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Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at South University High Point is designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation that prepares individuals for entry into the nursing profession. The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time.
The BSN graduate will be able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. The comprehensive theoretical and clinical practice components aim to allow. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse.*
*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
General Entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Admission into the BSN degree program is a two step process:
- Students interested in pursuing the BSN degree are eligible for general entry to the Bachelor Science in Nursing Program by meeting requirements for entry into South University.
- Students must meet all prerequisite requirements to be considered for admission to the professional phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Admission to the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The criteria used to determine admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Completion of 90 quarter hours (QH) of science and general education courses as required for admission to BSN degree program with a grade of C or better. Science courses are not accepted for transfer if they are older than 7 years at the time of application to South University.
- A cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale in the nursing pre-requisite courses. Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
- A GPA of 2.75 or better in the following science courses: BIO1011 Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab; BO1013 Anatomy and Physiology II and BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab; BIO2070 Microbiology and BIO2073 Microbiology Laboratory; CHM1010 General Chemistry; BIO2015 Human Pathophysiology. Note: South University, Columbia requires a 3.0 or better.
- A grade of "C" or better in all general education courses
- Entrance test results (TEAS test)
- A completed, approved Level I and Level II background check
- Completed application for admission to the BSN degree program form.
- Official transcripts from every college or university attended, including courses taken at South University.
- Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential functions related to the profession of nursing as described in this catalog
- Completion of prerequisites courses at South University will be considered in the ranking process.
Provisional admission may be granted if the student is completing prerequisites in the term before matriculation into the nursing program. On the day of matriculation into the nursing, the student must meet the admission criteria as outlined above. Failure to meet requirements of admission will result in rescinding the provisional admission status.
Provisional admission to the BSN program may be granted to students who matriculated into the BS in Public Health program prior to spring quarter 2018 whose CGPA and/or science courses GPA are between 2.5 and 2.74. Students seeking readmission after an absence of one year or longer must meet the BSN admissions requirements stated above and are not covered under provisional admissions.
Acceptance into the Professional Phase of the Bachelor of Science Nursing
Upon acceptance into the Nursing Program, the student must submit:
- A nonrefundable one -time Acceptance Fee to the business office for enrollment into the BSN program. This fee will be applied to the student's first quarter tuition payment. Students enrolling in the RN to BSN program are not required to pay the registration/acceptance fee.
- Completed current physical examination record with required immunizations, titers, lab results, and tuberculosis assessment.
- Urine drug screen
- Evidence of health insurance
Pre-Licensure (BSN) Laptop Computer Requirement
Laptop computers are required for use in testing. All students are required to have a laptop computer with Internet access that meets university specifications.
Comprehensive Background Check
Please see the General Admissions Policies section of the catalog below.
Acceptance into a South University educational program, or its completion, does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification.
The Nursing Program Director may be required to submit written documentation regarding the student status to boards of nursing and clinical agencies as early as receipt of the student's CONPH application. Students may be required to obtain additional background checks as requested by clinical agencies or boards of nursing.
Career Outlook
Graduates of South University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are prepared to seek employment in
- Hospitals
- Private physician and counseling practices
- Nursing facilities
- Community clinics and agencies
- Research organizations
Course Requirements
Choose one additional course:
- Advisor approved elective 4 credit hours
Note: If you are planning to earn the Associate of Science in Allied Health Science as you progress in the pre-professional phase of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing please review the following note(s) carefully and consult with your academic counselor if you have questions.
Note: UVC1000 Strategies for Success is recommended if student is interested in obtaining an Associate of Science in Allied Health Science.
(must be taken concurrently with BIO1012 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab)
(must be taken concurrently with BIO1014 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab)
*PSY2022 is required by CCNE for all BSN students. Per the Department of Behavioral Sciences, the course meets the South University General Education requirements for Social and Behavioral Sciences for Nursing students ONLY.
(must be taken concurrently with BIO2073 Microbiology Laboratory )
(campuses)
- General Education Elective 4 credit hoursNote: AHS1001 Medical Terminology is recommended if student is interested in obtaining an Associate of Science in Allied Health Science
*
The College of Nursing and Public Health admits two classes of students per year to each campus-based BSN programs. Application packets and deadlines are available on each campus. Fully completed application materials (including evidence of completion of all prerequisite courses) are due by the posted deadline, usually the first day of the quarter before admission (ex., first day of summer quarter for fall quarter program start). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Students will be tested at various intervals throughout the nursing program to assess math proficiency as a method to promote safe medication administration practices. Students are required to pass math examinations each quarter in order to participate in clinical practice courses and to remain in the nursing program. Students are encouraged to prepare for the math competency test using their textbook, the ATI dosage calculation programs or a South University tutor prior to the first day of each quarter.
Math Competency Examinations. Junior level students (Quarters 1-3) must receive a score of 80% or higher on all math examinations. Senior level (Quarters 4-6) students must receive a score of 90% or higher on all math examinations. Quarter 7 students must receive a score of 100% on the math examination. A maximum of three opportunities are allowed to pass the math requirement each quarter (see schedule below). Structured remediation will be offered to students who are not successful on the math competency test.
A student who is not successful on the third math competency attempt or students who do not test according to the schedule outlined below will earn a NCF in the associated nursing course. In addition, the student will withdraw from the other nursing courses in which the student is enrolled (per the College of Nursing and Public Health Withdrawal Policy). The student can request to be readmitted (per the BSN Program Reinstatement Policy), to the Nursing program the next time the courses from which the student withdrew are offered. Math competency examinations are administered in the following courses.
| Quarter | Course | Suggested Testing Schedule |
| 1 | NSG3008/NSG3011 | Weeks 6, 7, and 8 (suggested) |
| 2 | NSG3024 | Weeks 6, 7, and 8 or Week 1 (suggested M, W, F) |
| 3 | NSG3034/NSG3037 | Week 1 (suggested M,W, F) |
| 4 | NSG3044/NSG3046 | Week 1 (suggested M,W, F) |
| 5 | NSG4052 | Week 1 (suggested M,W, F) |
| 6 | NSG4060 | Week 1 (suggested M,W, F) |
| 7 | NSG4071 | Week 1 (suggested M,W, F) |
Assessment through Standardized Tests
Achievement Examinations and NCLEX-RN Preparation
The South University Nursing Faculty is committed to assisting students to achieve success on the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Successful completion of this examination is required for entry into the practice of professional nursing. In addition to faculty prepared examinations, nursing students take a series of achievement examinations throughout the various courses in the nursing program to prepare for taking the NCLEX-RN. The examinations are used to measure student nursing knowledge, acquired nursing skills and competencies. Students failing to achieve the national average on any achievement test must provide evidence of remediation to their faculty advisors.
South University provides students with ample educational resources including library resources, CDs, DVDs, computer software programs, and access to a variety of nursing education websites such as atitesting.com. Students are required to attend NCLEX-RN review courses during the final quarter of the program.
ATI Policy
The following policy describes the use of the Assessment Technologies Inc. (ATI) Comprehensive Assessment and Review Program (CARP) as a component of admission, progression, and graduation in nursing program at South University. This policy has been developed to establish guidelines to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and to identify at-risk students. All students have the opportunity for review and remediation to enhance their success in the program and on NCLEX-RN after graduation.
1. Admission
The ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a requirement of the admission process. The TEAS is used to determine academic preparedness of pre-licensure nursing students in Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage. Students must achieve a "Proficient" level to be considered for admission to the nursing program. Applicants are limited to testing twice within a 12 month period with a minimum of one month between testing.
2. Comprehensive ATI Program
Students have access to and are assigned to utilize the comprehensive ATI package. ATI Resources are listed below along with corresponding courses.
NSG3001 Introduction to the Profession of Nursing | Tutorial: ATI Nursing Getting Started: Steps to success Practice Assessment: Self-assessment Inventory Achieve
Proctored Assessment: Critical Thinking Assessment- Entrance: |
NSG3008/NSG3011 Principles of Assessment Lab | Tutorial: Dosage calculations Skills Modules: Adult Physical Assessment |
NSG3023 Fundamentals of Nursing | Nurse Logic - Beginning Student
Practice Assessments
Tutorial: Learning System RN:
Proctored Assessment: Fundamentals |
NSG3022 Pharmacotherapeutics I | Tutorial: Pharmacology Made Easy
|
NSG3032 Pharmacotherapeutics II | Tutorial: Pharmacology Made Easy
Pharmacology Practice Assessments A & B Tutorial: Learning System: RN: Pharmacology |
NSG3033/NSG3037 Caring for Adults I | Targeted Medical Surgical Practice Assessments
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (Same content as above) |
NSG3044/NSG3046 Caring for Adults II | Targeted Medical Surgical Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (Same content as above) |
NSG4052 Caring for Adults III | Nurse Logic-Advanced Student
Targeted Medical Surgical Practice Assessments
Pharmacology Practice Assessments A & B Tutorial: Learning System: RN: Pharmacology |
NSG4060 Caring for Adults IV | Targeted Medical Surgical Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RNL (same as above) Proctored Assessment: Adult Medical Surgical |
| NSG3068/NSG3069/NSG4069 Caring for Diverse and Vulnerable Populations II | Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (same content as above) Proctored Assessment: Community Health |
NSG3042/NSG3047 Caring for Women and Neonates | Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (same content as above) Proctored Assessment: Maternal Newborn |
NSG4050/NSG4056 Caring for Children | Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (same content as above) Skills Modules: Physical Assessment - Child Proctored Assessment: Nursing care for Children |
NSG4058/NSG4062 Caring for Persons with Psychiatric/Mental Health Problems | Practice Assessments:
Tutorial: Learning System RN: (same content as above) Proctored Assessment: Mental Health |
NSG4071 Transition into Professional Nursing | Tutorial: Learning System RN: Practice Tests:
Proctored Assessment: Pharmacology, Leadership, Critical Thinking Assessment - Exit & Comprehensive Predictor |
3. ATI Testing
A. Content Mastery Series
The ATI review and remediation Content Mastery Series is used as a component of formative and summative academic assessment in the BSN program. Students must provide documentation of completion of assigned non-proctored ATI Content Mastery and/or Targeted Medical Surgical Assessment Series exams with a score of 85% prior to taking proctored examinations. Practice exam results are administered with rationales disabled.
Students are required to take the Proctored Assessments listed below. A minimum score of Level 2 is the goal.
Course | Exam |
NSG3023 Fundamentals of Nursing | Fundamentals |
NSG3042/NSG3047 Caring for Women and Neonates | Maternal Newborn |
NSG4050/NSG4056 Caring for Children | Nursing Care for Children |
NSG4069 Caring for Diverse and Vulnerable Populations II | Community Health |
NSG4060 Caring for Adults IV | Adult Medical Surgical |
NSG4058/NSG4062 Caring for Psychiatric/Mental Health Problems | Mental Health |
NSG4071 Transition in the Profession of Nursing | Leadership Pharmacology Comprehensive Predictor |
Practice Assessments:
Students are required to take practice assessments A and B. Remediation will be completed based on the first attempt on both of the practice assessments. An overall score of 85% is required on both practice assessments Rationales will be enabled after the first attempt for each practice assessment. Students must upload evidence of remediation and practice assessment results for both exams into the Bright Space course by no later than 11:59 pm on the day prior to the scheduled proctored assessment in order to take the exam.
Proctored Assessments:
Remediation is required for the Proctored Assessment regardless of the level achieved for any areas with a score less than 70%. Students are required to complete remediation for the Proctored Assessment prior to taking the final examination.
Retesting is required for any student not achieving a minimum grade of Level 2 on the proctored assessment. A different test version will be utilized for retesting. ATI assessment activities are valued at 5-10% of the course grade. Grades will be assigned based upon the results of the first attempt on the Proctored Assessment. See table below for grading:
Level Earned | Grade Assigned |
Level 3 (First Attempt) | 100 |
Level 2 (First Attempt) | 90 |
Level 1 (First Attempt) | Retake Required |
Level 3 (Second Attempt) | 85 |
Level 2 (Second Attempt) | 80 |
Level 1 (Second Attempt) | Score earned on exam |
Failure to remediate | 0 |
A student not achieving a Level 2 on retesting is strongly encouraged to complete additional remediation.
B. Remediation
Remediation provides an opportunity for students to review, study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the initial assessment.
Remediation is required for all ATI Practice and First Attempt proctored assessments. Remediation templates are available on the ATI student homepage. Students must utilize their test results to complete remediation. Content areas with a score equal to or less than 70% require remediation. Additionally, remediation may be completed on the ATI website under focused review. Faculty assign students with remediation activities based upon student test results. Remediation strategies may include but are not limited to the following:
ATI Active Learning Templates
- Review assessment results and determine appropriate template to use. Use the templates to perform detailed remediation of assessment content. Students may type into the template or print and handwrite. Completed remediation documents are to be submitted to the faculty member by the required due date.
Short Answer Remediation
- Individualized attention to those areas missed on a test can be addressed through short essays. To be considered remedial, a student must print out the ATI test results listing those items and topics missed. Using the review manuals provided by ATI, the student must then address each of the areas with a score less than 70%, writing a short paragraph discussing the essential content, and identifying the appropriate reference area in the book.
C. Comprehensive Predictor Exam
The proctored ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Exam is a component of NSG4071. Students must pass the examination within two attempts during this course with a score commensurate with a 90% probability of passing NCLEX-RN on the first attempt. The first and second attempts must be completed by the scheduled deadline date. If student fails to achieve a 90% prediction to pass NCLEX on the first attempt, remediation will be required prior to the second attempt.
The faculty member will determine when the student is ready for re-testing.
Grading for the Comprehensive Predictor Exam (calculated as 10% of grade in NSG4071) is provided on the table below:
| Prediction Level Earned | Grade Assigned |
Equal to or greater than 90% Prediction Level (First attempt) | 100 |
Less than 90% Prediction Level (First attempt) | Retake Required |
Equal to or greater than 90% Prediction Level (Second attempt) | 90 |
Less than 90% Prediction Level (Second attempt) | Percentage scored on the retake exam is assigned as grade |
4. NCLEX-RN Reviews
Two ATI NCLEX-RN reviews are provided for all nursing students.
1. ATI Live Campus Review
The Comprehensive Live NCLEX Review is an all-inclusive, live study session covering essential nursing content that aligns with the NCLEX test plan. Led by a master's-degreed nurse educator, the engaging, interactive format reviews all content areas and includes test-taking strategies, critical-thinking exercises and Q&A practice.
South University provides access to ATI live reviews on campus or students may be referred to an alternate location.
2. Virtual ATI Review
"The Virtual-ATI NCLEX review is an innovative, online partnership that provides a
12-week access to interactive online review resources to prepare nursing graduates for NCLEX success. The review is guided by a Master's-prepared nurse educator and is individualized to each graduate. The program directly aligns with the current NCLEX ® test plan, and takes place in an online classroom that provides access to a variety of on-demand resources including online learning activities, NCLEX test-taking strategies, content-based case studies, concept maps, NCLEX subscale-specific quiz questions, and alternate item format quiz questions that are all accessible by computer, tablet, and mobile devices." (ATI website).
- Students will begin the V-ATI during WEEK 6 of Quarter 7
- Participation and successful completion of VATI from the Beginning of the Review through Stage 4 will represent 10% of the NSG4071 course grade.
- Ongoing engagement is expected for the 45 days prior to graduation. Continued engagement is recommended post-graduation until the Green Light is achieved.
- Students may pay for an extension if more time is needed to complete the review.
- Students are advised to take the NCLEX within 3 weeks of receiving the Green Light.
Failure to comply with the ATI testing policy may result in a course failure.
| Course Week /ATI Enrollment Week | Modules | Grade Percentage |
Week6 ATI Week 1 | Beginning Review Test Taking Strategies Module
| 20% |
Week 7 ATI Week 2 | Stage 1 - Fundamentals Module | 20% |
Week 8 ATI Week 3 | Stage 2 - Pharmacology Module | 20% |
Week 9 &10 ATI Week 4 & 5 | Stage 3- Medical- Surgical Module | 20% |
Week 11 ATI Week 6 | Stage 4 - Maternal Newborn | 20% |
| Total Grade Possible | 100% | |
| Post-Graduation (Recommended) | ||
| ATI Week 7 | Nursing Care of Children Mental Health | 75% Stage |
| ATI Week 8 | Leadership Virtual-ATI Predictor Post-Predictor Review | 100% Stage |
| ATI Week 9 -12 | Green Light Post-Green Light Review | Green Light |
NCLEX within 3 weeks of ATI Course "Green Light" |
Faculty
Program DirectorLinda Dune, Ph.D. Texas Woman’s University, M.S.N. Texas Woman’s University, B.S.N. University of New York at Albany
Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
Kelli Reid, M.S.N. University of Phoenix, M.B.A. University of Phoenix, B.S. Missouri State University
Outcomes
Offered at South University, Austin; South University, Columbia; South University, High Point Off-Campus Instructional Site; South University, Montgomery; South University, Orlando Off-Campus Instructional Site; South University, Richmond; South University, Tampa; South University, Virginia Beach; and South University, West Palm Beach
The BSN degree program is designed to provide students with a solid educational foundation that prepares individuals for entry into the nursing profession. The BSN graduate will be able to incorporate the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and holism to provide care for individuals, families and communities. The comprehensive theoretical and clinical practice components aim to allow South University BSN graduates to make a smooth transition into professional nursing practice. Graduates of the South University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are encouraged to continue the educational process and are prepared for the challenges of graduate study.
The BSN degree program is designed for the non-registered nurse student. Students may complete prerequisite courses in as few as six quarters and then apply for admission to the nursing program, which is taught over seven quarters. The program allows highly motivated full-time students to complete the program of study in nursing in a concentrated period of time. After successful completion of the nursing program, the graduate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain licensure and begin practice as a registered nurse.*
*South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates should be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing, the physical and social sciences, arts, and humanities in the practice of professional nursing practice.
- Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
- Integrate care and concern for humanity, with scholarly research and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life.
- Utilize informatics and technology to adapt to the challenges of nursing practice of today and the future.
- Demonstrate professionalism by advocating for legal, ethical, financial and political issues involving healthcare.
- Communicate effectively and collaboratively within nursing and other healthcare disciplines to empower patients experiencing health challenges through education and promotion of health and well-being.
- Utilize the nursing process to collaborate with consumers and other health professionals to initiate improvements in healthcare and promote health and well-being in persons, families and communities.
- Demonstrate a self-awareness of and commitment to excellence in nursing practice through the pursuit of community, educational, and organizational opportunities to enhance personal and professional growth.
- Provide holistic caring to diverse patient populations, across the lifespan in a variety of settings with technical proficiency that integrates foundational, discipline-specific and interdisciplinary knowledge essential for professional practice.
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
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The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).