College of Nursing

Preprofessional Admission

Students are admitted into the College of Nursing as “premajor Nursing” students. Admission to ASU as a premajor Nursing student does not guarantee admission into the professional program. Admission to the professional program requires a separate application to the College of Nursing and is competitive, with the greatest emphasis placed on grade point average based on selected prerequisite courses.

In addition to meeting the university requirements for admission, it is recommended that students complete one year each of high school chemistry and biology.

Premajor Nursing students are required to seek academic advising each semester through the College of Nursing Student Services Office. This advising includes course planning and information about application materials and deadlines.

Transfer Credits

While ASU accepts transfer credit from other accredited institutions, all transfer credit may not apply toward a BSN degree. Students completing course work at a community college or university other than ASU should consult a College of Nursing academic advisor to plan an appropriate sequence of prerequisite courses and to apply to the professional program. The college has a transfer partnership agreement with the Maricopa Community College District. See a College of Nursing academic advisor for details. The college may not accept transfer credit (especially science) completed more than seven years before the date of application to the professional program.

Professional Program Admission

Individuals interested in applying to the professional program must receive advising from a College of Nursing academic advisor and are required to attend an application workshop. Contact the Student Services Office in the College of Nursing at 480/965-2987 for details. Students are eligible for consideration for admission to the professional program if they meet the following criteria:

 1. regular admission to the College of Nursing at the Downtown campus as a premajor Nursing student;

 2. academic good standing at ASU and in the College of Nursing;

 3. minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75;

 4. completion of designated prerequisite courses with an earned grade of “C” (2.00) or higher in each course;

 5. completion of all application materials;

 6. submission of all required health and immunization requirements;

 7. a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 or higher for international students (see TOEFL);

 8. receipt of entrance examination scores; and

 9. submission of other required materials.

Admission is selective and based on available resources. Meeting the minimum prerequisite GPA does not ensure admission. All qualified applicants may not be admitted. Students admitted to the professional program are required to meet the following additional criteria:

 1. proof of CPR certification (Level C American Heart Association Health Care Provider);

 2. proof of negative drug screen;

 3. completion of all required health and immunization information;

 4. eligible for fingerprint clearance card; and

 5. other required materials.

Professional program courses are offered at the Downtown campus, the Mayo campus, the Polytechnic campus, and the West campus. Students are asked to specify location preference as part of the application process. Students are expected to complete the professional program on the campus assigned upon admission.

The four semester (64 semester hour) professional program is available in two options: (1) a 24-month option with classes scheduled during the fall and spring semesters at the Downtown campus, and (2) a 16-month year round option with classes scheduled during fall, spring, and summer sessions with minimal breaks between semesters available at various sites. For more information, visit the Web site at nursing.asu.edu, or contact the College of Nursing Student Services Office.

Opportunities for individual, direct, and group patient care are available in a variety of settings: community clinics; health fairs; hospice; geriatric facilities; schools; industries; hospitals; home health; and rehabilitation agencies.

Professional Program Transfer

Students requesting to transfer into the professional program with advanced standing may be required to submit letters of recommendation. Any student enrolled in good standing at any accredited/approved baccalaureate school of nursing within the past two years may apply for admission into the professional program. To be considered for admission to the professional program, transfer students must first be admitted to ASU as premajor Nursing students (see Undergraduate Admission) and must also meet all professional program admission requirements. To be considered for advanced standing in the professional program courses, petitions for each course must be completed by the student accompanied by course descriptions and syllabus materials and be approved by the College Standards Committee.

Admission of Registered Nurses (RNs)

All RN students are admitted into the College of Nursing as premajor Nursing students. Each RN must show evidence of a current unencumbered Arizona RN license or one from a compact state recognized by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. RN students are responsible for adhering to Arizona State Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations.

Alternatives are available to RNs to facilitate their progress in the program, including credit by examination, substitution of previously completed nursing courses for specified ASU nursing courses, and transfer of general education course work completed at other accredited colleges and universities. All RN students must consult with an academic advisor in planning their program of study. See Professional Program Admission, for admission criteria into the BSN professional program. Registered nurses are admitted into the RN-BSN only program track twice a year, in January and in August.

Additional admission criteria required for application to the RN-BSN-MS program track include submission of

 1. GRE scores;

 2. current résumé;

 3. statement of career goals;

 4. three references (forms provided);

 5. interview;

 6. minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00; and

 7. other required materials.

RNs are accepted into the RN-BSN-MS program track once a year (in January).

Readmission to the Professional Program

Students who have not been in continuous enrollment must file a petition requesting readmission to the professional program and must provide the following documents:

 1. proof of current enrollment or readmission to ASU and the College of Nursing in good standing;

 2. transcripts from all colleges attended; and

 3. all other admission requirements as outlined under Admission.

Arizona State Board of Nursing Requirement

To be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a student must have a high school diploma or GED certificate as well as proof of graduation from an approved nursing program. Arizona State law prohibits an individual convicted of a felony from applying for nursing licensure or certification until five years after the date of absolute discharge of the sentence. Application for, and passage of, the NCLEX-RN is the sole responsibility of the student.

College Health Requirements

Students admitted/enrolled in the professional program are responsible for fulfilling the requirements of the health policies of the College of Nursing. The student is responsible for providing proof to the College of Nursing Student Services Office of having met these requirements before enrollment in the professional program courses. These health policies include the following requirements:

 1. proof of measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella immunization (two MMRs or appropriate titers);

 2. proof of annual tuberculosis screening;

 3. completed series of hepatitis B vaccine;

 4. proof of hepatitis B titer;

 5. current American Heart Association Level C CPR Certification;

 6. proof of tetanus, diphtheria immunization (TD);

 7. proof of varicella (chicken pox) immunization; and

 8. proof of negative drug screen.

A student may not participate in any clinical experience without meeting these requirements.

An annual flu vaccine is also recommended; other health information may be required. While the Hepatitis A vaccination is not required for admission, information on who might benefit from the vaccination is available from the College of Nursing Student Services Office.

Latex Sensitivity

Healthcare workers are at risk for developing Latex allergies, which may be life threatening. It is the student’s responsibility to report if an allergy or sensitivity to Latex products is suspected; medical care is imperative for diagnosis, guidance, and treatment.

Fingerprint Clearance

All College of Nursing students admitted to the professional program must submit a photocopy of their fingerprint clearance card to the Student Services Office by the first day of class.

Essential Functions

Students admitted to the professional program are expected to meet the Essential Functional Abilities of the Undergraduate Nursing Student. Essential functions for this program include gathering data through the senses (hearing, seeing, etc.), synthesizing information from a variety of sources, making decisions regarding patient care, and performing necessary physical and mental activities to ensure safe care. Some clinical experiences may require students to purchase their own protective devices. For complete details, call an advisor in the Student Services Office at 480/965-2987.

ASU Health Requirements

See Undergraduate Admission and Immunization Requirements.

Professional Liability Insurance

It is highly recommended that students carry their own professional liability insurance when enrolled in clinical nursing courses.

Health and Accident Insurance

It is strongly recommended that all students carry their own health and accident insurance. Some clinical agencies require students to have current health insurance. See the Undergraduate Student Handbook. Each student is personally responsible for costs related to any accident or illness during or outside of school activities.

Automobile Insurance

Students are required by state law to carry automobile insurance. Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites. Extensive travel may be required for selected clinical experiences.

Academic Advising

Academic advising, provided by the College of Nursing through the Student Services Office, is an essential aspect of the education experience; see Academic Advising.

While the College of Nursing provides academic advising, it is ultimately the responsibility of each student to fulfill academic and program requirements. Advisors are available by appointment in the College of Nursing Student Services Office. Call 480/965-2987 (see Student Services). Advisor appointments are also available at West campus, the Polytechnic campus, and at several community colleges in the area. Advisors assist students with program planning, registration, preparation of needed petitions, verification of graduation requirements, referrals to university and community resources, and career planning.

Student responsibilities include following university guidelines regarding submission of transcripts from all colleges other than ASU, obtaining the necessary signatures or computer verifications required by the university, and following university procedures for matriculation.

Mandatory Advising

All premajor Nursing students are required to meet with an academic advisor before registering for each semester of classes. All students on probation are required to meet with an advisor to plan strategies for improving their academic standing.

Declaration of Graduation

Students following the curriculum requirements of the 1996 – 1998 or later catalog editions must file a Declaration of Graduation form using the Degree Audit Reporting System during enrollment in the first semester of the professional program.

Student Employment

Each of the four semesters in the prelicensured professional program is composed of 16 semester hours. Seven to eight of these semester hours reflect three days in clinical laboratory practicum experience. The remaining eight to nine semester hours reflect classroom hours with preparation and study requiring additional time and effort. It is suggested that any other extracurricular activities or employment be kept at a minimum.

Degrees

Nursing—BSN

The completion of the curriculum leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The purpose of the program is to prepare beginning professional nurses, who possess the theoretical foundation and the clinical competence, to function in various health care settings. The graduate is prepared to deliver nursing care services to individuals, families, specific population groups, and communities. The undergraduate program provides students with a foundation for graduate studies in nursing at the master’s level.

Professional program courses are offered at four locations: the Downtown Phoenix campus, the Polytechnic campus, the Mayo campus, and the West campus. To be eligible to enroll in the professional courses at any location, students must be admitted to the College of Nursing, submit all required material for admission to the professional program, and be admitted to the college’s undergraduate professional program.

Program objectives for the undergraduate curriculum are directed toward preparation of graduates with generalist abilities. Based on theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing, the humanities, and physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, graduates are prepared to

 1. combine theoretical knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and nursing as a base for critical thinking in professional nursing practice and develop understanding of client, health, environment, and nursing;

 2. design comprehensive therapeutic nursing care in partnership with individuals, families, groups, populations, and communities, including those who are culturally diverse and/or vulnerable and at risk for health disparities;

 3. provide safe, competent, and effective nursing care using principle-based communication, technical/psychomotor, teaching, management, and therapeutic skills;

 4. generate own professional practice that focuses on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and illness and disease management from a holistic perspective;

 5. analyze and apply research findings to promote evidence-based nursing practice;

 6. display values and behaviors consistent with the culture of professional nursing;

 7. display personal and leadership characteristics appropriate for providers, designers, managers, and coordinators of care;

 8. display responsibility and accountability for providers, designers, managers, and coordinators of care;

 9. collaborate with nurses, other health care providers, and clients in the delivery of holistic care that is responsive to changing needs, sociopolitical, and global environmental factors; and

10. analyze current nursing and health care services and trends, and identify future health care needs.

Nursing—RN Program Tracks

Courses have been designed to expand the knowledge base of the RN. Practice experiences in home health, community health, and leadership prepare RNs for roles in the expanding health care arena. Programs of study are developed and implemented that reflect individual capabilities, prior educational learning experiences, and career goals of RNs. Faculty and academic advisors work with RN students to maximize learning experiences and plan a program that meets their unique needs and interests.

Two program tracks are available for RNs. The RN-BSN only and the RN-BSN-MS program tracks are structured to provide an accessible, accelerated, and predictable pathway through the program.

RN-BSN Only

The RN-BSN only program track offers RNs the opportunity to complete upper-division professional nursing courses in one calendar year in a program featuring reasonable costs, predictable year-round course scheduling, reduced in-class time, and a variety of instructional delivery methods, including Web-enhanced and Web-based courses. Completion of upper-division general education requirements may require additional time beyond the one year of professional nursing courses. Satisfactory completion of all general education and nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher and an earned minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 is required. RNs are accepted into the RN-BSN only program track twice a year (January and August). See Admission of Registered Nurses (RNs).

RN-BSN-MS

The RN-BSN-MS program track, designed for highly motivated and experienced RNs, reflects an expansion of the RN-BSN only option. It provides for more rapid progression to graduate education that builds on the existing undergraduate curriculum and enables RN students to take selected graduate courses (earning a grade of “B” [3.00] or higher) that apply toward their baccalaureate degree. Satisfactory completion of all general education and nursing prerequisite undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher and an earned minimum prerequisite GPA of “B” (3.00) is required. See Admission of Registered Nurses (RNs).

The RN to master’s degree program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher in all courses in the master’s program of study.

Nursing—MS

The faculty in the College of Nursing offer a program leading to an MS degree in Nursing with concentrations in

 1. adult health nursing with tracks in the primary care of chronically ill adults;

 2. community health nursing;

 3. psychiatric/mental health nursing;

 4. family health nursing;

 5. women’s health;

 6. parent-child nursing with the tracks in primary or acute care nursing of children, and neonatal programs; and

 7. the nurse educator program.

The program requires a minimum of 40 semester hours with an earned grade of “B” (3.00) or higher in all courses in the program of study. Students in the nurse practitioner options are required to complete additional semester hours. Requirements for this program are described in the Graduate Catalog. Persons interested in applying for admission to the program should write to the Division of Graduate Studies for a Graduate Catalog and application form (see Admission to the Division of Graduate Studies) and contact the College of Nursing Student Services Office.

Nursing—DNS

An innovative Doctor of Nursing Science program prepares students to pursue a career as a leader in health policy, healthcare delivery, nursing education, and/or research. Emphasis is on application of research and theory in nursing practice. For more information, access the Web site at nursing.asu.edu.

Graduate certificate programs

Nurse Educator Program

The Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings is a 14-semester-hour program. It is designed for nurses from academic or practice settings who want to prepare themselves for teaching in the rapidly changing landscape of nursing education. These courses can also be taken concurrently in the nursing master’s program. For more information, access the Web site at nursing.asu.edu/programs/graduate/certificate/ned.

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare Program

This post-master’s Graduate Certificate in Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare program prepares nurse clinicians and other healthcare professionals as experts in evidence-based practice (EBP) and as systemwide change agents for the advancement of and sustainability of EBP. EBP is the conscientious use of best evidence (i.e., research findings, findings from quality improvement and practice management initiatives, and findings from patient assessment), in combination with clinician expertise and patient preferences and values, in clinical decision making. The EBP graduate certificate is a 17-semester-hour program offered on a consecutive 12-month basis beginning in January each calendar year. The program is designed to facilitate networking and support among the cohort of students; therefore, courses must be taken sequentially during the 12-month period. For more information, access the Web site at nursing.asu.edu/caep.

School of Extended Education

The university-wide School of Extended Education provides an interactive link between ASU and the diverse communities it serves. The college assesses lifelong learning requirements and works in partnership with campuses, other colleges, and the community to serve learners, using a network of locations, programs, schedules, and technologies.

For more information, see School of Extended Education, or access the Web site at www.asu.edu/xed.

University Graduation Requirements

In addition to fulfilling college and major requirements, students must meet all university graduation requirements. For more information, see University Graduation Requirements.

First-Year Composition Requirement

Completion of both ENG 101 and 102 or ENG 105 or equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher is required for graduation from ASU in any baccalaureate degree program.

General Studies Requirement

All students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program must satisfy a university requirement of a minimum of 35 semester hours of approved course work in General Studies, as described in General Studies. Note that all three General Studies awareness areas are required. Consult an advisor for an approved list of courses. Many of the university General Studies requirements may be met through completion of College of Nursing course requirements. See an academic advisor for details. General Studies courses are listed in the General Studies Courses, in the Schedule of Classes, and in the Summer Sessions Bulletin.

College Degree Requirements

The BSN degree requires 120 semester hours. Any request for a course substitution or waiver, or modification in degree requirements and/or professional program admission requirements may be requested through a petition to the College of Nursing Standards Committee. For details, see an academic advisor.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

The following courses must be completed before enrolling in the professional program. Completion of these courses does not ensure admission to the professional program. RN students should refer to RN-BSN Degree Requirements.

BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I SG 4

BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4

CDE 232 Human Development SB 3

CHM 101 Introductory Chemistry SQ 4

ENG 101 First-Year Composition 3

ENG 102 First-Year Composition 3

HCR 210 Clinical Health Care Ethics HU 3

HCR 220 Health Care Organizations H 3

HCR 230 Culture and Health C, G 3

HCR 240 Human Pathophysiology 4

MIC 205 Microbiology SG* 3

MIC 206 Microbiology Laboratory SG* 1

NTR 241 Human Nutrition 3

PGS 101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3

PHI 103 Principles of Sound Reasoning L/HU 3

CS statistics elective 3

HU/SB elective 3

MA course 3

Total prerequisites 56

* Both MIC 205 and 206 must be taken to secure SG credit.

Major Requirements

The Nursing major requirements are completed after admission to the professional program. All practice courses are graded satisfactory/fail. RN students should refer to RN-BSN Degree Requirements.

         Nursing Core Courses

Junior Year

First Semester

NUR 341 Theory I: Health Integrity 4

NUR 351 Pharmacology in Nursing 3

NUR 361 Professional Development 2

NUR 381 Nursing Practice I 7

Total 16

Second Semester

NUR 342 Theory II: Health Integrity and Alterations 5

NUR 362 Professional Development II: Nursing Research L 3

NUR 382 Nursing Practice II 8

Total 16

Senior Year

First Semester

NUR 441 Theory III: Health Integrity and Alterations 6

NUR 461 Professional Development III: The Art of Nursing HU 3

NUR 481 Nursing Practice III 7

Total 16

Second Semester

NUR 442 Theory IV: Health Integrity and Alterations 3

NUR 443 Theory V: Leadership and Management 3

NUR 462 Professional Development IV 2

NUR 482 Nursing Practice IV 8

Total 16

Nursing core total 64

Each semester of courses is prerequisite to subsequent semesters. See an advisor for current program information.

RN-BSN Degree Requirements

Prerequisite Course Requirements

BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I SG 4

BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4

CDE 232 Human Development SB¹ 3

CHM 101 Introductory Chemistry SQ 4

ENG 101 First-Year Composition 3

ENG 102 First-Year Composition 3

HCR 240 Human Pathophysiology¹ 4

MIC 205 Microbiology SG² 3

NTR 241 Human Nutrition 3

NUR 341 Theory I: Health Integrity¹ 4

NUR 342 Theory II: Health Integrity and Alterations¹ 5

NUR 351 Pharmacology in Nursing¹ 3

NUR 361 Professional Development¹ 2

NUR 381 Nursing Practice I¹ 7

NUR 382 Nursing Practice II¹ 8

PGS 101 Introduction to Psychology SB 3

C, H elective 3

CS statistics elective 3

HU elective 3

MA course 3

Total prerequisites 75

¹For alternatives, see an advisor.

²Both MIC 205 and 206 must be taken to secure SG credit.

Professional Nursing Courses for RNs

The following nursing courses are taught over a period of 12 months. Theory classes are held one day a week for six months. Practice and theory courses require a commitment of three days a week over the remaining six months.

NUR 364 Professional Development II: Nursing Research for RNs 3

NUR 391 Registered Nurse Mobility I: Professional Development L 3

NUR 392 Registered Nurse Mobility II: Health and Wellness 3

NUR 440 Theory III: Health Integrity and Alterations for RNs 6

NUR 444 Theory IV: Health Integrity and Alterations for RNs 3

NUR 445 Theory V: Leadership and Management for RNs 3

NUR 460 Professional Development III: The Art of Nursing for RNs 3

NUR 464 Professional Development IV for RNs 2

NUR 495 Community Health/Home Health Practice for RNs 4

NUR 496 Leadership and Management Practice for RNs 5

Total 35

 

General elective total 10

 

Nursing core (RN) total 45

The sequential progression of courses for the RN-BSN is as follows:

 1. NUR 391

 2. NUR 392

 3. NUR 460

 4. NUR 364

 5. NUR 440

 6. NUR 495

 7. NUR 444

 8. NUR 445

 9. NUR 496

10. NUR 464

RNs interested in pursuing the RN-BSN-MS track should contact an advisor in the College of Nursing Student Services Office.

Academic Standards

Students are admitted into the College of Nursing as premajor Nursing students and are subject to the general standards of academic good standing at the university (see Retention and Academic Standards). However, students who maintain standards of academic good standing do not necessarily qualify for admission into the professional program.

Consideration for admission into the professional program is contingent on achieving at least a “C” (2.00) in all prerequisite courses and earning a minimum GPA of 2.75 in prerequisite courses. In addition, a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher is required in all course work for the degree except in nursing practice courses where a designation of a “Y” (satisfactory) grade is required.

Once admitted into the professional program, students are allowed only one nursing course failure within the program. The second failure in a nursing course leads to an automatic disqualification from the College of Nursing.

Probation and/or disqualification is in accordance with university policies. Academic dishonesty is not tolerated in any course and is subject to specific College of Nursing policies and procedures.

Grading Policy for Nursing Courses

Within the undergraduate program, grades are assigned to reflect levels of achievement in relation to course objectives. Students who do not complete a required nursing course satisfactorily, receiving a grade of “D” (1.00) or “E” (0.00) (failing) or a mark of “W” (withdrawal), are not eligible to progress in the professional program. A student who withdraws from a course with a failing grade reported as an “E3,” “E4,” or “E9” is considered to have failed the course.

Any petition for curriculum adjustment, course substitution, overload, readmission to a nursing course, or readmission to the professional program must be approved by the College Standards Committee.

Withdrawal is in accordance with ASU withdrawal policy. Students are responsible for completing the university withdrawal procedure. To be considered for reenrollment in a professional program course, a completed petition must be submitted and approved by the College Standards Committee. See an academic advisor for assistance.

An incomplete in a required nursing course must be satisfactorily removed before progression in the professional program is permitted. A grade of “I” is not allowed in clinical courses. See Grading System, for university policy.

Audited courses are not accepted as course credit in the minimum 120-semester-hour requirement for graduation.

Student Responsibilities

College of Nursing

nursing.asu.edu

480/965-3244

Professors

Fleury, Keller, Komnenich, Mattson, Melnyk, Schwartz

Associate Professors

Alpers, Baldwin, Bozzette, Brillhart, Cesarotti, Dirksen, Evans, Ismeurt, Killeen, Mays, McCarthy, Records, Ruiz, Sousa

Assistant Professors

Campesino, Chen, Cook, Cooke, McGrath, Pickens, Rosdahl, Shearer, Small

Clinical Professors

Bell, Schultz, Wojner-Alexandrov

Clinical Associate Professors

Adams, Armbruster, Davidson, Fargotstein, Fineout-Overholt, Hagler, Jasper, Kastenbaum, Link, Morris, Muzyka, Nuñez, Stillwell, White

Clinical Assistant Professors

Anderson, Benesh, Jarrell, Lersch, Lupone, Maxwell, Mitchell, Murray, Niesel, Peluso, Sayles, Sutter

Omnibus Courses. For an explanation of courses offered but not specifically listed in this catalog, see Omnibus Courses.

Graduate-Level Courses. For information about courses numbered from 500 to 799, see the Graduate Catalog, or access www.asu.edu/catalog on the Web. In some situations, undergraduate students may be eligible to take these courses; for more information, see Graduate-Level Courses.