Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing | 6

Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing

Departments and Programs

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MARY HANKS, DEAN

General Information

The Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing provides nursing programs designed to meet the growing learning needs of the region and contemporary society. Nursing presents an opportunity to care for, serve, and help others. At its core, nursing provides for the well-being and basic care needs of an individual or community of individuals. 

The degree options in the College of Nursing are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to seek a career as a registered nurse.  Programs in the College of Nursing are granted approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).  The College of Nursing offers a traditional two-year associate degree option, a four-year prelicensure baccalaureate degree option, and the online post-licensure RN-BSN option. Upon completion of associate degree and prelicensure baccalaureate degree requirements, students qualify to receive the degree of Associate in Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing and may be eligible to apply for the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After licensure is obtained, students may seek employment. Registered Nurses with an associate degree who wish to continue their education may apply to the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Any registered nurse who has graduated from an accredited nursing program and holds an unencumbered nursing license may apply for admission to the RN-BSN program.

The legal requirements established by the Alabama Board of Nursing for licensure as a registered nurse are detailed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code. Applicants who have been found guilty of any offenses listed in the Code may be denied licensure by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Any applicant with prior criminal conviction, alcohol and/or drug abuse/treatment or documented mental illness must provide the Alabama Board of Nursing with a full explanation and the appropriate court/treatment records at the time of application for examination and licensure. The Alabama Board of Nursing will determine whether the applicant may write the examination and be licensed as a registered nurse. Applicants for licensure may request licensure by examination in any state by following that state's board of nursing's procedures. Applicants who meet the requirements for multistate licensure may apply for licensure under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Upon licensure, these individuals will be allowed to practice in any state that is a party state to the NLC.

The College of Nursing meets all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Dean of the College of Nursing of any reasonable accommodations necessary for successful completion of the nursing program.

Students admitted to the College of Nursing are required to comply with the Alabama Infected Health Care Worker Management Act. This legislation mandates that any health care worker infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or the hepatitis B virus (HBV) who performs invasive procedures shall notify the State Health Officer, or his designee, of the infection.

 

DEGREE OPTIONS

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

The ASN degree offers students a comprehensive education in 5 semesters or 2 years. The program comprises 68 hours including pre-requisites and nursing courses. With a focus on hands-on skills in both clinical and simulated lab settings, students receive instruction from experienced nurse educators that prepares them for bedside nursing. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and enter the workforce as registered nurses (RNs). Opportunities for career advancement are abundant, as graduates can choose to enroll in bachelor's or accelerated master's degree programs, opening doors to broader scopes of nursing practice, such as teaching, administration, research or advanced practice.

 

Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The prelicensure BSN degree program spans 9 semesters and prepares students to excel in any healthcare environment. The prelicensure BSN curriculum includes 56 hours of general education coursework and 69 hours of nursing coursework. The curriculum facilitates competence in multiple patient settings that encompass individual, family-centered, and community-centered care throughout the lifespan. Classes are also designed to foster leadership and professionalism. Hands-on clinicals are completed under the guidance of highly experienced instructors in direct patient care and simulated settings. Instead of online or on-campus learning, students receive the best of both worlds in this hybrid nursing program; 80% of the coursework is delivered on campus, and 20% is delivered online. Graduates of the prelicensure BSN program may be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, pending Board of Nursing approval, and enter the healthcare field.

 

Post-licensure RN to BSN

The RN to BSN (RN-BSN) program is designed for RNs who have graduated from an associate nursing program and who hold an unencumbered registered nursing license. The curriculum is primarily delivered in an online format that is convenient for the working nurse with a busy lifestyle. The program is 27 hours in length (if all general education and nursing prerequisites are completed) and may be completed in one year. Public safety is inherent to the work of the nursing profession and evidence-based practice supports the attainment of knowledge to promote patient safety and positive patient outcomes. As a pioneer in the advancement of distance education and the development of nursing education articulation programs, UWA encourages the pursuit of lifelong learning and supports the efforts of our graduates to pursue higher education while strengthening leadership and professional development.

Admission Requirements

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

	Admission into the CON is highly competitive. The number of seats available may vary annually and is partially determined by availability of clinical space. Meeting all eligibility requirements DOES NOT guarantee admission into the nursing program. Applicants must first be admitted to UWA. Additionally, applicants for admission to the ASN program must meet the following criteria:
	College of Nursing Application. Submit a completed College of Nursing application at https://uwacentral.etrieve.cloud/#/form by the published deadline. Only completed applications will be considered for admission. Cumulative GPA on all post-secondary coursework must be 2.5 of higher (incoming freshmen and transfers). General Education Course GPA of 3.0 preferred. It is best for a student to maintain a "B" or higher in each prerequisite general education course required for the nursing major (Written English I, Anatomy & Physiology I, General Psychology, and a Fine Art or Humanity.)  HESI A2 (Health Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) Entrance Exam Score of 75% or higher. HESI A2 cumulative score includes Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary modules. The HESI A2 exam may be taken two (2) times in one twelve-month period (January to December) to achieve a passing score. All scores expire in December. *If a student scores higher than 85% on the HESI 2, the exam will remain valid for two years from the date taken. If a student has an ACT Composite Score of 23 or higher, the HESI will be waived. ACT Composite Score. Submit a copy of the ACT composite to the CON. Licensed Practical Nurses with a minimum of one-year clinical experience who hold an unencumbered license and individuals who with professional employment status for one year who have completed a BA, BS, or graduate degree are not required to submit an ACT score. NS 100, Introduction to Nursing. Complete this course with a score of 70% or higher before entering the first nursing course. * After meeting all admission requirements, applicants will be rank-ordered using a point-based system for admission into the nursing program (see Admissions Scoring Tool). It should be noted that no points will be awarded if students earn a grade of "C" in a course or if a course is repeated. Applicants may be admitted on a conditional basis pending official transcript receipt of grades and order ranking. ** The CON offers a Clinical Exemption Policy for LPNs (see the Clinical Exemption Policy for more information).

 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (PRELICENSURE)

Admission into the CON is highly competitive. The number of seats available may vary annually and is partially determined by availability of clinical space. Meeting all eligibility requirements DOES NOT guarantee admission into the nursing program. Applicants must first be admitted to UWA and complete ALL general education (prerequisite) courses as described in the course catalog. Additionally, applicants for admission to the Prelicensure BSN program must meet the following criteria:

College of Nursing Application. Submit a completed College of Nursing application at https://uwacentral.etrieve.cloud/#/form by the published deadline. Only completed applications will be considered for admission. Cumulative GPA on all required nursing general education course criteria must be 2.75 or higher (incoming freshmen and transfers). HESI A2 (Health Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) Entrance Exam Score of 80% or higher. HESI A2 cumulative score includes Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary modules. The HESI A2 exam may be taken two (2) times in one twelve-month period (January to December) to achieve a passing score. All scores expire in December. *If a student scores above 85% on the HESI 2, the exam will remain valid for two years from the date taken. If a student has an ACT Composite Score of 23 or higher, the HESI will be waived. ACT Composite Score. Submit a copy of the ACT composite to the CON. Students must have a minimum ACT Composite Score of 18. Licensed Practical Nurses with a minimum of one-year clinical experience who hold an unencumbered license and individuals with professional employment status for one year who have completed a BA, BS, or graduate degree are not required to submit an ACT score. *After meeting all admission requirements, applicants will be rank-ordered using a point-based system for admission into the nursing program (see Admissions Scoring Tool). It should be noted that no points will be awarded if students earn a grade of "C" in a course or if a course is repeated.  Applicants may be admitted on a conditional basis pending official transcript receipt of grades and order ranking. Preferred Admissions The College of Nursing's Prelicensure BSN program consists of general education and nursing coursework. Students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in general education at UWA may be considered for Prefrered Admission. Acceptance through this pathway guarantees placement into nursing courses upon successful completion of required prerequisites during the first one to two years of study at UWA. Preferred Admission to the Prelicensure BSN program requires the following conditions: An ACT composite score of 23 or higher A high school GPA of 3.5 or higher or a college transfer GPA of 3.0 or higher Complete at least two semesters of general education (prerequisite) coursework at UWA before entering the Prelicensure BSN program. Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA in all general education (prerequisite) coursework required for the BSN program. All of the above conditions must be met to be considered a Preferred Admission candidate.

Prelicensure Transfer Students

All transfer students must meet the admission criteria of the selected nursing degree program. Students may transfer credit from an accredited institution for general education courses for which a minimum grade of "C" was achieved. All nursing coursework must be completed at the CON.

Transfer students who have failed to successfully complete a nursing program or programs elsewhere will be placed into one of the following categories in terms of admission status:

1. A student who has one failure in a nursing course at another institution, with such failure occurring greater than five years prior to application to the CON, will be required to apply for admission. 
2. A student who has one failure in a nursing course at another institution with such failure occurring within five years of application to the CON will be considered for admission. The applicant must present a letter from the nursing program in which they were enrolled validating eligibility for readmission.
3. A student who failed a nursing course twice before applying to the CON will be ineligible for admission.

Students will be notified via written correspondence of admission into the nursing program.

RN-BSN Post-licensure Admission Requirements

Applicants must first be admitted to UWA. Additionally, applicants for admission to the Post-licensure RN to BSN program must meet the following criteria:

1. College of Nursing Application. Submit a completed application at https://online.uwa.edu/online-degrees/rn-bsn. Only completed applications will be considered for admission.
2. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Submit transcripts demonstrating successful completion of an associate degree nursing program.
3. Cumulative GPA in all prerequisite coursework must be 2.5 or higher.
4. Unencumbered nursing license. Must submit proof of a current and unencumbered registered nursing license in the state for which clinical practice hours will be completed.

*If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

Students may enroll in 300 and 400 level nursing courses ONLY after they have been accepted into the Post-licensure RN to BSN program. Exceptions must be cleared by the CON BSN Program Coordinator or Dean.

       

Application Submission	Term Begins
May 31st	Summer
July 31st	Fall
December 15th	Spring

 

Transfer Students

All transfer students must meet the RN-BSN admission criteria of the nursing program. Students may transfer credit from an accredited institution for general education and associate degree nursing course requirements for which a minimum grade of "C" was achieved. 

Clinical Health Clearance Requirements

The CON is responsible for ensuring that students comply with healthcare agencies' policies and regulatory requirements prior to clinical rotations. Any course that includes a clinical experience has mandatory health requirements in order to decrease health risks to students, protect patients and other healthcare providers, and comply with healthcare agency contracts. It is the responsibility of all nursing students to ensure their health clearance remains up to date. If health clearance expires, a student will not be allowed to enter any clinical site. If a clinical day is missed due to expired health clearance, this absence places the student at risk for course failure (refer to Clinical Laboratory Attendance Policy in the CON's Student Handbook).

All nursing students must submit documentation to the CON for the following mandatory health requirements. Additional Clinical Health Clearance Policy information and forms can be found over the next several pages.

Clinical Health Clearance Requirements

Physical Examination	Physical exams must be completed by a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant. Documentation must be completed on the CON's Physical Examination form.
CPR Certification	American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (Basic Life Support) card (or eCard) is required. We do not accept any other CPR certification, as per clinical facility requirements. Copy of current CPR card or eCard must be provided. Students are responsible for renewal of CPR certification. BLS cards are valid for 2 years but must remain current for the duration of the semester.  If your card has an expiration date that falls during a semester, you must renew prior to the start of the term. Military issued CPR cards that use the AHA for healthcare workers curriculum will be accepted.
Tb Skin Test	Proof of negative Tb skin test, blood test, or chest x-ray must be provided on initial admission to the nursing program (must be within a year of admission). TB skin test renewals are required every 12 months from your healthcare provider; no special form is needed. If the skin test is positive, a chest x-ray will be required.
Immunizations	Immunizations must be documented on the CON's Immunization Certificate. Required immunizations are outlined in the chart below and on the Immunization Certificate.
Health Insurance	Current health insurance is required by our clinical facilities. Health insurance must be effective for the entirety of the nursing program. Any changes to health insurance must be submitted to the CON. If you are covered under another person's policy, you must submit a copy of that card, along with a letter from the insurance company stating you are covered under the policy. If uninsured, students are responsible for purchasing health insurance.
Liability	The CON purchases liability insurance on behalf of the student. A $25 liability insurance fee is due upon admission. Checks should be made payable to UWA College of Nursing.
Drug Screen	Drug screenings are coordinated by the CON and should not be done in advance by the student (refer to Drug Screening Guidelines.)
Background Screen	Background screenings are coordinated by the CON and should not be done in advance by the student (refer to Background Screening Policy.)

 

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)	2 doses of the vaccine, OR Laboratory evidence of immunity (Titer) History of disease DOES NOT satisfy this requirement
Varicella	2 doses of the vaccine, OR Laboratory evidence of immunity (Titer) History of disease DOES NOT satisfy this requirement
Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) or Td	Taken within the past 10 years
Hepatitis B (recommended)	3 doses of the vaccine, OR Laboratory evidence of immunity (Titer) A booster may be required to restore immunity
Influenza	All students are required to submit proof of an annual influenza vaccination. The influenza vaccine is not available until late August/early September. Documentation MUST include: date given, manufacturer and lot number, expiration date, site of injection, and provider administering
COVID-19	The CON supports the current CDC and ADPH guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. Students who have been vaccinated must submit the manufacturer lot number and the date(s) the vaccines were received.

These requirements may differ from those posted by UWA, but they are REQUIRED for ALL nursing students.

 

Progression Requirements

New and reinstated nursing students must maintain a grade of "C" or higher in all nursing courses to continue in the program. Students must abide by and satisfy all program and University requirements outlined in the General Catalogue and Nursing Student Handbook.

ASN Program

In order to progress in the nursing program, students must:

Achieve a minimum grade of "C" (80%) in each nursing course attempted. Achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each general education course. Achieve a clinical laboratory grade of "satisfactory" in each nursing course. Achieve a minimum grade of 80% on the dosage critical administered in NS 102 , NS 103 , NS 202 , and NS 204 . Meet all requirements of the College of Nursing and its clinical agencies as stated in the CON's Student Handbook.

Prelicensure BSN Program

In order to progress in the nursing program, students must:

Achieve a minimum grade of "C" (80%) in each on-campus nursing course attempted. Achieve a minimum grade of "C" (70%) in each online nursing course attempted. Achieve a clinical laboratory grade of "satisfactory" in each nursing course. Achieve a minimum grade of 80% on the dosage critical administered in NS 102 , NS 103 , NS 202 , and NS 204 . Meet all requirements of the College of Nursing and its clinical agencies as stated in the CON's Student Handbook.

Post-licensure RN to BSN Program

	In order to progress in the nursing program, students must:
	Achieve a minimum grade of "C" (70%) in each online nursing course attempted. Achieve a clinical laboratory grade of "satisfactory" in each nursing course. Meet all requirements of the College of Nursing and its clinical agencies as stated in the CON's Student Handbook.

Failure to meet progression requirements will result in academic dismissal from the nursing program. In addition to academic dismissal, the student's enrollment in the nursing program may be terminated at any time if, in the judgment of the nursing faculty, the student demonstrates behaviors inappropriate to nursing practice. Students whose health status and/or clinical performance jeopardize the clients assigned to his/her care may also be dismissed from the nursing program. The CON reserves the right to require a student to submit to: (A) drug screening and/or other professional evaluation for chemical addiction*; (B) psychological testing and/or counseling; (C) physical examination by a licensed physician at the student's expense and to submit a report of the outcome to the College of Nursing. Results of such reports will be reviewed by the nursing faculty to determine the progression status of the student. Progression in the nursing program may also be terminated if the student has falsified information submitted on the application for admission to the University and/or the CON. Dismissal for misconduct will be handled according to the UWA Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the University of West Alabama Student Handbook and the Progression Policy of the College of Nursing.

*Guidelines established by the Alabama Board of Nursing and guidelines established in the chemical abuse policies of affiliating clinical agencies are utilized by faculty in determining probable cause for requiring professional evaluation for substance abuse. Drug screening is required by health agencies prior to students participating in clinical experiences.

REINSTATEMENT

The following reinstatement guidelines apply to ASN and BSN prelicensure students:

• Students who fail to meet the progression requirements or withdraw failing (WF) can apply for ONE reinstatement into the nursing program.
• Students must complete the Reinstatement Request Form https://eforms.uwa.edu/index.aspx within thirty (30) days of the the withdrawal/failure date.
• Students who are unsuccessful in the final semester of the program may be approved for one additional reinstatement.
• No nursing course may be repeated more than once.

Students who are unsuccessful in NS 101 or NS 102 must re-apply for admission into the nursing program. Students who are unsuccessful in any other nursing course must apply for reinstatement into the nursing program.

*Students re-applying must retake the HESI A2 and achieve the minimum admission score of 75% for the ASN and 80% for the BSN program.

Reinstatement to the Nursing Program is not guaranteed. Items considered include: completion of requirements established by the faculty, availability of space, the student's application, prior performance record in the nursing program, other information submitted by the student, and other applicable information.

All students must abide by the policies in the CON's Student Handbook at the time of reinstatement.

GRADUATION

Candidates for graduation must have met the CON's progression requirements as well as all UWA's graduation requirements as outlined in the General Catalogue. A candidate for either an associate or bachelor's degree must complete 25% of their total hours at UWA. For nursing degree candidates, all nursing coursework must be earned at UWA for degree completion. An exception is made for Post-licensure RN to BSN transfer degree candidates who require only 27 credit hours to complete the bachelor's degree at UWA. More information can be found on the UWA website.

Degree Application

Candidates for graduation must apply for graduation. A degree application should be submitted the semester before you intend to complete your degree. Please see the UWA website for more information regarding the specific information needed and a deadline for application completion.

Programs

Associate in Science in Nursing

• •  Nursing Major: ASN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• •  Nursing Major: BSN Curriculum

Non-Degree

• •  Nursing Major: Pre-Nursing Track

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