| 253.535.7674 | www.plu.edu/nursing/ | nurs@plu.edu |
| Rhoberta Haley, Ph.D., Dean |
Pre-licensure Nursing Programs
The traditional (NURT) and accelerated (NURA) undergraduate programs are designed for students who do not hold licensure in practical or registered nursing. Graduates who successfully complete the Traditional or Accelerated B.S.N. program earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as registered nurses. They are prepared to begin professional nursing positions throughout the health care system. The undergraduate programs provide a strong foundation for graduate study in nursing.
Pre-licensure portion of the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (Entry-Level M.S.N.)
The Entry-Level M.S.N. program is designed for those who have previously earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in an academic discipline other than nursing. Students take the Pre-licensure nursing courses and then are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as registered nurses in the state of Washington. Entry-Level M.S.N. students do not receive a B.S.N. degree, but continue in the Entry-Level M.S.N. program to complete a M.S.N. degree. Those interested are advised to attend a monthly information session. A seat in one of these sessions can be reserved by contacting the School of Nursing. See Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog for further details.
Membership
The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Washington State Approval
The School of Nursing is approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Pacific Lutheran University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
High School Preparation
Applicants are expected to have completed a program in high school that includes: four years of English; two years of mathematics (preferably algebra and geometry); two years of social sciences; two years of one foreign language; and two years of laboratory sciences (including chemistry).
Liberal Arts Foundation
An understanding and appreciation of the liberal arts and of the art and science of nursing is necessary for success in the pre-licensure program. Admitted pre-licensure students are expected to have completed most, if not all, of the PLU general education requirements prior to entering the B.S.N. program. Graduates from the traditional and accelerated B.S.N. programs are required to meet the PLU general education program. Courses in the classic liberal arts & sciences are integral to developing the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.
Admission to the University
Applicants must be accepted by the University before consideration for acceptance by the School of Nursing. Pacific Lutheran University welcomes applications from all students who have demonstrated capacity for success at the baccalaureate level. Students who present appropriate academic records and personal qualities may apply for admission to the traditional program in Fall or Spring semesters and Summer, Fall, or Spring for the accelerated program. Entry-Level M.S.N. admissions occur once a year during the Summer semester. Application procedures and other details are found elsewhere in this catalog.
Admission to the School of Nursing
All applicant materials, including official transcripts, are reviewed by the School of Nursing and evaluated according to the admission criteria. The selection of students for admission is competitive. When applications exceed capacity, qualified candidates may be placed on a waitlist; persons on the waitlist who are not admitted, but who continue to desire admission to the nursing major, must submit a new application to be considered the following year. ABSN students are admitted via rolling admissions and do not need to reapply.
Two modes of application to the School of Nursing are offered:
- Direct Application to the School of Nursing
College students seeking admission to the nursing major must submit separate applications to the University (if not currently enrolled at PLU) and to the School of Nursing. This mode of application applies to transfer students and currently-enrolled PLU students of all levels who did not seek or were not offered simultaneous freshman admission to PLU and nursing. The application to the School of Nursing is available on the School of Nursing website at www.plu.edu/nursing/. - Simultaneous/Conditional Direct First-Year Admission to PLU and Nursing
Highly-qualified high school seniors may be considered for conditional direct admission to the nursing major based on their application to the University. The application is reviewed by both the University and nursing admission committees. Contact the Office of Admission for details, criteria, and deadlines (253.535.7151, www.plu.edu/admission/).
All prospective or pre-nursing students are urged to seek early academic advisement in order to enroll for appropriate prerequisite courses and avoid unnecessary loss of time. Individuals whose applications have been received after the priority deadline for all terms will be considered on a space-available basis. The School of Nursing reserves the right to revise and modify programs and curricula.
Admission Criteria
Pre-licensure Nursing Programs
Applicants must be admitted to Pacific Lutheran University before being considered for admission to the School of Nursing. Admission to the University does not imply or guarantee admission to the School of Nursing. Admission is a selective process and meeting minimum requirements does not imply or guarantee admission.
Minimum criteria for admission to the Pre-licensure nursing programs of study include the following:
- Successful completion, or pending satisfactory completion, of specific prerequisite courses at PLU, an accredited community college or another accredited university.
- Successful completion, or pending completion, of at least 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (junior class standing).
- Competitive grade point average. Admitted students usually have significantly higher grade point averages than the minimum because of the competitiveness of the program:
- A minimum grade of B-/2.5 in each nursing prerequisite and co-requisite course.
- A minimum PLU cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Transfer students who matriculate to PLU and the School of Nursing simultaneously must meet the cumulative transfer grade point average as determined by the Academic Records Office.
- Applicants who have repeated single or multiple courses, both general and nursing-specific, due to failure, or have withdrawn from courses, are considered less competitive.
- Completion of the University Entrance Requirements
- Physical and mental health with emotional stability sufficient to meet the School of Nursing Essential Qualifications for all nursing roles and to provide timely and safe patient care.
- Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending university-level English is necessary for academic success and for patient safety. Students whose first language is not English may be required to take an English proficiency exam. Test fees are the responsibility of the applicant. Score guidelines and the English Proficiency Policy may be found in the School of Nursing application or by contacting the School of Nursing Office at 253.535.7672 or nurs@plu.edu, or online as www.plu.edu/nursing/application/english-proficiency-policy/.
- Civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.
- Submission of all required application documents to the School of Nursing by the School’s designated yearly deadlines.
- Students who have completed transferable nursing credit from another accredited institution should seek advisement from the admissions coordinator in the School of Nursing regarding their prospective curriculum plan. All transfer credit from other nursing programs must be approved before beginning the program.
Continuation Policies
- All nursing courses are sequential. For admitted students, completion of all courses in one semester is prerequisite to enrollment in the next semester’s courses. All students admitted to the nursing major must adhere to the curriculum sequence as outlined in this catalog. Failure to progress according to the program plan for any reason may result in dismissal or a significant delay in graduation.
- A minimum grade of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (C) must be achieved in all required nursing courses. A student receiving a grade less than a 2.00 in any course that is prerequisite to another nursing course may not continue in the nursing sequence until the prerequisite course is repeated with a grade of 2.00 or above on a 4.00 scale. No course may be repeated more than one time.
- Withdrawal from a course in failing status is considered equivalent to a course failure.
- Failure or withdrawal in failing status from any two nursing courses may result in dismissal from the School of Nursing.
- Incomplete grades in nursing courses must be converted to a passing grade (2.00 or above on a 4.00 scale) before the first day of class of the subsequent term.
- Students taking approved withdrawals from nursing courses may return to the School of Nursing in accordance with policies listed in the Nursing Student Handbook on a space-available basis, noting that they may be subject to new program requirements.
- The School of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw nursing students who fail to achieve and maintain academic or clinical competence, or who do not demonstrate professional accountability or conduct. Unsafe and/or unethical practice constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from the clinical component and/or the program.
- All students must comply with confidentiality according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), School of Nursing, and University regulations.
- Other policies regarding progression/continuation are found in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.
- Nursing majors who, for any reason, withdraw from or drop a nursing course without prior permission of the School of Nursing will be subject to dismissal from the major.
Health
All students at PLU are required to submit a health History Form and accurate immunization record prior to enrollment at PLU. In addition, all nursing students are required to submit separate specific health-related documentation and certification before beginning the program, and must be current throughout the course of study. It is the responsibility of each student to provide appropriate and timely documentation as required. Students failing to comply with any of these requirements may be dismissed from the nursing program. It is the student’s responsibility to report in writing to the School of Nursing any changes in his or her physical, emotional, or psychological health.
Drug Testing Policy
All nursing students may be required to submit to a drug screening exam which looks for multiple substances as part of their continuing School of Nursing health requirements. The decision to require a drug screen is determined by the student’s clinical placement. Students may be required to submit to additional drug screenings as required by the clinical agencies and School of Nursing, at the student’s expense. The screenings may be scheduled or they may occur at random and unannounced. Students will be expected to adhere to any deadline set by the agencies and/or the School of Nursing.
Non-Majors Enrolled in Nursing Courses
Students who have not been admitted to the nursing major but wish to enroll in nursing courses must first obtain permission of the course instructor(s) and the Dean of the School of Nursing.
Additional Costs
Course fees are charged to each student’s account each semester. These fees support the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies in the practice labs and Clinical Learning and Simulation Center, clinical placements, external testing measures, as well as computer materials and software. The fee is paid with tuition following registration for specific courses.
In addition to regular university costs, students must provide their own transportation between the University campus and the clinical areas beginning with the first nursing course. Clinical placement sites may vary in location and distance to campus. Students should be prepared to travel to clinical sites as assigned. Public transportation is limited, so provision for private transportation is essential.
Health requirement fees, laboratory fees, student uniforms, textbooks, other learning materials, and any necessary equipment are the responsibility of the student.
Programs of Study
Prerequisite courses for the B.S.N. Nursing Major
Each prerequisite course listed below must be completed with a minimum grade of B- in order to be considered for admission.
- BIOL 201, 205, and 206, CHEM 105 , STAT 231, PSYC 320 (Development Across the Lifespan), and Nutrition (NURA/NURT 120 or equivalent)
The School of Nursing may add, amend, delete or deviate from the curricula and apply such changes to registered and accepted students. Deviations may include, and are not limited to, requiring attendance in summer and/or January terms. The courses must be completed sequentially from semester to semester as determined by the program.
Pre-licensure Nursing Program Courses
The sequence of required nursing Pre-licensure courses comprises 64 semester hours for B.S.N. and Accelerated B.S.N. (and 56 semester hours for the Pre-licensure portion of the Entry-Level M.S.N. program – see graduate section of the Catalog). Applicants with previous college credits are strongly encouraged to seek advising from the School of Nursing Admission Coordinator(s) for gap analysis of previous courses and assistance with the completion of their program of study.
NURA – Accelerated B.S.N. program courses.
Students MUST register for the courses in their selected program each semester.
- NURA 320: Fundamentals of Nursing (6)
- NURA 330: Health & Physical Assessment (4)
- NURA 340: Pathophysiology (4)
- NURA 350: Pharmacology (3)
- NURA 360: Nursing Care of Adults I (7)
- NURA 370: Research, Theory, & EBP (2)
- NURA 380: Mental Health Nursing (3)
- NURA 390: Diversity & Population Health (5)
- NURA 420: Nursing Care of Adults II (6)
- NURA 430: Gerontological Nursing (5)
- NURA 440: Pediatric Nursing (3)
- NURA 450: Maternal Newborn Nursing (3)
- NURA 460: Applied Nursing I: Informatics (3)
- NURA 470: Community Health Nursing (3)
- NURA 480: Applied Nursing II: Leadership (3)
- NURA 496: Transition to Practice (2)
- NURA 497: Capstone (5)
Note: In the class schedule and on the official transcript, NURA course numbers carry a letter that designates the program site. Courses that carry the letter “A” are from the Auburn program and courses that carry the letter “L” are from the Lynnwood program.
NURT – Traditional B.S.N. program courses.
Students MUST register for the courses in their selected program each semester.
- NURT 320: Fundamentals of Nursing (6)
- NURT 330: Health & Physical Assessment (4)
- NURT 340: Pathophysiology (4)
- NURT 350: Pharmacology (3)
- NURT 360: Nursing Care of Adults I (7)
- NURT 370: Research, Theory, & EBP (2)
- NURT 380: Mental Health Nursing (3)
- NURT 390: Diversity & Population Health (5)
- NURT 420: Nursing Care of Adults II (6)
- NURT 430: Gerontological Nursing (5)
- NURT 440: Pediatric Nursing (3)
- NURT 450: Maternal Newborn Nursing (3)
- NURT 460: Applied Nursing I: Informatics (3)
- NURT 470: Community Health Nursing (3)
- NURT 480: Applied Nursing II: Leadership (3)
- NURT 496: Transition to Practice (2)
- NURT 497: Capstone (5)
Please note that, due to clinical site availability, students may be required to participate in clinicals any day of the week and shifts may be day, evening, or night shift.
Minor in Health Services
The Health Services minor is undergoing review. During this process, no minors can be declared.
Health care is a complex system, which now represents more than 16% of the U.S. Gross National Product. Many disciplines outside of nursing require familiarity with systems and issues within health care. The Health Services minor is designed to support non-nursing majors, including biology, business, chemistry, social work and other fields. Prior to declaration for a minor in health services, student must receive advising and approval from the School of Nursing. The health services minor requires the completion of 18 semester hours.
- Required Core Courses
- NURT 409: Health Policy (2)
- PHIL 223: Biomedical Ethics (4)
- At least three courses from the following areas:
- Diversity
- ANTH 102: Intro to Human Cultural Diversity (4)
- NURT 404: Healthcare Diversity (4)
- Administration
- NURT 309: Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership (2)
- NURT 318: Research Methods (2)
- Physiologic Functioning
- NURT 305: Patho/Pharm I (4)
- NURT 311: Patho/Pharm II (2)
- NURT 402: Patho/Pharm III (2)
- KINS 380: Exercise Physiology (4)
- Applied Health Care
- KINS 320: Nutrition, Health and Performance (4)
- NURT 307: Health & Physical Assessment (3)
- KINS 384: Health & Fitness Promotion (4)
- Diversity
No more than eight semester hours from any one department will be counted toward the minor.
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
Consult the Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs section of this catalog for details of the program leading to the Master of Science in Nursing degree and/or contact the School of Nursing Graduate Program at 253.535.7672 or Office of Graduate Admission at 253.535.7723.
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
For information on the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN), see the graduate portion of the catalog: Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs.
School Nurse Certification
Contact the School of Nursing, Center for Continued Nurse Learning.
Workshops and Short Courses
Contact the School of Nursing, Center for Continued Nurse Learning.
Nursing (NURA) - Accelerated B.S.N. Courses
NURA 120 : Nutrition in Healthcare
This course provides an introduction into the science of nutrition and the foundational concepts of diet and nutrition related to health across the lifespan with the context of healthcare professions. This course is open to students in any discipline and is a prerequisite to enter the nursing program. (1)
NURA 287 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 288 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 289 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
NURA 305 : Patho/Pharm I
This is the first course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological principles of major drug classifications, therapeutic modalities, and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (4)
NURA 306 : Foundations of Care Delivery & Health Promotion
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to promote health and provide nursing care across the lifespan. (3)
NURA 307 : Health & Physical Assessment
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to perform health and physical assessment across the lifespan. (3) (2 credits didactic, 1 credit lab)
NURA 308 : Clinical Practicum I
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (3)
NURA 309 : Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies of nursing practice. (2)
NURA 310 : Scholarly Writing Concepts
Focuses on the basic rules of APA Style in writing term papers, research reports, and journal articles. (1)
NURA 311 : Patho/Pharm II
This is the second course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological treatment modalities and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (2)
NURA 314 : Care of Chronic Conditions
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan living with chronic conditions. (3)
NURA 315 : Psych/Mental Health
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan experiencing mental health issues. (2)
NURA 316 : Clinical Practicum II
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (5)
NURA 317 : Theory & Evidence
Explores the philosophies, theories, and history of the science of nursing. (1)
NURA 318 : Research Methods
Focuses on the core knowledge of research required to assess research quality and its applicability to nursing practice. (2)
NURA 319 : Healthcare Technology
Examines current and emerging health care technologies in healthcare. (1)
NURA 320 : Fundamentals of Nursing
Introduces foundational nursing principles and skills for safe, high-quality, person-centered care. Students examine the history, scope, and ethical responsibilities of nursing while building competencies in the nursing process, interprofessional communication, and critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on safety, infection control, and quality care. Students learn to support individual across the lifespan through evidence-based, holistic, and equitable care. Lab and clinical experiences promote development of basic nursing skills and professionalism. (6)
NURA 330 : Health & Physical Assessment
Provides foundational skills for conducting health assessments across the lifespan. Students collect health histories, perform systematic physical exams, and differentiate normal from abnormal findings in various care settings. Emphasizes health promotion, community and environmental factors, and the influence of social determinants of health. Prepares students to apply clinical judgement and evidence-based practices to assessment and patient education. (4)
NURA 340 : Pathophysiology
Introduces disease mechanisms and their effects on physiological function. Students distinguish normal from pathological states, assess disease progression, and correlate signs and symptoms with diagnostic data. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and the integration of pathophysiological knowledge into evidence-based nursing care. (4)
NURA 350 : Pharmacology
Builds foundational pharmacological knowledge to support safe, person-centered care. Covers drug classes, actions, uses, precautions, and patient education. Students apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to promote health through pharmacotherapy, emphasizing safety, accurate documentation, and interprofessional communication. (3)
NURA 360 : Nursing Care of Adults I
Prepares students to care for adults with select acute and chronic conditions. Emphasizes clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Students apply foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions while addressing ethical, cultural, and social factors. Lab and clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (7)
NURA 370 : Research, Theory, & EBP
Explores the integration of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice. Students learn to evaluate research using critical appraisal skills and apply findings to clinical decision-making. Emphasizes the nurse's role in advancing care through the use of evidence and inquiry. (2)
NURA 380 : Mental Health Nursing
Prepares students to support mental health across the lifespan and care for individuals experiencing psychiatric conditions. Emphasizes biological, psychological, social, and cultural influences on mental health; including, trauma, social determinants of health, and stigma. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURA 387 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 388 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 389 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 390 : Diversity & Population Health - GE
Explores the structural, socio-cultural, and political factors that drive health inequities in the U.S. and globally. Students examine how systemic inequalities, shaped by race, ethnicity, language, religion, class, ability, nationality, sexuality, and gender affect health outcomes and access to care. Emphasizing social determinants of health, students analyze disparities through an intersectional lens and compare global health systems and public health strategies. (5)
NURA 401 : Care of Complex Conditions
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan with exacerbations of chronic and/or acute conditions in complex care situations. (3)
NURA 402 : Patho/Pharm III
This is the final course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological principles of major drug classifications, therapeutic modalities, and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (2)
NURA 403 : Clinical Practicum III
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (5)
NURA 404 : Healthcare Diversity - GE
Focuses on core knowledge and competencies necessary to give culturally congruent care to people from diverse populations. Open to non-nursing students with instructor permission. (4)
NURA 405 : Informed Practice
Focuses on the core knowledge of research required to assess research quality and its applicability to nursing practice. (2)
NURA 406 : Continuity of Care
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to ensure continuity of care across settings for individuals and populations. (3)
NURA 407 : Clinical Practicum IV
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (6)
NURA 408 : Organizational & Economic Context of Care
Focuses on the core knowledge vocabulary, concepts in organizational behavior, financial management and strategy to plan, create, implement, and monitor initiatives, and effectively communicate within the healthcare environment. (2)
NURA 409 : Health Policy
Analysis of the social, political, legal, and economic factors that influence health care including trends in health policy and ethical issues relevant to health care delivery. Open to non-nursing students with permission of the instructor. (2)
NURA 420 : Nursing Care of Adults II
Continues to prepares students to care for adults with acute and chronic conditions not covered in Nursing Care of Adults I. Emphasizes clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Students apply foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions while addressing ethical, cultural, and social factors. Lab and clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (6)
NURA 430 : Gerontological Nursing
Explores the complexities of aging and nursing care to support functional ability, well-bring, and quality of life. Students examine geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and health disparities in older adults. Emphasizes evidence-based care models, family support, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes in aging populations. (2)
NURA 440 : Pediatric Nursing
Prepares students to care for infants, children, and adolescents and their families, emphasizing a family-centered approach. Explores normal growth and development, health promotion and maintenance, and the identification of normal and abnormal findings. Focuses on safe and developmentally appropriate interventions and professional nursing practice. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURA 450 : Maternal Newborn Nursing
Focuses on nursing care for childbearing individuals, newborns, and families. Students apply evidence-based, person-centered care across routine and high-risk perinatal scenarios. Topics include physiological changes, health equity, and the impact of social determinants of health. Emphasizes ethical and respectful care through interdisciplinary collaboration. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURA 460 : Applied Nursing I: Informatics
Introduces students to artificial intelligence (AI), informatics, and healthcare technology within specific practice areas. Students will explore how digital tools support clinical decision-making, improve outcomes, and advance evidence-based care, with attention to ethical, legal, and policy considerations. Content is applied in a specific nursing environment, allowing students to examine real-world use of technology while building skills in documentation, communication, and collaboration. The course also provides an opportunity to learn about specific practice areas to support career exploration. (3)
NURA 470 : Community Health Nursing
Prepares students to assess communities using systems thinking and the nursing process. Examines the role of public health nursing, epidemiology, and interprofessional collaboration. Emphasizes health promotion, equity, and disease prevention. Explores healthcare policy and advocacy in local, national, and global contexts. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURA 480 : Applied Nursing II: Leadership
Introduces students to clinical judgment and leadership within specific practice areas. Students will apply principles of critical thinking, decision-making, and team leadership to complex patient care scenarios, while exploring strategies to guide safe, effective nursing practice. Content is grounded in a specific nursing environment, allowing students to examine real-world applications of clinical judgement and leadership while building skills in documentation, communication, and collaboration. The course also provides an opportunity to learn about specific practice areas to support career exploration. (3)
NURA 483 : Transition to Practice
Transition and socialization into the BSN-prepared Registered Nurse role is explored. Role transition includes: the BSN's professional practice, certification, and licensure requirements. (1)
NURA 487 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 488 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 489 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURA 491 : Independent Study
Individualized study in consultation with an instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the dean. (1 to 4)
NURA 496 : Transition to Practice
Prepares students to transition from knowledge-based learners to clinically-prepared, critically thinking professional nurses. Emphasizes an understanding of prioritization, safe decision-making, and adaptive reasoning. Guides students through NCLEX preparation and provides structured opportunities to identify and address personal knowledge gaps and hone test-taking strategies for all NCLEX item types. Promotes critical thinking and clinical judgements through the iterative application of complex, real-world scenarios. Encourages self-reflection of readiness for practice and development of a personalized plan for continued competence and professional growth as a nurse. (2)
NURA 497 : Capstone - SR
Provides students with a culminating academic and clinical experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with professional practice. Synthesizes learning across the nursing curriculum through a capstone project and a supervised clinical preceptorship. The capstone project focuses on developing and disseminating a scholarly work that addresses a relevant issue in nursing practice, education, leadership, or healthcare policy. The clinical preceptorship focuses on demonstrating clinical competency, refinement of clinical judgement and critical thinking, and provision of safe, effective, nursing care. (5)
NURA 498 : Capstone Seminar - SR
Focuses on the practical application of nursing knowledge by synthesizing core knowledge, competencies, professional values, and leadership skills in nursing situations as evidenced by completion of a scholarly project. (2)
Nursing (NURT) - Traditional B.S.N. Courses
NURT 120 : Nutrition in Healthcare
This course provides an introduction into the science of nutrition and the foundational concepts of diet and nutrition related to health across the lifespan with the context of healthcare professions. This course is open to students in any discipline and is a prerequisite to enter the nursing program. (1)
NURT 287 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 288 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 289 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 291 : Directed Study
To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)
NURT 305 : Patho/Pharm I
This is the first course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological principles of major drug classifications, therapeutic modalities, and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (4)
NURT 306 : Foundations of Care Delivery & Health Promotion
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to promote health and provide nursing care across the lifespan. (3)
NURT 307 : Health & Physical Assessment
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies necessary to perform health and physical assessment across the lifespan. (3) (2 credits didactic, 1 credit lab)
NURT 308 : Clinical Practicum I
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (3)
NURT 309 : Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership
Focuses on the core knowledge and competencies of nursing practice. (2)
NURT 310 : Scholarly Writing Concepts
Focuses on the basic rules of APA Style in writing term papers, research reports, and journal articles. (1)
NURT 311 : Patho/Pharm II
This is the second course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological treatment modalities and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (2)
NURT 314 : Care of Chronic Conditions
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan living with chronic conditions. (3)
NURT 315 : Psych/Mental Health
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan experiencing mental health issues. (2)
NURT 316 : Clinical Practicum II
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (5)
NURT 317 : Theory & Evidence
Explores the philosophies, theories, and history of the science of nursing. (1)
NURT 318 : Research Methods
Focuses on the core knowledge of research required to assess research quality and its applicability to nursing practice. (2)
NURT 319 : Healthcare Technology
Examines current and emerging health care technologies in healthcare. (1)
NURT 320 : Fundamentals of Nursing
Introduces foundational nursing principles and skills for safe, high-quality, person-centered care. Students examine the history, scope, and ethical responsibilities of nursing while building competencies in the nursing process, interprofessional communication, and critical thinking. Emphasis is placed on safety, infection control, and quality care. Students learn to support individual across the lifespan through evidence-based, holistic, and equitable care. Lab and clinical experiences promote development of basic nursing skills and professionalism. (6)
NURT 330 : Health & Physical Assessment
Provides foundational skills for conducting health assessments across the lifespan. Students collect health histories, perform systematic physical exams, and differentiate normal from abnormal findings in various care settings. Emphasizes health promotion, community and environmental factors, and the influence of social determinants of health. Prepares students to apply clinical judgement and evidence-based practices to assessment and patient education. (4)
NURT 340 : Pathophysiology
Introduces disease mechanisms and their effects on physiological function. Students distinguish normal from pathological states, assess disease progression, and correlate signs and symptoms with diagnostic data. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and the integration of pathophysiological knowledge into evidence-based nursing care. (4)
NURT 350 : Pharmacology
Builds foundational pharmacological knowledge to support safe, person-centered care. Covers drug classes, actions, uses, precautions, and patient education. Students apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to promote health through pharmacotherapy, emphasizing safety, accurate documentation, and interprofessional communication. (3)
NURT 360 : Nursing Care of Adults I
Prepares students to care for adults with select acute and chronic conditions. Emphasizes clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Students apply foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions while addressing ethical, cultural, and social factors. Lab and clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (7)
NURT 370 : Research, Theory, & EBP
Explores the integration of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice. Students learn to evaluate research using critical appraisal skills and apply findings to clinical decision-making. Emphasizes the nurse's role in advancing care through the use of evidence and inquiry. (2)
NURT 380 : Mental Health Nursing
Prepares students to support mental health across the lifespan and care for individuals experiencing psychiatric conditions. Emphasizes biological, psychological, social, and cultural influences on mental health; including, trauma, social determinants of health, and stigma. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURT 387 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 388 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 389 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 390 : Diversity & Population Health - GE
Explores the structural, socio-cultural, and political factors that drive health inequities in the U.S. and globally. Students examine how systemic inequalities, shaped by race, ethnicity, language, religion, class, ability, nationality, sexuality, and gender affect health outcomes and access to care. Emphasizing social determinants of health, students analyze disparities through an intersectional lens and compare global health systems and public health strategies. (5)
NURT 401 : Care of Complex Conditions
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to care of patients across the lifespan with exacerbations of chronic and/or acute conditions in complex care situations. (3)
NURT 402 : Patho/Pharm III
This is the final course in a series of 3 that provide an integrated understanding of the human response to pathological conditions and the associated pharmacological principles of major drug classifications, therapeutic modalities, and alternatives to pharmacologic interventions of these conditions. (2)
NURT 403 : Clinical Practicum III
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (5)
NURT 404 : Healthcare Diversity - GE
Focuses on core knowledge and competencies necessary to give culturally congruent care to people from diverse populations. Open to non-nursing students with instructor permission. (4)
NURT 405 : Informed Practice
Focuses on the core knowledge of research required to assess research quality and its applicability to nursing practice. (2)
NURT 406 : Continuity of Care
Focuses on the core knowledge necessary to apply the nursing process to ensure continuity of care across settings for individuals and populations. (3)
NURT 407 : Clinical Practicum IV
Focuses on the practical application of core knowledge and competencies across the lifespan. Includes simulation, lab, and clinical practicum. (6)
NURT 408 : Organizational & Economic Context of Care
Focuses on the core knowledge vocabulary, concepts in organizational behavior, financial management and strategy to plan, create, implement, and monitor initiatives, and effectively communicate within the healthcare environment. (2)
NURT 409 : Health Policy
Analysis of the social, political, legal, and economic factors that influence health care including trends in health policy and ethical issues relevant to health care delivery. Open to non-nursing students with permission of the instructor. (2)
NURT 420 : Nursing Care of Adults II
Continues to prepares students to care for adults with acute and chronic conditions not covered in Nursing Care of Adults I. Emphasizes clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Students apply foundational knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and nursing interventions while addressing ethical, cultural, and social factors. Lab and clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (6)
NURT 430 : Gerontological Nursing
Explores the complexities of aging and nursing care to support functional ability, well-bring, and quality of life. Students examine geriatric syndromes, multimorbidity, and health disparities in older adults. Emphasizes evidence-based care models, family support, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve outcomes in aging populations. (2)
NURT 440 : Pediatric Nursing
Prepares students to care for infants, children, and adolescents and their families, emphasizing a family-centered approach. Explores normal growth and development, health promotion and maintenance, and the identification of normal and abnormal findings. Focuses on safe and developmentally appropriate interventions and professional nursing practice. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURT 450 : Maternal Newborn Nursing
Focuses on nursing care for childbearing individuals, newborns, and families. Students apply evidence-based, person-centered care across routine and high-risk perinatal scenarios. Topics include physiological changes, health equity, and the impact of social determinants of health. Emphasizes ethical and respectful care through interdisciplinary collaboration. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURT 460 : Applied Nursing I: Informatics
Introduces students to artificial intelligence (AI), informatics, and healthcare technology within specific practice areas. Students will explore how digital tools support clinical decision-making, improve outcomes, and advance evidence-based care, with attention to ethical, legal, and policy considerations. Content is applied in a specific nursing environment, allowing students to examine real-world use of technology while building skills in documentation, communication, and collaboration. The course also provides an opportunity to learn about specific practice areas to support career exploration. (3)
NURT 470 : Community Health Nursing
Prepares students to assess communities using systems thinking and the nursing process. Examines the role of public health nursing, epidemiology, and interprofessional collaboration. Emphasizes health promotion, equity, and disease prevention. Explores healthcare policy and advocacy in local, national, and global contexts. Clinical experiences promote continued development of nursing skills and professionalism. (3)
NURT 480 : Applied Nursing II: Leadership
Introduces students to clinical judgment and leadership within specific practice areas. Students will apply principles of critical thinking, decision-making, and team leadership to complex patient care scenarios, while exploring strategies to guide safe, effective nursing practice. Content is grounded in a specific nursing environment, allowing students to examine real-world applications of clinical judgement and leadership while building skills in documentation, communication, and collaboration. The course also provides an opportunity to learn about specific practice areas to support career exploration. (3)
NURT 483 : Transition to Practice
Transition and socialization into the BSN-prepared Registered Nurse role is explored. Role transition includes: the BSN's professional practice, certification, and licensure requirements. (1)
NURT 487 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 488 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 489 : Special Topics in Nursing
To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)
NURT 491 : Independent Study
Individualized study in consultation with an instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the dean. (1 to 4)
NURT 496 : Transition to Practice
Prepares students to transition from knowledge-based learners to clinically-prepared, critically thinking professional nurses. Emphasizes an understanding of prioritization, safe decision-making, and adaptive reasoning. Guides students through NCLEX preparation and provides structured opportunities to identify and address personal knowledge gaps and hone test-taking strategies for all NCLEX item types. Promotes critical thinking and clinical judgements through the iterative application of complex, real-world scenarios. Encourages self-reflection of readiness for practice and development of a personalized plan for continued competence and professional growth as a nurse. (2)
NURT 497 : Capstone - SR
Provides students with a culminating academic and clinical experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with professional practice. Synthesizes learning across the nursing curriculum through a capstone project and a supervised clinical preceptorship. The capstone project focuses on developing and disseminating a scholarly work that addresses a relevant issue in nursing practice, education, leadership, or healthcare policy. The clinical preceptorship focuses on demonstrating clinical competency, refinement of clinical judgement and critical thinking, and provision of safe, effective, nursing care. (5)
NURT 498 : Capstone Seminar - SR
Focuses on the practical application of nursing knowledge by synthesizing core knowledge, competencies, professional values, and leadership skills in nursing situations as evidenced by completion of a scholarly project. (2)