Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The basic professional program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is consistent with the Emory University philosophy that students be broadly educated.

The program extends through four academic years. The first two years of general education course work (including prerequisites) may be taken at Emory College, Oxford College or at any other accredited university or liberal arts college.  We also have an articulation agreement with: Wheaton College, Reinhardt College, Berry College and Wofford College. During the second year of general education work, students may apply for admission to the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Qualified students are then admitted for the remaining two years of professional study.

During the two years at the School of Nursing, students are enrolled in clinical nursing courses and support courses. They explore content related to theoretical bases for nursing and understanding human values and behavior. The clinical nursing courses include lecture, lab practice, small group discussion, independent study, and clinical practice. In addition, students participate in professional seminars designed to develop group leadership skills and to introduce students to roles of the professional nurse. Through creative and individualized learning strategies, the student's nursing education is broadened, enriched, and personalized.

Graduates are prepared to meet the requirements for admission to state board examinations for licensure in the United States. The baccalaureate program provides a solid educational foundation, which serves as the basis for graduate level education.

• Clinical Experiences
• Senior Innovative Projects
• Required Prerequisite Courses
• BSN Core Curriculum
• Graduation Requirements
• Admission Information and Requirements

Students have clinical practice experiences under the guidance of qualified faculty in a wide variety of health care facilities such as hospitals, health departments, nurse managed clinics, schools, homes, and community centers. Clinical practice begins in the first semester, is a significant part of each succeeding semester, and culminates in an intense practicum. All students have clinical practice in both hospital-based and community-based care settings and provide care to adults, the aged, children, mothers and infants, the mentally or emotionally ill, families, and communities.

All undergraduate students plan, implement, and evaluate an innovative community-based senior project. Recognized internationally as a creative teaching strategy, the project provides a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills. The School provides some funding to support the projects.

At the completion of the project, students develop an abstract and a poster that summarize their efforts. Students share the results of their work at a Poster Day, which is open to members of the University and the Atlanta community.

Required Prerequisite Courses

General Education/Prerequisites

As BSN students enter the Emory University School of Nursing as juniors, all students must have a minimum of 60 college credit hours before beginning the junior year.  These credits may be obtained at any accredited college or university and will be transferred into the School of Nursing.  The general education prerequisites are applicable to the BSN program.

If you hold a previous bachelor’s degree in any field, you need only complete the physical science requirements, along with a human growth and development course.  All other prerequisites for the BSN program will be credited using your prior course work.

General Education/Prerequisites
These courses may be taken at any accredited university or liberal arts college.

BSN students must begin study in the fall semester.

1. Complete 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of general education requirements.
2. Complete 60 semester hours of prescribed baccalaureate-level nursing courses of which 45 semester hours must be taken at Emory University
3. Completion of course requirements (see above) within five years of entrance to the program
4. Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA

All applicants are considered on an individual basis. Applications and supporting credentials should be submitted as early as possible in the academic year prior to entrance; however, applications will be reviewed as long as class space is available.

The School of Nursing selects those applicants who are best qualified academically and personally. After all application materials are received, the Admission and Continuance Committee reviews the applicant's credentials and makes the decision to accept, defer, or deny admission or to request more data. Final acceptance is contingent upon satisfactory completion of prerequisites. A final transcript must be submitted prior to matriculation. Following notice of acceptance, a nonrefundable deposit of $250 is required. This serves as confirmation of intent to enroll, and it will apply to the first semester's tuition.

BSN applicants must:

• Submit a complete application packet, including the following: application for admission into the BSN program; three recommendations, of which at least two must be from college instructors; and a personal essay describing the applicant's goals and reasons for selecting nursing as a career.
• Submit official college transcripts. A preference will be given to applicants with a 3.0 or better grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) from all previous college-level work; applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) to be considered for admission. A minimum grade of C is required for all prerequisite general education courses.
• Complete general education course work prerequisites prior to matriculation. Students may apply for admission while taking prerequisite courses.
• Obtain Basic Life Support CPR certification prior to matriculation.
• Submit physical examination results from physician or nurse practitioner that gives evidence of student's good health.
• Submit proof of immunization or immune status as required for clinical practice.
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance coverage or enrollment in Emory's Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan.
• Submit a non-refundable $50 application fee.

Personal interviews may be required by the Admission and Continuance Committee or they may be requested by the applicant.