Mission Statement
In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University, the School of Nursing prepares students spiritually, intellectually, and professionally through a foundation of Biblical truth and liberal arts education. Students integrate personal faith in the practice of nursing to become practice-ready, caring professionals serving in a global and culturally diverse society.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program utilizes a conceptual approach to teach students about health, illness and the patient-centered provision of nursing care. Attention is given to current local, state, national and global health incidence and prevalence statistics.
The School of Nursing offers the Pre-Licensure BSN degree option in two tracks: Direct Entry and Accelerated. An online RN to BSN program is also offered.
The School of Nursing also offers a Nursing Across Cultures minor.
RN to BSN: In accordance with the mission statement of Missouri Baptist University, the RN-BSN curriculum prepares registered nurses (RNs) for professional service in multifaceted roles. The nursing curriculum prepares students spiritually, intellectually, and professionally through a foundation of liberal arts education. Students integrate personal faith in the practice of nursing serving in a global and culturally diverse society.
The RN-BSN program is delivered completely online. Students may enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis. The RN-BSN program can be completed in as little as 12 months, for full-time students, and 22 months for part-time students.
Pre-Licensure BSN - Direct Entry
Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will apply to enter the program during the first year at Missouri Baptist University (MBU). The School of Nursing may admit up to 40 students per academic year into the nursing program.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Missouri Baptist University
- Qualified applicants must meet ONE of the following
- Minimum High School GPA (unweighted) - 3.0
- Minimum ACT Composite score - 23
- Subscore in Math and Science of 20 or higher
- Minimum SAT score - 1100-1190
- Non-native English Speaking Students - In addition to the above admission requirements, Non-native English Speaking students are required to submit proof that he or she has successfully submitted proof of English Proficiency as outlined in the admissions procedures for undergraduate international students.
Application Procedure
The following steps are required to complete the MBU School of Nursing application procedure:
- Admission to MBU
-
Completion of School of Nursing Application
- Students with a 3.7 unweighted high school GPA are eligible for Preferred Admission until 12/1 of each year.
- After 12/1, we will operate on a rolling admissions for any student with a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA until all 40 spots are full.
Evaluation
Each application is considered individually without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot lawfully be considered, to the extent specific by applicable laws.
The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse admission or progression to an applicant or student who cannot meet, with reasonable accommodations, the functional abilities to practice safely and effectively as defined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (1996). Be advised that by current Missouri law, the Missouri State Board of Nursing may discipline or refuse licensure to applicants with certain arrests, misdemeanors, and felonies. For more information, students should contact the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice. The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse admission or progression to an applicant or student who has been convicted as a felon or has otherwise committed offenses inappropriate for a nurse.
Maintaining Eligibility
Once admitted into the School of Nursing, a student must continue to meet the following criteria to progress into the clinical portion of the nursing program:
- Continuous enrollment as a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University following the course sequence as outlined by the Nursing Advisor.
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.8.
- Receive a science grade no lower than a B in Anatomy & Physiology I , Anatomy & Physiology II , Pathophysiology for Nursing , and Microbiology . Courses must be completed within the past 7 years.
- Receive a grade of C or better in Introduction to Chemistry , College Algebra , Nutrition Science , and Probability and Statistics .
NCLEX-RN and Licensure
Be advised that to practice professional nursing, a graduate of the nursing program must apply to take a national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for licensure in the state where the graduate wants to work as a professional registered nurse. A graduate is required to pass the NCLEX-RN before state licensure can be granted. As outlined in the Missouri State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act (http:// pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/npa.pdf):
The practice of nursing is subject to state-specific licensure requirements. For state-specific licensure requirement information, students should contact the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice. By current Missouri law, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has requirements that include, but are not limited to the following: 20 CSR 2200-4.020 Requirements for Licensure.
In addition, according to the Missouri State Board of Nursing, an applicant for licensure by endorsement or licensure by examination who answers yes to one (1) or more of the questions on the application or the fingerprint checks reveal charges and/ or convictions which relate to possible grounds for denial of licensure under section 335.066, RSMo shall submit copies of appropriate documents, as requested by the board, related to that answer or the fingerprint check before his/her application will be considered complete. The copies shall be certified if they are records of a court or administrative government agency. An applicant for licensure by endorsement or licensure by examination who the executive director or designee determines may not meet the requirements for licensure or examination shall be notified that the application will be reviewed by the members of the board at the board’s next regular scheduled meeting following receipt of all requested documents. The Missouri State Board of Nursing shall notify, by certified mail or delivery, any individual who is refused permission to take an examination for licensure or an individual licensed in another state, territory or foreign country that is denied a license by endorsement without examination. At the time of notification, this individual is to be made aware of his/her avenue of appeal through the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission.
Acceptance
Applicants selected for admission must return the BSN Acceptance Form to the School of Nursing office by the specified date. The student must pay a $200 non-refundable admissions deposit by the date specified in the Acceptance Packet to hold the spot in the program.
Health Insurance
A student is required to have health insurance in effect at all times while participating in School of Nursing clinical courses. Missouri Baptist University and the School of Nursing do not assume responsibility for any premium, co-payment, or any other costs associated with the insurance coverage. Each student must notify the School of Nursing if, for any reason, a lapse in coverage has occurred.
Professional Liability Insurance
Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing will provide the professional liability insurance for each student. Annual coverage is $1,000,000 per incident/$3,000,000 aggregate.
Health Requirements
Health requirements include a physical examination and immunization verification. Health requirements must be completed prior to beginning the clinical component of the nursing program. Instructions will be provided at the Clinical Prep Session in the spring prior to starting clinicals. Evidence of the following will be required:
-
Hepatitis B Vaccine with dates of each injection completed. A completed Hepatitis B vaccination series (series of three) or positive titer is required.
-
Negative tuberculin skin test(s) (two-step) TB Skin Test #1 placed then read after 48-72 hours. TB skin test #2 placed 7-30 days after Test #1 is read, then read after 48-72 hours.
-
Varicella (chicken pox): a two injection series of the varicella vaccination or a varicella titer
-
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination(s) or positive titer(s), including two appropriately spaced doses of the measles and mumps vaccines or positive mumps and measles titers
-
Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis (TdaP) vaccine: after initial TdaP, a routine booster of Td vaccine should be given at 10-year intervals
-
Seasonal influenza vaccinations, and at the request of the facility, vaccination for other strains of influenza
-
Any other immunizations that may be required by clinical agencies
CPR Certification Requirement
Each MBU School of Nursing student is required to maintain current CPR certification while enrolled in the clinical component of the nursing program. A copy of the CPR certification must be on file with the School of Nursing office by the date specified by the Clinical Compliance Officer. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the inability of the student to attend any practicum experience until the requirement is met. This may ultimately result in the student failing a clinical course. The School of Nursing accepts only CPR courses and certifications that include adult, child, and infant hands-on skills verification and approved by the American Heart Association.
It is the student’s responsibility to enroll in and successfully complete an acceptable CPR course. The School of Nursing is not responsible for providing or coordinating any CPR course. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the School of Nursing office evidence of current CPR certification if the certification expires during the time in the program.
Background Check
Learning in clinical settings is an important aspect of the nursing program at Missouri Baptist University. Many health care facilities require information about students engaged in clinical learning opportunities, including, but not limited to: verification of name; address and social security number; personal health information; drug and alcohol testing; criminal background checks; verification of education; listing on any registered sex offender lists; listing on the U.S. Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Individual’s list; and listing on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Excluded Parties List. The information required to permit a student to participate in a clinical setting is determined by the respective health care facility.
Students with a criminal history and/or arrests for which action is still pending will be evaluated on an individual basis, with no guarantee of admission to the program or a clinical site. Any student who does not consent to required disclosure or background checks, or does not meet the clinical settings’ eligibility requirements, may not be allowed to enter clinical settings. The School of Nursing is not responsible for finding alternative clinical sites. If a student is unable to fulfill the clinical experiences required by his/her program of study, the student may be unable to graduate. MBU School of Nursing reserves the right to request repeat background and/or drug screens at the expense of the student if deemed necessary by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing.
Students will obtain a Background Check before beginning the clinical component of the nursing program through CastleBranch.
MBU School of Nursing students are required to complete a drug test prior to the clinical component of the program. Drug testing must be scheduled through CastleBranch at the expense of the student. Failure to meet the deadline for drug testing may result in failure to begin a clinical course. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs, or misuse of prescription drugs, is strictly prohibited in the classroom, clinical, or laboratory setting.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must be completed within six(6) years of admission to the School of Nursing.
Non-Acceptance
Applicants not accepted may be placed on a waiting list of qualified applicants. Wait-listed individuals are notified in order of ranking if openings become available.
Re-Application
An applicant who is not admitted to the MBU School of Nursing may re-apply for the next admission period by submitting a new application and following the steps in the Application Procedure section of this document.
Clinicals
The School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University partners with a variety of clinical sites to give students a broad range of experiences across various settings and with different populations. Each student will have a number of opportunities to work with diverse populations during the course of study.
Pre-licensure BSN program students complete 720 hours of clinical practice in a variety of specialty areas, skills lab, and simulation. The program concludes with a 168-hour Senior Capstone experience in which the student works with a preceptor to increase knowledge application, prioritization and decision-making skills as well as help facilitate a smooth transition to professional practice.
Students in the pre-licensure BSN program begin clinical rotations in the third year and continue in clinical synthesis experiences throughout the program. Clinical courses may be held anywhere within a 75-mile radius of the campus. Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites.
MBU’s list of clinical sites is continually growing. Following is a sample of some of the sites that students could attend.
Curriculum
The pre-licensure BSN degree requires 128 credit hours (68 non-nursing credits and 60 core-nursing credits).
Program Grading Scale
The School of Nursing pre-licensure programs will use the following grading scale. Students must earn a 77% or higher in all theory nursing courses and a grade of “P” in all clinical and lab courses. Students must maintain a 77% average on all unit examinations in each nursing course to pass.
No extra credit will be awarded at any time in any nursing course.
| Lecture Course Grade |
Range |
Interpretation |
| A |
93-100 |
Excellent |
| B |
84-92 |
Above Average |
| C |
77-83 |
Average |
| F |
<77 |
Failure |
| Clinical & Lab Grades |
Interpretation |
| P |
Pass - meets course objectives |
| F |
Fail - fails to meet course objectives |
Pre-Licensure-BSN - Accelerated (ABSN)
Students seeking the Accelerated Bachelor of Science (ABSN) in Nursing degree will progress through the nursing curriculum for a period of twelve (12) months. The School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University (MBU) may admit up to 32 students per academic year into the ABSN.
Admission Requirements
-
Admission to Missouri Baptist University
-
Completion of General Education and Pre-Nursing Courses – Applicants should have completed all of the pre-nursing requirements (or be currently enrolled) as outlined on the BSN degree sheet prior to applying for the ABSN program. Students may take the following courses during the ASBN program:
-
Receive a grade no lower than a B in Anatomy & Physiology I , Anatomy & Physiology II , Pathophysiology for Nursing , and Microbiology . Courses must be completed within the past 7 years.
- Receive a grade of C or better in Introduction to Chemistry , College Algebra , Nutrition Science , and Probability and Statistics .
-
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) – A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required for students to be accepted into the nursing program.
-
Non-native English Speaking Students – In addition to the above admission requirements, Non-native English Speaking Students are required to submit proof that he or she has successfully submitted proof of English Proficiency as outlined in the admissions procedures for undergraduate international students.
Successful completion of the TOEFL requires minimum scores of:
-
Internet-based – 80
-
Computer-based – 213
-
Paper-based – 550
Transfer Nursing Course Credit
A student who has attended, but not completed, another registered nursing program and desires to transfer nursing course credit to MBU School of Nursing will be considered for admission on an individual basis. Please contact the MBU School of Nursing directly for additional requirements pertaining to transfer of nursing course credit.
Application Procedure
The following steps are required to complete the MBU School of Nursing application procedure:
-
Application to MBU –
-
Completion of School of Nursing Application –
- Early Admit option – Rolling admission up to two years in advance.
- Students must have a 3.5 college GPA (of at least 12 credits); Must enroll at MBU to complete remaining general education courses
- Applications for the remaining ABSN spots will be taken on a rolling basis starting October 1 for the following year.
-
Official Transcripts – Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (other than MBU) must be received by the MBU Records Office by June 1. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all transcripts have been received by the MBU Records Office by this date. Transcripts can be mailed to:
-
Missouri Baptist University
ATTN: Records Office
One College Park Dr.
Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698
-
Students must submit official transcripts mailed directly from each regionally or nationally accredited college, university, or other post-secondary institution attended. This includes original transcripts for any course accepted as transfer credit on another institution’s transcript. Only transcripts mailed directly to Missouri Baptist University Records Office will be accepted as official copies. MBU also accepts electronic transcripts from the following services: Parchment, E-Script, and National Clearing House. Electronic transcripts should be emailed to recordsoffice@mobap.edu. Hand carried transcripts, faxed transcripts, and transcripts “Issued to Student” will not be accepted.
Each application is considered individually without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot lawfully be considered, to the extent specific by applicable laws.
The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse admission or progression to an applicant or student who cannot meet, with reasonable accommodations, the functional abilities to practice safely and effectively as defined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (1996). Be advised that by current Missouri law, the Missouri State Board of Nursing may discipline or refuse licensure to applicants with certain arrests, misdemeanors, and felonies. For more information, the student should contact the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice. The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse admission or progression to an applicant or student who has been convicted as a felon or has otherwise committed offenses inappropriate for a nurse.
NCLEX-RN and Licensure
Be advised that to practice professional nursing, a graduate of the nursing program must apply to take a national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for licensure in the state where the graduate wants to work as a professional registered nurse. A graduate is required to pass the NCLEX-RN before state licensure can be granted. As outlined in the Missouri State Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act (http:// pr.mo.gov/boards/nursing/npa.pdf):
The practice of nursing is subject to state-specific licensure requirements. For state-specific licensure requirement information, students should contact the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice. By current Missouri law, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has requirements that include, but are not limited to the following: 20 CSR 2200-4.020 Requirements for Licensure.
In addition, according to the Missouri State Board of Nursing, an applicant for licensure by endorsement or licensure by examination who answers yes to one (1) or more of the questions on the application or the fingerprint checks reveal charges and/ or convictions which relate to possible grounds for denial of licensure under section 335.066, RSMo shall submit copies of appropriate documents, as requested by the board, related to that answer or the fingerprint check before his/her application will be considered complete. The copies shall be certified if they are records of a court or administrative government agency. An applicant for licensure by endorsement or licensure by examination who the executive director or designee determines may not meet the requirements for licensure or examination shall be notified that the application will be reviewed by the members of the board at the board’s next regular scheduled meeting following receipt of all requested documents. The Missouri State Board of Nursing shall notify, by certified mail or delivery, any individual who is refused permission to take an examination for licensure or an individual licensed in another state, territory or foreign country that is denied a license by endorsement without examination. At the time of notification, this individual is to be made aware of his/her avenue of appeal through the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission.
Acceptance
Applicants selected for admission must return the BSN Acceptance Form to the School of Nursing office by the specified date. The student must pay the non-refundable tuition deposit by the date specified in the Acceptance Packet to hold the spot in the program.
Health Insurance
A student is required to have health insurance in effect at all times while participating in School of Nursing activities. Missouri Baptist University and the School of Nursing do not assume responsibility for any premium, co-payment, or any other costs associated with the insurance coverage. Each student must notify the School of Nursing if, for any reason, a lapse in coverage has occurred.
Professional Liability Insurance
Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing will provide the professional liability insurance for each student. Annual coverage is $1,000,000 per incident/$3,000,000 aggregate.
Health Requirements
Health requirements include a physical examination and immunization verification. Health requirements must be completed prior to starting the nursing program. Instructions will be provided in the Acceptance Packet. Evidence of the following will be required:
-
Hepatitis B Vaccine with dates of each injection completed. A completed Hepatitis B vaccination series (series of three) or positive titer is required.
-
Negative tuberculin skin test(s) (two-step) TB Skin Test #1 placed then read after 48-72 hours. TB skin test #2 placed 7-30 days after Test #1 is read, then read after 48-72 hours.
-
Varicella (chicken pox): a two injection series of the varicella vaccination or a varicella titer
-
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination(s) or positive titer(s), including two appropriately spaced doses of the measles and mumps vaccines or positive mumps and measles titers
-
Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis (TdaP) vaccine: after initial TdaP, a routine booster of Td vaccine should be given at 10-year intervals
-
Seasonal influenza vaccinations, and at the request of the facility, vaccination for other strains of influenza
-
Any other immunizations that may be required by clinical agencies
CPR Certification Requirement
Each MBU School of Nursing student is required to maintain current CPR certification while enrolled in the pre-licensure BSN program. A copy of the CPR certification must be on file with the School of Nursing office by the date specified by the Clinical Compliance Officer. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the inability of the student to attend any practicum experience until the requirement is met. This may ultimately result in the student failing the practicum course. The School of Nursing accepts only CPR courses and certifications that include adult, child, and infant hands-on skills verification and approved by the American Heart Association.
It is the student’s responsibility to enroll in and successfully complete an acceptable CPR course. The School of Nursing is not responsible for providing or coordinating any CPR course. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the School of Nursing office evidence of current CPR certification if the certification expires during the time in the program.
Background Check
Learning in clinical settings is an important aspect of the nursing program at Missouri Baptist University. Many health care facilities require information about students engaged in clinical learning opportunities, including, but not limited to: verification of name; address and social security number; personal health information; drug and alcohol testing; criminal background checks; verification of education; listing on any registered sex offender lists; listing on the U.S. Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Individual’s list; and listing on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Excluded Parties List. The information required to permit a student to participate in a clinical setting is determined by the respective health care facility.
Students with a criminal history and/or arrests for which action is still pending will be evaluated on an individual basis, with no guarantee of admission to the program or a clinical site. Any student who does not consent to required disclosure or background checks, or does not meet the clinical settings’ eligibility requirements, may not be allowed to enter clinical settings. The School of Nursing is not responsible for finding alternative clinical sites. If a student is unable to fulfill the clinical experiences required by his/her program of study, the student may be unable to graduate. MBU School of Nursing reserves the right to request repeat background and/or drug screens at the expense of the student if deemed necessary by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing.
Students will obtain a Background Check before beginning the clinical component of the nursing program through Castlebranch.
MBU School of Nursing students are required to complete a drug test prior to the clinical component of the program. Drug testing must be scheduled through CastleBranch at the expense of the student. Failure to meet the deadline for drug testing may result in failure to begin a clinical course. Use of alcohol or illegal drugs, or misuse of prescription drugs, is strictly prohibited in the classroom, clinical, or laboratory setting.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must be completed within one and a half (1.5) years of admission to the School of Nursing.
Non-Acceptance
Applicants not accepted may be placed on a waiting list of qualified applicants. Individuals with be notified in order of ranking if openings become available.
Re-application
An applicant who is not admitted to the MBU School of Nursing may re-apply for the next admission period by submitting a new application and following the steps in the Application Procedure section of this document.
Clinicals
The School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University partners with a variety of clinical sites to give students a broad range of experiences across various settings and with different populations. Each student will have a number of opportunities to work with diverse populations during the course of study.
Pre-licensure BSN program students complete 693 hours of clinical practice in a variety of specialty areas, skills lab, and simulation. The program concludes with a 168-hour Senior Capstone experience in which the student works with a preceptor to increase knowledge application, prioritization and decision-making skills as well as help facilitate a smooth transition to professional practice.
Students in the pre-licensure BSN program begin clinical rotations in their first semester and continue in clinical synthesis experiences throughout the program. Clinical courses may be held anywhere within a 75-mile radius of the campus. Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites.
MBU’s list of clinical sites is continually growing. Following is a sample of some of the sites that students could attend.
Curriculum
The pre-licensure BSN degree requires 128 credit hours (68 non-nursing credits and 60 core-nursing credits).
Program Grading Scale
The School of Nursing pre-licensure BSN program will use the following grading scale. Students must earn a 77% or higher in all theory nursing courses and a grade of “P” in all clinical and lab courses. Students must maintain a 77% average on all unit examinations in each course to pass.
No extra credit will be awarded at any time in any nursing course.
| Lecture Course Grade |
Range |
Interpretation |
| A |
93-100 |
Excellent |
| B |
84-92 |
Above Average |
| C |
77-83 |
Average |
| F |
<77 |
Failure |
| Clinical & Lab Grades |
Interpretation |
| P |
Pass - meets course objectives |
| F |
Fail - fails to meet course objectives |
RN to BSN
Admission Requirements
- Meet general admission requirements for Missouri Baptist University
- Have completed a state board-approved associate degree or diploma nursing program
- Hold a current, unrestricted RN license. Students may enter the program without an RN license, but a license must be obtained by the end of the second term.
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college course work.
Transfer Credit
RN-BSN learners may receive up to 40 hours of nursing credit for proficiency validated by RN licensure. This allows 40 credit hours from the associate degree program to be validated as meeting the outcomes equivalent to those achieved in baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. A maximum of 90 hours may be accepted as transfer credit toward the degree, including the 40 credit hours of validation.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete all general education courses with an overall GPA of 2.0.
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.
- Complete at least 24 of the last 30 hours at Missouri Baptist University.
- Must obtain a “C” or better in order to pass a nursing course (RNBS prefix).
Program Grading Scale
The School of Nursing RN-BSN program will use the following grading scale.
| Lecture Course Grade |
Range |
Interpretation |
| A |
90-100 |
Excellent |
| B |
80-89 |
Above Average |
| C |
70-79 |
Average |
| F |
<70 |
Failure |
3+2 RN-BSN to MSN
Missouri Baptist University offers an accelerated program for students to complete their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at an accelerated rate. Upon completion of their three year undergraduate RN to BSN program, students can complete their MSN in two years. During their junior and senior year, students will complete a total of 12 credit hours of senior permission courses (please see the “Senior Permission” section on the Policies and Procedures page). These senior permission courses will contribute 12 credit hours toward their MSN program once they have been accepted. Specific course requirements for the MSN program can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.
Programs of Study
Specific course requirements can be found on the corresponding program page.
Majors
Minor
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