Nursing B.S.
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Contact: Audrey J. Bopp, M.S., Assistant Director
Location: Gunter 3080
Telephone: 970.351.2293
Website: www.unco.edu/nhs/nursing
Advising Information:
Students must consult with their assigned major advisor each semester prior to registering.
Assigned advisor is available through the Ursa login; ursa.unco.edu; under Student tab Academic Profile channel and is term specific. If no advisor is listed, contact the major program for advisor information.
The program consists of two parts:
- Liberal Arts Core (LAC) Credits
- Required Major Credits
Program Description:
The undergraduate program in nursing is a nine semester program leading to a bachelor of science degree. Nursing is an independent professional discipline requiring critical inquiry and discriminating judgment to assist individuals, families and communities to attain and maintain health. Qualified students are prepared as professional nurses and receive a foundation for graduate study in nursing.
Pre-clinical Major. Students interested in nursing are accepted as pre-clinical nursing majors if they meet the general admission requirements of the University. Formal application is made to and obtained from UNC’s Office of Admissions.
It is highly recommended that students planning a career in nursing include chemistry, biology and algebra in their high school programs. Proficiency in mathematics is essential to success in the nursing program.
Students enrolled in the pre-clinical major will receive academic advisement from members of the School of Nursing faculty.
Clinical Major. The designation of pre-clinical nursing major does not assure admission to the clinical nursing program. A separate application and acceptance process during the sophomore year is required for the student to enter clinical nursing courses in the junior year. Forms for applying to the clinical program and information about application procedures are obtained at the School of Nursing during late fall semester.
The following factors will be considered by the nursing faculty in the selection of students:
- GPA is calculated on the most recent 45 credits from UNC or other institution and must be 3.0 GPA or above. Contact the School of Nursing for specifics on the GPA calculation. Other variables may be utilized for selection criteria;
- Only applicants who have earned a grade of C or better (C- is not acceptable) in each of the prerequisite courses or course equivalents will be considered for admission. If an applicant is admitted to the Nursing program, then earns less than a grade of C in any of the prerequisite courses or course equivalents, their admission to the Nursing program will be rescinded.
The number of students admitted to the clinical nursing program is determined by available resources. Available resources may also limit possibilities for readmission to the program for those students who withdraw for any reason. Scores on selected tests measuring such factors as aptitude, cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills and achievement may be used for advisement.
All students entering the professional clinical nursing major must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the adult and child/infant (health professional) as evidenced by current CPR card. This certification must be maintained while in the program. Nurse Aide coursework is also required for application. CNA and CPR courses are available outside the School of Nursing.
Progression . Nursing majors must earn a minimum grade of "C" or better (C- is not acceptable) or satisfactory in all required nursing courses for progression to the next semester in the nursing major. The nursing program faculty reserves the right to place on probation or to require the withdrawal from the nursing program of any student who in their professional judgment fails to satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health status and/or performance. A student receiving a grade less than “C” in a nursing course will be readmitted to that course on a space-available basis only.
RN-BS Progression . The length of the program for the registered nurse student depends upon the amount of transfer credit and successful completion of prerequisite course challenge examinations, if needed. The Colorado Nursing Articulation Model permits RNs to receive credit for prior nursing course work. Individuals seeking admission must be admitted to the University of Northern Colorado following the procedures outlined in this Catalog. Students should contact the School of Nursing at the same time for information about RN criteria for admission to the nursing major and the specifics of the RN program.
LPN Progression . As an LPN, challenge options are available in certain required prerequisite courses. Progression planning for the LPN through the clinical program is done with the Advising Team.
Policies . Probation/Termination Policy, Critical Behaviors for Satisfactory Achievement in Clinical Nursing Courses, Withdrawal, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Cheating/Plagiarism and Health Policies are published in the required Student Handbook.
Missed or Repeated Courses. Students who must repeat a clinical nursing course or who fail to enroll or complete a course on their scheduled rotation will be readmitted for clinical courses on a space-available basis only. Courses may not be offered every semester.
Successive Enrollment. A student who does not enroll for either required support courses or nursing courses for two successive semesters and has not made prior arrangements with the Assistant Director will not be considered a nursing major.
Graduation and Licensure. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing will be granted by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the faculty of the School of Nursing to those students who have successfully completed the prescribed curriculum with an average of “C” or above.
RN licensure is obtained by passing the national licensure exam which students arrange to take some weeks after graduation.
Health Policies. Within the academic year preceding the first clinical course, the student must have met the University's requirements regarding immunizations, received any necessary update in immunizations (such as Rubella Titer, PPD, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Rubeola/Rubella/Mumps) and have on record a completed physical examination. Hepatitis B vaccination is required. Thereafter, an annual PPD is required, as well as completion of OSHA requirements.
Criminal Background Check . To comply with clinical agency requirements, all students are required to submit evidence that a criminal background check has been completed.
School Nurse Provisional Licensure. Graduates seeking School Nurse Licensure should contact the Teacher Education and Certification Unit of The Colorado Department of Education at 201 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203 for an application packet.
Additional Expenses. Clinical nursing majors may anticipate the following expenses upon admission to the program.
- Achievement Exams, Books, Technology – $400
- Uniforms – $100
- Lab coat – $25
- Clinical Practice Supplies – $35
- Health Clearance – approx. $50 (can vary)
- Rubella Titer – $15
- Hepatitis B Vaccine – $150
- Semester Lab Kit – $70
- Travel – Cost varies
- Criminal Background Check – $50
- White shoes – $30
Required uniforms are ordered the semester before clinical assignment. Costs listed here are approximate and subject to change.
Senior Year Expenses:
- School pin and picture (optional) – Cost varies
- Travel – Cost varies
Clinical Practice. Student practica are offered in agencies according to available resources. All placements require transportation and may necessitate commuting from the Greeley area. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all clinical practicum.
Program Admission Requirements:
Academic Good Standing
Program Requirements:
A minimum grade of “C” or better (C- is not acceptable) or satisfactory in all nursing courses required for progression to the next semester must be earned.
Degree Requirements — 126 Credits
Degree Requirements
1. Required Specified LAC — 18 credits
LAC area 1b. — Intermediate Composition
LAC area 2 — Mathematics
| STAT 150 | Introduction to Statistical Analysis | 3 |
LAC area 5 — Social and Behavioral Sciences
| PSY 230 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
LAC area 6b. — Physical and Life Sciences
Remaining LAC — 22 credits
See
“Liberal Arts Core”.
2. Required Major — 86 credits (Non-RN students)
Take all of the following courses:
| NURS 310 | Foundations of Nursing Practice I | 3 |
| NURS 312 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 314 | Health Assessment Laboratory | 1 |
| NURS 321 | Cinical Implications of Laboratory Data Analysis | 2 |
| NURS 324 | Clinical Practice: Nursing Concepts and Care | 4 |
| NURS 326 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 327 | Pharmacology in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 335 | Foundations of Nursing Practice II | 3 |
| NURS 374 | Clinical Practice: Alterations in Adult Heath | 6 |
| NURS 375 | Alterations in Adult Health Theory I | 4 |
| NURS 376 | Alterations in Adult Health Theory II | 3 |
| NURS 404 | Clinical Practice of Public Health Nursing: Population-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 405 | Theory and Principles of Public Health Nursing: Population-Based Practice | 3 |
| NURS 410 | Foundations of Nursing Practice III | 3 |
| NURS 414 | Clinical Practice: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 415 | Theory of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 420 | Clinical Practice: Childbearing Families | 3 |
| NURS 421 | Clinical Practice: Pediatric Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 425 | Childbearing Families Theory | 3 |
| NURS 426 | Pediatric Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS 435 | Foundations of Nursing Practice IV | 3 |
| NURS 465 | Professional Nursing Roles | 10 |
| BIO 245 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 246 | Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| FND 357 | Nutrition in Health and Illness | 4 |
Required for Registered Nurses (RN's) Seeking a B.S. — 30 credits
Take all of the following courses:
| NURS 310 | Foundations of Nursing Practice I | 3 |
| NURS 328 | Health Assessment for RNs | 4 |
| NURS 333 | Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 335 | Foundations of Nursing Practice II | 3 |
| NURS 410 | Foundations of Nursing Practice III | 3 |
| NURS 435 | Foundations of Nursing Practice IV | 3 |
| NURS 453 | Theory and Principles of Public Health Nursing: Population-Based Practice and Chronic Illness | 4 |
| NURS 454 | Clinical Practice of Public Health Nursing: Population-Based Practice and Chronic Illness | 4 |
| NURS 464 | Clinical Practice for RNs: Professional Role Development | 4 |
NOTE: The RN student is awarded 38 credits of upper division nursing coursework upon completion of one semester of nursing coursework at UNC, per the Colorado Articulation Agreement. Total credits required for RN’s: 120.