Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

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Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program builds on a foundation in the arts and sciences to form competent nurse generalists who deliver evidence-based nursing care to a variety of patient populations. With an educational environment built on honesty, respect, inquiry, service and collaboration, the pre-licensure BSN program nurtures and develops nurses that lead with professionalism and empathy.

FranU’s pre-licensure BSN degree program is designed for students who plan to seek nursing licensure but who don’t already have a bachelor’s degree. The program prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a test required for all nursing students to pass before becoming practicing registered nurses.

With courses in nursing fundamentals and specialized topics such as psychology across the lifespan and theological bioethics, FranU’s pre-licensure nursing program provides a comprehensive nursing curriculum. In addition to classroom learning, students will also participate in hands-on clinical experiences. Learn more about the curriculum.

School
School of Nursing
Career
Registered Nurse
Program Contacts

CAREER

BSN holders often become registered nurses after obtaining licensure. RNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, in-home care settings, clinics, schools or private practices.

Bachelor’s in Nursing Pre-licensure Program Highlights

  • Guaranteed admissions options - Students can be guaranteed admission to the pre-licensure BSN program in one of two ways. If you’ve taken all program prerequisite courses at FranU or are transferring more than 30 hours of coursework with at least a 3.2 GPA in the transferred courses, you may be eligible for guaranteed admission.

  • Knowledgeable faculty - FranU’s nursing faculty consists of caring and knowledgeable subject area experts with a passion for helping students achieve their goals and become their best selves. With the support of our faculty, nursing students at FranU will feel empowered and equipped with the skills they need to successfully complete the NCLEX.

  • Financial aid options - FranU is proud of being one of the most affordable Catholic universities. We offer financial aid opportunities through grants, scholarships and loans. Operating with the utmost care and respect for helping students and their families find financial aid options that work for them, we have aid options for students of all backgrounds.

Program Features

Pre-licensure BSN Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must complete an application specific to the clinical program. Applications are due on or before January 30 for fall admission or August 30 for spring admission.

Admission to the pre-licensure BSN program is a competitive selection process, and applicants should meet the following minimum admission criteria. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Guaranteed Admission

There are two ways in which a student can qualify for guaranteed admission into the Pre-Licensure Nursing program:

  1. A student who enters the University as a freshman is guaranteed admission into the BSN program when:
    • All prerequisite courses towards the BSN degree are taken at FranU with at least a grade point average of 3.0 on all prerequisite coursework.
    • All other minimum admission requirements are met.
  2. A transfer student is guaranteed admission to the BSN program when:
    • More than 30 hours of required coursework in the BSN program (including courses that are in progress at the time of application to the University) are transferred in with at least a grade point average of 3.2 in these courses.
    • A grade point average of at least 3.0 is maintained while completing remaining prerequisite courses at the University.
    • All other minimum admission requirements are met.
    **Students transferring in less than 30 hours of coursework may be considered for guaranteed admission. Students falling into this category should call the Admissions Office**

Upon entry into the clinical portion of the program ALL students must have attained a score of proficient or higher on the TEAS Exam and successfully completed all required prerequisite nursing courses with a grade of C or better.


Admission Requirements

Admission to the BSN program is a competitive selection process. Applicants to the BSN program should meet the following minimum admission criteria. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the BSN program.

1. Be in good academic standing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

2. Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better prior to applying to the clinical nursing program and must appear on the transcript (a grade of B or better in BIOL 2310 and BIOL 2311 is preferred).

ACSM 1110: Introduction to College Education (1 credit hour)

WRIT 1310: College Writing I (3 credit hours)

MATH 1315: College Algebra (3 credit hours)

CHEM 1310: Chemical Fundamentals (3 credit hours)

BIOL 2310: Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 credit hours)

BIOL 2310L: Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab (1 credit hour)

PSYC 1310: Introductory Psychology (3 credit hours)

WRIT 1311: College Writing II (3 credit hours)

COMM 2310: Professional Interpersonal Communications or COMM 2311: Professional Public Speaking (3 credit hours)

BIOL 2311: Human Anatomy & Physiology II (3 credit hours)

BIOL 2311L: Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab (1 credit hour)

BIOL 2325: Fundamentals of Microbiology (3 credit hours)

BIOL 2325L: Fundamentals of Microbiology Lab (1 credit hour)

3. Have completed with a grade of C or better or have in progress the following pre-nursing courses**: BIOL 2320, MATH 2315, PSYC 2330, Ethics elective (PHIL 2320 or THEO 3345), and NURS 2510 (to be considered for admission, students must earn a grade of C or better within 3 years of admission; Students may only attempt NURS 2510 twice within a 3 year period; Any grade, including a W, constitutes an attempt).

4. Have earned a grade point average of 2.75 or higher on pre-nursing courses in the BSN curriculum.

5. Have achieved the category of proficient or higher on the TEAS Admission Assessment. The TEAS must include all content (Reading, Math, Science, English and Language usage) and must have been taken within the last (5) years.

**for additional TEAS resources, please see 'Resources' section below**

6. Additional factors may influence acceptance into the BSN program. The committee may require an interview and/or proctored completion of a written statement.

* It is recommended that students complete 9 credit hours at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.

** Please note: These prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to beginning the first semester of the nursing curriculum.

Final program acceptance is contingent on approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).


Transfer Admission

Students requesting transfer into the pre-licensure BSN degree program from an accredited nursing program must:

  1. Be in good academic standing and eligible to re-enter the previous nursing program.

  2. Meet the established admission criteria for the BSN program.

  3. Have earned a grade of C or better on all transfer courses in the BSN curriculum.

Process for transfer from an accredited nursing program:

  • Apply for general admission to the University.

  • Submit a clinical application for the pre-licensure BSN Program to the Office of Admissions by August 30 for the January class and by January 30 for the August class;
    • A letter of good standing from the previous nursing program must be submitted in support of the application and mailed to the Office of Admissions at the time of application.

  • Submit the following documents to the School of Nursing by the published nursing application deadline:
    • Letter indicating intent to transfer from another nursing program.

    • Transcript of all previous coursework.

    • Course descriptions and course content for completed nursing courses.

    • Letter of good standing from prior nursing program(s).

  • Schedule a meeting with the School of Nursing’s Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing to discuss transfer credits and placement in the curriculum. This meeting can only be scheduled after the School of Nursing has received all required documents.


Following the meeting with the applicant, Nursing Administration will review the applicant’s request and make a recommendation to the Admission and Progression Committee regarding eligibility and transfer of courses. The Admission and Progression Committee will make the final decision regarding admission to the program and transfer of nursing courses.


Upon admission, an evaluation of a student’s academic record is performed by the FranU Office of Admissions. To find out which courses will transfer in from another program, contact the Office of Admissions.


Admission After Dismissal

Students who were dismissed from a previous pre-licensure nursing program must wait to apply to the FranU nursing program until at least 6 months from the date of dismissal.


Program Goals

  1. At least 80% of graduates who test will pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on the first attempt.

  2. At least 50% of students admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program will complete the program within 100% of the program length (5 semesters).

  3. At least 90% of graduates will be employed within 12 months of graduation.


Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, graduates will be able to:

  • Provide holistic nursing care to individuals, families, communities and populations across the lifespan, the health continuum and healthcare contexts.

  • Integrate knowledge from the arts, sciences and nursing in the delivery of high-quality nursing care.

  • Translate existing evidence into safe nursing practice.

  • Communicate and collaborate in respectful partnerships to optimize health.

  • Function as a leader and change agent within dynamic healthcare systems using knowledge of health policies and legal principles.

  • Apply ethical principles while serving as an advocate and a caring healthcare provider.

  • Demonstrate reflective practice to support continuous personal and professional growth.


FAQs

How can I find out which courses will transfer in from another program?

Contact the Office of Admissions. Upon admission to the university, an evaluation of a student’s academic record is performed by the Office of Admissions.

Does dual enrollment in high school make me ineligible for guaranteed admission?

Dual enrollment in high school does not make a student ineligible for pre-licensure BSN admission.

Am I likely to be accepted into the BSN program?

The Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has a competitive selection process for admissions. Applicants to the program must meet the minimum admission criteria; however, meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission. If you have specific questions about admissions, please contact the Office of Admissions.

When can I reapply after dismissal from a nursing program?

Students who were dismissed from a previous pre-licensure nursing program must wait to apply to the FranU nursing program until at least 6 months from the date of dismissal

What is the industry outlook for BSN nursing graduates?

Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system, providing personal care and assistance to patients and working to maintain health and safety standards. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in nursing are expected to grow at a rate of 6% over the next ten years. BSN-prepared registered nurses can expect a median annual salary of $77,600, as reported by the BLS.

Accreditation

The Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is Continuing Accreditation

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

BSN Program Resources

Document TitleTypeFile Size
Document Title: Printable BSN CurriculumType: pdfFile Size: 213.963 KBDownload
Document Title: ATI TEAS Student FlyerType: pdfFile Size: 935.714 KBDownload
Document Title: TEAS How To Create New AccountType: pdfFile Size: 545.708 KBDownload
Document Title: How To Register for PSI TEAS AssessmentType: pdfFile Size: 669.119 KBDownload
Document Title: Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook 2024-2025Type: pdfFile Size: 783.961 KBDownload

Curriculum

Curriculum Notes:

* All Italicized semester 1 and 2 courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior the applying to the School of Nursing.

* Italicized courses MUST be completed prior to beginning the nursing curriculum (Semester 4)

Students admitted to the BSN program who hold an active LPN license will receive 12 Arts & Sciences credit hours for their LPN education.

Courses from the following disciplines may also be used as A/S electives: geography, political science, accounting, kinesiology, astronomy, education, and business management.

See BSN Program Resources above for a printable version of the curriculum.