Nursing

The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical preparation necessary to excel in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) successfully. Below are examples of courses offered in this pathway:

NURS 282: Foundations of Nursing Care

This course explores common health issues, safety considerations, and decision-making processes based on the nursing process and clinical judgment for the care of adult clients.

NURS 306: Pathophysiology

This course provides a foundation for understanding the pathophysiology of the human body within diverse populations, encompassing the continuum of wellness, acute illness, and chronic illness.

NURS 340: Pharmacology I

This course covers medications, classifications, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics based on pathophysiology concepts to ensure safe medication administration in both acute and chronic nursing practice, while examining the legal, ethical, and professional aspects of medication therapy.

Discover the full on-campus pre-licensure pathway within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, both the on-campus and hybrid pre-licensure pathways, meet the curriculum requirements for nursing licensure in Kansas. Students planning to pursue licensure in a state other than Kansas are advised to contact the board of nursing in their intended state to review specific licensure requirements and guidelines. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has provided a link for general guidance.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the on-campus pre-licensure pathway at FHSU prepares students for a dynamic and rewarding career in the healthcare field. Upon completing the program and the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), graduates are eligible to practice as Registered Nurses (RNs) in a wide range of healthcare settings. The following are exciting career paths available to those with a BSN degree:

Hospital Nurse

Hospital nurses deliver direct patient care in various hospital departments, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and surgical wards. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to promote the best possible patient outcomes.

School Nurse

School nurses play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of students. They manage health issues, administer medications, provide health education, and collaborate with school staff and families to create a safe and supportive learning environment.

Community Health Nurse

Community health nurses promote health and wellness within diverse populations. Their responsibilities include conducting health screenings, delivering health education, advocating for underserved groups, and addressing the community's unique health needs.

Clinic Nurse

Clinic nurses deliver comprehensive care in outpatient settings, including family practice, pediatrics, and urgent care clinics. Their duties include conducting health assessments, administering treatments, and educating patients on their care.

The Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University admits students to the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program twice yearly. Applicants may apply through the traditional admission process or the Nursing Guaranteed Admission Program (NGAP), which is available exclusively to high school seniors. Admission is competitive, and all required application materials must be submitted to the Department of Nursing by September 1 for spring semester admission or February 1 for fall semester admission. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Nursing Advisor for detailed guidance on the application process.

Transfer students must ensure that official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities are sent directly to the Department of Nursing before the application review process. Enrollment in the on-campus pre-licensure BSN program is contingent upon completing all prerequisite courses.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required both at the time of application and at the beginning of the Junior 1 semester, once all transcripts have been received. The Department of Nursing evaluates each application based on the cumulative GPA and, if necessary, the GPA in prerequisite math and science courses. Applicants are responsible for submitting all application materials by the appropriate deadlines, February 1 for fall admission and September 1 for spring admission.

• Completed application form submitted by the specified deadline.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. The GPA at the time of application will be used for ranking purposes. GPA checks will occur on January 1 for spring and August 1 for fall admission. All official transcripts must be received by these dates.
• Grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses. (Applicants may be registered in prerequisite courses at the time of application; however, successful completion is required before program enrollment.)

Once Admitted to a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (on-campus or hybrid)

• The Department of Nursing will send an official acceptance letter to applicants selected for admission. To confirm their spot in the program, applicants must return the acceptance letter by the specified deadline.
• All clinical clearance requirements must be completed in CastleBranch. These include: a criminal background check, a drug test, current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association, a physical examination, required immunizations, an annual TB skin test, and completion of the Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA) course. (Higher-level certification may be accepted in place of the CNA credential.)

Progression Policies within the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (on-campus or hybrid)

• Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain the following: current nursing liability insurance, personal commercial health insurance, valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association, and an annual TB skin test.
• Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and earn a "C" or higher in all nursing courses. Failure to meet these standards may result in academic probation or dismissal from the nursing program.
• Students who are found to be under the influence of habit-forming drugs or alcohol during the program may be subject to immediate dismissal from the Department of Nursing.
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) complete junior- and senior-level coursework and clinical practice alongside traditional BSN students, utilizing the same clinical laboratories and receiving the same level of clinical supervision.

Before completing this form, students must confirm they have met with their Nursing Advisor.

• On-Campus Pre-Licensure BSN Application Form
• On-Campus Pre-Licensure BSN Application Checklist
• Nursing Guaranteed Admission Program (NGAP)

Licensure in Kansas

The Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN) reserves the right to deny or discipline a nursing license. Grounds for such action may include conviction of a felony or a crime against a person involving an illegal drug offense, or any felony crime against persons if the KSBN determines that the individual has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant public trust. All criminal history must be disclosed to the KSBN and will be evaluated before the approval or denial of licensure. The KSBN may also require additional documentation before granting licensure, such as verification of Social Security information or completion of background checks.