Course Requirements
The pre-licensure BSN program is a traditional four-year undergraduate major program that consists of 56 required nursing credits along with a 1-credit First Year-First Experience course; 34 credits in supporting courses such as biology, chemistry, psychology, anatomy, physiology and more; as well as 40 credits in liberal studies courses.
Through the coursework, you will develop knowledge and skills in assessment and diagnostics to develop, implement and evaluate plans of care and nursing interventions to care for the whole-person. You'll learn how to make clinical judgments based on the principles and practices of evidence-based nursing practice. And you'll learn to provide socially just nursing grounded in diversity, equity and inclusion to advance the common good.
Four-Year Plan
The BSN program follows a relatively rigorous curriculum plan. Nursing faculty and academic counselors will work closely with you to advise you on the courses needed to complete the nursing curriculum. You will take some pre-requisite courses during the fall of your first year before applying to the BSN program in the spring semester of your first year.
Degree Awarded
Students who complete the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Applying to the BSN
The BSN requires a secondary application after admission and enrollment at St. Thomas. Interested students may apply into the nursing major while completing prerequisite courses spring semester.
Transfer students must be admitted and attending the University of St. Thomas in the spring 2023 semester in order to apply to be admitted to the Nursing major in the fall of 2023. Transfer students must also have completed or be enrolled Nursing 110 in order to apply. Transfer courses for pre-requisite credits will be evaluated upon admission.
The School of Nursing utilizes a holistic admissions process (see description below) in its review of applications. Application requirements include a review of the applicant's academic record, experiences, personal statement, multiple mini-interviews, and a simulated activity.
Applicants in the spring of 2023 must have completed Biology 105 or Biology 207 with a C- or better to be eligible to apply.
Students accepted into the BSN program to start in the fall 0f 2023 must have completed the following courses with a C- or higher, no later than September 6, 2023:
- Nursing 110
- Math 101, or placement in/completion of Math 108 or higher
- Chemistry 108
- Psychology 111
Additionally, students must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher when they apply.
Holistic Review
Holistic review assesses an applicant's unique experiences in addition to traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades. This review facilitates consideration of a broad range of factors reflecting the applicant's academic readiness and contribution to the incoming nursing class. Since the School of Nursing's vision includes advancing health equity and social justice, St. Thomas nursing students should possess the background, qualities, and skills to provide culturally responsive care to meet the needs of a rapidly diversifying patient population.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The University of St. Thomas offers a variety of options and opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. Explore our resources for undergraduate students.