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Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at South University’s Columbia campus is designed to prepare future nurses to pursue the profession*. South University’s nursing program offers an educational foundation** to teach important skills that future nurses can utilize throughout their careers.
The BSN graduate will be able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN)® in order to obtain state professional licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse.***
The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to South University’s professional phase of the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time.
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
**Credentials and experience may vary by instructor.
***Nurses must pass the NCLEX exam in order to work as a Registered Nurse. South University’s BSN program meets the requirements for licensure in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
General Entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Admission into the BSN degree program is a two step process:
- Students interested in pursuing the BSN degree are eligible for general entry to the Bachelor Science in Nursing Program by meeting requirements for entry into South University.
- Students must meet all prerequisite requirements to be considered for admission to the professional phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Admission to the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Effective as of January 1, 2025.
The criteria used to determine admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Completion of 90 quarter hours (QH) of science and general education courses as required for admission to BSN degree program with a grade of C or better. Science courses are not accepted if the courses are older than 7 years at the start date of the professional phase of the program. This includes science courses taken at South University and transfer credits from outside institutions.
- A cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale in the nursing pre-requisite courses. Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
- A GPA of 2.75 or better in the following science courses: BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab; BO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II and BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab; BIO2070 Microbiology and BIO2073 Microbiology Laboratory; CHM1010 General Chemistry; BIO2015 Human Pathophysiology. Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
- A grade of "C" or better in all general education courses.
- Entrance test results (TEAS test only – see Assessment Through Standardized Testing section for detailed information).
- Entrance test results (HESI or TEAS test).
- A completed, approved Level I and Level II background check.
- Completed application for admission to the BSN degree program form.
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended, including courses taken at South University.
- Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential functions related to the profession of nursing as described in this catalog.
- Completion of prerequisites courses at South University will be considered in the ranking process.
Provisional admission may be granted if the student is completing prerequisites in the term before matriculation into the nursing program. On the day of matriculation into the nursing, the student must meet the admission criteria as outlined above. Failure to meet requirements of admission will result in rescinding the provisional admission status.
Acceptance into the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science Nursing
Upon acceptance into the Nursing Program, the student must submit:
- A nonrefundable one -time Acceptance Fee to the business office for enrollment into the BSN program. This fee will be applied to the student's first quarter tuition payment. Students enrolling in the RN to BSN program are not required to pay the registration/acceptance fee.
- Completed current physical examination record with required immunizations, titers, lab results, and tuberculosis assessment.
- Urine drug screen
- Evidence of health insurance
Pre-Licensure (BSN) Laptop Computer Requirement
Laptop computers are required for use in testing. All students are required to have a laptop computer with Internet access that meets university specifications.
Comprehensive Background Check
Please see the General Admissions Policies section here.
Acceptance into a South University educational program, or it's completion, does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification.
The Nursing Program Director may be required to submit written documentation regarding the student status to boards of nursing and clinical agencies as early as receipt of the student's CONPH application. Students may be required to obtain additional background checks as requested by clinical agencies or boards of nursing.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Career Outlook
When you have completed your degree program, you'll be prepared to work* as a registered nurse. Please note that if you are not yet a registered nurse, you must pass the NCLEX exam in order to enroll in South University BSN program.
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Nurses must pass the NCLEX exam in order to work. Each student is responsible for reviewing all national requirements as well as any state requirements where the student is located for the most accurate information to work as nurses. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
Course Requirements
Choose one additional course from the list below:
(must be taken concurrently)
(must be taken concurrently)
Note(s):
*PSY2022 is required by CCNE for all BSN students. Per the Department of Behavioral Sciences, the course meets the South University General Education requirements for Social and Behavioral Sciences for Nursing students ONLY.
Application Process and Deadline
The College of Nursing and Public Health admits one or two classes of students per year to each campus-based BSN programs. Application packets and deadlines are available on each campus. Fully completed application materials (including evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses) are due by the posted deadline, usually the first day of the quarter before admission (ex., first day of summer quarter for fall quarter program start). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Assessment through Standardized Tests
Achievement Examinations and NCLEX-RN Preparation
The South University Nursing Faculty is committed to assisting students to achieve success on the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of this examination is required for entry into the practice of professional nursing. In addition to faculty prepared examinations, nursing students take a series of achievement examinations throughout the various courses in the nursing program to prepare for taking the NCLEX-RN. The examinations are used to measure student nursing knowledge, acquired nursing skills and competencies. Students failing to achieve the national average on any achievement test must provide evidence of remediation to their faculty advisors.
South University provides students with ample educational resources including library resources, CDs, DVDs, computer software programs, and access to a variety of nursing education websites such as atitesting.com. Students are required to attend NCLEX-RN review courses during the final quarter of the program.
Standardized Testing Policy
The following standardized testing policy describes the use of the standardized testing products as a component of admission, progression, and graduation in nursing program at South University. This policy has been developed to establish guidelines to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and to identify at-risk students. All students have the opportunity for review and remediation to enhance their success in the program and on NCLEX-RN after graduation.
1. Admission for Professional Phase
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a requirement of the admission process.
The TEAS exams is used to determine academic preparedness of pre-licensure nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
Applicants must achieve a “Proficient” level on the most current ATI TEAS exam to be considered for admission to the nursing program. Applicants must wait a minimum of 30 days between testing dates for the TEAS exam and no more than three times in 6 months. TEAS results greater than 14 months prior to admission acceptance into the professional phase will not be considered.
If the TEAS exam is taken at another institution or virtually, all exam attempts must be sent electronically through ATI.
Faculty
Program DirectorSarah A. Smith, Ph.D. University of Hawaii Manoa, M.S.Ned. University of Phoenix, B.S.N. University of Southern Maine, A.D.N. Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing
Clinical Coordinator
Sheron K. Capers, M.S.N. NUR/Ed. South University Savannah, GA, B.S.N. South University, Savannah, GA, A.D.N. Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC
Assistant Professor
Elizabeth M. Fezio, D.N.P. Georgia College & State University, M.S.N. Georgia College & State University, B.S.N. Georgia College & State University
Assistant Professor
Rebecca L. Nates, M.S.N. University of South Carolina, B.S.N. University of South Carolina
Instructor
E. Denise Jones, M.S.N. South University, B.S.N. Tuskegee University
Instructor
Sandra L. Tucker, M.S.N. University of South Carolina, B.S.N. Boston University
Outcomes
Offered at Austin, Columbia, High Point, Montgomery, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach.
The BSN degree program is designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation that prepares individuals for entry into the nursing profession. The BSN graduate will be able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. The comprehensive theoretical and clinical practice components aim to allow South University BSN graduates to make a smooth transition into professional nursing practice. Graduates of the South University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are encouraged to continue the educational process and are prepared for the challenges of graduate study.
The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse. *
*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, student will:
- Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing practice.
- Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
- Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
- Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
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