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Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Traditional Track)

Program Overview

The focus of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is to offer a quality educational program that provides its graduates with the educational foundation and skills necessary to achieve professional success in the field of nursing.

ECPI University is committed to providing quality nursing education with the goal of developing clinical leaders with the ability to advance and promote the health of the diverse populations within the communities they serve, advocate on behalf of their clients, achieve and maintain their clinical competency, and provide service to the community and the profession.

The University faculty and administration are dedicated to achieving the University and BSN program’s focus. 

For additional information about the program link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/accelerated-bachelor-of-science-nursing-absn. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.

Program Purpose

The purpose of the  program is to provide undergraduate students with the ability to practice professional nursing as a generalist, and academic foundation necessary to pursue graduate education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for qualified students, from diverse backgrounds, in caring for individuals, families and communities and preparing graduates for the practice of registered professional nursing in a variety of health care settings. A foundation for life-long personal and professional learning is built upon a broad base of liberal arts and sciences, humanities, and nursing theory to assist students develop ethically reflective professional nursing skills that uphold the ideals of today’s health care delivery system. Through evidence-based, clinical decision-making in nursing practice and the development of leadership skills, the professional registered nurse will be educated to service and benefit a multicultural society across the lifespan. 

Program Outcomes

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed to prepare a professional nurse who should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Provide holistic, safe, competent patient care by applying the nursing process and evidence-based practice to manage the health care needs of culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities
  • Synthesize and apply knowledge from the humanities, the arts and letters, the social and natural sciences as a basis for clinical reasoning and decision-making in nursing practice
  • Effectively communicate using written, verbal and electronic methodologies
  • Collaborate as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team, in partnership with the individual, family, group, or community, to promote health and wellness, prevent disease, and to influence health care delivery
  • Apply theories of nursing, patient teaching, leadership and management, and legal and ethical principles to promote optimal care delivery with nurse-sensitive quality indicators
  • Contribute to the enhancement of nursing practice through the delivery of compassionate care, the evaluation of health outcomes, and the application of research to practice
  • Actively participate in the role of a professional nurse through practice, self-care, leadership and lifelong learning across the continuum of care
  • Apply knowledge of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments to advocate for the provision of safe and equitable nursing care

About Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate can work in a variety of roles in community health, specialty bedside practice, informatics, and management, pursuing employment in a range of settings. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program allows students to acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to meet the preventative and restorative needs of patients. Students learn both the art and science of nursing.

Available job titles are Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, Clinical Educator, Charge Nurse, or Community Health Nurse.

Recommended Licensure

All nurse graduates must apply for licensure through the state Board of Nursing.  The Board of Nursing must deem the graduate eligible to test and the graduate must successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before being able to practice as a registered nurse.

NCLEX Preparation and Total Testing 

Total testing nursing education products are assessment tools and resources to promote mastery of core nursing concepts and to prepare students for the NCLEX exam. Assessment tools used in the nursing program are practice quizzes, practice assessments and proctored assessments. The total testing education products also assist the nursing program in the assessment of course and program competencies. All students are required to complete the secured standardized assessment tests in several content areas. 

Readiness to sit for the NCLEX exam will be assessed in the final nursing course using a Comprehensive Predictor Test.

Program Outline

To receive the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters, which is equivalent to 30 months and 120 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:  

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

80 semester credit hours

HCA400Health Information Systems

3

HLT101Nutrition

3

NUR219Dosage Calculations

1
NUR221Pathophysiology

3
NUR303Essentials of Nursing Practice

3
NUR305Concepts of Nursing I

2
NUR307Concepts of Nursing II

3
NUR309Concepts of Nursing III

3
NUR310Pharmacology

3
NUR325Health Assessment Across the Life Span

4
NUR347Mental Health Nursing

4
NUR356Medical-Surgical Nursing I

5
NUR357Medical-Surgical Nursing II

5
NUR359Community Health Nursing

5
NUR400Nursing Research

3
NUR424Maternal/Newborn Nursing

4
NUR426Parent/Child Nursing

4
NUR457Nursing Care of the Older Adult

4
NUR458Acute Care Nursing

5
NUR470Professional Leadership

3
NUR475Transition to Practice I

3
NUR476Transition to Practice II

4
NUR480Senior Seminar

3

Arts and Sciences*

35 semester credit hours

BIO111Anatomy and Physiology I with Terminology

3

BIO111LAnatomy and Physiology I with Terminology LAB

1

BIO116Anatomy and Physiology II with Terminology

3

BIO116LAnatomy and Physiology II with Terminology LAB

1

CAP480Arts and Sciences Capstone

3

COM115Principles of Communication

3
ENG110College Composition

3

ENG120Advanced Composition

3

HUM205Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities

3

MTH131College Algebra

3

MTH140Statistics

3

PSY105Introduction to Psychology

3

PSY300Human Growth & Development

3

*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.

Self-Integration

5 semester credit hours

CIS108Office Applications

2
COR101Freshman Orientation

1

COR191Career Orientation

1

COR195Study Skills

1

**The following courses are available online for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at the Orlando, Florida campus:

CAP480, CIS108, COM115, COR191, ENG110, ENG120, HCA400, HLT101, HUM205, MTH131, MTH140, PSY105, PSY300. 

Nursing Program - Specific Policies (applies to all campuses)

Admissions Requirements

Admission is on a selective and competitive basis. ECPI University reserves the right to select those applicants who are deemed best qualified for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The admission process includes the following:

  • Successful completion of the entrance assessment exam: Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS IV) 
    • Minimum score requirements are as follows:

      • Reading: 85+

      • Math: 60+

      • English: 65+

      • Science: 60+

    • The following criteria will be evaluated for entrance assessments:

      • Reading: 20% of exam values

      • Math: 30% of exam values

      • English: 20% of exam values

      • Science: 30% of exam values

  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required from the last college attended (minimum of 9 credits) or high school GPA if no college has been attended. If the GPA is below 2.5, applicants can qualify by completing a minimum of 6 additional credits of biological science courses with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or greater in those courses. GED with a passing score meets the 2.5 GPA requirements.
  • Applicants are required to provide official high school or General Education Diploma (GED) transcripts, as well as official college transcripts for completed college level course work.  An educational history evaluation will be completed upon receipt of official transcripts. High School Honors and Advanced Placement Science courses will be considered.
  • Relevant work history in the medical field, i.e. Practical Nursing, Military Corpsman, etc. is evaluated.
  • Submission of an Entrance Essay (1-2 pages maximum length) on one of the following topics: (1) Academic Integrity; (2) The Art of Caring; (3) Managing College / Life Balance. Completion may increase your admission ranking.
  • Qualified applicants who rank highest on the admissions criteria will be evaluated by an academic review committee of no less than three individuals, with representation from Nursing Administration or faculty. The academic review committee will determine final selection for admission to the BSN program.
  • All applicants (including Licensed Practical Nurses) must submit to a criminal background check and drug screen.
  • All applicants  (including Licensed Practical Nurses) must possess the ability to meet the minimal level of essential functional abilities required to practice as a nurse, as described by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
  • All applicants must submit a physical examination and immunizations including, but not limited to, documentation of negative TB status; Td/Tdap; complete series of MMR and Varicella vaccination or titers documenting immunity; Hepatitis B titer documenting immunity.

Financial terms as specified on Enrollment Agreements must be agreed upon in addition to meeting the academic acceptance criteria.  

Applicants are required to pass a physical examination and provide proof of immunizations prior to the commencement of skills labs/clinical experience.  Conviction of a crime (other than a minor traffic violation) could make the student ineligible to take the licensing exam upon graduation, which is required by the profession.  The student may be required to provide medical documentation of any disability or physical imitation prior to beginning classes.  The rationale for these additional admission requirements is to provide reasonable assurance to the public that students are capable of performing duties required of a registered nurse upon graduation and successful preparation of the licensing exam.   

Transfer of Credit Procedure for BIO111/L and BIO116/L. The University will consider coursework for transfer of BIO111/L (4 credits) and BIO116/L (4 credits) courses in which the student achieved a B or better as the final grade, that were completed within the past seven calendar years, and that are established to be equivalent in content and objectives to courses offered at the University.

 
Essential Functional Abilities.  Nursing is a profession that requires specific abilities. Students must be able to complete the minimal level of abilities to practice as a nurse as published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. RNs should be able to fully function in the following areas:
  • Physical (gross and the fine motor, physical endurance, physical strength, mobility)
  • Sensory (visual, tactile, olfactory, hearing)
  • Cognitive (reading, arithmetic, analytical and critical thinking)
  • Interactive (interpersonal, communicative)
  • Contact the Program Director for questions or more information if you have questions about any one or all of the essential functional abilities. Also see the catalog section on Americans with Disabilities Act.

Philosophy of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program 

Faculty of the BSN program believe that:

  • Baccalaureate nursing education is a basic preparation for professional nursing practice and establishes the foundation for life-long learning. The faculty members believe that the baccalaureate graduate is a generalist, prepared to provide clinical leadership in the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of health care for individuals, families and communities.
  • The curriculum is structured to enable the student to demonstrate that they have developed an understanding and mastery of baccalaureate-level nursing and related concepts as they progress through their educational experience. Related concepts emphasized in the nursing curriculum include ethical decision-making, critical thinking, effective communication, leadership and management.
  • As envisioned by the faculty members, the nursing paradigm includes:
    • Person. Each person is a unique being with basic rights and choices who experiences multiple stressors from their continually changing internal and external environments with varying degrees of adaptation. The ultimate goal that a person has is to find, establish and maintain balance with health. Clients of nursing care are composed of individuals, families, groups, and communities with diverse backgrounds, sharing common goals and values. Perceptions, attitudes, values, and goals are influenced by culture, race, spirituality, age, gender, and abilities.
    • Environment. The environment is a complex, open system existing in a dynamic state of change. Economic, political, environmental, and technological factors exert their effects on society. The nurse promotes an environment in which the person’s needs may be met, while respecting individual differences related to values, customs, and responses to life experiences.
    • Health. Health is regarded as dynamic and multidimensional, with physical, mental, spiritual and social components that are all interrelated on the wellness-illness continuum, varying from a high level of wellness to varying degrees of illness. Health is influenced by both internal and external factors to the individuals’ optimal level of functioning. When adaptive abilities are inadequate or stressed, the individual moves on the wellness-illness continuum toward a lower level of functioning. All people have the inherent right to make informed decisions regarding their health care, including self-determination.
    • Nursing. Nursing is both an art and a science. Professional nursing provides comprehensive health care services to clients in an effort to support them in attaining their optimal level of independence and wellness through the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health. The role of the nurse is multifaceted, conceptualized in three primary categories: provider of care, coordinator of care and member of the profession. Nursing education is an interactive process, allowing the adult learner to incorporate previously learned knowledge, building a foundation for providing holistic, outcomes-oriented care. The profession works collaboratively with other members of the health care interdisciplinary team to facilitate optimal client outcomes. The faculty believes that the baccalaureate degree is the professional degree for nursing, providing the groundwork for the graduate degree.
    • Learning. Faculty members of the University believe baccalaureate education in nursing is the basis for professional practice as a nurse generalist and offers preparation for professional development and life-long learning. Baccalaureate nursing education, based upon a liberal arts education, is the synthesis of knowledge from a variety of disciplines, including humanities, social, behavioral, and natural sciences. Learning is a collaborative partnership between the student and the faculty member, promoted by critical thinking, problem-solving and effective decision-making. Learning occurs in a variety of settings, with each student responsible for maximizing his or her own experiences. Each student has unique life, educational and work experiences and therefore, has individual learning needs. Outcome assessments quantitatively and qualitatively measure achievement of programmatic goals.