Degree Programs
B.S. in Nursing
The University of Virginia offers a program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The degree is awarded after satisfactory completion of a prescribed program of study. All students at the School of Nursing take courses in anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pharmacology, pathophysiology, leadership, and nursing practice. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination.
Traditional Program Students are admitted to the School of Nursing as first-year students or as second-year transfer students after completing prerequisite general education courses at other institutions or in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Education Requirements for traditional BSN Curriculum
3 or 6 credits FWR (ENWR 105/106 or 110 or 220)
3 credits SWR (can simultaneously fulfill area requirement)
12 credits Natural Science/Math
9 credits Humanities/Fine arts
9 credits Social Science/History
13 credits Electives (if taken FWR - ENWR 105 and 106)
16 credits Electives (if taken FWR - ENWR 110 or 220)
19 credits Electives (if FWR has been waived)
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49 general education credits
71 nursing credits
120 total
R.N. to B.S.N. Option The baccalaureate program includes a uniquely tailored curriculum for students who are graduates of community college and hospital schools and are licensed registered nurses (R.N.). The program consists of a one year full-time option that can also be completed in one and one-half years, or a two or three-year pattern. Students enroll in 30 credits at the University of Virginia, and upon completion of selected courses, receive 38 credits for prior learning as an R.N. Courses in the program include both theory and clinical courses designed specifically for R.N. students. Students must meet prerequisite general education requirements prior to admission as outlined in chapter 2, and thus complete a grand total of 120 semester credits for the baccalaureate degree. Once admitted, students work with a faculty advisor to create a plan of study to best meet their academic and professional goals. Classes are offered in flexible formats (e.g. once a week, partially on-line, some weekends) to allow students to maintain employment while completing the B.S.N. The program provides a foundation for professional practice and for further education such as graduate study for advanced practice or preparation as a clinical leader or teacher.
School Nurses as Professional Partners (SNAPP) Students may apply for a federally funded educational program that prepares nurses to work in the school system (K-12). Students can receive tuition assistance for 12-15 credits for successfully completing three courses offered in collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University. Details of the program can be obtained from the SNAPP facilitator or Program Director.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is conferred by the general faculty upon candidates recommended by the School of Nursing faculty as having completed a prescribed course of study of no less than 120 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.000 (C).
The Residence Requirement for a degree in nursing is two academic years. Students transferring from other schools of nursing and students with advanced standing credit may with permission of the associate dean meet residence requirements in one academic year.
Distinguished Majors Program in Nursing Students who demonstrate superior academic performance are encouraged to apply for the School’s Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) in which they pursue a substantive project of their own devising that they would not have the opportunity to develop as part of the regular program of study. Participating students are expected to submit a thesis of approximately 30-50 pages that demonstrates independent work of high quality.
Acceptance into the program requires a cumulative GPA of 3.400, the submission of a thesis proposal outlining the project to be undertaken, and the approval of a faculty member willing to direct the project. Application to the DMP is made during the spring semester of the third year of the program. Students accepted into the program register for 3 credits of NURS 495 in the first semester of the fourth year and 2 credits of NURS 496 during the second semester. The final project will be reviewed by at least two faculty members and presented to faculty and students. Students who successfully complete the program and maintain a GPA of at least 3.400 will be awarded a diploma with distinction. Students who successfully complete the program and have a GPA of 3.750 will be awarded a diploma with highest distinction.
For more information contact the Baccalaureate Program Director, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 800782 Charlottesville, VA 22908-0782; (434) 924-2254.