Mission Statement: The Missouri Baptist University school of nursing will prepare 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 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 two different degree programs. The Pre-Licensure BSN degree option is for those seeking to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN). The RN to BSN degree option is for those who are already licensed as an RN and are seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree.
PRE-LICENSURE BSN DEGREE PROGRAM
Students seeking the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will apply to enter the program at the junior year and progress through the nursing curriculum for a period of 2 years. An early admissions option will allow students to apply to the program at the beginning of the freshman year for start in the nursing program at the beginning of the junior year.
The School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University (MBU) may admit up to 24 students per academic year into the nursing program.
Admission Requirements
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Admission to Missouri Baptist University
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Completion of School of Nursing Application – Applications for admission to the nursing program will open December 1 and will close February 28 for August entry. Refer to the Application Procedure section of this document for details.
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Completion of Admission General Education and Pre-requisite Courses – Applicants should have completed all of the general education requirements (or be currently enrolled) as outlined in the pre-nursing curriculum at MBU prior to applying for the nursing program. Students who have up to nine (9) credit hours of general education courses outstanding may be considered for admissions if the courses can be taken during a summer semester or in an online format.
Applicants must have completed, or be currently enrolled in, the following pre-requisite courses prior to applying to the nursing program.
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English Composition I (ENGL 113)
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English Composition II (ENGL 123)
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College Algebra (MATH 133)
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Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 113 + 111)*
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Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab (BIOL 213 + 211)*
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Anatomy & Physiology II + Lab (BIOL 223 + 221)*
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Microbiology + Lab (BIOL 373 + 371)*
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Pathophysiology (BIOL363)*
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Probability and Statistics (MATH 243)
*Students must have three of the five science courses completed prior to applying for admissions. The other two courses can be in progress during the application timeframe.
# Courses must be completed within the past 5 years.
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Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) – A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended for students to be accepted into the nursing program. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered based on scoring on the BSN Admissions Rubric.
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Letters of Recommendation – All prospective students must include at least two (2) letters of recommendation with the nursing application. Letters of recommendation should be from people who are able to attest to the students’ academic and/or healthcare experience.
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Written Essay - A written essay (no more than 500 words) about “Why I want to be a nurse”.
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Non-native English Speaking Students – In addition to the above admission requirements, Non-native English Speaking Students are required to submit proof that they have successfully completed the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). MBU’s TOEFL code is 2717.
Successful completion of the TOEFL requires minimum scores of:
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Internet-based – 80
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Computer-based – 213
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Paper-based – 550
English Proficiency Exceptions:
Students from the following countries who have completed high school or secondary school are not required to prove English Proficiency: Australia, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), the Fiji Islands, Guyana, Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and English speaking countries in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.) upon approval by the Director of International Student Services. Students from these exempt countries will be enrolled according to the evaluation of a placement essay written by the student prior to their arrival at MBU.
An English Proficiency Exam may be waived at the discretion of the Director of International Student Services if a student has completed at least 24 university level credit hours at another U.S. college or university (or English speaking university) with the minimum GPA of a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. ESL/ELS/EIEP classes or any other remedial courses, even if taken in a university setting, will not be accepted toward the English Proficiency waiver. A waiver cannot be considered until official transcripts are submitted. In addition, the student will be enrolled according to the evaluation of a placement essay written by the student prior to their arrival at MBU. ELS Level 112 may be used as proof of English Proficiency. A copy of the completion certificate is needed for admission. Students who attended a High School in the U.S. may be waived from the English Proficiency requirement if they have completed at least two years in the U.S. and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
English Proficiency Appeals:
If a student is eligible for appeal they must complete three additional requirements for admission.
- Write a formal letter addressed “To Whom It May Concern”, typed, dated and signed stating why you believe you should be admitted to MBU despite not having met the English Proficiency requirement.
- Complete the IELTS/TOEFL waiver questions provided by the International Student Services (ISS). Questions found in K-International Students-Admissions-Policies and Procedures-IELTS or TOEFL Waiver Questions. Send response to Thea Abraham for review.
- Students must have a B equivalency or higher in any English courses and an overall GPA of a 3.0 or higher.
For information and application for TOEFL, please contact:
TOEFL Educational Testing Service
PO BOX 6151
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
Telephone: 609-771-7100
Website: http://www.toefl.org or http://www.ets.org/toefl
Email: toefl@ets.org
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.
Early Admission Option
Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing offers an Early Admission Option for eligible high achieving high school seniors interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The School of Nursing will select up to ten (10) students annually to be admitted through the Early Admission option.
Benefits
Early Admission students are assigned to a pre-nursing advisor and are guaranteed admission into the nursing program their junior year assuming they have met all nursing admissions requirements.
Criteria
To be considered for the Early Admission Option, students must meet the following:
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Apply and be accepted into Missouri Baptist University with a declared major of Pre-Nursing
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Complete the Early Admission application to the School of Nursing
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ACT score of at least 24 composite – Preference will be given to students who have an ACT math subscore of 22 or higher and English subscore of 20 or higher.
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Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
The following should be submitted to the School of Nursing with the Early Admission application:
The most competitive candidates will have had some volunteer or employment experience in a health care setting, leadership opportunities, community service and/or research experience. Early admission applications must be received prior to April 1 of the year the student plans on entering. Students will be notified no later than May 1 of the decision. Early admissions applications will continue to be accepted through August 31 if there are spots available.
**Please note** Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will be accepted to the early admission program. Applicants will receive a letter indicating acceptance to the Early Admission Option. Contingent upon maintaining eligibility, students will receive a letter of acceptance to the nursing program in June after the sophomore year.
Maintaining Eligibility
Once admitted into the Early Admission Option, the student must meet the following conditions:
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Continuous enrollment as a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University in each regular semester session with a pre-nursing major.
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All required courses must be taken at Missouri Baptist University
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Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all courses
Students who suffer from academic setback in their pre-nursing coursework or decide (for whatever reason) not to continue with the early admission option, still may apply via the regular admission process to the nursing program without being penalized.
Application Procedure
Application materials are located on the nursing webpage or may be requested by contacting:
Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing
12855 N. Forty Drive, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63141
314-485-8480
OR
https://www.mobap.edu/academics/school-of-nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
The School of Nursing application materials are available online stating December 1 for each August start. If the applicant has not previously attended Missouri Baptist University, an application form for admission to MBU will be provided upon request or can be found online at https://www.mobap.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admissions-application-requirements/. For questions related to special needs or accommodations, please contact The Special Needs Access Coordinator(s) at 314-392-2364.
Applicants should have completed all of the pre-nursing requirements (or be currently enrolled) as outlined in the pre-nursing curriculum at MBU prior to applying for the nursing program. Students who have up to nine (9) credit hours of pre-nursing courses outstanding may be considered for admissions if the courses can be taken during a summer semester or in an online format.
*See Admission Requirements for course pre-requisites.
The following steps are required to complete the MBU School of Nursing application procedure:
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Application to MBU –
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Transfer students will submit the undergraduate application for admission by going to the following: https://www.mobap.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admissions-application-requirements/.
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Current MBU students can skip this step.
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Application to School of Nursing –
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Transfer students will be contacted by an Admissions Counselor after completion of the undergraduate application. Once the students’ transcripts have been evaluated and the student has been eligible to apply to the nursing program a link to the School of Nursing application will be given.
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Current MBU students should contact Dr. Lydia Thebeau at Lydia.Thebeau@mobap.edu to receive a link to the School of Nursing application.
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February 28th is the deadline for submitting all materials for the School of Nursing application for August entry.
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Official Transcripts (other than MBU transcripts) – Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (other than MBU) must be received by the MBU Records Office prior to the close of the admission application cycle. 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 Drive
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.
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Non-native English Speaking Students – Successful completion of the TOEFL iBT meeting the minimum score requirements for each section (see Admission Requirements). Scores must be provided to the School of Nursing office by the end of the application cycle.
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Personal Interview – The MBU School of Nursing admissions committee may request a personal interview.
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Letters of Recommendation – All prospective students must include at least two (2) letters of recommendation with the nursing application. Letters of recommendation should be from people who are able to attest to the students’ academic and/or healthcare experience.
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Written Essay - A written essay (no more than 500 words) about “Why I want to be a nurse.”
Evaluation
Admission to the nursing program is competitive and based on the applicant pool. Fulfillment of the minimum School of Nursing admission criteria does not guarantee admission. Factors given consideration during candidate selection include GPA, science course GPA, writing sample, recommendation letters, cocurriculars/honors/awards/accolades, certifications/credentials/ work experience/life experience, and potential to complete the program. Final applicants accepted to the program will include the most qualified based on the overall application pool. All applicants will receive a notification letter by April 1 for acceptance into the August BSN class.
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, contact the state board of nursing in the state where you intend to practice. The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse admissions 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, contact the state board of nursing in the state where you 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 Acceptance Packet to the School of Nursing office by the specified date. The acceptance packet will include additional information concerning requirements described in this section.
Health Insurance
Each nursing student is required to have accident and health insurance in effect at all times that the student is participating in MBU 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. Each student will complete a Student Verification of Health Insurance Coverage form and submit it to the School of Nursing office prior to beginning courses each year.
Professional Liability Insurance
Each nursing student is required to have professional liability insurance. Annual coverage must be for $1,000,000 per incident/$3,000,000 aggregate. Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing will provide the Professional Liability Insurance for each student.
Health Requirements
Health requirements include a physical examination and immunization reports. These health requirements should be completed prior to starting the nursing program. Instructions will be provided with the acceptance letter. Prior to the first day of class students must submit evidence of the following:
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Hepatitis B Vaccine with dates of each injection completed. A completed Hepatitis B vaccination series (series of three), titer or declination waiver is required
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Negative tuberculin skin test(s) (two-step) or an annual negative symptom survey and provider validation with a negative Chest X-Ray every 5 years.
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Varicella (chicken pox): a two injection series, a written verification of varicella history, varicella vaccination or a varicella titer
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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
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Tetanus-Diphtheria and Pertussis (TdaP) vaccine: after initial TdaP, a routine booster of Td vaccine should be given at 10-year intervals
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Seasonal influenza vaccinations, and at the request of the facility, vaccination for other strains of influenza
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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 any practicum course and to have on file with the School of Nursing office evidence of current CPR certification. 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 Red Cross or 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. On or before the new student orientation, the student must provide proof of current CPR certification from an acceptable course to the School of Nursing office. It is the student responsibility to provide the School of Nursing office evidence of current CPR certification if the certification date expires during the academic year.
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 to the U.S. Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Individual’s list; and list on the U.S. General Services Administration’s Excluded Parties List.
Background checks will be provided through the MBU Public Safety Office. If a drug screen is required by a clinical agency, the student will be responsible for the cost of obtaining the test. 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 criminal history checks at the expense of the student if deemed necessary by the Dean of Nursing.
Time Limit for Completion of Degree Requirements
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must be completed within three (3) years of admission to the School of Nursing.
Non-Acceptance
Applicants not accepted may be placed on a waiting list of qualified applicants. The Dean of Nursing notifies individuals in order of ranking on the waiting list 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 will use 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.
Students completing the BSN program complete 765 hours of clinical practice in a variety of specialty areas. The program concludes with a 135-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 BSN program begin clinical 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. Clinical experiences usually begin at 6:30 a.m. and go until 3:30 p.m., although there could be some afternoon-to-evening hours.
MBU’s list of clinical sites is continually growing. Following is a sample of some of the sites that students could attend.
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Bethesda Meadows
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CenterPoint Hospital
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City of St. Louis Department of Health
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Comtrea
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Delmar Gardens
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Hawthorne Children’s Psychiatric Hospital
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Hermann Area District Hospital
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Mercy Jefferson
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Mercy St. Louis
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Mercy Washington
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Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
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Mid-America Transplant
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Missouri Baptist Sullivan
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Nurses for Newborns
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The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis
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Select Specialty Hospital
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Shriners Hospital for Children
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St. Anthony’s Medical Center
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St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
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St. Luke’s Hospital
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Wentzville School District
Curriculum
The pre-licensure BSN degree requires 128 credit hours (68 nonnursing credits and 60 core-nursing credits).
Program Grading Scale
The School of Nursing 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.
Refer to the Progression Policy for further information.
| 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 |
Major
