Prelicensure Track
This track (formerly referred to as the generic track) provides a curriculum for students who do not have a nursing license but are seeking a degree (BSN) that will prepare them for the National Council Licensure EXamination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The eight semester prelicensure curriculum plan requires fifty-seven hours of general education core. This required core should be completed prior to enrollment into the nursing program. The prerequisite courses are designed to create and support a foundation for professional nursing practice. The curriculum plan for the general education component includes: two sequential anatomy and physiology lab courses; a microbiology lab course; nutrition; introduction to psychology; pathopsychology; statistics; two English composition courses; human growth and development across the lifespan; political science or economics; a cultural appreciation course; philosophy or ethics; speech or communication; introduction to sociology or anthropology; religion; and six hours of electives (must include a fine arts/humanities course). Once the general education core is successfully completed, students are ready to enroll in the four semester nursing curriculum.
The nursing curriculum is divided into two levels and organized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008). Level 1, the first semester of the junior year, students begin their socialization into the professional role. NUR 301, Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice (EPNP): The Discipline of Professional Nursing introduces new nursing students to the profession. Concurrently, students are enrolled in the first theory and practice course NUR 302, EPNP: Foundations and Assessment; NUR 302, EPNP: The Well Community; and NUR 306, Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Principles. These beginning courses are the cornerstones of professional practice development.
During the second semester of the junior year, students are enrolled in NUR 304, EPNP: Adult Health and NUR 305, EPNP: Mental Health. Both of these courses include clinical practice and classroom theory. During this semester students also have the opportunity to enroll in a nursing elective of interest.
At the start of Level II, the senior year, first semester, students are enrolled in NUR 401, EPNP: Infants and Children; and NUR 402, EPNP: Maternal-Child Health. NUR 403, EPNP: Nursing Research is also required providing students a basis for assessing research studies and applying findings to nursing practice.
During the final semester of the curriculum, students are in three courses which assist them to make the transition into the role of the professional nurse and prepares them for success on passing the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The courses include NUR 404, EPNP: Leadership and Role Practicum; NUR 405, EPNP: The Adult with High Acuity Needs; and NUR 406 EPNP: The Community at Risk.
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