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Nurses are key players in health care delivery in the U.S. and around the world. The undergraduate program at the VCU School of Nursing provides three options for obtaining the B.S. in Nursing. These include two pre-licensure options: the traditional and accelerated B.S. options and the R.N. to B.S. option. Students may be admitted to the traditional pre-licensure program after one year of college courses or upon completion of a baccalaureate degree in another field of study. The traditional program can be completed in three years with summers free. The accelerated B.S. program is an intense, quick-paced program for those with at least a baccalaureate degree in another field. It can be completed in 19 months of full-time, year-round study. Graduates of both options have the skills and knowledge to enter the profession of nursing, and are eligible to apply for the licensing examination provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The R.N. to B.S. degree option is for R.N. graduates of diploma or associate degree programs who want to continue making a commitment to nursing by advancing their education with a baccalaureate degree. The R.N. to B.S. program is fully online and allows a practicing R.N. to earn the B.S. degree in six part-time semesters.

The degree-holder of a B.S. in Nursing is skilled to practice with patients, including individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of health care environments that respects the variations of care, the increased complexity, and the use of health care resources inherent in caring for patients. The graduate is a knowledgeable, professional nurse who demonstrates professional nursing practice grounded in the translation of current evidence.

Recent alumni find employment in public, private, and community settings and with employers like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Bon Secours, and the Inova Health System.

To be minimally considered for admission to the School of Nursing, applicants must be eligible for readmission or be in good standing at the last college or university attended; submit a completed application with all required materials to the School of Nursing, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 based on a scale of 4.0 on all college coursework; and present coursework in anatomy, physiology or microbiology earned within the last 10 calendar years and with a grade of B or above.

Applicants who are international or non-native English speakers without a degree from a U.S. high school, college or university must provide additional information with their application according to the English language proficiency guidelines.

Depending on the program to which a continuing applicant applies, additional requirements may be necessary.