Admission to the B.S.N. Program
Students seeking enrollment in the bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N) degree program must meet the requirements for admission to Shepherd University, as stated in the university Catalog. Freshman and sophomore students will be designated as pre-acceptance students and will be assigned a nursing faculty member advisor. The B.S.N. program is a limited enrollment program (see section titled Admission to Limited Enrollment Programs).
Students become candidates for admission into the nursing program during the second semester of their sophomore year upon meeting the following criteria:
- Admission to Shepherd University is required before being accepted to the nursing program;
- Submission of official transcripts(s) to the Admissions Office. A Detailed Degree Evaluation is required to be completed prior to March 1 for intended enrollment in the fall semester or October 1 for intended enrollment in the spring semester;
- Eligibility to complete the 59 lower-division course hours as identified in the pre-acceptance nursing curriculum prior to admission;
- Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 with a 2.0 institutional GPA and in good academic standing;
- Must achieve grade C or above in the following courses: BIOL 225/BIOL 227; BIOL 226/BIOL 228; BIOL 302; CHEM 125/125L; PSYC 101; SOCI 203; NURS 320; NUTR 318; statistics; and all math courses;
- Submit a School of Nursing application for admission along with a current degree evaluation; and
- Meet with academic advisor prior to March 1 for intended enrollment in the fall semester or prior to October 1 for intended enrollment in the spring semester. Transfer students who have not yet been assigned an academic advisor should schedule an admission advising appointment with the Director of the School of Nursing.
Click here for the Nursing School Application.
Students transferring from participating Community Colleges may take part of our 2+2 Community College Transfer Agreements.
Special Requirements of Nursing Majors
- Submission of completed health data requirement prior to July 1 following acceptance into the program for fall semester and December 1 following acceptance into the program for the spring semester;
- Submission of yearly PPD results (or chest x-ray, if appropriate) and evidence of American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) Provider certification prior to July 1 of each year if admitted in the fall and December 1 if admitted in the spring;
- Attend Level 1 Orientation as scheduled;
- Adhere to the policies in the School of Nursing BSN Student Handbook;
- Undergo a criminal background check and drug screen, according to the procedure specified by the School of Nursing;
- Complete all coursework within three years of admission into the nursing program;
- Pay a required special fee for standardized testing;
- Maintain personal health and medical malpractice (liability) insurance for the duration of the nursing program;
- Have a smartphone or small tablet and access to a personal computer and printer; and
- Meet the core performance standards of the nursing program.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Eligibility for Licensure
The State Code of West Virginia addresses criteria for application for licensure. The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses has the power to deny the opportunity to procure licenses through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony under the laws of West Virginia or any other state. Any student entering the nursing program who has committed any illegal offenses (felony or misdemeanor) is encouraged to discuss these matters with the director for clarification prior to admission. Details are requested when the graduate makes application for licensure.
R.N.-to-B.S.N. Track
The R.N.-to-B.S.N. track is designed to expand the registered nurse’s education. This program provides flexibility with a wide continuum of education and experience, based upon advisement and development of an individual growth plan. Previous education and experience are evaluated through the use of a professional portfolio. The expected competencies of R.N.-to-B.S.N. graduates are the same as those for graduates of the generic baccalaureate program.
R.N.-to-B.S.N. Admission Process
The following must be submitted to the director one month prior to beginning the first nursing course:
- Admission interview with advisor;
- Proof of:
a. Current unencumbered licensure as an RN (may be either a West Virginia license or a valid multi-state license);
b. American Heart Association BLS Provider certification;
c. Health date information (including immunizations);
d. Medical malpractice (liability) insurance;
e. Personal health insurance;
f. Criminal background check;
g. Drug screen; - Required GPA of 2.70
Articulation: R.N.s who have graduated from a state-approved and nationally-accredited associate degree nursing program will receive 42 nursing credits. Students may be given credit for NURS 330, NURS 331, NURS 332, NURS 334, NURS 340, NURS 341, NURS 342, NURS 430, NURS 431, NURS 432, NURS 438, NURS 444, and NURS 445.
R.N.-to-B.S.N. Track Requirements
It is expected that R.N.s will complete most of the required Core Curriculum courses before applying to the nursing program. Please see your advisor for assistance in program planning.
R.N.s will be required to take 23 credits of nursing courses to include:
- NURS 333 Health Assessment
- NURS 335 Nursing Informatics
- NURS 345 Genetics and Genomics in Nursing
- NURS 442 Patient-Centered Care: Population Health
- NURS 443 Leadership
- NURS 447 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- NURS 510 Health Care Delivery Systems: Political, Social, and Economic Influences.
Progression
In order to progress and to graduate, the student enrolled in the B.S.N. program must:
- Earn a minimum of C in each nursing course;
- Maintain a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average;
- Satisfy pre- and corequisite requirements as scheduled.
Note: The U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations (Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v)) which requires Shepherd University’s BSN and DNP Nursing Programs to provide a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution’s curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification. Please click here for Shepherd University’s Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Educational Requirements Alignment with Other States Licensure.