Baccalaureate Degree Program

The College of Nursing offers a four-year undergraduate program on the Columbia campus leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The baccalaureate program is approved by the state Board of Nursing for South Carolina and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Entrance Requirements

Lower Division. In order to be admitted into the College of Nursing, freshmen must meet all University and College of Nursing admission requirements. Students who have not successfully completed one high-school unit each of biology and chemistry are required to make up the deficiencies prior to admission. Acceptance into the University with a lower-division classification does not guarantee progression into the upper-division nursing major. Transfer students must have a cumulative 2.50 GPA in all college work attempted and must meet freshman requirements if less than 30 semester hours have been completed. Transfer students' performance in all science and nursing courses taken at other institutions must be reviewed upon admission. Nursing courses will be considered for transfer credit only from accredited nursing programs. To progress into the upper division, transfer students must meet the College of Nursing requirements for progression through completion of the lower-division science and nursing courses. Knowledge of basic computer skills is an expectation of all entering students.

Progression Requirements

Lower Division. All students in the lower division in the baccalaureate program are subject to the following regulations:

1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50.

2. All incomplete grades posted on the transcript must be removed before progression into the upper division.

3. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses in the nursing program. Only one course in either science or lower-division nursing for which an unsatisfactory grade was earned may be repeated once to earn a grade of C or better. All attempts at courses will be included in the calculation of the progression GPA.

Upper Division. Progression into upper-division nursing occurs in the spring and fall semesters. Factors considered in the progression decision include:

1. a minimum cumulative USC and collegiate summary grade point average of 2.50 or better (Progression is competitive and limited to a set number of qualified students, to be determined each semester, based on progression GPA.)

2. a grade of C or better in all required courses in the nursing program

3. verified completion of 45 prerequisite credits in general education and lower-division nursing courses by the end of the term in which the progression application is submitted

4. successful completion of 8 hours of the required sciences in the 45 hours presented for progression

5. successful completion of 6 hours of the required lower-division nursing courses in the 45 hours presented for progression.

All students who wish to apply to upper-division nursing must submit a completed College of Nursing Progression Application no later than December 1 for the following fall semester or May 1 for the following spring semester in which registration is desired. Students must submit their application and be admitted to the upper division prior to registering for their first upper division nursing courses (300 level).

A minimum grade of C is required in each nursing course. Only one upper-division nursing course may be repeated once to earn a grade of C or better. All students must maintain a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA on all USC and collegiate summary course work in order to maintain good standing in the nursing program. Grades are reviewed at the end of each semester. Students who have less than a 2.50 cumulative GPA on USC work are placed on probation within the college for one semester but may continue to take all required courses. If at the end of the probationary semester their USC GPA is still less than 2.50, they are removed from their required course sequence.

All students must achieve satisfactory performance on selected comprehensive achievement tests to progress through the upper division.

Advanced Placement

Students must adhere to the University requirements for advanced placement in general education courses. Only those general education courses identified by the University can be used for advanced placement through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). University departmental exams may be used for advanced placement if offered by the appropriate department and if the student meets the expected testing level identified by the department.

Accelerated B.S.N. Program/Combined Bachelor's/Master's Education Plan

This special plan of study allows a student to earn up to 9 semester hours of graduate course work that may be used for both the bachelor's degree and the master's degree. Only upper-division students may qualify for the combined bachelor's/master's education plan. The student must meet any prerequisite for each graduate course. Admission to this combined plan may be requested if the student has met the following criteria:

1. completion of at least 90 semester hours toward the bachelor’s degree before enrolling in graduate-level courses.

2. a minimum USC and a collegiate summary GPA of 3.40.

3. a minimum GPA of 3.40 in the nursing major.

4. approval of the graduate director.

Three of the following courses may be selected to earn up to nine graduate credit hours to be applied toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees: EDRM 710 or BIOS 700; NURS 700; NURS 770; or NURS 790.

Attendance Requirements

The College of Nursing adheres to the University's attendance policy. In addition, students are expected to attend all clinical nursing activities with absences permitted up to 10 percent only if certified as unavoidable because of sickness or other cause. Make-up time for missed clinical nursing experiences will be determined at the discretion of the faculty and availability of clinical facilities. Faculty may require withdrawal of any student who has missed sufficient practice to prevent completion of clinical objectives.

Other Regulations

Readmission. A student who has been suspended or has withdrawn from the College of Nursing and subsequently readmitted will be subject to the current College of Nursing academic standards and available space in courses.

Waiver of academic standards. Any student seeking relief from academic standards shall petition the College of Nursing to waive specific standards or regulations. Information on procedures may be obtained from the College of Nursing Office of Student Services.

In addition to the regulations of the University as a whole, the following additional regulations apply to students in the nursing program.

Health requirements. In addition to meeting the health requirements of the University, students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to provide evidence of annual tuberculosis screening; documentation of positive varicella, rubella, rubeola titers, and evidence of vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus within the last 10 years. Students shall have on file prior to entry into clinical practice one or more of the following: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization record, documented history of HBV infection, or antibody titers showing a previous antigen response to HBV. Information on Hepatitis B immunization and health requirements is available in the College of Nursing Office of Student Services. A current health and information form must be on file in the College of Nursing Office of Student Services by December 1 for the spring semester and by June 1 for the fall semester. Students are not eligible to participate in practice activities at clinical sites until this information is on file. Students are encouraged to have health insurance throughout the course of their studies.

Special requirements and associated expenses. Students enrolled in specified nursing courses must carry professional liability insurance purchased in conjunction with specified courses (approximate cost--$11 per course with lab or practicum); other additional expenses include nursing uniforms (approximate cost--$200). Maintenance of current CPR certification during enrollment in clinical courses is required (approximate cost--$50). Thomson Student Health Center offers an HBV immunization program to students (approximate cost--$100). All students shall complete achievement tests and an NCLEX review course; the cost is approximately $150, to be distributed over the semesters of the upper division.

Transportation to clinical practice site. Each student should have a valid driver's license and is responsible for transportation to and from hospitals and other clinical practice sites in both urban and rural areas.

Application for licensure in professional nursing. Prior to completion of the second semester of the senior year, students are expected to apply for the professional nursing licensing examination which is administered by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina or its counterpart in the jurisdiction where the student will seek initial employment after graduation (approximate cost is $120). Students in the College of Nursing are also bound to conduct themselves according to the professional standards set forth by the American Nurses Association Code for Nurses. Conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation could result in ineligibility for professional licensure. Under these circumstances, early notification of the state Board of Nursing is recommended to clarify mechanisms related to eligibility determination.

Curriculum

The baccalaureate curriculum provides for eight semesters of study in general education and professional nursing. Upon admission, the student is assigned an advisor to guide planning throughout the program. The student should obtain guidance in the selection of courses as early as possible. Transfer students are encouraged to contact the College of Nursing Office of Student Services for advisement on course selection and registration procedures.

Computer skills are obtained throughout the curriculum during course activities and/or informal classes in the Information Resource Center in the College of Nursing. Skills required for class assignments and clinical practice include: word processing, computerized assisted instruction, interactive video discs, e-mail, listserv, Web access, Internet searches, database searches, computerized patient documentation, and computerized medical equipment.

The upper division focuses on clinical practice and requires full-time study. Clinical practice is supported by concurrent classroom study. Students practice in a variety of settings such as hospitals, extended-care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, schools, and other community agencies.

The degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires a minimum of 128 hours. These credits are distributed between general education requirements and electives, and professional nursing requirements.

All lower-division requirements must be completed before progressing to upper-division courses. Upper-division courses must be taken in sequence as indicated in the program of study.

Program of Study

(128-129 hours)

Lower Division*

Freshman Year (31-32 hours)

First Semester
ENGL 101 (3 hours)
History (3 hours)
NURS 110 (3 hours)
Electives (6-7 hours)**
 

Second Semester
CSCE/STAT/MATH/PHIL****(3 hours)
Social Sciences ***(3 hours)
ENGL 102 (3 hours)
NURS 212 (3 hours)
CHEM 102 (4 hours)
 
Sophomore Year (33 hours)

First Semester
CSCE/STAT/MATH/PHIL ****(3 hours)
Social Sciences ***(3 hours)
BIOL 243 (3 hours), BIOL 243L (1 hour)
NURS 210 (3 hours)
NURS 220 (3 hours)
 

Second Semester
Social Sciences ***(3 hours)
BIOL 244 (3 hours), BIOL 244L (1 hour)
BIOL 330 (3 hours), BIOL 330L (1 hour)
CSCE/STAT/MATH/PHIL ****(2 hours)
NURS 223 (3 hours) 

Upper Division

Junior Year (32 hours)

First Semester
NURS 309 (3 hours)
NURS 310 (3 hours)
NURS 315 (5 hours)
NURS 316 (3 hours)
NURS 317 (2 hours)
 

Second Semester
NURS 320 (3 hours)
NURS 322 (5 hours)
NURS 323 (5 hours)
NURS 326 (3 hours)
 
Senior Year (32 hours)

First Semester
NURS 410 (3 hours)
NURS 414 (5 hours)
NURS 415 (5 hours)
Fine Arts (3 hours)
 

Second Semester
NURS 403 (3 hours)
NURS 427 (5 hours)
NURS 428 (5 hours)
Elective (3 hours)

*Course selection must meet University general education requirements, including foreign language. To meet the foreign language graduation requirement, students must demonstrate ability in a foreign language equivalent to that obtained by two years of high-school study of one language. This ability may be demonstrated by placing at level two or higher on the Foreign Language Placement Exam for the language studied in high school. Those failing to do so must satisfactorily complete equivalent study of a foreign language at USC. These students must pass 109 and 110 in French, German, Latin, or Spanish, or 121 and 122 in any of the other languages.

**UNIV 101 is strongly recommended.

***Three courses from anthropology, sociology, or psychology are required. Courses must cover life-span content.

**** To be satisfied in one of the two following ways: 1) STAT 110, MATH 122, and a third analytical course; 2) STAT 110 and two courses from computer science (101 and 102) or philosophy (110 and 111); 3) STAT 110, 201, and a third analytical course. Math courses numbered below 122 will not meet numerical and analytical reasoning requirements.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RNs) interested in a baccalaureate or higher degree should make an appointment to see the RN advisor in the College of Nursing Office of Student Services. Prospective students should bring to the interview transcripts of all previous college or university credits, a resume of professional experiences, RN license, verification of professional certification, or any other documentation of nursing expertise.

Entrance Requirements

Lower Division. Registered nurses are subject to the regulations required of all students with a lower division classification in the baccalaureate program except that registered nurses are not required to take the SAT. Additionally, upon admission the registered nurse must present verification of current authorization to practice as a registered nurse in South Carolina or another jurisdiction. The RN license must be issued on the basis of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Current nursing practice (within three years) is recommended.

Upper Division. All progression requirements of the college apply to registered-nurse students.

Advanced Placement

1. Students must adhere to the University requirements for advanced placement in general education courses. Only those general education courses identified by the University can be used for advanced placement through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). University departmental exams may be used for advanced placement if offered by the appropriate department and if the student meets the expected testing level identified by the department.

2. ADN graduates from an NLN-accredited school may earn up to 43 semester hours of nursing course work through direct transfer and completion of NURS 250.

3. NURS 250 is a course designed for registered nurses to bridge content in technical and professional nursing. Successful completion of this 3-credit course with a minimum grade of C results in earned credit for NURS 110 and NURS 210.

4. Graduates from diploma or non-NLN-accredited ADN nursing programs may earn academic credit by examination in courses for which faculty-approved equivalency examinations are available, provided that University residency and college major requirements are met. Credit earned by examination does not contribute to the residency requirement for graduation.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

1. Registered nurses who hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain a second baccalaureate degree in nursing must meet the University requirements and the College of Nursing requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

2. Registered nurses who hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree and wish to obtain a second major (nursing) must abide by the policy that courses accepted toward any major requirements for the first degree may not be applied to the major requirements for the second degree. Completion of the requirements for the second major will not by itself lead to the conferral of a second degree. See the "Academic Regulations" chapter of this bulletin for the University regulations on a second baccalaureate degree.

Curriculum

Curriculum requirements for registered nurses in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program are equivalent to those of other BSN students. Registered nurses must complete the University's general education requirements for graduation including foreign language.

Required Nursing Courses for R.N.-B.S.N. Students (30 hours)

Credit in the following courses must be earned through enrollment at USC Columbia.

NURS 250 (3 hours)
NURS 309 (3 hours)
NURS 316 (3 hours)
NURS 317 (2 hours)
NURS 326 (3 hours)
NURS 403 (3 hours)
NURS 410 (3 hours)
Two of NURS 323*, 427*, 428* (10 hours)

*Clinical courses

Course Descriptions (NURS)

• 110 -- Self-Care Behaviors. (3) Introduction and exploration of concepts, skills, techniques, and strategies that influence self-awareness, thinking, motivation, and self-care behaviors.
  
• 210 -- Facilitative Communication. (3) (Prereq: ENGL 101) Examination of communication theory and development of communication skills. Focuses on non-directive and directive interviewing techniques with dyads, small groups, and families.
  
• 212 -- Evolution of Nursing Science. (3) Examination of development of nursing as a scientific discipline.
  
• 220 -- Clinical Nutrition. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 102) Utilization of principles of therapeutic nutrition with consideration for the physiological and chemical disturbances of various health problems; the role of the nurse in clinical nutrition.
  
• 223 -- Chemical Therapeutics. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 102; prereq or coreq: NURS 220, and MATH 111 unless student places out of MATH 111 on the University Math Placement Test) Principles of pharmacology for restoration and support of psychological, physiological, and chemical disturbances in human capacities. Role of the nurse in clinical pharmacology.
  
• 250 -- Nursing Science in Professional Practice. (3) Nursing as a science; selected concepts of self-care and communication within the context of nursing science. Transition course for registered nurse students only. Credit received for NURS 110 and NURS 210 upon completion.
  
• 309 -- Nursing Health Assessment. (3) (Coreq: NURS 310) Cognitive skills, psychomotor skills, and technologies necessary to perform health assessment. Practicum required.
  
• 310 -- Clinical Therapeutics. (3) (Coreq: NURS 309; prereq or coreq: NURS 316) The cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills and technologies necessary to nursing intervention. Practicum required.
  
• 315 -- Nursing of Adults I. (5) (Prereq or coreq: NURS 310, 317) Nursing intervention for clients experiencing mental health problems, with focus on promotion, restoration, and support. Practicum required.
  
• 316 -- Biophysical Pathology. (3) (Prereq: CHEM 102, NURS 220; prereq or coreq: NURS 309) Pathology associated with biophysical alterations.
  
• 317 -- Psychosocial Pathology. (2) Pathology associated with biopsychosocial alterations.
  
• 320 -- Clinical Reasoning. (3) (Prereq or coreq: NURS 315) The process of making clinical judgments.
  
• 322 -- Nursing of Adults II. (5) (Prereq: NURS 310) Nursing intervention: promotion, restoration, and support of adults experiencing acute physiological alterations in health. Practicum required.
  
• 323 -- Nursing of Older Adults. (5) (Prereq or coreq: NURS 322, 320) Nursing interventions focusing on health promotion, restoration, and support of older adults. Practicum required.
  
• 326 -- Socio-Cultural Variations in Health and Illness. (3) (Prereq: 6 hours of social sciences) Diverse health care belief systems and how they influence human responses to health and illness. Focus on African-American and other cultural groups.
  
• 327 -- Perioperative Nursing. (3) (Prereq: NURS 322, 323) Perioperative care of clients with common, recurring nursing problems requiring surgical intervention. Perioperative practicum required.
  
• 398 -- Selected Topics. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Topics of special interest in nursing. Individual topics to be announced in newspaper schedule by suffix and title.
  
• 399 -- Independent Study. (1-6) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Number of credits to be contracted with instructor at the beginning of the course. Contract approved by instructor, advisor and department head is required for undergraduate students.
  
• 403 -- Policies and Politics. (3) Relationships between policies and politics in the health field and strategies for effective nursing activism. Policy analysis and its implications for the health professions.
  
• 410 -- Nursing Research. (3) (Prereq: STAT 110, NURS 320) Introduction to the language and processes of research as applied to professional nursing.
  
• 414 -- Nursing of Childbearing Families. (5) (Prereq: NURS 322, 323) Nursing interventions focusing on health promotion, restoration, and support of childbearing families. Practicum required.
  
• 415 -- Nursing of Childrearing Families. (5) (Prereq: NURS 322, 323) Nursing interventions focusing on health promotion, restoration, and support of childrearing families. Practicum required.
  
• 427 -- Clinical Leadership in Nursing. (5) (Prereq: NURS 414, 415) Clinical experience in leadership and management in health care systems. Practicum required.
  
• 428 -- Nursing the Community. (5) (Prereq: NURS 414, 415) The community as client; facilitation of the health of families and groups in the community through health promotion, restoration, and support processes. Practicum required.
  
• 503 -- Congregational Nurse Role. (2) Nursing practice within faith communities.
  
• 503A -- Congregational Nurse Role Practicum. (1) (Coreq: NURS 503)
  
• 534 -- The Rural Interdisciplinary Practicum. (1-6) Students live and practice in a rural, interdisciplinary environment and participate in an organized community-based health care activity. Contract approved by instructor and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
  
• 541 -- Issues in Women's Health. {=WOST 541} (3) An exploration of women's health and health care concerns from multiple perspectives.
  
• 553 -- In-Service Education. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating the in-service education program.
  
• 571 -- Special Topics. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor)