Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Ms. Autumn Ladd, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs

The School of Nursing offers three tracks to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree: the BSN, the concurrent ADN-BSN, and the RN-BSN.  

Objectives

Based on the philosophy and mission statements of both the university and the School of Nursing, the following behaviors reflect expected program outcomes for the nursing program. 

1. Professionalism: Uphold standards of practice using moral, altruistic, ethical, and humanistic principles, while maintaining legal and regulatory standards.
2. Patient-Centered Care: Recognize individual preferences, values, and needs; anticipate the uniqueness of all individuals, families, and populations; and incorporate the patient/family/population in the plan and implementation of care.
3. Evidence Based Practice (EBP): Synthesize and apply evidence, along with clinical expertise and patient values, to improve patient outcomes.
4. Informatics & Technology: Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
5. Quality Improvement: Use a systematic, data-guided approach to continuously improve outcomes and processes for the patient and healthcare systems.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: Function effectively in nursing and interprofessional teams and foster communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
7. Wellness and Prevention: Assess health and wellness in individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations to promote health outcomes.
8. Leadership: Promote the practice of professional nursing through leadership and advocacy.
9. Safety: Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others. 
10. Strengths: Evaluate how strengths (signature talent themes) influence the role of the student nurse and clinical decision-making.

BSN

Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Field of Study 

The Field of Study Courses are determined by business experts coming from across Texas community colleges and universities. Courses from the list below that are taken and passed from another Texas institution of higher education are automatically transferred and applied to the Nursing degree plan. 
 
Designated Core Field of Study 

• PYSC 2301: General Psychology 
• ENGL 1301: Composition I 
• ENGL 1302: Composition II 
• MATH 1342: Elementary Statistical Methods 
• BIOL 2401/2301 + 2011: Anatomy & Physiology I 
• BIOL 2402/2302 + 2102: Anatomy & Physiology II 

Discipline Foundation Field of Study Courses 

• PSYC 2314: Lifespan Growth & Development 
• BIOL 2420/2320 + 2120: Microbiology for Non-Science Majors 
• BIOL 1322/HECO 1322: Nutrition & Diet Therapy 

Directed Electives Field of Study Courses 

• CHEM 1405: Introduction to Chemistry (Lecture and Lab) 
• ENGL 2311: Technical & Business Writing

Nursing students may schedule appointments with nursing advisors by calling 903-566-7320 or by accessing the following web site: www.uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/nursing/advisors/

Prerequisite courses required for all BSN tracks include:

To be considered for campus placement, students must complete: 

Maintaining Status as a Nursing Major

Freshman

The University of Texas at Tyler freshmen interested in nursing are directly admitted to the major.  

Freshman Assurance Program 

The School of Nursing offers a Freshman Assurance Program (FAP) to incoming freshmen nursing majors. The FAP provides an assured pathway for admission to campus placement, provided specific criteria are met. For more information and to sign your FAP agreement, please contact your academic advisor. 

Criteria to Maintain Status as a Nursing Major  

1. All students are directly admitted into the nursing major.  
2. To remain as a nursing major, all students must meet with an advisor prior to the start of each term to ensure requirements are met and the appropriate courses for the next semester are taken. 
3. Must attend and complete NURS 1000 within the first two semesters at UT Tyler.  
4. TSI Liable Students must complete all TSI Coursework prior to taking NURS courses. 
5. Students must meet all requirements related to criminal background check and immunizations prior to enrolling in upper division nursing courses. 
6. Students not meeting requirements or are placed on probation must meet with an advisor to determine eligibility to continue in major. or enroll for the next semester.

Requirements for Campus Placement 

1. During the semester prior to campus placement, submit the completed application by the posted deadline.  
2. Students must successfully complete all nursing science prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher.  
3. Achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing prerequisites. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is also required.
4. Complete the ATI TEAS exam with a minimum overall score of 58.7%. Official results must be sent from ATI.
5. Students who meet all criteria will be considered. Campus placement is competitive and not guaranteed.

Transfers

Students who are admitted to The University of Texas at Tyler as a Transfer BSN major must complete NURS 1301, NURS 2301, NURS 2302 to be eligible to apply for campus placement when the following criteria have been met:  

1. During the semester prior to campus placement, submit the completed application by the posted deadline.
2. Students must successfully complete all nursing science prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher.
3. Achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing prerequisites. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is also required.
4. Complete the ATI TEAS exam with a minimum overall score of 58.7%. Official results must be sent from ATI.
5. Students must meet all requirements related to criminal background check and immunizations prior to enrolling in upper division nursing courses.  
6. Students who do not meet requirements or are placed on probation must meet with an advisor to determine eligibility to continue in major or enroll for the next semester.

Achievement Examinations

Achievement examinations will be administered throughout the nursing program. All students must take a comprehensive achievement examination in the final semester of the nursing program.

Expenses of the Nursing Program

In addition to general university tuition and fees, the student majoring in nursing assumes financial responsibility for payment of criminal background check, urine drug screen, uniforms, malpractice insurance, medical insurance, required immunizations and screenings, certifications, and clinical accessories. In the final semester of study, the student is required to pay fees for the application to take the NCLEX-RN and the application for licensure. Go to www.bon.state.tx.us for information on current fee structure.

Students must meet all requirements related to criminal background check and immunizations prior to enrolling in upper divisions nursing courses for campus placement. Note: A criminal history may impede one’s ability to take the national nursing licensure exam.  If you have questions about eligibility, please contact a nursing advisor or The Texas Board of Nursing.

The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System mandates health insurance for all health-related students enrolled in a clinical course. Every student must complete the health insurance certification process each term they are enrolled in a clinical course. Students must either provide information about their own coverage or confirm their participation in Academic Health Plans.  Charges will show up on student bills until the AHP waiver has been completed and approved.

The student must also provide her/his own transportation to all required clinical and course activities. Driving distances will vary; clinical assignments will be based on availability of learning experiences.