Nursing
Visit the UK College of Nursing Web site.
"Coming to the College of Nursing at UK as an out-of-state student was the best academic decision of my life. Initially, I had feelings of excitement and fear about the challenges that I was about to face. The course work has tested my ambitions and intellect in becoming an accredited and established nurse. This experience has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and also what it feels like to be exhausted. I have also had the honor of being selected to participate in the Nurse Scholars Program. This program explores areas in nursing such as research, career opportunities and interactions with other healthcare professionals. I have spent my time at the college trying to live up to the quality of care provided and demonstrated by the faculty and staff. Their enthusiasm has facilitated my perseverance. There is no doubt in my mind that the College of Nursing has prepared me to impact my patients' lives with compassion and knowledge as it has done for me."
-- Stephanie M. Outterson
Senior, College of Nursing
Carolyn A. Williams, Ph.D., is Dean of the College of Nursing; Marcia Stanhope, D.S.N., is Associate Dean; Julie Sebastian, Ph.D., is Assistant Dean for Advanced Practice Nursing and Clinical Practice; Lynne Hall, Dr.P.H., is Assistant Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies; Dorothy Brockopp, Ph.D., is Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR COLLEGE OF NURSING
Deadline for all categories of students, regardless of term of enrollment, is:
May 1
After the deadline, eligible applicants will be accepted on a space-available basis. It is advisable to initiate the application process early; it is a two-step process, involving completion of a goal statement and a reference.
The College of Nursing has had continuous accreditation since 1967. The baccalaureate degree curriculum offered by the College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Undergraduate Program in Nursing
The University of Kentucky grants the following degree in the College of Nursing:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The College of Nursing enrollment is composed of four-year students, associate degree nursing graduates, and diploma nursing school graduates. Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to the College of Nursing. Preference is given to Kentucky residents.
Applicants must be in a state of good health enabling them to carry out the functions of the professional nurse. Routinely, each student will be required to obtain a rubella and rubeola titers, hepatitis B immunizations, and have an annual tuberculin test or chest x-ray.
The University of Kentucky will consider for admission any applicant who demonstrates the ability to perform or to learn to perform the skills listed below. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of any disability, but an applicant with questions about these technical requirements is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the dean for the particular program of study. If appropriate, and upon the request of the applicant, student or faculty, reasonable accommodations for a disability will be provided.
Students must possess aptitude, abilities, and skills in five areas:
- observation;
- communication;
- sensory and motor coordination and function;
- conceptualization, integration, and quantification; and,
- behavioral and social skills, abilities and aptitude.
Full details on these standards are available by contacting the College of Nursing.
Progression to upper-division is regulated so that the total number of full-time equivalents at the beginning of the junior year does not exceed 72.
Admission Criteria
Criteria for admission to the 4-year BSN program include:
- Freshman Student:
- high school grade-point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale;
- meets criteria for selective admission to the University of Kentucky (see the Undergraduate Admission section of this Bulletin for more information).
- a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5;
- a grade of C or better in all required pre-nursing courses;
- a certificate from an approved certified nursing assistant program;
- an essay which articulates reasons for choosing nursing as a career, with criteria established by the College of Nursing. Essay criteria are available by calling (859) 323-5108; and,
- one letter of reference from an individual who can assess potential for success (e.g., teacher, employer). Reference forms are available by calling (859) 323-5108.
- Transfer Student:
- with less than 24 hours of college credit -- must meet the criteria for entering freshmen and maintain a GPA of 2.5 on all college work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;
- with more than 24 hours of college credit -- must maintain a 2.5 GPA on all college work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;
- grades of C or better in all courses required for CON curriculum;
- ability to articulate reasons for choosing nursing as a career, as evidenced in an essay, with criteria established by the College of Nursing. Essay criteria are available by calling (859) 323-5108;
- one letter of reference from an individual who can assess potential for success (e.g., teacher, employer). Reference forms are available by calling (859) 323-5108; and
- completion of an approved certified nursing assistant program.
- Students will be eligible to apply for readmission to the College of Nursing after suspension from the College when they meet criteria as stated in Section 2 a and b of this policy.
- A student who is a registered nurse will be considered for admission to upper-division courses in the nursing program based on the following criteria:
- the applicant must be a registered nurse licensed to practice in Kentucky;
- an associate degree in nursing from a college accredited by one of the six regional academic accrediting associations with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 in all course work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions;
- a statement of academic and professional goals; and
- a letter of reference from a supervisor.
Students will be admitted as freshmen to a pre-nursing curriculum based on the following criteria:
Admission to the nursing curriculum will occur at the sophomore level for all students based on evaluation of the following criteria:
The registered nurse who is a graduate of a diploma program will be considered for admission after earning a minimum of 60 college credits which include:
- English -- 6 semester credits
- Natural Sciences -- 6 semester credits
- Social Sciences -- 6 semester credits
- Humanities -- 6 semester credits
- Nursing* -- 28 semester credits
The applicant must have at least a GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 in all college course work attempted as computed by the Office of Admissions, and must have satisfactorily completed the ACT-PEP tests which establish the nursing credits.
*Nursing credits may be earned from regionally accredited colleges by taking the courses or by taking the ACT-PEP tests. It is strongly recommended that applicants contact the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing regarding the approved nursing ACT-PEP credits. All nursing courses taken in associate degree or diploma programs are considered lower-division courses and are not equivalent to upper-division courses in this program.
The application deadline for admission to the Nursing program for all categories of students is May 1.
Application for Admission
All applications and transcripts for admission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions according to the deadlines listed in the box above. RN applicants are considered for fall admission only. Transfer applicants will be evaluated for fall and spring admission, according to the deadlines listed. Those accepted for admission must notify the college within 30 days, in writing, of their intent to enroll. Late applicants will be considered for admission on a space-available basis.
Part-Time Study
Students who are working toward the completion of the B.S.N. degree on a part-time basis must plan a course of study with the appropriate College of Nursing personnel or committee and may not alter that plan without prior approval from the College of Nursing.
Candidates for the degree who do not complete all requirements within a seven-year period (five years for R.N. students) after admission will have their records reevaluated and may be required to repeat or take selected courses.
Financial Aid
The college has a few scholarships designated for Nursing students. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing.
Students may also wish to pursue funds available through hospitals and other agencies that offer financial assistance in return for a work commitment.
Academic Advising
Students who are admitted to the College of Nursing are assigned to an advisor within the college. Curriculum plans are determined in the first semester of enrollment in the college and updated each semester. Questions regarding progression through the program may be directed to the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
To obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must satisfy the University requirements for graduation, including University Studies, and obtain a 2.0 grade-point average in nursing in the courses listed below. A grade of C or better must be attained in all courses required in the nursing curriculum in order to proceed to the next clinical course or to graduate. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for graduation.
| UNIVERSITY STUDIES REQUIREMENTS | HOURS |
| See "University Studies Program" on pages 70-74 for the complete University Studies requirements. The courses listed below are (a) recommended by the college, or (b) required courses that also fulfill University Studies areas. Students should work closely with their advisor to complete the University Studies Program requirements. | |
| Inference-Logic | |
|---|---|
| STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment | 3 |
| Social Science | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PREMAJOR REQUIREMENTS | HOURS |
| ANA 209 Principles of Human Anatomy | 3 |
| CHE 104 Introductory General Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 106 Introduction to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry with laboratory | 4 |
| ENG 101 Writing I | 3 |
| ENG 102 Writing II | 3 |
| PGY 206 Elementary Physiology | 3 |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| University Studies Social Sciences Requirement (second course) | 3 |
| Subtotal: Premajor Hours | 26 |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | HOURS |
| NUR 860 Foundations for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 861 Family Health Promotion and Communication Across the Lifespan | 8 |
| NUR 862 Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 863 Professional Nursing Care Across the Lifespan | 8 |
| NUR 864 Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems | 7 |
| NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches | 3 |
| NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families | 7 |
| NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery | 3 |
| NUR 881 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 883 Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 884 Career Management in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 885 High Acuity Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice | 6 |
| BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology | 3 |
| STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment | 3 |
| NFS 212 Introductory Nutrition | 3 |
| HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems | 3 |
| Subtotal: Major Hours | 79 |
| Electives | |
|---|---|
| Electives should be selected to complete the minimum 124 hours required for graduation. | |
| Subtotal: Electives | minimum of 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS: | 124 |
Sample Curriculum
Baccalaureate Program
(Four-year Students)
| Freshman Year |
|
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| ANA 209 Principles of Human Anatomy | 3 |
| CHE 104 Introductory General Chemistry | 3 |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| ENG 101 Writing I | 3 |
| Second Semester | |
| PGY 206 Elementary Physiology | 3 |
| CHE 106 Introduction to Inorganic, Organic and Biochemistry with laboratory | 4 |
| ENG 102 Writing II | 3 |
| University Studies (Social Science) | 3 |
| University Studies | 3 |
| Sophomore Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| NUR 861 Family Health Promotion and Communication Across the Lifespan | 8 |
| STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment | 3 |
| NFS 212 Introductory Nutrition | 3 |
| NUR 860 Foundations for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| University Studies | 3 |
| Second Semester | |
| NUR 863 Professional Nursing Care Across the Lifespan | 8 |
| NUR 862 Pharmacology | 3 |
| BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology | 3 |
| or | |
| HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems | 3 |
| Junior Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | HOURS |
| NUR 864 Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems | 7 |
| BIO 208 Principles of Microbiology | 3 |
| or | |
| HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems | 3 |
| University Studies | 3 |
Second Semester |
|
| NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families | 7 |
| NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches | 3 |
| University Studies | 3 |
| University Studies | 3 |
| Senior Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| NUR 883 Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 881 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Second Semester | |
| NUR 885 High Acuity Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice | 6 |
| NUR 884 Career Management in Nursing | 2 |
Sample Curriculum
Baccalaureate Program
(Registered Nurses)
Junior Year
| First Semester | Hours |
| NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing | 4 |
| NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment | 2 |
| NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches | 3 |
| STA 200 Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment | 3 |
| Second Semester | |
| NUR 883 Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 864 Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 862 Pharmacology | 3 |
| Elective* | 3 |
| Third Semester | |
| NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery | 3 |
| NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice | 6 |
| Elective* | 3 |
| *Optional -- for students who wish to take full time course work. | |
Curriculum Policies
Students are expected to be familiar with the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to confer with advisors in the College of Nursing when selecting courses.
Since the health needs of the nation are constantly changing, an effective curriculum requires continuous review and evaluation, which may necessitate revision of courses and requirements. Thus, there can be no guarantee that course content will be identical in each subsequent academic year. Furthermore, to continue to meet the changing emphasis in nursing education, some courses will require educational experiences for students in community facilities outside of Lexington.
Outcome Objectives
- Exemplifies a personal philosophy of nursing that is consistent with professional standards.
- Applies the nursing process as a method of providing professional nursing care to prevent illness; promote, maintain, restore client health; and/or assist clients to a peaceful death.
- Practices critical thinking skills to make independent and collaborative decisions.
- Incorporates research findings into professional nursing practice.
- Provides professional nursing care to clients with actual and potential health problems in diverse settings.
- Collaborates in planning, delivering, and evaluating nursing services in a changing society.
- Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional behavior.
- Employs theories of leadership and management in providing professional nursing care.
- Demonstrates leadership in addressing professional nursing and health issues.
- Provides professional nursing care based on an evaluation of internal and external forces affecting client systems.
Second Degree B.S.N. Program
The College of Nursing is offering a new option to earn a nursing degree -- the Second Degree B.S.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). This option is for people who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing.
In four and one-half semesters, students will be prepared to take the licensure exam to begin a new career as a nurse. This option is for students who can dedicate themselves full-time to one eight-week session and two academic years of study.
Prerequisites for Second Degree B.S.N. Option
Students who have earned a degree in another field may apply to complete a B.S.N. The admission requirements/prerequisites include:
- a bachelor's degree;
- cumulative 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale for all college work;
- grade of C or higher in ANA 209 (Principles of Human Anatomy) or equivalent;
- grade of C or higher in PGY 206 (Elementary Physiology) or equivalent;
- grade of C or higher in CHE 106 (Introduction to Inorganic, Organic, and Biochemistry) or equivalent;
- grade of C or higher in PSY 100 (Introduction to Psychology) or equivalent;
- a personal reference; and
- a written statement.
It is strongly recommended that students complete the following courses with a grade of C or higher before beginning the Second Degree B.S.N. Program (they are required for graduation):
- BIO 208 (Principles of Microbiology) or equivalent; and
- STA 200 (Statistics: A Force in Human Judgment) or equivalent.
By the time of enrollment in the first course, students must have also completed a CNA course and all immunizations as listed above under "Admissions Requirements."
Sample Curriculum
Second Degree B.S.N. Program
| Summer Term/Part-of-Term | Hours |
| *NUR 860 Foundations for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 869 Introduction to Nursing Care for Second Degree Students | 3 |
| *Complete by Independent Study. | |
| Semester I | Hours |
| NUR 870 Pathopharmacology II | 3 |
| NUR 871 Family Centered Care of Adults With Common Health Problems | 7 |
| HSM 241 Health and Medical Care Delivery Systems | 3 |
| Semester II | Hours |
| NUR 866 Pathopharmacology I | 3 |
| NUR 872 Clinical Reasoning: Quantitative, Qualitative and Epidemiological Approaches | 3 |
| NUR 873 Nursing Care of Childbearing, Childrearing Families | 7 |
| Semester III | Hours |
| NUR 880 Leadership/Management in Nursing Care Delivery | 3 |
| NUR 881 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 883 Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| Semester IV | Hours |
| NUR 884 Career Management in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 885 High Acuity Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice | 6 |
R.N. - B.S.N. - M.S.N. in NURSING
Registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing can apply for a combined, accelerated course of study in which they can earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing. In addition to completing the University Studies Program requirements for the baccalaureate degree, the student must complete the course work listed in the Sample Plan of Study.
All R.N.-M.S.N. students are admitted at the graduate level and pay graduate-level tuition and fees. Students in the R.N.-M.S.N. program take 12 credit hours of graduate-level pharmacology, research, pathophysiology and leadership, which fulfill the B.S.N. and M.S.N. course requirements. R.N.-M.S.N. students therefore save one semester of study over students who first finish their B.S.N. and then work toward a master's degree.
Application materials are due by May 1. Applications received after this date will be considered if space is available. Students are admitted in the fall semester only.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Be a licensed registered nurse, having earned either a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
- Diploma graduates must successfully complete ACT-PEP test.
- Completion of all University Studies requirements, 9 credit hours of professional electives, and a minimum of 95 earned credit hours.
- 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.
- Satisfactory scores on the GRE general test (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical sections). Minimum scores of 400 are preferred.
- RN licensure required in state where clinicals take place. Clinical experience prior to first clinical course.
- Three letters of reference. Include one from a recent employer and one from a nursing faculty member. Two of the three must be from nurses.
- Statement of academic and profession goals.
- Interview with graduate faculty member.
- Admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School.
R.N.-B.S.N.-M.S.N. Degree Requirements
Students in this program must meet the degree requirements for both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Master of Science in Nursing program.
In addition to completing the University Studies Program requirements, students must complete the following:
Sample Curriculum
R.N. - B.S.N. - M.S.N. Program
| YEAR ONE | |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours |
| NUR 514 Advanced Health Assessment | 2 |
| NUR 602 Research Methods in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 854 Advanced Concepts in Professional Nursing | 4 |
| STA 570 Basic Statistical Analysis | 4 |
| or | |
| EDP 557 Gathering, Analyzing and Using Educational Data | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| NUR 653 Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 883 Public Health Nursing | 5 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Summer (Eight-Week Session) | |
| NUR 886 Synthesis of Clinical Knowledge for Nursing Practice | 6 |
| YEAR TWO | |
| Fall Semester | |
| NUR 601 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 652 Pharmacologic Applications in Primary Care | 3 |
| *NUR 7XX Specialty Seminar | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| NUR 604 Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 631 Applications of Advanced Health Assessment | 2 |
| NUR 7XX Practicum I | 6 |
| Summer (Eight-Week Session) | |
| *NUR 632 Comprehensive Patient Management I | 2 |
| YEAR THREE | |
| Fall Semester | |
| NUR 603 Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 605 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Spring Semester | |
| *NUR 633 Comprehensive Patient Management II | 4 |
| NUR 7XX Practicum II | 4 |
| *Nurse practitioner students only. |
|
Graduate course work required for the student's program of study is located in the College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook.
Graduate Study
The College of Nursing offers programs leading to the Master of Science in Nursing, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students may obtain information on this program by referring to The Graduate School Bulletin or contacting the Office of Student Services, College of Nursing, 315 College of Nursing Building, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, (859) 323-5108.
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