Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

The Baccalaureate Nursing program is an upper division program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. Candidates for the program take their first two (i.e. freshman and sophomore) years of general education credits, as set forth by the admission requirements for coursework prerequisite requirements, at any accredited college of their choice.

There are two tracks of study in the B.S.N. program:

1. Accelerated B.S.N. Track - designed to meet the learning needs of the individual who has completed a prior BS or higher degree in a field other than nursing. The accelerated track will require 15 months of continuous full-time intensive study. The faculty recommends that students in this track do not work while in the program. Candidates will be admitted to this track once per year in May. 
2. Traditional B.S.N. Track - an upper division completion track for individuals completing their first baccalaureate degree and who are not registered nurses. Students will complete this program in two years of full-time during fall and spring semesters with summers off. Candidates are admitted in both the fall and spring semester of each year. 

Transfer from the Accelerated B.S.N. to the Traditional B.S.N. track is permitted when extenuating circumstances occur and/or progression timeliness is a concern.

B.S.N. Admissions Requirements

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): Traditional

Track Length: Completion of the track generally requires two years (four semesters) of full-time study.

General Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Traditional Bachelor of Science (B.S.N.) Track the following factors are required:

• Online application submitted via NursingCAS. View a video overview on completing NursingCAS application.
• NursingCAS application service fee
• The prerequisite course GPA (60) is used for admission purposes for both the TBSN and ABSN programs. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in their 60 hours of prerequisite courses AND have at least a C or better in each prerequisite course in order to meet minimum admission requirements.
• Complete at least 51 of the 60 semester credit hours of required prerequisite courses. Students must have complete all required math and science prerequisite courses at the time of application. Visit the nursing website for a list of required courses. If accepted, the remaining nine hours of non-math/science required courses (example: Introduction to Psychology, Growth & Development and Introduction to Sociology) must be completed prior to the first day of new student orientation.
• Submit official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended to NursingCAS. International transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential service. *Visit the nursing admissions website for more information regarding international applicant requirements.
• Take the TEAS Exam (either in-person or virtual) with a minimum cut-off score of 65% to be eligible for admission. A reading score of 69% or below is used to identify students at risk. Students at risk will be required to complete the Weaver intensive reading program. (For information regarding the TEAS exam content, visit the TEAS website.)
• Undergraduate applicants who meet minimum admission requirements will be reviewed through a holistic process, in which additional factors will be taken into consideration. A broad range of factors reflecting the applicant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success both in school and later as a professional will be considered. Selected applicants will be invited to interview and submit a writing sample. 
• Official copy of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, if international applicant. TOEFL and IELTS scores can be no more than two (2) years old. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required on the paper examination; minimum 250 on the computer-based examination; or, minimum 68 on the internet based examination. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required.  TOEFL school code: 3383
• CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association or American Red Cross. 
• Current required immunizations
• Proof of Current health insurance coverage
• Clear criminal background check
• Basic computer skills
• School of Nursing application fee 
• Please note applicants who were previously enrolled in another nursing school or program must provide a letter of good standing from their previous school indicating that the applicant is in good standing and eligible to return to that school or program.  The letter of good standing must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at the School of Nursing and received by the application deadline for the program to which they are applying.

Pre-Matriculation Seat Fee Deposit: Once offered admission, a payment of $500 pre-matriculation seat fee deposit is required to reserve a seat in the class.  $250 of the seat fee will be credited to tuition following the official census date of the beginning semester.  $250 of the seat fee is a School of Nursing processing fee and is non-refundable.  Failure to enroll will result in forfeiture of the entire fee. 

Application Deadlines: See School of Nursing Admissions website

Start Term:  fall or spring

Contact: 
Office of Admissions 
School of Nursing
UT Health Science Center San Antonio
Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7945
San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900
​Phone: 210-567-0341
Toll Free: 877-235-0341
FAX 210-567-6189

http://nursing.uthscsa.edu/

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): Accelerated

Track Length: Completion of the track requires fifteen months of full-time study.

General Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science (B.S.N.) Track the following factors are required:

• Online application submitted via NursingCAS. View a video overview on completing NursingCAS application.
• NursingCAS application service fee
• Hold or attain a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to the start of the nursing program
• The prerequisite course GPA (60 hours) is used for admission purposes for both the TBSN and ABSN programs.  Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in their 60 hours of prerequisite courses AND have at least a "C" or better in each prerequisite course in order to meet minimum admission requirements.
• Complete at least 51 of the 60 semester credit hours of required prerequisite courses.  Students must complete all required math and science prerequisite courses at the time of application. Visit the nursing website for a list of required courses. If accepted, the remaining non-math/science required courses (example: Introduction to Psychology, Growth & Development, and Introduction to Sociology) must be completed prior to the first day of new student orientation.
• Submit official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended to NursingCAS. International transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential service. *Visit the nursing admissions website for more information regarding international applicant requirements.
• TEAS requirement for the ABSN program will be suspended effective summer 2023.  A previous degree can be a proxy for the TEAS requirement. 
• Undergraduate applicants who meet minimum admission requirements will be reviewed through a holistic process, in which additional factors will be taken into consideration. A broad range of factors reflecting the applicant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success both in school and later as a professional will be considered.  Selected applicants will be invited to interview and submit a writing sample. 
• Official copy of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score, if international applicant. TOEFL and IELTS scores can be no more than two (2) years old. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 is required on the paper examination; minimum 250 on the computer-based examination; or, minimum 68 on the internet based examination.  A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required.  TOEFL school code: 3383
• CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Current Required Immunizations
• Proof of Current Health Insurance Coverage
• Clear Criminal Background Check
• Basic Computer Skills
• School of Nursing application fee

Pre-Matriculation Seat Fee Deposit: Once offered admission payment of $500 pre-matriculation seat fee deposit is required to reserve a seat in the class.  $250 of the seat fee will be credited to tuition following the official census date of the beginning semester. $250 of the seat fee is a School of Nursing processing fee and is non-refundable.  Failure to enroll will result in forfeiture of the entire fee. 

Application Deadlines: See School of Nursing Admissions website

Start Term:  May

Contact: 
​Office of Admissions 
​School of Nursing
​UT Health Science Center San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7945
San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900
Phone: 210-567-0341
Toll Free: 877-235-0341
FAX 210-567-6189

http://nursing.uthscsa.edu/

B.S.N. Degree Requirements and Graduation

Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, a student must have a 2.0 grade point average for the required 60 semester hours of upper-division course work. At least 30 of the last 33 semester hours of the nursing major must be completed at the School of Nursing. All coursework must be completed within a four-year time limit. Completion of the Texas State Core Curriculum is required for all students graduating with a baccalaureate degree.

Procedures for Degree Candidates

A candidate for a degree must (1) register in the semester in which the degree is to be received and (2) file an Application for Graduation Form degree with the Office of the University Registrar during the semester prior to the term in which the degree is to be granted.

Degrees will be conferred only on official dates publicly announced. Commencement ceremonies are held in December and May of each year.

Graduation with Honors

Students whose upper-division grade point average is above 3.5 will be awarded the degree with honors. The honors designation is noted on the diploma and the transcript, and honor students receive special recognition at graduation ceremonies. To receive these honors, students must complete at least 30 semester credit hours in residence.

Honors designations are based on the following scale:

• 3.5–3.69 Cum Laude
• 3.7–3.89 Magna Cum Laude
• 3.9–4.0 Summa Cum Laude

Registration as a Professional Nurse

A student seeking registration as a professional nurse must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) administered by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas. The Board may refuse to approve persons to take the licensure examination, may refuse to issue or renew a license or certificate of registration, or may refuse to issue a temporary permit to any individual who has been arrested for anything other than a minor traffic violation.

An individual applying for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam must be able to answer NO to the questions found on the Board of Nursing website. 

The student will receive information about Initial Licensure and instructions through the Office for Academic Affairs.

All 120 hours for the degree must be completed before the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

A student planning to take the NCLEX-RN in another state must obtain information regarding procedure from the agency responsible for professional nurse registration in that state.

Registration

Entering students must register and pay tuition and fees by the official dates listed in the Academic Calendar provided by the Office of the University Registrar. All students must register for courses every semester, excluding summer, to be considered continuously enrolled. Students are expected to pre-register during stated health science center required times. Students may register up to the Official first-class day without late fees or penalties. Please refer to General Admission Requirements for the list of materials (and related policies) that must be received prior to registration. Those who do not register in the School of Nursing for three consecutive terms are considered to have withdrawn and their School of Nursing records are deactivated. Deactivated students may not register for courses, take examinations, submit Application for Degree or Degree Plan forms, or otherwise participate in the University community and the School of Nursing. Students must re-apply for admission.

The procedure for registration can be found on the Office of the University Registrar website.

Degree Requirements

Students are responsible for knowing degree requirements and for enrolling in courses that fit their degree programs. Students are likewise responsible for knowing the School of Nursing program regulations with regard to the standard of work required for continuance and eligibility for graduation.

B.S.N. Curriculum and Plans of Study

The undergraduate nursing curriculum is completed in two phases, the first of which is the 60 semester hours of basic liberal arts required for admission to the School of Nursing (Pre-nursing Course Requirements).

The second phase encompasses the major in nursing and is presented in the junior and senior years. The curriculum includes 60 semester hours of upper-division nursing courses at the School of Nursing. Taken in either the traditional track or accelerated track, these courses are designed to prepare the baccalaureate nurse for practice in a variety of settings and specialties.

Students may complete the 60 hours of required nursing courses through the traditional track or the accelerated track. The traditional track is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study fall and spring term. All coursework must be completed within a four year time limit. The accelerated track is designed to be completed in 15 months full-time. The School of Nursing reserves the right to revise curriculum to remain current with national nursing practice standards.

Each clinical course within the degree plan is comprised of required clinical hours and may also include supplemental co-curricular volunteer clinical hours to provide enrichment experiences for students.  In the eighth semester, as part of the Leadership & Management and Clinical Immersion course, students may also participate, if accepted, in a selective internship aimed at facilitating transition to practice.  The hours for the internship are additional hours beyond the required clinical hours but are completed within the courses during the eighth semester.

The BSN Program curriculum includes co-curricular experiences described by the Association of American Colleges & Universities as high impact practices. Students enrolled in the BSN program may participate in these high impact practices such as Clinical Distinction, Research Distinction and Internships throughout the time they are enrolled in the program.

Traditional B.S.N.

The Traditional B.S.N. track is designed for individuals entering the School of Nursing without prior nursing knowledge, experience, or skills. Completion of the track generally requires two years (four semesters) of full-time study.

*Please note that the contact hours for each course are notated by Cont in each plan of study.

 Traditional B.S.N. Track Plan (Full-Time Study)

Semester 5 Traditional

Semester 6 Traditional

Semester 7 Traditional

Semester 8 Traditional

The Traditional B.S.N. track also offers the option of a 5-semester program.  Students will complete 12 credits during their first and second semester and 7 credits in the Summer semester.  

Spring Entry: 

Fall Entry

Accelerated B.S.N.

The Accelerated B.S.N. track is designed for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing. Completion of the track requires 15 months of full-time study. The program may only be undertaken on a full-time basis. The SON faculty recommends that students not attempt outside employment during their studies due to the intensive nature of studies.

Accelerated B.S.N. Track Plan (Full-Time Study)

Semester 5 Accelerated

Semester 6 Accelerated

Semester 7 Accelerated

Semester 8 Accelerated

Time Limit

Undergraduate students must successfully complete all coursework toward the degree within four years of the date of initial enrollment in the program.

B.S.N. Program Outcomes

At the completion of the baccalaureate program the student will demonstrate the following:

1. Incorporate knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the liberal arts and sciences in professional nursing education and practice.
2. Apply knowledge and skills of organizational and systems leadership, quality improvement and patient safety in promoting safe, high-quality care for diverse patients across healthcare systems and environments.
3. Analyze and apply evidence from research and other information sources as a basis for nursing practice.
4. Incorporate knowledge and skills in using information systems and a range of patient-care technologies to facilitate delivery of quality patient care.
5. Advocate for financial and regulatory healthcare policies, processes and environments that improve the nature and functioning of the healthcare delivery system and nursing practice.
6. Collaborate and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals to promote positive working relationships, improve patient health outcomes, and deliver quality, safe patient care.
7. Promote individual and population health by assessing factors that influence individual and population health and apply principles and culturally appropriate health promotion and disease-prevention strategies. Demonstrate consistent application of the core values of the discipline of nursing and the professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct.
8. Demonstrate consistent application of the core values of the discipline of nursing and the professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct.
9. Integrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected of baccalaureate prepared nurses by providing professional nursing care to diverse patients and populations across the lifespan, healthcare settings, and healthcare environments.

B.S.N. Program Policies

Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)

The faculty of the School of Nursing has adopted the comprehensive program developed by Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI) as an assessment of student learning and preparation for success on the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The ATI program is initiated during the application process for incoming students when the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is administered and continues with learning assessments used throughout the program.  Purchase of the ATI materials is broken down into two payments: one at the beginning of the program and a second payment during the final semester. Purchase is mandatory. Completion of all ATI materials/exams, as designated in each course syllabus falling within a given semester, is required. The learning materials are designed to increase student confidence in computer-based testing, and to improve the application of nursing process, critical thinking skills, and competencies required of new graduates in nursing to pass the NCLEX-RN. Our goal is to ensure that students are well prepared academically and experientially for the licensing examination and practice in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Transfer Students

Individuals who wish to transfer into the B.S.N. program of the School of Nursing must have completed the 60 hours of pre-nursing coursework required by this institution and accumulated a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in required courses and an overall grade point average of 2.50. Applicants must also be in good standing and eligible for readmission at their current/former school of nursing. At least 30 of the final 33 hours of work in the nursing major must be completed at the Health Science Center School of Nursing. Application deadlines are February 1 (fall), August 1 (spring) and December 15 (summer) . The GPA of transfer students must be competitive for the current incoming class.

Please note applicants who were previously enrolled in another nursing school or program must provide a letter of good standing from their previous school indicating that the applicant is in good standing and eligible to return to that school or program.  The letter of good standing must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions at the School of Nursing and received by the application deadline for the program to which they are applying.

Grades and Progression

The standing of students in their work is expressed by five grades: A (excellent), B (above average), C (average), D (below average), F (failure). Students may also register in certain courses on a pass/fail basis, in which case the grade is recorded as either Pass (P) or Fail (F) and no letter grade is assigned. All required nursing theory courses in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program traditional and accelerated tracks must be taken for a letter grade. A grade may not be changed after it has been reported to the Registrar unless an error has been made by the instructor. Clinical courses are graded as P or F.

Although a grade of D can be earned in a required nursing course, it is a failing grade, and a grade of C or higher is necessary for progression to the next required course in the sequence or for graduation. In elective nursing courses, credit may be earned for a grade of D.

In computing the grade point average, the following scale of points per semester credit hour is used:

A = 4 points (90-100)

B = 3 points (80-89)

C = 2 points (75-79)

D = 1 point (66-74)

F= 0 points (65 or below)

W = withdraw

Note:  Final numeric grades are calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:

• Less than 0.50 – round down to next whole number – (i.e.“89.49” would be rounded to “89”)
• 0.50 or greater – round up to next whole number – “90.50” would be rounded to “91”
• The policy for rounding the final grades does include the score of "74.5" rounding to a grade of "75" for a letter grade of C. 

Students must make a “C” (75) or higher in all nursing courses to progress in the program.

Satisfactory Progress

To be considered as making satisfactory progress, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above with no grade lower than C in required upper-division nursing courses.

Students will be required to take the nationally normed ATI tests throughout the program.

​Repetition of a Course

Students cannot retake nursing courses for a grade in which they have already received a passing grade.

Dean’s List

The GPA for full-time students for dean’s list is 3.5. Fall and spring students should be enrolled at least 12 hours, and 6 hours for summer.

Progression in the Program

Students must earn a  C or above in each required course of the undergraduate program in order to progress in the program. An undergraduate student who earns a D, F, or W in a required nursing course must repeat the course in question during the semester immediately following receipt of the grade or during the next semester in which the course is offered following receipt of the grade based on space availability. Newly admitted students, and enrolled students have priority over other students seeking to repeat a course. 

Students who receive a  F or W in a clinical course must request permission to repeat a clinical course.  Requests to repeat the course will be reviewed by the Progression and Graduation, a subcommittee of the Committee on Undergraduate Studies (COUS). Course and clinical faculty will review the performance of the failing student and will make recommendations to the Progression and Graduation Committee Committee based on the student’s overall performance in the course in question. Students who have a documented pattern of unsafe or unprofessional clinical performance during the semester and have not improved following remediation will be rated as low priority for repeating the course and may not be permitted to repeat the course. Therefore, the student who is not granted permission to repeat a failed course in the semester immediately following a failure or during the next semester in which the course is offered due to a documented pattern of significant unprofessional or unsafe performance will be dismissed from the nursing program.

Unsafe clinical performance is defined as “an act that is harmful or potentially detrimental to the patient, self, or other health personnel (Luhanga, Yonge, and Myrick, 2008, p1).” Unprofessional conduct is defined as the rules set forth in the Texas State Board of Nursing Rules and Regulation § 217.12. Unprofessional Conduct. The purpose of these rules is to identify unprofessional or dishonorable behaviors of a nurse which the board believes are likely to deceive, defraud, or injure clients or the public. Actual injury to a client need not be established.

Students who earn a D or F in a required course, or whose average falls below C (GPA falls below 2.0), will be placed on academic probation for one semester/term. If at the end of the semester/term, the student has achieved a GPA of 2.0 or above with no grade lower than C in required nursing courses, he or she will be removed from academic probation.

Students who earn a D or F in two required nursing courses (or from the same course twice) will be dismissed academically from the undergraduate nursing program and will be ineligible for readmission.  Dismissed students will have the opportunity to petition for reinstatement in the program at the conclusion of the semester in which they receive a failure in a clinical or a 2nd D or F in a required course.  The student will be provided ten minutes to present to the voting members of the Committee on Undergraduate Studies the extenuating circumstance that caused their low performance and the plan for success if provided the opportunity to continue in the program.  Students will only be allowed to continue if the faculty perceive there to be conditions beyond the students control that caused their unacceptable academic performance, and the student is able to demonstrate that those issues have been resolved. Any further dismissal from the program cannot be appealed. Additionally, all coursework must be completed within 4 years of your original admission date.

Advisement Program for Students on Academic Probation

A student who is allowed to repeat a course, or who is on academic probation, will be required to participate in an advisement program. The student will be required to sign a contract with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies agreeing to participate in the advisement program. The student will also be required to meet regularly for the advisement program with an academic coach within in the Student Success Center. Failure to comply with the contract constitutes cause for dismissal.

Examinations

Examinations must be taken on the date and time scheduled. Policies regarding missed examinations are stated in course syllabi.

Graduate Credit

Undergraduate students may be eligible to take graduate courses in nursing. These credit hours taken by undergraduate students may be applied toward the graduate degree as long as these credits are not used toward the undergraduate degree.  Credit hours may be applied toward the graduate degree only after the student has been admitted to and is enrolled in the graduate program.

Clinical Distinction

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Clinical Volunteer Distinction (BSN-CVD) acknowledges nursing students who demonstrate a dedicated commitment to enriching their nursing education with voluntary, faculty-mentored clinical activities while maintaining high academic standards. Students are strongly encouraged to consider applying for the distinction early in their UT Health SON career as the distinction may support a competitive application for graduate school and nurse residency programs. 

Research Distinction

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Research Distinction (BSN-RD) recognizes the significant work undergraduate nursing students are contributing to their academic and professional careers by advancing nursing science. The BSN with Research Distinction provides an added advantage to graduating BSN students in the job market and application to graduate programs. The distinction acknowledges nursing students who demonstrate a dedicated commitment to enriching their nursing education with independent research while maintaining high academic standards during nursing school. 

Global Health Distinction

The Global Health Distinction (GHD) Program of the School of Nursing (SON) aims to acknowledge undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate engagement in interprofessional global health related activities while maintaining high academic standards. The goals of the GHD program are to promote culturally sensitive care, enhance interprofessional team skills, and to broaden students’ vision for health equity and innovation by meeting the health needs of our local culturally diverse populations and extending health promotion as an act of social justice to communities across the globe. 

Internships

The School of Nursing offers evidence-based internships with several clinical partners. Students in the eighth semester of the traditional and accelerated tracks are offered an opportunity to complete their academic work in conjunction with internship hours through a highly selective interview process, thus facilitating the transition to practice.  Students complete the required hours of internship on the same unit and with the same preceptor as their academic clinicals, thus creating a seamless learning environment and streamlining orientation when they are employed on the unit after graduation.

Outside Employment

The nursing program expects students to be enrolled full-time. Full-time students are encouraged not to plan full-time employment while enrolled in the program. A student’s combined employment and semester-hour load should not exceed 40 hours per week.

Students may be employed as unlicensed care givers such as patient care assistants and certified nursing assistants, performing functions for which they have received training in the institution and for which the institution has a clearly discernible policy either in writing or by precedent defining the scope of these functions. Any individual not licensed in the State of Texas, or a Compact State with multi-state privileges, to practice professional nursing who engages in such practice is doing so illegally and may be prosecuted accordingly. Supervision by the professional, licensed nurse does not provide protection to the student or make the student’s actions legal.

Students should be aware that: (1) the School of Nursing assumes no responsibility for their activities as an employee of an agency; (2) the students are personally responsible and liable for any activity they participate in while employed; (3) professional liability insurance purchased by students through the School of Nursing is only valid in their student roles, not their employment roles; and (4) individuals who practice illegally may jeopardize their future. Persons who are convicted of violation of the Nurse Practice Act may not be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and subsequently receive licensure.

Students employed in an agency have the responsibility, personally and professionally, to engage only in those activities which fall within their job description as nonprofessional workers (i.e., aides). They have a responsibility to refuse to participate in activities that they have not been legally licensed to perform (i.e., giving medication, assuming total responsibility for a division, etc.).

Students may not wear their school uniform, patch or student name badge at their place of employment.