Select the Only 3-Year BSN Offered in the Region or Our 4-Year Program
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing — 3 and 4-year programs
Becoming a nurse is a decision that comes from the heart. We know you enroll with a desire to help others, and to build upon your intellect to discover how best to care for patients. Our programs promise to immerse you in the knowledge you need to do just that! You have the option to complete your bachelor of science in nursing degree in either three or four years. College of Saint Mary offers the only three-year generic bachelor of science in nursing in the region, saving you both time and a projected $21,000 in tuition.
Either way you'll benefit from learning in our new, state-of-the-art simulation labs in small classes and from some of the most knowledgeable professors around. Our goal is seeing you fulfilled in this important, noble career field.
Required Courses in Your Major
Intro to Nursing Theory/Skills with Lab
This course will introduce you to the history of the nursing profession and important concepts including patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional roles. You'll also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the simulation lab.
Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
This course will introduce you to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care setting
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
You'll be introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories.
Psych-Mental Health Nursing – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you'll learn theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.
Public Health Nursing – Theory/Clinical
You will learn theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings.
Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
In this course, you'll be introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic and over-the-counter medications in the community.
Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing
You will learn theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society and develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care.
Maternal Newborn – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you will learn theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings.
Pediatric – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you'll be introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents and families along the health-illness continuum.
Maternal/Child Pharmacology
You will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients.
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
This course will provide an overview of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and concepts of quality improvement. You will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research.
Acute Medical/Surgical – Theory/Clinical
You will explore theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in a medical/surgical setting.
Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
You will continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population.
Health Assessment – Theory/Skills Lab
In this course, you will learn theoretical and practical application of holistic health assessment as the basis for nursing intervention and practice. The course is designed to assist students to synthesize knowledge and application of interviewing, physical assessment, psychosocial/cultural assessment and spiritual assessment principles and skills.
Multisystem Medical/Surgical – Theory/Clinical
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. You will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team.
Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
You will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations.
Nursing Trends and Issues
In this course, we will focus on trends and issues that affect professional nursing practice. Topics include transition into practice, political, legal and ethical issues, methods to leverage technology for patient care and professional advocacy.
Nursing Management and Leadership
You will have the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, your professional role and communication through a capstone project.
Preceptorship
You will have the opportunity to provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse preceptor. This preceptor experience is structured to foster synthesis of professional concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills and the ability to work effectively as a team member.
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
To earn your bachelor of science in nursing degree, you must complete 128 credit hours. Of that, 61 credit hours must be major program courses, 12 credit hours must be general education, six credit hours must be supporting courses and 49 credit hours must be electives.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Our bachelor of science in nursing degree program has Nebraska State Board of Nursing Approval and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, 404-975-5000.
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary's BSN Degree Program
1. Application materials for the nursing program are processed by the Office of Enrollment Services or NursingCAS and then submitted to the nursing program for review
2. Applications are reviewed by the nursing program director upon receipt of all of the following:
- Application form and application fee
- Official copy of high school transcript showing a minimum GPA of 2.0 and class rank or GED
- Official transcripts from any post high school institutions attended for transfer students
- ACT or SAT score or TEAS scores (refer to policy 1.8)
- Background check
3. A personal interview may be requested by the director
4. Applications are reviewed on the first day each month. If the applicant meets the criteria for nursing, she is notified of her acceptance in writing
Criteria for Admission to the BSN 3-Year Track for Recent High School Graduates*
- High school chemistry
- High school physical science
- High school cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) or higher
- Composite ACT score of 23
- Meet core performance standards (Policy 1.2) and nursing program requirements (Policy 1.3)
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Criteria for Admission to the BSN 4-Year Track for Recent High School Graduates*
- High school chemistry
- High school physical science
- High school cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 (C+) or higher
- Composite ACT score of 21
- Meet core performance standards (Policy 1.2) and nursing program requirements (Policy 1.3)
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Criteria for Admission for a BSN Applicant with College Transfer Credit
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 with satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required sciences.
- Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include developmental courses)
- Meet ACT and/or TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements are waived for second degree students (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
Criteria for Admission for the LPN to BSN Track
- Provide verification of Practical Nurse License in good standing (unencumbered) with the State of Nebraska or compact state
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75
- Meet TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements are waived if you have maintained a College of Saint Mary GPA of 3.2 or higher (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
- Completion of NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing “Challenge Exam” during fall semester (required prior to enrollment in NUR 101)
Criteria for Admission for BSN Pre-Nursing Students
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 with satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required sciences
- Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include developmental courses)
- Meet ACT and/ or TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements waived if you have maintained a College of Saint Mary GPA of 3.2 or higher (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
Academic Description
Select the Only 3-Year BSN Offered in the Region or Our 4-Year Program
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing — 3 and 4-year programs
Becoming a nurse is a decision that comes from the heart. We know you enroll with a desire to help others, and to build upon your intellect to discover how best to care for patients. Our programs promise to immerse you in the knowledge you need to do just that! You have the option to complete your bachelor of science in nursing degree in either three or four years. College of Saint Mary offers the only three-year generic bachelor of science in nursing in the region, saving you both time and a projected $21,000 in tuition.
Either way you'll benefit from learning in our new, state-of-the-art simulation labs in small classes and from some of the most knowledgeable professors around. Our goal is seeing you fulfilled in this important, noble career field.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Our bachelor of science in nursing degree program has Nebraska State Board of Nursing Approval and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Ga., 30326, 404-975-5000.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary's BSN Degree Program
1. Application materials for the nursing program are processed by the Office of Enrollment Services or NursingCAS and then submitted to the nursing program for review
2. Applications are reviewed by the nursing program director upon receipt of all of the following:
- Application form and application fee
- Official copy of high school transcript showing a minimum GPA of 2.0 and class rank or GED
- Official transcripts from any post high school institutions attended for transfer students
- ACT or SAT score or TEAS scores (refer to policy 1.8)
- Background check
3. A personal interview may be requested by the director
4. Applications are reviewed on the first day each month. If the applicant meets the criteria for nursing, she is notified of her acceptance in writing
Criteria for Admission to the BSN 3-Year Track for Recent High School Graduates*
- High school chemistry
- High school physical science
- High school cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) or higher
- Composite ACT score of 23
- Meet core performance standards (Policy 1.2) and nursing program requirements (Policy 1.3)
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Criteria for Admission to the BSN 4-Year Track for Recent High School Graduates*
- High school chemistry
- High school physical science
- High school cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 (C+) or higher
- Composite ACT score of 21
- Meet core performance standards (Policy 1.2) and nursing program requirements (Policy 1.3)
*"Recent high school graduates" refers to individuals who have graduated from high school within two years of application to the nursing program.
Criteria for Admission for a BSN Applicant with College Transfer Credit
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 with satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required sciences.
- Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include developmental courses)
- Meet ACT and/or TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements are waived for second degree students (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
Criteria for Admission for the LPN to BSN Track
- Provide verification of Practical Nurse License in good standing (unencumbered) with the State of Nebraska or compact state
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75
- Meet TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements are waived if you have maintained a College of Saint Mary GPA of 3.2 or higher (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
- Completion of NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing “Challenge Exam” during fall semester (required prior to enrollment in NUR 101)
Criteria for Admission for BSN Pre-Nursing Students
- Cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 with satisfactory completion of at least two CSM nursing program required sciences
- Satisfactory completion of at least 12 semester hours (not to include developmental courses)
- Meet ACT and/ or TEAS program requirement scores. TEAS requirements waived if you have maintained a College of Saint Mary GPA of 3.2 or higher (Policy 1.8)
- Meet Core Performance Standards (Policy 1.2) and Nursing Program Requirements (Policy 1.3)
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Intro to Nursing Theory/Skills with Lab
This course will introduce you to the history of the nursing profession and important concepts including patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional roles. You'll also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the simulation lab.
Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
This course will introduce you to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care setting
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
You'll be introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories.
Psych-Mental Health Nursing – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you'll learn theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.
Public Health Nursing – Theory/Clinical
You will learn theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings.
Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
In this course, you'll be introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic and over-the-counter medications in the community.
Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing
You will learn theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society and develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care.
Maternal Newborn – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you will learn theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings.
Pediatric – Theory/Clinical
In this course, you'll be introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents and families along the health-illness continuum.
Maternal/Child Pharmacology
You will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients.
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
This course will provide an overview of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and concepts of quality improvement. You will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research.
Acute Medical/Surgical – Theory/Clinical
You will explore theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in a medical/surgical setting.
Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
You will continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population.
Health Assessment – Theory/Skills Lab
In this course, you will learn theoretical and practical application of holistic health assessment as the basis for nursing intervention and practice. The course is designed to assist students to synthesize knowledge and application of interviewing, physical assessment, psychosocial/cultural assessment and spiritual assessment principles and skills.
Multisystem Medical/Surgical – Theory/Clinical
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. You will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team.
Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
You will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations.
Nursing Trends and Issues
In this course, we will focus on trends and issues that affect professional nursing practice. Topics include transition into practice, political, legal and ethical issues, methods to leverage technology for patient care and professional advocacy.
Nursing Management and Leadership
You will have the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, your professional role and communication through a capstone project.
Preceptorship
You will have the opportunity to provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse preceptor. This preceptor experience is structured to foster synthesis of professional concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills and the ability to work effectively as a team member.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
To earn your bachelor of science in nursing degree, you must complete 128 credit hours. Of that, 61 credit hours must be major program courses, 12 credit hours must be general education, six credit hours must be supporting courses and 49 credit hours must be electives.
