Nursing, page 2

Nursing, page 2
Independent Health Professions

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Baccalaureate nursing education is a combination of supporting sciences, nursing sciences and humanities. Freshmen admitted as declared nursing majors follow a carefully planned sequence of study for the first two years. Nursing course work begins during the junior year.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the Registered Nurse

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the Registered Nurse (B.S. for the R.N.) is a program that provides advanced placement for the registered nurse student, while simultaneously providing the full benefits of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum that generic nursing majors enjoy. Registered nurses begin the nursing major as juniors by taking courses designed to meet their learning needs. Registered nurse students who have completed all pre-nursing requirements may complete the nursing curriculum for the B.S. in three semesters by attending classes full time. The curriculum may also be accomplished on a part-time basis. The first course, NURS 302, is a professional "bridge" course structured to provide self-directed learning. Faculty and staff provide individual academic advisement and career counseling. Some self-paced and self-directed learning experiences are available.

Information is available through student recruiters on a 30-unit option for Licensed Vocational Nurses which enables them to take the R.N. licensure examination. This option, which is required by the State of California Board of Registered Nursing, does not lead to a degree.

Multiple Entry Options Curriculum

For students who know that they want an M.S., Nursing degree at the time of registration, the Multiple Entry Options program provides a flexible, accelerated pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. By eliminating duplication and organizing the course work, generic bachelor students, second degree students and Associate Degree in Nursing students can progress easily and in a shorter period of time from a bachelor's degree to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Detailed information is available from the department.

Admission Requirements

For entering freshmen, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are required. In addition to the regular USC freshman admission requirements, two years of high school science courses (including one year of chemistry with lab) must be completed. The department considers applicants with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) and acceptable SAT scores.

The equivalent of USC freshman and sophomore course work must be completed prior to beginning the nursing sequence. This course work includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics, sociology, psychology, developmental psychology, adult development and aging, two semesters of English composition, cultural anthropology and three general education courses. All required science courses must include laboratory work. A list of specific transferable courses may be obtained by contacting the Department of Nursing directly. Transfer students should have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in college work. USC students who wish to change their major to nursing should have a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

No applicant will be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, creed or disability provided functional health is sufficient to meet professional demands.

Registered nurses will be considered for junior class standing if they are graduates of either a diploma or an associate degree program in nursing and hold licensure as a registered nurse in California. Registered nurse applicants are eligible to earn 20 lower division academic credits for prior nursing knowledge in the following ways: a transcript indicating a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (A = 4.0) and successful completion of an associate degree in nursing; transformation of nursing knowledge into academic credit by successful completion of American College Testing-Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP) tests in nursing, or the National League for Nursing Mobility Profile II.

Unit and Grade Point Average Requirements

A total of 130 units is required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Included in this total are 60 units in non-major course work and 70 units of professional nursing preparation.

A grade point average of 2.0 (A = 4.0) is required to complete the program. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required in all nursing courses. A grade of C or higher is also required in the physical and behavioral sciences support courses which are part of the baccalaureate curriculum plan. These courses are anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, child growth and development, and adult development and aging.

Skill Levels

All students must fulfill the skill level requirement in composition described in this catalogue.

Diversity Requirement

All students must pass one course from the list of courses approved to meet the standard diversity requirement. These courses carry the designation "m" for multiculturalism.

Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu