Nursing (BS)
Program Description
SPU’s Nursing major offers a rigorous program of study, with a curriculum that will challenge you to strive for excellence in the classroom and clinical settings.
The program:
- Emphasizes both health promotion and illness care
- Fosters the development of critical thinking, ethical thought and action, judgment, collaboration, and caring
- Integrates the Christian faith with scientific knowledge and clinical expertise
- Works with patients as whole beings, considering their mind, body, spirit, and surrounding environment
- Seeks to graduate people of competence, character, and caring
Entering and Completing the Major
If you are a currently enrolled SPU student, your preparation for entry into the Nursing major begins the first quarter of your freshman year focusing on completion of Nursing program prerequisites and Common Curriculum and Exploratory Curriculum courses. Nursing program prerequisites are typically completed during the first two years. Formal application to the major begins after completing four or more of the prerequisite courses.
- Applicants may complete all coursework at SPU, or may transfer prerequisite, general education, and elective coursework from other institutions.
- SPU students must be in good standing and currently enrolled full time at SPU.
- For current SPU students, the minimum GPA required to apply for admission is 2.85 in the combined prerequisite courses, with all prerequisite grades a "C" (2.0) or higher. A maximum of two total courses may be repeated to achieve the minimum grade of "C" (2.0). A student who must repeat more than two total courses to achieve the minimum grade of "C" (2.0) will be ineligible to apply to the Nursing major.
- Transfer applicants are those who have not been enrolled at SPU in the past four quarters. Transfer applicants must have completed either a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degree or 90 transferable credits by the end of the quarter prior to entry into the nursing program.
- At the time you submit your application, at least four (4) prerequisite classes must be completed. Prerequisites must include at least two (2) science courses among the four (4) or more prerequisite courses that are required at the time of application.
- Transfer and post-baccalaureate applicants must have a prerequisite GPA of 3.5 or higher in the combined prerequisite courses. A grade of "C" (2.0) or higher must be earned in each prerequisite course. A maximum of two total courses may be repeated to achieve the minimum grade of "C" (2.0). A student who must repeat more than two total courses to achieve the minimum grade of "C" (2.0) will be ineligible to apply to the Nursing major.
- Transfer and post-baccalaureate applicants will submit an application for the Lydia Green Nursing program and do not need to complete a separate application to the University.
- Full and final acceptance in the program is contingent on successful completion of all nursing program prerequisites and application criteria by the end of Spring quarter for the Autumn/Winter admission cycle.
- Students may review the admission process on the Nursing website. Applications for the nursing major are available during the open application periods on the School of Health Sciences nursing website.
- Those accepted into the Nursing Program must maintain a minimum C grade (2.0) in all nursing courses to continue in the Nursing Program and maintain high standards of professional performance and behavior.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major or minor.
Nursing Program Admission Data
Nursing is a highly competitive and selective major with limited enrollment. Below are admission data averaged over the last academic year.
- The SPU nursing program accepted 96% of qualified SPU current student applicants.
- The average GPA of this group admitted to the major was 3.7 (range 2.85–4.0).
- In the same time period 25% of transfer and post-baccalaureate students were accepted.
- The average GPA of those admitted from this group was 3.8 (range 3.5–4.0).
Nursing (BS)
125 Credits Minimum, Including 80 Upper Division (UD)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Prerequisite Courses | ||
BIO 2129 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
BIO 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
BIO 3351 | General Microbiology | 5 |
CHM 1310 | Survey of General Chemistry | 5 |
CHM 1360 | Survey of Biological Chemistry | 5 |
PSY 1180 | General Psychology: Individual in Growth | 5 |
PSY 2470 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 5 |
MAT 1300 | Introduction to Statistical Reasoning | 5 |
or MAT 2360 | Introduction to Statistics for the Sciences | |
FCS 3340 | Human Nutrition | 5 |
Section Credits Required | 45 | |
Core Requirements | ||
NUR 3110 | Health and Illness 1: Theory | 3 |
NUR 3111 | Health and Illness 1: Practicum | 2 |
NUR 3112 | Professional Nursing 1 | 3 |
NUR 3113 | Health Assessment | 2 |
NUR 3114 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 3116 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 3120 | Health and Illness 2: Theory | 5 |
NUR 3121 | Health and Illness 2: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 3122 | Professional Nursing 2 | 3 |
NUR 3130 | Health and Illness 3: Theory | 5 |
NUR 3131 | Health and Illness 3: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 3132 | Professional Nursing 3 | 3 |
NUR 4140 | Health and Illness 4: Theory | 5 |
NUR 4141 | Health and Illness 4: Practicum | 6 |
NUR 4142 | Professional Nursing 4 | 3 |
NUR 4150 | Health and Illness 5: Theory | 5 |
NUR 4151 | Health and Illness 5: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 4152 | Professional Nursing 5 | 3 |
NUR 4153 | Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement | 2 |
NUR 4162 | NCLEX Preparation Course | 2 |
NUR 4896 | Transition to Practice Synthesis | 5 |
NUR 4897 | Transition to Practice Practicum | 5 |
Section Credits Required | 80 | |
Total Credits | 125 |
Suggested Course Sequence for Freshman Entry
Prerequisite Courses
Complete prior to program entry.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
NUR 1000 | Introduction to Nursing | 1 |
Inorganic/General Chemistry | ||
CHM 1310 | Survey of General Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
General Psychology | ||
PSY 1180 | General Psychology: Individual in Growth (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Organic Biological Chemistry | ||
CHM 1360 | Survey of Biological Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Life Span Psychology | ||
PSY 2470 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Basic Statistics | ||
Select one of the following: SPU Equivalent | 5 | |
Introduction to Statistics for the Sciences | ||
Introduction to Statistical Reasoning | ||
Human Nutrition | ||
FCS 3340 | Human Nutrition (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Anatomy | ||
BIO 2129 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Physiology | ||
BIO 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Microbiology | ||
BIO 3351 | General Microbiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
- 1
Must include a lab
Common Curriculum
Complete prior to program entry.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
UCOL 1000 | University Colloquium | 1 |
WRI 1000 | Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar | 5 |
WRI 1100 | Disciplinary Research and Writing Seminar | 5 |
UCOR 2000 | The Emergence of the Modern Global Systems | 5 |
UFDN 1000 | The Christian Faith | 5 |
UFDN 2000 | Christian Scripture | 5 |
or UFDN 3001 | Christian Scripture for Transfer Students | |
UCOR 3000 | Faith, Philosophy, and Science 1 | 5 |
UFDN 3100 | Christian Theology 1 | 5 |
- 1
May be taken prior to program entry or concurrently with nursing coursework.
Exploratory Curriculum
One course must also fulfull the CUE Requirement. Note that remaining Ways of Knowing required coursework is satisfied with Nursing program prerequisite courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Ways of Knowing in the Arts | ||
Ways of Knowing in the Humanities | ||
Ways of Engaging |
Additional Requirements
Foreign Language Competency must satisfy requirement to earn degree. If you have not satisfied this requirement, complete during first two years.
Freshman | ||
---|---|---|
Autumn | Credits | |
NUR 1000 | Introduction to Nursing | 1 |
CHM 1310 | Survey of General Chemistry | 5 |
UCOL 1000 | University Colloquium | 1 |
WRI 1000 | Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar | 5 |
Exploratory | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Winter | ||
WRI 1100 | Disciplinary Research and Writing Seminar | 5 |
CHM 1360 | Survey of Biological Chemistry | 5 |
PSY 1180 | General Psychology: Individual in Growth | 5 |
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
UFDN 1000 | The Christian Faith | 5 |
PSY 2470 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 5 |
Either Stats Course | 5 | |
Introduction to Statistical Reasoning | ||
Introduction to Statistics for the Sciences | ||
Credits | 15 | |
Sophomore | ||
Autumn | ||
UFDN 2000 | Christian Scripture | 5 |
BIO 2129 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
Exploratory | 5 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Winter | ||
UCOR 2000 | The Emergence of the Modern Global Systems | 5 |
FCS 3340 | Human Nutrition | 5 |
BIO 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 5 |
Apply for major! | ||
Credits | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIO 3351 | General Microbiology | 5 |
Core Curriculum | 5-10 | |
Exploratory (if needed) | 5 | |
Credits | 15-20 | |
Total Credits | 92-97 |
Nursing Course Curriculum
Quarter 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
NUR 3110 | Health and Illness 1: Theory | 3 |
NUR 3111 | Health and Illness 1: Practicum | 2 |
NUR 3112 | Professional Nursing 1 | 3 |
NUR 3113 | Health Assessment | 2 |
NUR 3114 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 3122 | Professional Nursing 2 (Evidence-Based Practice) | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Quarter 2 | ||
NUR 3116 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 3120 | Health and Illness 2: Theory (Focus: Chronic Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 3121 | Health and Illness 2: Practicum | 4 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 3 | ||
NUR 3130 | Health and Illness 3: Theory (Focus: Reproductive & Mental Health) | 5 |
NUR 3131 | Health and Illness 3: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 3132 | Professional Nursing 3 (Focus: Health Promotion) | 3 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 4 | ||
NUR 4140 | Health and Illness 4: Theory (Focus: Acute Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4141 | Health and Illness 4: Practicum | 6 |
NUR 4142 | Professional Nursing 4 (Focus: Leadership) | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 5 | ||
NUR 4150 | Health and Illness 5: Theory (Focus: Complex Care & Community Based Care Concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4151 | Health and Illness 5: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 4152 | Professional Nursing 5 (Focus: Healthcare Systems) | 3 |
NUR 4153 | Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement | 2 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 6 | ||
NUR 4896 | Transition to Practice Synthesis | 5 |
NUR 4897 | Transition to Practice Practicum | 5 |
NUR 4162 | NCLEX Preparation Course | 2 |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 90 |
Notes
- 90 Upper Division NUR credits, 24 clinical credit hours= 720 clinical hours, 3 Credits lab= 80 hours skill practice labs
- W= Writing Course/ 9 credits
- Practicum refers to a course description or designation, and can include Clinical and Lab (referred to as skill practice labs in the WAC) hours.
Suggested Course Sequence for Transfer or Post-Baccalaureate Entry
Prerequisite Courses
Complete prior to program entry.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Anatomy | ||
BIO 2129 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Physiology | ||
BIO 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Microbiology | ||
BIO 3351 | General Microbiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Inorganic/General Chemistry | ||
CHM 1310 | Survey of General Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Organic Biological Chemistry | ||
CHM 1360 | Survey of Biological Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
General Psychology | ||
PSY 1180 | General Psychology: Individual in Growth (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Life Span Psychology | ||
PSY 2470 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Human Nutrition | ||
FCS 3340 | Human Nutrition (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Basic Statistics | ||
MAT 2360 | Introduction to Statistics for the Sciences | 5 |
or MAT 1300 | Introduction to Statistical Reasoning |
Students Transferring with an Approved (DTA) or Entering as a Post-Baccalaureate Student
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about specific transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program.
Common Curriculum
Courses are taken concurrently with nursing coursework.
- UFDN 3001 Christian Scripture for Transfer Students (required for DTA holders and Post-bacc student)
- UFDN 3100 Christian Theology (required for DTA holders- but not Post-baccs)
Students Transferring without an Approved DTA
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about specific transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program.
General Education and University Requirements
You must satisfy degree requirements prior to graduation, including Foreign Language Competency, CUE and W requirements, and Common and Exploratory Curriculum requirements.
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program and general education requirements for degree requirements.
Common Curriculum
Courses are taken concurrently with nursing coursework.
- UCOR 3000 Faith, Philosophy, and Science or UFDN 3001 Christian Scripture for Transfer Students -or-
- UFDN 3001 Christian Scripture for Transfer Students and UFDN 3100 Christian Theology, based on what's left to fulfill
Nursing Course Curriculum
Quarter 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
NUR 3110 | Health and Illness 1: Theory | 3 |
NUR 3111 | Health and Illness 1: Practicum | 2 |
NUR 3112 | Professional Nursing 1 | 3 |
NUR 3113 | Health Assessment | 2 |
NUR 3114 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 3122 | Professional Nursing 2 (Evidence-Based Practice) | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Quarter 2 | ||
NUR 3116 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 3120 | Health and Illness 2: Theory (Focus: Chronic Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 3121 | Health and Illness 2: Practicum | 4 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 3 | ||
NUR 3130 | Health and Illness 3: Theory (Focus: Reproductive & Mental Health) | 5 |
NUR 3131 | Health and Illness 3: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 3132 | Professional Nursing 3 (Focus: Health Promotion) | 3 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 4 | ||
NUR 4140 | Health and Illness 4: Theory (Focus: Acute Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4141 | Health and Illness 4: Practicum | 6 |
NUR 4142 | Professional Nursing 4 (Focus: Leadership) | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 5 | ||
NUR 4150 | Health and Illness 5: Theory (Focus: Complex Care & Community Based Care Concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4151 | Health and Illness 5: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 4152 | Professional Nursing 5 (Focus: Healthcare Systems) | 3 |
NUR 4153 | Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement | 2 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 6 | ||
NUR 4896 | Transition to Practice Synthesis | 5 |
NUR 4897 | Transition to Practice Practicum | 5 |
NUR 4162 | NCLEX Preparation Course | 2 |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 90 |
Notes
- 90 Upper Division NUR credits, 24 clinical credit hours= 720 clinical hours, 3 Credits lab= 80 hours skill practice labs
- W= Writing Course/ 9 credits
- Practicum refers to a course description or designation, and can include Clinical and Lab (referred to as skill practice labs in the WAC) hours.
Suggested Course Sequence for Running Start Students
Prerequisite Courses
Complete prior to program entry.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
NUR 1000 | Introduction to Nursing | 1 |
Anatomy | ||
BIO 2129 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Physiology | ||
BIO 2130 | Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Microbiology | ||
BIO 3351 | General Microbiology (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Inorganic/General Chemistry | ||
CHM 1310 | Survey of General Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
Organic Biological Chemistry | ||
CHM 1360 | Survey of Biological Chemistry (SPU Equivalent) 1 | 5 |
General Psychology | ||
PSY 1180 | General Psychology: Individual in Growth (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Life Span Psychology | ||
PSY 2470 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Human Nutrition | ||
FCS 3340 | Human Nutrition (SPU Equivalent) | 5 |
Basic Statistics | ||
Select one of the following: SPU Equivalent | 5 | |
Introduction to Statistics for the Sciences | ||
Introduction to Statistical Reasoning |
- 1
Must include a lab
Students Transferring with an Approved (DTA)
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about specific transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program.
Common Curriculum
Courses are taken concurrently with nursing coursework.
- UFDN 3001 Christian Scripture for Transfer Students (required for DTA holders and Post-bacc student)
- UFDN 3100 Christian Theology (required for DTA holders- but not Post-baccs)
Students Transferring without an Approved DTA
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about specific transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program.
General Education and University Requirements
You must satisfy degree requirements prior to graduation, including Foreign Language Competency, CUE and W requirements, and Common and Exploratory Curriculum requirements.
Utilize SPU’s Transfer Equivalency Guide or contact an undergraduate Transfer Admissions Counselor at transfer@spu.edu or 206.281.2021 for information about transfer courses that will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed prior to entry into the Nursing Program and general education requirements for degree requirements.
Common Curriculum
Complete prior to program entry.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
UCOL 1000 | University Colloquium | 1 |
WRI 1000 | Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar | 5 |
WRI 1100 | Disciplinary Research and Writing Seminar | 5 |
UCOR 2000 | The Emergence of the Modern Global Systems | 5 |
UFDN 1000 | The Christian Faith | 5 |
UFDN 2000 | Christian Scripture | 5 |
or UFDN 3001 | Christian Scripture for Transfer Students | |
UCOR 3000 | Faith, Philosophy, and Science 1 | 5 |
UFDN 3100 | Christian Theology 1 | 5 |
- 1
May be taken prior to program entry or concurrently with nursing coursework.
Exploratory Curriculum
One course must also fulfull the CUE Requirement. Note that remaining Ways of Knowing required coursework is satisfied with Nursing program prerequisite courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Ways of Knowing in the Arts | ||
Ways of Knowing in the Humanities | ||
Ways of Engaging |
Additional Requirements
Foreign Language Competency must satisfy requirement to earn degree. If you have not satisfied this requirement, complete during first two years.
Freshman | ||
---|---|---|
Autumn | Credits | |
UCOL 1000 | University Colloquium | 1 |
NUR 1000 | Introduction to Nursing | 1 |
Exploratory | 5 | |
Prerequisite | 5 | |
Foreign Language Competency | ||
Credits | 12 | |
Winter | ||
UFDN 3001 | Christian Scripture for Transfer Students | 5 |
Exploratory | 5 | |
Prerequisite | 5-10 | |
Optional Minor | ||
Credits | 15-20 | |
Spring | ||
UFDN 3100 | Christian Theology | 5 |
Exploratory | 5 | |
Prerequisite | 5-10 | |
Optional Minor | ||
Credits | 15-20 | |
Total Credits | 42-52 |
Nursing Course Curriculum
Quarter 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
NUR 3110 | Health and Illness 1: Theory | 3 |
NUR 3111 | Health and Illness 1: Practicum | 2 |
NUR 3112 | Professional Nursing 1 | 3 |
NUR 3113 | Health Assessment | 2 |
NUR 3114 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 3122 | Professional Nursing 2 (Evidence-Based Practice) | 3 |
Credits | 16 | |
Quarter 2 | ||
NUR 3116 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 3120 | Health and Illness 2: Theory (Focus: Chronic Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 3121 | Health and Illness 2: Practicum | 4 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 3 | ||
NUR 3130 | Health and Illness 3: Theory (Focus: Reproductive & Mental Health) | 5 |
NUR 3131 | Health and Illness 3: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 3132 | Professional Nursing 3 (Focus: Health Promotion) | 3 |
UCOR/UFDN | 5 | |
Credits | 17 | |
Quarter 4 | ||
NUR 4140 | Health and Illness 4: Theory (Focus: Acute Care concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4141 | Health and Illness 4: Practicum | 6 |
NUR 4142 | Professional Nursing 4 (Focus: Leadership) | 3 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 5 | ||
NUR 4150 | Health and Illness 5: Theory (Focus: Complex Care & Community Based Care Concepts) | 5 |
NUR 4151 | Health and Illness 5: Practicum | 4 |
NUR 4152 | Professional Nursing 5 (Focus: Healthcare Systems) | 3 |
NUR 4153 | Nursing Leadership in Community Engagement | 2 |
Credits | 14 | |
Quarter 6 | ||
NUR 4896 | Transition to Practice Synthesis | 5 |
NUR 4897 | Transition to Practice Practicum | 5 |
NUR 4162 | NCLEX Preparation Course | 2 |
Credits | 12 | |
Total Credits | 90 |
Notes
- 90 Upper Division NUR credits, 24 clinical credit hours= 720 clinical hours, 3 Credits lab= 80 hours skill practice labs
- W= Writing Course/ 9 credits
- Practicum refers to a course description or designation, and can include Clinical and Lab (referred to as skill practice labs in the WAC) hours.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
SPU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing meets the educational requirements that will allow you to pursue licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Washington. Each state has different professional licensure requirements. Eligibility for licensure may involve more than degree completion and may include professional examinations, background checks, and fingerprinting. The requirements for licensure can change without notice.
The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure. Find information here about certification/licensure in the state where you intend to practice as a registered nurse.