BS Nursing

Alternative Pathway

The Nursing program offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited curriculum in nursing leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Within the program there are two pathways, one designed for students without previous preparation in nursing, the Traditional Pathway, and the other designed for registered nurses, the Alternate Pathway. The curriculum of the nursing program is designed to prepare the student for roles in contemporary and future nursing practice.

The RN-BSN Degree Completion Program (Alternate Pathway)

The RN-BSN Pathway is designed for the student entering the nursing program who has completed the NCLEX and is employed as a registered nurse. The RN-BSN Pathway program operates according to the policies and schedule of the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCaP). Tuition is reduced and all courses are taught online in accelerated eight-week terms. Students generally take 6 credit hours each term and the nursing courses may be completed in one calendar year. The length of time to complete the program will depend on the number of courses the student needs to complete the core requirements. Previous education and clinical expertise are recognized through the opportunity to earn credit by validation and direct transfer of credit from equivalent courses from regionally accredited institutions.

Transfer students are required to complete 45 credit hours in residence.

Students interested in the RN-BSN Pathway should apply directly to the ADCaP and contact the nursing advisor, Dr. Sarah Williams, at 210-829-6092.

Registered nurses will receive 30 hours advanced placement credit for prior nursing education after successful validation of prior learning. Validation of prior nursing knowledge is carried out by evaluation of work completed in the first nursing course, NURS 3512: Professional Nursing Role. Registered nurses will be able to enter the RN-BSN Pathway if the following conditions are met:

• The registered nurse graduated from a Texas nursing education program accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
• The registered nurse graduated from a nursing education program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and is currently employed in the role as registered nurse.
• Registered nurses who graduated from schools that were not NLNAC accredited must show validation of successful completion of the NCLEX and meet UIW's policy on credit from non-accredited schools.