The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the gateway to a rich and rewarding career in patient care. As a registered nurse, you’ll provide direct, hands-on, safe care to patients to promote health, support restoration, and prevent the effects of common diseases. The BSN degree offers a broad education required for generalists but includes aspects that will enable you to utilize communication, organizational, administrative, and research skills to improve the delivery of care and the lives of patients. While there is definitely a demand for nurses to fill the shortage in capable healthcare professionals, hiring managers will only employ nurses trained at a bachelor’s degree or higher. According to an ACEN report, the job placement rate for BSN nurses is close to 93 percent. Graduates work in emergency care, hospice facilities, labor and delivery, dialysis, critical care, pediatrics, neonatal, intensive care, and other areas of the health care delivery system. Added to that, they are very likely to enroll in a graduate nursing program to work as nurse educators, nurse leaders, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Queens University of Charlotte
The traditional baccalaureate degree program at Queens University is an upper-division, pre-licensure pathway to the BSN degree. The program is open to students who may or may not have previous degrees. Students will complete upper division coursework in four academic semesters. The school provides a learning environment for individuals to develop the knowledge and skills that the healthcare industry wants. The curriculum is built upon a strong liberal arts foundation that includes study in the arts and sciences. Clinical experiences prepare students for a smooth transition to the workplace. Students who successfully complete the requirements will receive a BSN degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and move on to graduate studies.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Microbiology for Health Professions (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab), Statistics for Social Science, Nutrition, General Psychology, Development Psychology, Institutions and Society
Core courses – Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Pathophysiology, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacological Interventions, Concepts of Professional Nursing, Health Informatics, The Art and Science of Nursing I, The Art and Science of Nursing II, Gerontological Nursing, Research and Evidence, Leadership Development, The Art and Science of Nursing III, The Art and Science of Nursing IV, The Art and Science of Nursing V, The Art and Science of Nursing VI
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from high school within 12 months prior to enrollment at Queens
- Must have an unweighted core high school GPA of 3.5
- Transfer students will not be considered – this track is available to incoming Freshman only
- Must have a laptop that meets published Queens University specifications
- Must obtain full admission to the university
- Must submit transcripts indicating completion of prerequisite courses – no more than 2 prerequisite courses may be in progress during the semester the application is submitted – Nutrition, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Microbiology for Health Professions, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introductory Statistics, Institutions and Society
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $37,348 per year for students enrolled full-time or $934 per credit hour for students taking fewer than 12 credit hours or more than 20 hours per semester. Additional costs for books, uniforms, stethoscopes, criminal background checks, immunizations, drug screens, and other clinical requirements are an estimated $1,500.
- Website: https://www.queens.edu/
- Address: 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28274
- Phone: 704-337-2200
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.94%
UNC – Charlotte School of Nursing
The Charlotte School of Nursing supports students in their academic pursuits to become a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse. Students will acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide safe and competent care in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, public health, hospice, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. They must complete the nursing prerequisite courses before applying for the upper-division nursing program. The curriculum requires study in liberal arts, sciences, and generalist nursing education. Admission to the upper-division major is a highly competitive process and includes an evaluation of several factors including GPA, past direct patient care experience, attainment of a prior degree (4-year or higher), and hours taken at UNC Charlotte. Graduates will be prepared for generalist practice in nursing and are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Microbiology for Health Professions (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab), Human Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab), Statistics for Social Science, Nutrition, General Psychology, Development Psychology, Institutions and Society
Core courses – Introduction to Nursing Science, Concepts of Professional Nursing, Pathophysiology: Clinical Concepts of Illness and Disease, Health Assessment and Application, Pharmacology in Health and Illness, Illness and Disease Management, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children, Practicum in Concepts of Professional Nursing, Practicum Illness and Disease Management, Practicum in Nursing Care of Children and the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of the Aging Adult, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Complex Illness and Disease Management, Leadership and Informatics for Nursing Practice, Population Focused Nursing, Practicum in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Practicum in Complex Illness and Disease Management, Practicum in Population Focused Nursing, Design and Coordination of Care, Professional Nursing: Trends, Issues, and Licensure, Research in Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from high school or equivalent
- Must apply for admission as a pre-nursing student
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on all university/college coursework
- Must have a minimum grade of B on prerequisite score courses and respective labs – applicants may only have one grade C or below for which they retool the course to earn a B or better
- Must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.3 or higher to be admitted to the Upper Division Major
- Must be listed in the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry – after completion of the Nurse Aide I training program and certification exam – certification throughout the program is not required
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $2,040 per semester for resident students completing 12 credit hours and $7,248 for non-residents. Other program costs include student ID, uniforms, lab coat, watch with a second hand, nursing shoes, stethoscope, physical, CPR certification, criminal background check, drug screen, MyRecordTracker, and vaccines.
- Website: https://www.charlotte.edu/
- Address: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223
- Phone: 7046878622
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.32%
Chamberlain University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Chamberlain University prepares students with hands-on training and on-site clinical experiences in the state-of-the-art SIMCARE CENTER™. In collaboration with classmates, mentors, and registered nurses and under the supervision of faculty members, students will develop vital skills that are essential in the provision of professional nursing care. The SIMCARE CENTER™ is outfitted with equipment that exposes students to multiple aspects of care, including high-tech patient manikins used for diagnostic purposes. The simulators have bodily functions, show vital signs, and demonstrate a wide range of symptoms thus giving students the opportunity to practice nursing before transitioning to real patients during the clinical portion of a program. The program is delivered fully on campus or in hybrid format. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 122
Duration: 3 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Algebra for College Students, Transition to the Nursing Profession, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Culture & Society, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology III with Lab, Advanced English Composition, Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology IV with Lab, Lifespan Development, Health & Wellness, Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry with Lab, Fundamentals of Microbiology with Lab, Critical Reasoning, Interpersonal Communication, Health Assessment I, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment II, Fundamentals – Skills, Fundamentals – Patient Care, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Adult Health I, Nutrition, Health & Wellness, Adult Health II, Mental Health Nursing, Information Systems in Healthcare, Pediatric Nursing, Applied Managerial Statistics, Maternal Child Nursing, Political Science, Complex Adult Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Community Health Nursing, Principles of Ethics, Collaborative Healthcare, Humanities Elective, Capstone Course, History Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for general admission as a degree-seeking student at Chamberlain University
- Attend a campus tour and interview with an admissions representative
- Must be a high school graduate with a GPA of at least 2.75
- Take and pass the HESI A2 Admission Assessment with a minimum score of 73
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screen
- Students must maintain health and liability insurance throughout the program
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $85,278 includes tuition, application fee, background check, drug screen, fingerprint, student service charge, and books and supplies.
- Website: https://www.chamberlain.edu/
- Address: 2015 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Suite 204, Charlotte, NC 28273
- Toll Free: 877.751.5783
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.56%
Wingate University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Wingate University prepares students to enter the profession of nursing as generalists. The curriculum includes instruction in the arts, sciences, and core nursing courses. Students will need to complete the prerequisite courses during the first two years before applying for admission to the upper division program. Once admitted, students will acquire nursing skills through hands-on exercises conducted at local hospitals, mental health facilities, public schools, nursing homes, and mental health facilities. They will also participate in a poverty simulation, community clinics, public school clinics, health fairs, and a variety of community outreach opportunities. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX after successful completion of the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 125
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Global Perspectives in Scripture, University Writing and Research, Language Level I, Principles of Chemistry I, Fine Arts, Perspectives in World Cultures, Language Level 2, General Psychology, Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology, Quantitative Reasoning, Global Perspectives in Literature, Inferential Statistics, Personal Fitness and Wellness, Developmental Psychology, Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Medical Terminology, Global Perspectives in Economics and Political Science, Principles of Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Principles of Microbiology, Nursing Concepts, Literature and Writing Course, Global Perspectives in Ethics, Nursing Process I: Adult I, Nursing Skills I: Physical Assessment, Nursing Information Management, Nursing Process II: Children and Families, Pharmacology for Nursing, Nursing Process III: Communities, Nursing Process IV: Mental Health, Nursing Process V: Adult II, Science Based Nursing, Perspectives in Global Histories, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Process VI: Caring for Adult with Complex Illness, Nursing Process VII: Nursing Practicum, Critical Thinking NCLEX-RN Preparation
Admission criteria:
- Must complete the prerequisites courses with a grade C and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Take and pass the TEAS with a score of 72 or above – only TEAS scores taken at Wingate University will be accepted
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program – available between April 1 to May 1
- Must have a CNA I license in NC or state of residence – must be actively listed on the registry
- Must have American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Professionals
- Must meet the computer requirements
- Complete Health Clearance and Immunizations
- Must purchase the required uniform and equipment
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $40,070 per year for undergraduate students. Other costs include fees, books, uniforms, and supplies. Financial aid is available.
- Website: https://www.wingate.edu/
- Address: 315 E. Wilson St, Wingate, NC 28174
- Phone: (704) 233-8000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.86%
Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb prepares adults to serve others in the role of a registered nurse. The bachelor of science in nursing program takes a holistic approach with an emphasis on clinical competence, therapeutic relationships, faith and social awareness. Experienced instructors will share their career experiences with students and provide one-on-one guidance to help them meet their degree requirements and career goals. The simulation lab activities will cover a range of nursing skills to prepare students for the clinical experiences which will be conducted in a real-world setting. Clinical rotations will be scheduled at local hospitals and clinics. Students will need to provide their own transport to the clinical sites. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Nursing Assessment, Nursing Assessment Lab, Introduction to Nursing, Introduction to Nursing Lab, Introduction to Nursing Practicum, Concepts in Professional Nursing, Communication Skills in Nursing, Pharmacology in Nursing Practice, Nutrition in Nursing Practice, Adult Health I Lab, Adult Health I Practicum, Adult Health I, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal/Child Nursing, Maternal/Child Nursing Lab, Maternal/Child Nursing Practicum, Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Nursing Trends and Issues, Essentials of Public Health and Community Nursing, Public Health and Community Nursing Practicum, Essential of Nursing Management and Leadership, Adult Health II, Adult Health II Lab, Adult Health II Practicum, Research for Evidence-Based Practice
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Gardner-Webb University – admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the Hunt School of Nursing
- Must have a 2.85 GPA on a 4.0 scale – students will less than 64 hours of college credit will have the cumulative GPA evaluated
- Must have an overall score of 65 on the TEAS – scores must be within the last two years. The TEAS test option is waived for applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Complete biology, chemistry, and algebra with a minimum of C in high school or college – grades must be reflected in the transcripts
- Submit a satisfactory physical and mental health form completed and signed by a healthcare provider
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check – results for all states of residence for the past 10 years. The criminal background history must be conducted within the past 12 months of admission
- Must have CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association – must be completed prior to beginning nursing classes in the Fall semester
- Complete immunization
- Records as required by clinical sites
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $40,070 per year for undergraduate students. Other costs include fees, books, uniforms, and supplies. Financial aid is available.
- Website: https://gardner-webb.edu/
- Address: 110 South Main Street, P.O. Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017
- Phone: (704) 406-4000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.10%