Nursing: Traditional Track for Students without RN or LPN Licensure (BSN)

The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year, campus-based, traditional program of study for students entering without RN or LPN licensure Students must first be admitted to the university before they are eligible to apply to the nursing major. Admission to the university as a nursing student is not admission into the nursing major. Students complete prerequisite courses in the first three semesters as pre-nursing students before applying to the major.

Admission is very competitive. Admission requirements and criteria can be found at Campus BSN Traditional Track Admission, Progression, Retention, Dismissal, and Graduation Policy. The average cumulative GPA for students who have been successfully admitted into the major is 3.6. Students whose cumulative college GPA is below 2.75, or science prerequisite GPA below 2.5, are not eligible to apply to the major. The application form for formal admission to the major and instructions for additional documents and materials that are required can be found at Campus BSN Traditional Track Application Process.

This rigorous program combines theory and clinical nursing courses, required support courses, and Foundational Studies courses and electives. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for entry into practice as a registered nurse.

The nursing faculty are dedicated to providing quality experiential learning opportunities through course design, clinical experiences, and service learning projects. Residence hall accommodations include dedicated housing for student nurses.

Leadership opportunities include: the Indiana State University Student Nurses Association; Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing; and other University organizations.

There are many and varied employment opportunities for registered nurses who have a baccalaureate degree. In hospitals and other health care settings, baccalaureate nurses are practicing in ways that recognize their educational preparation and nursing competencies.

Baccalaureate nurses have complex nursing care responsibilities in providing patient care. They supervise other personnel who provide nursing care. They also collaborate with other health care professionals in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive plans of health care for patients of all ages in a variety of settings.