Program Description:
The undergraduate program in nursing is a nine semester program leading to a bachelor of science degree. Nursing is an independent professional discipline requiring critical inquiry and discriminating judgment to assist individuals, families and communities to attain and maintain health. Qualified students are prepared as professional nurses and receive a foundation for graduate study in nursing.
Pre-clinical Major. Students interested in nursing are accepted as pre-clinical nursing majors if they meet the general admission requirements of the University. Formal application is made to and obtained from UNC’s Office of Admissions.
It is highly recommended that students planning a career in nursing include chemistry, biology and algebra in their high school programs. Proficiency in mathematics is essential to success in the nursing program.
Students enrolled in the pre-clinical major will receive academic advisement from members of the School of Nursing faculty.
Clinical Major. The designation of pre-clinical nursing major does not assure admission to the clinical nursing program. A separate application and acceptance process during the sophomore year is required for the student to enter clinical nursing courses in the junior year. Forms for applying to the clinical program and information about application procedures are obtained at the School of Nursing during late fall semester.
The following factors will be considered by the nursing faculty in the selection of students:
• GPA is calculated on the most recent 45 credits from UNC or other institution and must be 3.0 GPA or above. Contact the School of Nursing for specifics on the GPA calculation. Other variables may be utilized for selection criteria;
• Only applicants who have earned a grade of C or better (C- is not acceptable) in each of the prerequisite courses or course equivalents will be considered for admission. If an applicant is admitted to the Nursing program, then earns less than a grade of C in any of the prerequisite courses or course equivalents, their admission to the Nursing program will be rescinded.
The number of students admitted to the clinical nursing program is determined by available resources. Available resources may also limit possibilities for readmission to the program for those students who withdraw for any reason. Scores on selected tests measuring such factors as aptitude, cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills and achievement may be used for advisement.
All students entering the professional clinical nursing major must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the adult and child/infant (health professional) as evidenced by current CPR card. This certification must be maintained while in the program. Nurse Aide coursework is also required for application. CNA and CPR courses are available outside the School of Nursing.
Progression. Nursing majors must earn a minimum grade of "C" or better (C- is not acceptable) or satisfactory in all required nursing courses for progression to the next semester in the nursing major. The nursing program faculty reserves the right to place on probation or to require the withdrawal from the nursing program of any student who in their professional judgment fails to satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health status and/or performance. A student receiving a grade less than “C” in a nursing course will be readmitted to that course on a space-available basis only.
RN-BS Progression. The length of the program for the registered nurse student depends upon the amount of transfer credit and successful completion of prerequisite course challenge examinations, if needed. The Colorado Nursing Articulation Model permits RNs to receive credit for prior nursing course work. Individuals seeking admission must be admitted to the University of Northern Colorado following the procedures outlined in this Catalog. Students should contact the School of Nursing at the same time for information about RN criteria for admission to the nursing major and the specifics of the RN program.
