Undergraduate Nursing Program

Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Licensure in Kansas
Admission Criteria
Tentative Curriculum Plan
Program Outcomes

**High Achieving High School Students click below to learn about NGAP
Nursing Guaranteed Admission Program

Traditional On Campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Nursing is a rewarding career with many exciting career tracks - Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Intensive Care are just a few of the exciting opportunities you will have as a registered nurse.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at FHSU is exceptional:

• Our 2022 NCLEX pass rate was 94%.
• The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing at FHSU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
• We are also state-approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
• We have an amazing team of faculty who stay current with the skills and knowledge to best prepare students for success.

Our faculty/mentors are caring and focused on your success. Students get one-on-one advice and support as they prepare for admission and work throughout the program.

You'll work on the latest equipment so you'll be prepared to take on the challenges of whatever career track you choose. In addition, the simulation center has a simulated hospital setting including exam rooms, computerized manikins, computerized charting, surgical scrub area, a nurses' station, and patient units.

Becoming a Nursing Major

If you currently attend Fort Hays State University and you would like Nursing to be your major, please contact the Department of Nursing at (785) 628-4327. We will be happy to meet with you and give you an advisor who will help to plan your future. Your advisor will help you to fit your needs into the semester schedules.

If you are a prospective or transfer student and wish to take a tour of the department and meet with an advisor, please contact the Admission Office at (785) 628-5666. We would love to meet with you and see how we can meet your needs.

Licensure in Kansas

Please be advised that nursing licenses may be denied or disciplined by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Possible grounds for action may occur if you have been convicted of any felony or crimes against person that involves an illegal drug offense or a felony conviction for a crime against persons if the KSBN determines that you have not been rehabilitated sufficiently to warrant the public trust. All criminal history must be revealed to and will be evaluated by the KSBN before licensure is granted or denied. The KSBN may also stipulate other requirements before licensure is granted, such as social security information or background checks www.ksbn.org.

Admission Criteria

Students are admitted to the Department of Nursing undergraduate nursing program on a semi-annual basis. Admission is competitive. Application materials must be completed and returned to the Department of Nursing (DON) office by September 1 for admission in the spring semester and February 1 for admission in the fall semester. Application information must be received from the Nursing Advisor. All students transferring courses from other colleges/universities must have an official transcript from each institution sent to the Department of Nursing before being considered for admission. You are only allowed to start the BSN program once all prerequisites are completed. Application is required. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required at the time of application and at the beginning of the Junior 1 semester start after all transcripts have been received.

The Department of Nursing will review all applications for the BSN program. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is submitted by the due date (February 1st  for the fall program start; September 1st for the spring program start). The admission process includes a review of the cumulative GPA and KNAT subscores (1st attempt).

Admission requirements:

1. Application form submitted by appropriate due date.
2. Cumulative GPA 3.00 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.
3. Grade of C or above in prerequisite courses (maybe be currently registered in prerequisite courses at the time of application).
4. Passing composite score of 72 or higher on the Kaplan Nursing Admission Test (KNAT) (Limit of two attempts) A third attempt is allowed at least one year from the date of the second attempt.  No additional attempts after the third attempt. KNAT form must be received from the Nursing Advisor. Must be taken by October 1 and March 1.
   
   

Once admitted to the nursing program:

1. Applicants who have been selected for admission into the program will receive an official letter of acceptance, which must be returned to the Department of Nursing.
2. Clinical clearance requirements successfully completed in CastleBranch include criminal background check, drug test, BLS for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association, physical exam, immunizations, yearly TB skin test, and Certified Nurse's Aide certificate. (Higher level certification maybe accepted).

Progression Policies within the Undergraduate Nursing Program

1. Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain current nursing liability insurance and personal health insurance. In addition, certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association, and an annual TB skin test.
2. Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 with a "C" or better in each nursing course. Failure to do so may lead to academic probation or dismissal from the nursing program.
3. Students found to be under the influence of habit-forming drugs and/or alcohol during the program of study may be subject to immediate dismissal from the Department of Nursing.
4. LPNs complete the courses with junior and senior level content and practice, along with traditional students, using the same clinical laboratories and clinical supervision.

Prior to completing this form students have confirmed they have met with their Nursing Advisor.... BSN Application Form

Application Checklist (attachment)

BSN Program Outcomes

A. Integrate knowledge from the sciences and humanities with nursing to provide safe, competent, evidence-based nursing care to clients, families, and populations.

B. Demonstrate leader and followership behaviors in quality improvement and patient safety to improve outcomes in organizations and health care systems.

C. Utilize informatics to plan, deliver, and improve care processes and client outcomes.

D. Analyze legislative, regulatory, and organizational processes relevant to providing health care to clients, families, and populations.

E. Apply evidence-based concepts to improve organizational care processes, and client and population outcomes.

F. Provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary, ethical, and high quality nursing care in global societies.

G. Demonstrate nursing professionalism by using principles of ethics, legal responsibility and accountability to direct professional nursing care clients, families, and populations.

H. Apply the nursing process to provide safe, high quality nursing care for individuals, families, and populations.

BSN Tentative Curriculum Plan Starting Fall 2023

Freshman & Sophomore Years:

Additional Program Requirements 

These may be taken before or after admission to the program.

Other Required General Education Courses 

Nursing Electives (Not Required)

Junior & Senior Years (Nursing Program Courses):

 *120 credit hours are needed to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.*

  BSN Tentative Curriculum Plan Spring 2022 and Prior

Nursing pre-requisite courses (or transferable equivalents) are listed in bold and marked with a pound sign. These courses must be completed prior to beginning the nursing program. General education courses can be completed while taking Nursing Program courses but must be completed by the end of the Nursing Program to finish the BSN degree.

FRESHMAN YEAR

SOPHOMORE YEAR

JUNIOR YEAR

ELECTIVE COURSES

SENIOR YEAR

*Courses may be taken prior to starting the BSN program.