoretical content from NSG4060. This clinical practice offers students opportunities to provide supervised care for a culturally diverse adult population in critical/emergency acute care settings with complex health care problems including multiple system failure. Experiences include providing nursing care within the critical care units, emergency room & PACU. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

Credits : 3

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This community practice/seminar course builds on NSG3068. Concepts related to community, community-based and public health nursing are addressed. Students participate in public health and community-based experiences. Areas of clinical concentration include: disparity, vulnerability, socioeconomic determinants of health, environment, epidemiological issues, and communicable disease. Evidence-based practice for community and public health nursing is integrated into the clinical experience. The relationship of evidence to formation of health policy is explored. Students explore the impact of culture on the definition of health.

Credits : 2

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This course analyzes professional ethical and legal issues with the ensuing nursing dilemmas integrating the factors of professional laws/standards, personal ethical stance, social, spiritual, transcultural, economic, institutional and political climate. Legal and ethical practice issues will be reviewed. Emphasis is given to the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning and ethical and legal obligations in professional patient relationships.

Credits : 2

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This course is designed to assist the student in making the transition into professional practice. Students select, research, analyze and evaluate current issues affecting the nursing profession. This course explores selected topics involving socioeconomics of the healthcare environment, organizational structure and culture, healthcare delivery systems and the impact of political issues on the profession of nursing. Professional roles & responsibilities in leadership, management, consumer advocacy and a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth are reinforced. Components of Professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and Critical Thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate theory and practice.

Credits : 6

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This course is designed to provide the student, under the direction of the clinical faculty, with a concentrated select clinical nursing practice experience. Students complete 120 hours in the clinical setting. Students gradually assume increased levels of clinical responsibilities in the transition toward entry into practice. Components of professionalism (competency, legal, ethical, political and economic issues) and critical thinking are incorporated throughout this course to enable students to integrate clinical and leadership theory into practice. The student must receive a satisfactory clinical evaluation in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
90

Application Process and Deadline

The College of Nursing and Public Health admits one or two classes of students per year to each campus-based BSN programs. Application packets and deadlines are available on each campus. Fully completed application materials (including evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses) are due by the posted deadline, usually the first day of the quarter before admission (ex., first day of summer quarter for fall quarter program start). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Math Proficiency Examinations

Students will be tested at various intervals integrated throughout the nursing program to assess math proficiency as a method to promote safe medication administration practices. Students are required to pass math examinations each quarter in order to participate in clinical practice courses and to remain in the nursing program. Students are encouraged to prepare for the math competency test using their textbook, the ATI dosage calculation programs, standardized testing resources or a South University tutor prior to the first day of each quarter.

Quarter Course
1 NSG3008/NSG3011
2 NSG3024
3 NSG3034/NSG3037
4 NSG3044/NSG3046
5 NSG4052
6 NSG4060
7 NSG4071

Assessment through Standardized Tests

Achievement Examinations and NCLEX-RN Preparation

The South University Nursing Faculty is committed to assisting students to achieve success on the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of this examination is required for entry into the practice of professional nursing. In addition to faculty prepared examinations, nursing students take a series of achievement examinations throughout the various courses in the nursing program to prepare for taking the NCLEX-RN. The examinations are used to measure student nursing knowledge, acquired nursing skills and competencies. Students failing to achieve the national average on any achievement test must provide evidence of remediation to their faculty advisors.

South University provides students with ample educational resources including library resources, CDs, DVDs, computer software programs, and access to a variety of nursing education websites such as atitesting.com. Students are required to attend NCLEX-RN review courses during the final quarter of the program.

Standardized Testing Policy

The following standardized testing policy describes the use of the standardized testing products such as the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 and the Assessment Technologies Inc. (ATI) Comprehensive Assessment and Review Program (CARP) as a component of admission, progression, and graduation in nursing program at South University. This policy has been developed to establish guidelines to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and to identify at-risk students. All students have the opportunity for review and remediation to enhance their success in the program and on NCLEX-RN after graduation.

1. Admission

The Health Education Systems Incorportated (HESI) A2 or ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a requirement of the admission process.

The HESI and TEAS exams are used to determine academic preparedness of pre-licensure nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.

Students must achieve a passing score of at least 75 on each section of the HESI exam. Students must achieve a "Proficient" level to be considered for admission to the nursing program. Applicants are limited to testing twice within a 12-month period with a minimum of 60 days between testing dates for the HESI exam and a minimum of 30 days between testing dates for the TEAS test.

Total Credits
180