PRE-LICENSURE BSN DEGREE PROGRAM
Students seeking the 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 admission 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.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Missouri Baptist University
- 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.
- Completion of Admission Education and Pre-requisite 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 nursing program. Students who have up to nine (9) credit hours of general education courses outstanding may be considered for admission 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-nursing courses prior to applying to the nursing program.
- English Composition I (ENGL 113)
- English Composition II (ENGL 123)
- College Algebra (MATH 133)
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 113 + 111)*^
- Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab (BIOL 213 + 211)*#^
- Anatomy & Physiology II + Lab (BIOL 223 + 221)*#^
- Microbiology + Lab (BIOL 373 + 371)*#^
- Pathophysiology (BIOL 363)*#^
- Probability and Statistics (MATH 243)
* Students must have three of the five science courses completed prior to applying for admission. The other two courses can be in progress during the application timeframe, but must be completed before entry in the program.
# Courses must be completed within the past 5 years and have a grade of B or higher.
^ Student must earn a grade of B or higher in these courses.
- Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) – A minimum GPA of 2.8 is required for students to be accepted into the nursing program.
- Letters of Recommendation – Application must include at least two (2) letters of recommendation to the School of Nursing. Letters of recommendation should be from people who are able to attest to the student’s academic and/or healthcare experience.
- Written Essay - A written essay (no more than 500 words) addressing the following topics: Why do you want to attend the School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University? Identify one personal goal you have for yourself after graduating from nursing school.
- 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 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:
- Internet-based – 80
- Computer-based – 213
- 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 (ISS) 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, he or she 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 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 admission requirements.
Criteria
To be considered for the Early Admission Option, a student must meet the following:
- Apply and be accepted into Missouri Baptist University and declare a major of Pre-Nursing
- Complete the Early Admission application to the School of Nursing
- 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.
- Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
The following should be submitted to the School of Nursing upon applying:
- Written essay of (no more than 500 words) addressing the following topics: Why do you want to attend the School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University? Identify one professional goal you have for yourself after graduating from nursing school.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation; one (1) must be from the high school guidance counselor. Letters of recommendation should be from people who are able to attest to the student’s academic and/or healthcare experience.
The most competitive candidates will have volunteer or employment experience in a health care setting, leadership opportunities, community service and/or research experience. Early admission applications will open October 1 and will close February 1 of each year for admission the following academic year. Students will be notified of the decision no later than March 1.
**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 criteria:
- Continuous enrollment as a full-time student at Missouri Baptist University in each regular semester session with a pre-nursing major.
- All required courses must be taken at Missouri Baptist University.
- Must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all courses.
- Receive a science grade no lower than a B in Anatomy and Physiolgy I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Chemistry, Pathophysiology, and Microbiology.
Students who suffer from academic setback in their pre-nursing coursework or decide 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
The following steps are required to complete the MBU School of Nursing application:
- Application to MBU –
- Transfer students will submit the undergraduate application for admission by going to the following: https://www.mobap.edu/admissions/undergraduate/admissions-application-requirements/.
- Current MBU students can skip this step.
- Application to School of Nursing -
- Transfer students will be contacted by an Admissions Counselor after completion of the undergraduate application. Once the student’s transcripts have been evaluated and the student has been deemed eligible to apply to the nursing program, a link to the School of Nursing application will be given.
- Current MBU students should contact Dr. Lydia Thebeau at Lydia.Thebeau@mobap.edu to receive a link to the School of Nursing application.
- February 28th is the deadline for submitting all materials for the School of Nursing application for August entry.
- Official Transcripts – Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended (other than MBU) must be received by the MBU Records Office by February 28. 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.
- Non-native English Speaking Students – Successful completion of the TOEFL iBT meeting the minimum score requirements for each section (see Admission Requirements, page 2). Scores must be provided to the School of Nursing office by the end of the application cycle.
- Personal Interview – The MBU School of Nursing Admissions and Graduation Committee may request a personal interview.
- 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 student’s academic and/or healthcare experience.
- Written Essay - A written essay (no more than 500 words) on “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 cumulative GPA, science course GPA, essay, 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 regarding 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 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, 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 BSN Acceptance Form to the School of Nursing office by the specified date. An Acceptance Packet containing additional information concerning requirements described in this section will be sent via e-mail by April 1 and via USPS soon thereafter. The student must pay a $400 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. A student must notify the School of Nursing if, for any reason, a lapse in coverage has occurred.
Professional Liability Insurance
Missouri Baptist University 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 positive 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 in the Acceptance Packet. 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 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 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 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.
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 drug screens 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 waitlisted individuals 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 the opportunity to work with diverse populations during the program.
Pre-licensure BSN program students 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 Pre-licensure BSN program begin clinical rotations in the 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.
- Bethesda Meadows
- CenterPoint Hospital
- City of St. Louis Department of Health
- Comtrea
- Delmar Gardens
- Hawthorne Children’s Psychiatric Hospital
- Hermann Area District Hospital
- Mercy East
- Mercy Jefferson
- Mercy South
- Mercy Washington
- Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center
- Mid-America Transplant
- Missouri Baptist Sullivan
- Nurses for Newborns
- The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis
- Select Specialty Hospital
- Shriners Hospital for Children
- St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
- St. Luke’s Hospital
- Wentzville School District
Curriculum
The pre-licensure BSN degree requires 128 credit hours (68 non-nursing credits and 60 core-nursing credits).
