The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a traditional four-year nursing degree with an upper-division nursing major (junior-senior year) that prepares graduates for RN licensure and professional practice. Students enter the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) as a nursing major during freshman or sophomore year. Students entering at the start of freshman year may apply for direct admit status allowing them seamless progression into the nursing major core provided progression criteria are met. This program is comprised of general education, behavioral, and biological science pre-requisite coursework totaling 60 credit hours. The nursing major includes theory (in-seat ), laboratory (skills/simulation), and clinical components. Nursing courses are delivered in a blended format for greater flexibility. The nursing major core courses in CUS are offered over four semesters in a traditional academic format with summers off.
The general education and biological science curriculum, grounded in biblical truth, is intended to provide a broad-based knowledge of the arts and sciences required for students to understand the complex world of healthcare and to be prepared for success in the nursing major courses. As is consistent with the University’s mission, there is an emphasis on spiritual formation leading to the integration of learning, faith, and practice as students provide compassionate care.
This practice discipline degree emphasizes clinical judgment, professionalism, moral leadership, evidence-based nursing practice, technology management, and interprofessional communication within healthcare delivery. Competency, character, and calling are fostered in an effort to prepare nurses to practice nursing as ministry. CCU challenges students to become exceptionally competent knowledgeable nurse leaders who think critically to impact their world and transform healthcare through the uniqueness of Christ-inspired practice. Nursing at CCU is a scientific discipline and a sacred calling.
Progression Requirements to Nursing Major Core
Direct admission to the BSN program is available only for incoming freshmen students to the College of Undergraduate Studies. CUS Nursing students with direct admission to the BSN program may progress to BSN nursing major coursework in their junior year as long as they meet the following BSN progression requirements:
- Have completed BSN prerequisites during their freshman and sophomore years in the College of Undergraduate Studies
- Have a cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have a cumulative GPA in science prerequisite courses of 3.0
- All science prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 5 years
- Receive a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. Retakes of CCU science courses are limited to one per course
- Have all prerequisite courses completed by the end of sophomore year.
- Grade attainment in science and prerequisite courses is evaluated spring semester sophomore year at mid-term with final grade analysis validated at the end of spring semester (by May 15).
- Not on probation and no behavioral issues or disqualifying offenses
- Successfully pass the ATI TEAS exam with the following proficiency levels: English - 66.7%, math - 71.9%, reading - 74.5%, science - 57.4%, and an overall TEAS score of 68%. These are established national benchmarks. The TEAS exam may be retaken multiple times at students’ expense.
- Have attained 90 chapel credits and completed 90 ministry hours by the fall semester of their junior year
- Successfully complete an interview with BSN Admissions and Progressions Committee in the spring of their sophomore year
Upon progression students must:
- Successfully pass a background check
- Pass a drug screen
- Complete the Physical Exam Form
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree requires completion of the following 120 credit hours:
General Education/Behavioral Science: (39 credit hours)
Biological Sciences: (21 credit hours)
Nursing Major Core: BSN (60 credit hours)