Traditional B.S. (4 years)
Students in the traditional program are high school graduates or transfer students who have had no previous education for professional nursing. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
The Nursing Program is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. The baccalaureate degree in Nursing and master’s degrees in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202.887.6791.
Program Outcomes
The student will:
- Integrate empirical and theoretical knowledge in nursing practice
- Synthesize and use knowledge of personal self and esthetics to provide holistic care
- Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical practice
- Establish professional and caring relationships that promote health and healing through communication, collaboration, and negotiation
- Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, and communities in a caring context
- Assume a leadership role in one’s scope of practice
Criteria for Admission
- Grade of C or above in all science courses
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better
Application to Nursing Major
By the end of the fall semester of the sophomore year, students complete the Application to the Nursing Major and submit it to the Nursing department.
- Acceptance into the Nursing major is determined by the Nursing faculty
- Transfer students’ grades previously earned in Biology and Chemistry courses are assessed by the Nursing chairperson, in consultation with the Natural Science chairpersons, when transcripts are reviewed as part of the application process to the Nursing major
- Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions will be counted in determining progression in the major
- Once a decision has been made, all applicants will receive a written response from the Nursing chairperson
Health Requirements
- Physical examination and vaccination form needed upon entering the program, and every two years thereafter
- Immunization against: Rubeola, Rubella (or titer), Mumps, Poliomyelitis; Tetanus booster within 10 years
- Two-step Tuberculosis skin test
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Evidence of health insurance, submitted yearly
- Influenza vaccine yearly
Uniforms and Equipment for Clinical Experiences
Students are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and several specific items of equipment necessary for clinical experiences. Students are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical agencies. For details regarding these requirements, see the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors.
Criminal Background Investigation and Drug Screening
All undergraduate students must have a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) and drug testing completed and on file during the spring of their sophomore year. A letter will be provided to each student accepted into the major with instructions. The CBI may need to be updated throughout the program.
CPR Course Requirement
All students must provide annual evidence of completion of a CPR course for health care providers prior to starting clinical courses. The CPR course must be an American Heart Association or Red Cross designation good for two years.
Progression in the Nursing Major
A student must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.33 or above in all Nursing courses and
- Earn grades of C or better in all Nursing and science courses
If a student earns less than a C in any science or Nursing course, but maintains a GPA in Nursing of 2.33 or above (including the failed class grade), one repeat is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress.
Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions will count toward the repeat policy if they are less than a C.
No more than one science or Nursing course may be repeated.
A student may only withdraw once from a Nursing class over the course of the Nursing program.
A student who does not meet the above requirements to progress in the Nursing major will be dismissed from the program.
The Nursing program has additional policies. Students must see the Nursing Student Handbook for details.
Nursing Licensure
Regarding eligibility for licensure as a professional nurse at the completion of the educational program in nursing, Public Act 86-365, an Act Concerning the Licensure and Discipline of Health Care Professionals Regulated by the Department of Health Services (July 1, 1986), allows the State Department of Health Services to perform the following functions:
- To determine the eligibility of any applicant for licensure, registration, certification, or a permit
- To deny any applicant’s eligibility for a permit or licensure by examination, endorsement, reciprocity, or for the reinstatement of a voided license if the Department of Health Services determines that such applicant has committed or has been found guilty of committing acts which are contrary to public health and safety
- The Department of Health Services has authority to deny nursing licensure to an individual who has committed or been found guilty of committing a felony or an act that does not conform to the accepted standards of the nursing profession. This would apply whether the individual is seeking licensure by examination or endorsement.
The Department of Health Services has the discretionary power to determine whether Public Act 86-365 applies to the individual applying for licensure. Individuals seeking licensure would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some factors that could be considered by the Department of Health Services in reviewing licensure applications are:
- The nature of the act and its relationship to professional practice
- The time frame in which the act was committed
- The extent of rehabilitation demonstrated by the applicant
NOTE: The information above pertains to the State of Connecticut. Please check with the state in which you wish to be licensed, as requirements vary.
