College of Nursing

Curriculum

 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Flex RN to BSN

The nursing curriculum is designed to be completed in six consecutive semesters and takes two years to complete. All RN to BSN students are required to attend an orientation prior to the first semester nursing courses. At the completion of the general education and nursing degree requirements, a Bachelor of Science in nursing is conferred.

The College of Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis recognizes Registered Nurses as adult learners. The innovative FLEX program offers flexibility and accessibility in a part-time program. The FLEX program allows students to choose to complete their BSN online, on campus, telecommunicated (ITV), or at satellite sites in the St. Louis area.

Students who choose FLEX online experience the convenience of attending classes via the Internet. Course materials, lectures, and assignments are accessible anytime. Books and all student fees are included in the tuition. Students contact the University bookstore to order required texts and the books are mailed directly to their home address.

FLEX On-Site, telecommunicated (ITV), or various satellite sites in the St. Louis area are other options available. Students may choose to attend classes at the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus or at a designated satellite site via ITV. Classes are held on the same day each week throughout the two year program. This option may appeal to those who live in the metropolitan St. Louis area. Students attending a satellite site will be required to pay a small distance fee surcharge.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires 120 credit hours. RN/BSN students may transfer general education credit hours from accredited community colleges/universities, college approved correspondence courses, or through College Network. Upon completion of NS 3900 students will be granted 39 nursing credits from their associate degree program.  

>Curriculum Plan

General Education

The following courses satisfy the General Education requirements of the University as well as those of the College of Nursing. All prerequisites for these courses must be met prior to enrolling in the course. These courses may be transferred from other accredited institutions; courses may be taken via the Internet or correspondence.

Communication Skills (two requirements)

  1. All students are required to complete a Freshman English Composition course with a grade of C- or better (EN 1100 - Freshman Composition at UM-St. Louis).
  2. Students must also complete English: English Composition Junior Level, or its equivalent, Business Writing (EN 3120), with a grade of C- or above.

Mathematical Skills

See Student Services Handbook

The math requirement is dependent on the semester you originally enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University. This may not be the same semester you began your nursing courses. For example: you may have entered the University Fall Semester, 2005 as an undeclared student in the College of Arts & Sciences. In the Fall Semester, 2006 you made a division change and were accepted into Nursing. Your math requirement would be consistent with the requirements for Fall Semester, 2005.

Humanities

9 hours (minimum)
Three courses from the following areas: art history or appreciation; philosophy & logic; theater appreciation; theory and history; literature; music history; literature, theory or appreciation. (Applied Art and Music do not apply.)

Social Sciences

American History/Government (State requirement) (3 credit hours)
Social Science Elective (3 credit hours)
General Psychology (3 credit hours)
Behavioral Science Elective (3 credit hours)
Economics (3 credit hours) prerequisite for NS 3808: Management and Leadership in Nursing

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credit hours)
Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credit hours)
Microbiology (3 credit hours)
Chemistry (4 credit hours)
College Algebra (3 credit hours) (or equivalent)

Statistics Course (3 credit hours) prerequisite for NS 3807 Research in Nursing

Nursing Statistics 3799

Please note: Senior status (90 credit hours) is required for initiation of senior (4000 level) courses. In addition, all junior level courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of C before senior level nursing courses may be initiated.

BSN-C Curriculum Schedule

Suggested Nursing Program of Study

TERM I

TERMII

TERM III

NS 3900 Dimensions of Professional Nursing (3)

NS 3817 Information Systems Utilized in Health Care (3)

*NS 3920 Health Assessment (3)

*NS 4905 Values in Professional Nursing (3)

 

*NS 3799 Quantitative Analysis in Health Care (statistics)

TERM IV

TERM V

TERM VI

*NS 3807 Research in Nursing (3)

*NS 3808 Management and Leadership in Nursing (3)

*NS 4901 Family and Community Nursing (5)

NS 4911 Synthesis in Nursing (5)

*Indicates a prerequisite course must be completed before registering to take the course.

A students progression through the program depends on taking the nursing courses in the required sequence and the number of general education requirements, which need to be met. Courses reflect the typical requirements necessary for the Nursing Major. University requirements must be completed prior to graduation. See the University Bulletin for specifics on mathematics requirements.


Program Outcomes

The graduate of the Undergraduate Nursing Program will:

  1. ntegrate into practice theories and concepts from nursing, the arts, sciences and humanities to provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings.
  2. Integrate critical thinking and problem solving in professional practice.
  3. Administer competent, compassionate, holistic care to a diverse population of individuals, families, groups and communities.
  4. Apply research from nursing and related disciplines to enhance care and guide professional practice.
  5. Utilize interpersonal communication, and educational strategies that enhance the quality of personal and professional relationships.
  6. Integrate principles of management and leadership in organizing, coordinating, and directing outcome-based professional practice.
  7. Assume responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions based on intra-personal values, ethical and legal obligations, standards of practice, and economics.
  8. Participate in professional and community organizations to effect societal change.
  9. Exhibit motivation and self-direction in activities that contribute to personal, professional, and intellectual development.

Approved: January 1998

Elective Course Guidelines

Elective course options are available within the College of Nursing and from other academic units. Contact the Office of Student Services for courses accepted for elective credit. 

Research Statement

Any research conducted as part of the student's formal studies at the University must be reviewed and approved by the College of Nursing. Approval by both the College of Nursing's Director of Research and the University's Institutional Review Board must be obtained prior to initiation of data collection. Specific information may be obtained through the Office of Student Services.

Academic Advising Guidelines

Advising and registration procedures are detailed in the Student Services Handbook.