Nursing, RN-to-BSN Track, B.S.

The Department of Nursing offers registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma the opportunity to earn the bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). The program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). Nursing courses in the program are web-based or hybrid to offer flexibility of scheduling for RN’s who are employed full-time in the profession.

NOTE: The Department of Nursing reserves the right to make changes in individual courses and in the curriculum after receiving approval from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

Students applying for admission to the RN to BSN program track must meet basic functional ability and skill requirements for professional nurses. Functional abilities are those physical and mental activities and attributes needed by a nurse to practice essential functions safely, with or without accommodations. The following admission requirements must be met:

• Gain admission to the University;
• Declare nursing as an intended major;
• File an application with the Department of Nursing no later than March 15 for admission to the class beginning the following summer term;
• Possess a current unencumbered RN License.
  Exception: Recent graduates of associate degree or diploma nursing programs may apply if they possess a Temporary Permit and evidence of a date for NCLEX-RN.
  Applicants possessing Temporary Permits are accepted as “Conditional” and will not be allowed to progress if unsuccessful on the NCLEX-RN first write. A license from a compact state with privilege to practice through a compact agreement with the state of Arkansas is also accepted;
• Students admitted to the RN-to-BSN program must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and a grade of ‘C’ or better in all Department of Nursing required prerequisites and previous nursing courses. Admission GPA is calculated using only prerequisite courses and previous nursing courses excluding elective hours. *See 8 semester (Curriculum) plan;
• Students must successfully complete Major requirement courses with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
• Students who speak English as a second language shall meet the same admission requirements. In addition, international students must follow the admission procedures for the University which are found in the UAPB Catalog, and shall pass an English proficiency examination.
• Provide official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) of all course work from all institutions attended with the completed application and forward the entire packet for review to the Department of Nursing, Admissions Committee. An accompanying catalog for the years covered by the transcript may be requested before evaluation can take place.
  
  Upon Admission to the program students must present evidence of the following clinical requirements:
  • TB Skin Test
  • Hepatitis Series
  • Varicella Vaccines (or Titer)
  • Tetanus (within 10 yrs.)
  • MMR
  • Flu Vaccine**
  • Current CPR Certification
  • *Criminal Background Check (CBC)
  • Urine Drug Screens
  • COVID-19***

*** Effective Fall 2021- UAPB Department of Nursing does not require nursing students to receive COVID-19 vaccines or the recommended boosters. However, clinical facilities that partner with UAPB establish their own workplace policies, and may require faculty and students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to work in the facility or to be assigned to specific areas. Students electing not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine series or boosters may not be able to complete program requirements, which will result in non-progression through the program. Faculty and students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine should submit a copy for their file.

** Required for specific clinical agencies

The cost of these screenings is at the expense of the individual student. State law requires that students applying for acceptance into a medical education program submit to State and Federal *CBC’s prior to admission.

The Department uses CastleBranch for student admission CBC’s. Students must log on to this site, set up an account and request the CBC. Results are posted on the CastleBranch portal in a secure tamper-proof location. This allows only the student and the Nursing Department administrators to view the results.

The urine drug screen is coordinated by the Department. Students will receive instructions on obtaining drug screens during the first class session.

NOTE: The sequence of courses as presented in the curriculum outline is recommended by the faculty. All required general education courses MUST be completed with a grade of “C” or above. Before deviating from the general education sequence, consult your nursing advisor. Nursing courses MUST be taken in sequence. Failure to take nursing courses as prescribed will result in denial of progression. The BSN degree will not be awarded until satisfactory completion of all general education and nursing courses.

**Articulation Requirements:

According to the Arkansas *Nursing Education Progression Model, the RN student articulates through successful completion of the following courses: Introduction to Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing Care I, Medical Surgical Nursing Care II, Medical Surgical Nursing Care III, Psychiatric/Mental Health, Childbearing Family, and Nursing Care of Children. The RN must complete 31 hours in the major prior to graduation. No competency testing or work experience required if < 12 months after graduation. No competency testing required if work experience (at least 1000 hours) is documented for the past 24 months. Competency testing may be required if > 24 months since graduation or if it is determined by faculty to be needed to demonstrate continuing competence in the profession.

Technology Requirements:

Students are expected to possess a computer and internet access. Students may access computers and the internet in the Nursing Department Computer Lab and Library during open hours.