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English-3 semester hours All students are required to take one English writing course. The particular course depends on the criteria for placement at the time of matriculation. Transfer credit will be evaluated on an individual basis. All students for whom English is a second language must complete the English placement examination offered at the university, Philosophy-6 semester hours May be modified for transfer and second-degree students. Religion-9 semester hours Of the three required religion courses, one must be a biomedical ethics course. Religion requirements may be modified for transfer and second-degree students. Humanities/Liberal Studies-9-15 semester hours
Nursing-69 semester hours (65 semester hours in the B.S.N. Completion Program)
Credit/Clock Hour Ratio The number of hours per week a class will meet is determined by the type of course and credits. The following ratios are used:
Typical Program PlansBasic Program This plan may be modified to meet an individual student's program. The faculty reserves the right to revise the curriculum. The total number of semesters hours required for graduation is 120.
In addition to the university requirements, high school courses in biology and chemistry are required. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is also required. Students with earned credits from other accredited colleges or universities are eligible for transfer. Transfer Students Admission requirements for transfer students into the basic program include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and evaluation of goal statement, references, and extracurricular activities. Interviews are encouraged and may be requested by the Admissions Committee. A program plan will be determined after an evaluation of coursework from other postsecondary institutions has been completed. The school has policies for the acceptance of transfer students and validation of courses taken elsewhere. Course syllabi may be requested. Students applying for transfer from other schools within the university will be considered according to the above guidelines. Applicants should be aware that the length of their program of study may not be shortened if they are missing essential freshman level coursework. International Students Baccalaureate nursing programs are intensive academic programs with a heavy practice component. They require proficiency in written and spoken English and familiarity with the educational system in the United States, particularly with teaching and testing methods, to be successful. In addition, a broad background in liberal studies and the humanities is necessary to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to function as a professional nurse in the health care system in the United States. Admission into the School of Nursing, subsequent course load, and length of program will be determined based on a review of the transcript evaluation, TOEFL score, and English placement examination. Enrollment in intensive English courses may be necessary to progress in the nursing program. Requesting the transcript evaluation from an approved educational evaluation service is the responsibility of the student and must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions by the service. It must include an English translation and a course-by-course evaluation, as well as credential evaluation. All students for whom English is a second language must complete the English placement examination offered by the university regardless of the completion of English courses at other institutions. Recommendations based on the English placement examination must be satisfied for progression into the nursing program.
The accelerated program is a three- to six-semester program that leads to a B.S.N. degree for students who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in the liberal arts or sciences. This program recognizes that college graduates, often older and prepared in other disciplines, have the maturity, ability, and desire to complete degree requirements in an intensive accelerated program. Opportunities to enroll in graduate courses are available for qualified students. Because this accelerated program is dependent upon a specific time sequence, unsuccessful performance in any nursing course (a grade of "W" or less than "C") will typically extend the length of time needed to complete the program.
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| Course # | Course Title | 1st | 2nd |
| NURS 240 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 | - |
| NURS 258 | Health Assessment | 4 | - |
| NURS 370 | Community and Environmental Nursing Lecture | 3 | - |
| NURS 372 | Community and Environmental Nursing Clinical Applications | - | 2 |
| NURS 310/371 | Pathophysiology/Pharmacology | 4 | 3 |
| TRS 333 | Biomedical and Health Care Issues or Religion or Philosophy for transfer students | - | 3 |
| NURS 272 | Nursing Applications | - | 3 |
| NURS 275 | Adults in Health and Illness: Basic Clinical Applications | 2 | - |
| NURS 378 | Evidence-based Care/Health Informatics | - | 3 |
| Total | 16 | 14 |
Summer Session
| Course # | Course Title | Semester Hours |
| NURS 375 | Mental Health Nursing Lecture | 3 |
| NURS 377 | Mental Health Nursing Clinical Applications | 2 |
| Total | 5 |
Second Year
| Course # | Course Title | 1st | 2nd |
| NURS 420 | Child and Adolescent Health and Illness Lecture | - | 3 |
| NURS 421 | Child and Adolescent Health and Illness Clinical Applications | - | 2 |
| NURS 423 | Women in Health and Illness Lecture | 3 | - |
| NURS 428 | Women in Health and Illness Clinical Applications | 2 | - |
| NURS 424 | Management of Health Care Delivery | 3 | - |
| NURS 403 | Introduction to Nursing Research | - | 3 |
| NURS 427 | Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | - | 3 |
| NURS 479 | Adults in Health and Illness Advanced Clinical Applications | 3 | - |
| NURS 426 | Adults in Health and Illness Clinical Leadership | - | 3 |
| Free Electives | 3 | 3 | |
| Total | 14 | 17 |
Admission to Accelerated Program
Admission requirements include a baccalaureate or higher degree earned within the past 10 years, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0, and a transcript, which reflects courses in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry (with organic chemistry content), statistics, nutrition, and humanities. A grade point average of 3.0 is required for anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
Acceptance into the program is not based solely on GPA and number of transfer credits, but also on evaluation of goal statement and references. Interviews are encouraged and may be requested by the Admissions Committee.
The B.S.N. Completion Program provides the opportunity for registered nurses to continue the education they began in associate degree or diploma nursing programs. A.A.S. graduates receive 32 credits for nursing courses already completed. Diploma graduates also receive 32 credits for nursing courses completed after successfully completing the challenge examination process. Students must complete a total of 120 college credits including basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry/biochemistry, and microbiology). Also provided are individualized clinical learning opportunities that take into account students' pre-college experiences.
Admission to B.S.N. Completion Program
Admission requirements include submission of a high school transcript; submission of nursing program transcript; completion of all required transfer credit; a cumulative grade point average of 2.5; a current R.N. license valid in the United States; and two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and professional performance. Nurses not currently registered in the United States are not eligible for admission into the B.S.N. Completion Program. They may be admitted into the basic program as a transfer student. The total number of semester hours required for graduation is 120.
Required for B.S.N. Completion Program
| Course # | Course Title | Semester Hours |
| NURS 701 | Health Promotion | 3 |
| NURS 370 | Community and Environmental Nursing Lecture | 3 |
| NURS 372 | Community and Environmental Nursing Clinical Applications | 2 |
| NURS 391 | Concepts for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 378 | Evidence-based Care/Health Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 403 | Introduction to Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 424 | Management of Health Care Delivery | 3 |
| NURS 479 | Adults in Health and Illness Advanced Clinical Applications | 3 |
| NURS 426 | Adults in Health and Illness Clinical Leadership | 3 |
| PHIL 505 | Moral Issues in Health Care | 3 |
| NURS 657 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| Total | 32 |
The combined B.S.N./M.S.N. Program is designed for registered nurses whose original preparation in nursing was received in accredited diploma or associate degree programs and who have identified the Master of Science degree as their educational goal.
Admission requirements include the following: Submission of high school transcript; submission of nursing school, college, and university transcripts (3.0 grade point average) showing completion of 60 semester hours in non-nursing coursework and 34 credits in nursing coursework (see Transfer Credit for R.N. Students); current R.N. licensure valid in the United States; two years of experience since licensure; letters of recommendation from persons familiar with applicant's academic ability and professional performance; declaration of clinical specialty and professional role area in master's program.
Program for B.S.N./M.S.N. Students
To meet B.S.N. requirements
| Course # | Course Title | Semester Hours |
| NURS 370 | Community and Environmental Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 372 | Community and Environmental Nursing Clinical Applications | 2 |
| NURS 391 | Concepts for Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 378 | Evidence-based Care/Health Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 403 | Introduction to Nursing Research | 3 |
| NURS 426 | Adults in Health and Illness Clinical Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 460 | Alternate Clinical Experience | 4 |
| Statistics (graduate-level course) | 3-4 | |
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Bioethics | 3 | |
| Health Assessment | 4 | |
| Total | 34-35 |
Total number of semester hours required for B.S.N.: 120.
To complete M.S.N. requirements:
| Course # | Course Title | Semester Hours |
| NURS 661 | Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 663 | Health Care Policy, Organization | 3 |
| NURS 704 | Research in Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 895 | Capstone Research Project (or Thesis-6) | 3(6) |
| Specific Courses Required for Advance Practice Role | 19-26 | |
| Total | 30-41 |
Students fulfill their clinical requirements at a wide variety of acute care, long term, and community agencies throughout the Washington area.
Grading and Progression Policies
Essential Criteria for Progression in the Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Baccalaureate nursing students are expected to demonstrate beginning level cognitive and psychomotor skills in early courses and increasing competence as they progress through the program. The clinical evaluation tool spells out these performance expectations. Students must attain a grade of C or better in all nursing courses.
Policies Concerning Probation and Dismissal from the School of Nursing
A 2.0 minimum GPA must be achieved each academic semester and a 2.0 cumulative GPA must be maintained. Any student who fails to achieve at least a 2.0 GPA at the end of any academic semester or whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation is allowed to register for no more than 14 hours per semester and may not progress in nursing performance courses. Participation in any extracurricular activities, such as student government or intercollegiate athletics, will be reviewed and may be restricted.
A student on probation may only register for theory courses and a performance course being repeated.
A student on probation may not graduate from the School of Nursing until she/he has achieved a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Students placed on probation are required to attend study skills and test-taking skills workshops prior to being removed from probation.
The following are the grounds for academic dismissal from the School of Nursing:
The School of Nursing maintains the Committee on Admissions, Progression, and Retention to monitor student progress and to make decisions concerning probation, academic dismissal, and subsequent appeals.
A student may request readmission or relief from the restrictions imposed by probation by appealing in writing to the Committee on Admissions, Progression, and Retention c/o Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs. Students dismissed from the School of Nursing may be considered for retention at the university if they satisfy minimum university requirements. Students dismissed from the School of Nursing who meet such requirements must transfer to another school or program.
Student Responsibility
Attendance. The faculty and administration in the School of Nursing consider attendance in class necessary to master the body of knowledge needed for safe clinical practice and adequate preparation for licensure. Therefore, class and clinical/lab attendance is mandatory. The responsibility for prompt and regular class and clinical/lab attendance rests upon the individual student. Professors are responsible for establishing and communicating policy regarding documentation and consequences of absenteeism in their individual classes. This may include requiring authentication of unavoidable absences and the inability for a student to receive a passing grade.
Transportation to Agencies. The student is expected to assume responsibility for transportation in connection with the clinical practice, community health practice and field trips. Public transportation is often available at these sites.
Insurance. All sophomore, junior and senior students are required to carry malpractice insurance. It is available through the university. This insurance applies only for clinical practice while enrolled in university courses. It does not cover students involved in personal employment. See Fees and Expenses in the General Information section of these Announcements.
Health Clearance. The student is required to meet School of Nursing health requirements prior to admission and prior to entering clinical coursework.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR. The student is required to meet basic CPR requirements prior to entering clinical coursework.
Drug/Alcohol Screen. A negative drug and alcohol screen may be required.
Security/Background Checks. Beginning with the sophomore year, background checks are required prior to entering clinical coursework.
Courses of Instruction
All courses listed below are three credit unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions are available on the Web at https://cardinalstation.cua.edu.
Many courses are open to non-nursing students. Students from other schools should check with the School of Nursing before registering for nursing courses, except for NURS 150.
| NURS | Title |
| 150 | Introduction to Professional Nursing (2) |
| 240 | Foundations of Nursing Practice |
| 254 | Communication for Health Care Professionals |
| 257 | Nutrition and Health (2) |
| 258 | Health Assessment (4) |
| 272 | Nursing Applications |
| 275 | Adults in Health and Illness Basic Clinical Applications (2) |
| 310 | Pathophysiology/Pharmacology (4) |
| 370 | Community & Environmental Nursing Lecture |
| 372 | Community & Environmental Nursing Clinical Applications (2) |
| 371 | Pathophysiology/Pharmacology |
| 375 | Mental Health Nursing Lecture |
| 377 | Mental Health Nursing Clinical Applications (2) |
| 376 | Adults in Health and Illness Intermediate Clinical Applications (2) |
| 378 | Evidence-based Care/Health Informatics |
| 380 | Growth and Development Concepts for Nursing |
| 391 | Concepts for Professional Nursing |
| 401 | Directed Study for Professional Practice (0) |
| 403 | Introduction to Nursing Research |
| 420 | Child and Adolescent Health and Illness Lecture |
| 421 | Child and Adolescent Health and Illness Clinical Applications (2) |
| 423 | Women in Health and Illness Lecture |
| 428 | Women in Health and Illness Clinical Applications (2) |
| 424 | Management of Health Care Delivery |
| 426 | Adults in Health and Illness Clinical Leadership |
| 427 | Transition to Professional Practice |
| 448 | Guided Study in Nursing (1) |
| 450 | Guided Study in Nursing (2) |
| 452 | Guided Study in Nursing |
| 454 | Guided Study in Nursing |
| 460 | Alternate Clinical Experience for RN Students (ACE) (4) |
| 466 | Intro to Nursing Management |
| 479 | Adults in Health and Illness Advanced Clinical Applications |
| 561 | Aging: Holistic Perspectives on Health |
| 567 | Relationship Centered Caring |
| 569 | Spirituality and Care of the Sick |
| 570 | Substance Abuse and Health |
[1] May be taken either semester depending on chemistry placement.
[2] Requires chemistry placement test; depending on placement Chemistry 101-3 credits may be pre-requisite.
[3] May be taken either semester.
[4] At least one of the 200-level TRS courses must be numbered 200-261; students of non-Christian background may take TRS 291 to fulfill this requirement.
