BSN Pre-Licensure Courses

Pre-licensure BSN Entry Requirements
Students must complete the Department of Nursing application process to enter into the Upper Division component of the major which is accessible online at www.catawba/nursing. Catawba GenEd and Pre-licensure BSN GenEd Core courses must be completed prior. A student will typically apply to the major toward the end of their sophomore year. Transfer students must be admitted to Catawba College and must also meet the listed eligibility requirements.

Selection Criteria

  1. A student must have and submit the following to the Department of Nursing by the designated deadline: Successful completion of all pre-requisite GenEd (non-nursing and nursing) core courses
  2. Admission (acceptance) to Catawba College
  3. Proof of high school graduation
  4. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 grading scale
  5. The following courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or better:
    • Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab)
    • Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab)
    • Microbiology (with lab)
    • Chemistry (with lab)
    • Human Development
    • Statistics
    • Ethics
  6. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results at the **proficient level 70 or above (official copy; not older than one year)
  7. Submission of a Catawba College Department of Nursing Admission Statement/Essay
  8. Complete physical exam (not older than one year) upon admission into the program
  9. Immunization records per North Carolina clinical agency requirements upon admission into the program
  10. Official transcripts of all collegiate work; unofficial for courses taken at Catawba College
  11. Ability to meet the performance standards and essential functions necessary to complete the nursing curriculum
  12. Agree to adhere to the established professional behavior guidelines and dress code

**A student scoring slightly below the proficient level on the TEAS may be eligible for admission to Upper Division.

Students who have received a failing grade in a course for a breach of academic integrity, which has been sustained by the Catawba College Institutional Review Process (Conduct Committee), will not be considered for admission into the nursing major.

Retention Policy
Students who have been officially admitted to the Pre-licensure BSN major (Upper Division) are expected to adhere to the following:

  1. Maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
  2. Achieve "satisfactory" completion of all course and practicum competencies; to include clinical/didactics and related proficiencies
  3. Achieve "satisfactory" evaluations of performance in practicum settings by course faculty, or clinical preceptors during off-campus practicum rotations
  4. Attain a “B” or above in all nursing courses
  5. Maintain an acceptable criminal background history
  6. Maintain current CPR and liability insurance when taking clinical courses
  7. Maintain sound mental and physical health necessary to meet the performance standards and learning outcomes
  8. Continuously meet clinical agency requirements to include immunizations
  9. Adhere to the established professional behavior guidelines and dress code requirements for Catawba College and applicable clinical agencies

A student who falls below a 3.0 GPA or who is not successful (makes less than a “B” letter grade) in a Nursing Concentration course will be placed on probation. When a student is unsuccessful in a Nursing Concentration course, the student must retake and successfully complete the course with a “B” or better (or PASS/Satisfactory when applicable) prior to matriculation to the next phase of the nursing curriculum. A student who is unsuccessful in a second Nursing Concentration course in any given semester will be dismissed from the major indefinitely. A student who has been dismissed form the major may reapply to the program with the approval of the Program Chair. Please see the Undergraduate Nursing Handbook for additional guidelines.

Pre-licensure BSN General Education CORE:

BIOL 1123

Fundamentals of Microbiology

This course will be offered as an introductory biology course that will focus on learning basic techniques currently practiced in the field of clinical microbiology. Students will explore microbes of medical importance and gain hands-on experience with microbial culturing, aseptic technique, and gross morphological and chemical characterization of clinically-significant microorganisms. The course will include both a lecture and laboratory component.
(4 Hours)
BIOL 2419

BIOL 2419 Lab

(0 Hours)
BIOL 2420

BIOL 2420 Lab

(0 Hours)
MATH 1132

Introduction to Statistics

An introduction to elementary statistics, including topics such as normal distribution, histograms, mean, standard deviations, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing techniques. Prerequisite: On the basis of placement scores, a student may be requi
(3 Hours)
PHIL 2170

Ethics

A non-denominational study of basic Christian doctrines. (Offered in alternate years.)
(3 Hours)
PSYC 1110

General Psychology

A study in the major perspectives of psychology with an emphasis on the nature and behavior of people and an examination of selected topics in the discipline.
(3 Hours)
PSYC 1500

Human Development

A survey of the important methods, theories, themes, issues and research findings in the field of lifespan developmental psychology.
(3 Hours)

Select ONE of the following (3 hours):

SOC 1101

Introduction to Sociology

An introduction to "the sociological imagination", a distinctive way of understanding human behavior. The course is a broad survey of the principles, methods, concepts, and theoretical perspectives of sociology.
(3 Hours)
SOC 1202

Global Societies

A study of the development of the major types of societies in human history with emphasis on sociocultural diversity in today's world.
(3 Hours)
SOC 1301

Marriage and Families

(3 Hours)
SOC 1501

Social Problems

A survey of major contemporary social problems and solutions designed to ameliorate these problems.
(3 Hours)
 

Pre-licensure BSN Nursing Concentration

NURS 1101

Exploring Nursing as a Profess

This course allows students to explore an area of the nursing profession by introducing the nursing process and how this process is applied in nursing practice. Experiential learning opportunities will be included in various healthcare-related settings.
(1 Hours)
NURS 3201

Intro to Professional Nursing

This course will introduce the basic concepts, principles, theories, historical perspectives, skills, and roles of professional nurses using the nursing process, cultural competencies, ethical and legal issues, and critical thinking. Psychomotor competencies in foundational healthcare skills are performed through laboratory experiences in simulated healthcare environments. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option). Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3205, and NURS 3309.
(3 Hours)
NURS 3202

Intro to Prof Nursing Practic

This course will allow hands-on practice of skills using the nursing process to apply evidenced-based and best practice models necessary for care of clients in variable healthcare environments. A clinical practicum will allow for the hands-on application of psychomotor competencies and foundational healthcare skills. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option) and completion of NURS 1101 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3201, NURS 3204, NURS 3205, NURS 3309.
(2 Hours)
NURS 3203

Pharmacological Apps in Nursin

This course will focus on the study of major medication classifications, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse and therapeutic responses to medications, nursing implications and basic principles of drug calculations. A lab practicum will enhance the nursing implications associated with medication administration. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3205, and NURS 3309 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312 and NURS 3412.
(3 Hours)
NURS 3204

Health Assessment

This course will focus on developing sound foundational assessment skills critical to clinical decision making abilities including history-taking, review of systems and physical examination. Emphasis is on normal findings and common alterations across the life span. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 1101 with a "B" letter grade or higher. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3205, and NURS 3309.
(3 Hours)
NURS 3205

Informatics in Nursing Practic

This course will focus on electronic databases for clinical practice and the understanding of interdisciplinary health information systems to collect, share, and manage data, and to support decision making using patient care technologies and information management systems. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 1101 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3309.
(1 Hours)
NURS 3309

Pathophysiology for Nurses

This course will focus on selected pathophysiologic disease processes and related environmental and lifestyle influences across the lifespan that produce alterations in human physiologic function. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN prelicensure option); Completion of NURS 1101 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, and NURS 3205.
(3 Hours)
NURS 3310

Clinical Reasoning I

This course will focus on the utilization of nursing concepts and evidence-based findings to enhance critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in relation to clinical decision making. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3201, NURS 3204, NURS 3205, and NURS 3309 with a "B" grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3203, NURS 3311, NURS 3312, and NURS 3412.
(1 Hours)
NURS 3311

Intro to Nursing Research

This course will introduce the nurse's role in the research process as an evidence-based research consumer, as an assessor and evaluator of research studies and trends that impact nursing care, and as an investigator of other nursing related issues. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3205 and NURS 3309 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3312, and NURS 3412.
(3 Hours)
NURS 3312

Adult Health I

This course will focus on the needs of adults with selected health alterations and their families in relation to health promotion and management of conditions that require acute and chronic care. A clinical practicum will allow for the implementation of the nursing process based on clinical implications associated with pathophysiological mechanisms and related human responses. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3205 and NURS 3309 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311 and NURS 3412.
(5 Hours)
NURS 3411

Gerontological Nursing

This course will focus on theories of aging, and roles and functions of the nurse when caring for the older adult population to promote wellness, maintenance and safety. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211, and NURS 4212 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 4302, NURS 4402, NURS 4501 and NURS 4514.
(2 Hours)
NURS 3412

Mental Health Nursing

This course will focus on concepts and principles of human behaviors, and the nursing care management necessary for individuals and their families via an interdisciplinary approach. A clinical practicum will allow for the implementation of the nursing process based on clinical and theoretical implications in selected mental health care settings. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3201, NURS 3202, NURS 3204, NURS 3205, and NURS 3309 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, and NURS 3312.
(4 Hours)
NURS 3413

Pediatric Nursing

This course will focus on the concepts, skills and principles of nursing practice essential to the promotion and maintenance for the child and family with selected health alterations. A clinical practicum in selected pediatric health care settings will allow for the implementation of the nursing process based on clinical and theoretical implications. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312 and NURS 3412 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211, and NURS 4212.
(4 Hours)
NURS 4209

Global Health Across Lifespan

This course will focus on global healthcare issues affecting health policy, vulnerable populations and other groups across the lifespan. Related quality improvement processes that facilitate change will be explored. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312 and NURS 3412 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3413, NURS 4210, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212.
(2 Hours)
NURS 4210

Clinical Reasoning II

This course will focus on the utilization of the nursing process and the acquisition of evidence-based nursing knowledge to continuously promote critical thinking skills, to enhance clinical reasoning and decision making, and to integrate skills already learned in NURS 3310 for the provision of client care. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312, and NURS 3412 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212.
(1 Hours)
NURS 4211

Maternal/Newborn Nursing

This course will focus on the concepts and skills needed for the nursing care of the childbearing woman and family during the complete maternity cycle. A clinical practicum will provide opportunities to demonstrate the various roles of the pediatric nurse. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312, and NURS 3412 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrolled in NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4212.
(4 Hours)
NURS 4212

Adult Health II

This course will build upon concepts, principles and skills presented in NURS 3312 and will focus on complex health alterations in adults and the nurse's responsibility in making clinical decisions and fostering health restoration and maintenance. A clinical practicum will enhance the ability to manage complex health illnesses including medication administration and maintenance. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3203, NURS 3310, NURS 3311, NURS 3312, and NURS 3412 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrolled in NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, and NURS 4211.
(5 Hours)
NURS 4302

Prof Nursing Mgt & Leadership

This course will focus on concepts and knowledge related to the economic, theoretical and political implications of nursing management and leadership, and their relationship to health policy, finances, ethics, quality improvement processes and decision making in the health care system. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3411, NURS 4402, NURS 4501 and NURS 4514.
(3 Hours)
NURS 4402

Nursing Care for the Community

This course will focus on demographics, epidemiological principles, theory and concepts related to the client-centered nursing care of community and public health of individuals across the lifespan and the related impact. A clinical practicum will further enhance the application of the related knowledge and skills. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3411, NURS 4302, NURS 4501 and NURS 4514.
(4 Hours)
NURS 4501

Senior Seminar

This course will focus on enhancing analytical skills with an emphasis on NCLEX style testing and the ability to critically analyze patient care situations. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure option); Completion of NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3411, NURS 4302, NURS 4402 and NURS 4514.
(2 Hours)
NURS 4514

Focused Care Preceptorship

Taken in the final semester, this course will focus on the knowledge, skills, attitudes, trends, and personal and professional leadership strategies necessary to make the transition from student-nurse to nurse. A clinical practicum will assist with the application of the knowledge and skills. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the nursing prerequisites; Admission to the Nursing Major (BSN pre-licensure); Completion of NURS 3413, NURS 4209, NURS 4210, NURS 4211 and NURS 4212 with a "B" letter grade or better. Corequisites: Enrollment in NURS 3411, NURS 4302, NURS 4402 and NURS 4501.
(4 Hours)

*NURS 1101 should be completed prior to applying to the Upper Division component of the nursing major

In addition to the courses listed above, students must meet the Catawba College Graduation Requirements as noted in the Catawba College Catalog, including the General Education (GenEd) Core. Please note that a “D” letter grade is NOT permissible in the required science and prerequisite courses for those applying to the nursing major (including a C-), nor is a “C” permissible in any of the Nursing Concentration courses.