The BSN program offers students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The BSN curriculum plan consists of lower division core curriculum courses and upper division nursing courses. The upper division consists of five semesters of nursing courses, including theory and clinical lab components, that make up the professional component of the program. Our nursing courses are designed to build on preceding semesters by fostering the development of critical thinking and progressively independent decision-making while providing collaborative opportunities for students. Upon completion of the program, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as the experiences provided through the Capstone College of Nursing.
Admission:
Students are admitted to the lower division of the Capstone College of Nursing when they meet The University of Alabama admission requirements and declare nursing as their major. The application for admission to UA is available at http://apply.ua.edu. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires the completion of the courses presented in the Undergraduate Program of Study. This consists of lower division prerequisite courses taken during the first 2 years of study. Promotion to the upper division, the nursing curriculum, occurs after the sophomore year and is competitive.
Core Curriculum Requirements:
The lower division core curriculum courses can be completed in settings other than the traditional classroom. Most of the core courses are available at your local community college.
UA Core Requirements:
*All students are required to complete either a six-hour history or literature sequence. Students must also complete three hours in the area outside of their sequence (e.g., a student completing HY 101 and 102 must take a Literature course to satisfy degree requirements). If a student elects to complete two history courses, s/he must complete at least one additional HU/FA course to fulfill UA core requirements.
UA Core Requirements for Second Degree Students:
The Capstone College of Nursing welcomes students with a baccalaureate degree in another field to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree or a master’s of science in nursing degree.
Prerequisites for Second Degree Students:
Core Performance Standards:
Nursing education requires the acquisition of academic knowledge, clinical and specialized communication skills as well as professional attitudes and behaviors. All pre-licensure degrees certify that the student has acquired the broad base of knowledge and skills required for entry into professional nursing practice. This foundational education includes both academic and professional nursing courses that provide a base for clinical competence and informed judgements about health and patient care in a variety of settings. Since the treatment of patients is an essential part of the educational program, the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) must act to protect the health and safety of patients.
Candidates for any pre-licensure degree must have skills and abilities in ten core performance standards with or without reasonable accommodations. These ten standards include, but are not limited to, the following skills and abilities (bulleted examples included, not all-inclusive):
Pre-licensure Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression:
1. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment.
• Identifies safety issues in clinical situations
• Identifies cause/effect relationships in clinical situations, develops, evaluates, and revises nursing plan of care as appropriate
• Has the ability to make safe judgments when planning and implementing all psychomotor nursing prescriptions
• Manages multiple priorities in stressful situations
• Responds instantly to emergency situations
• Exhibits arithmetic competence that would allow the student to read, understand and perform accurate calculations for computing medication dosages and intravenous flow rates
2. Interpersonal: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds
• Establishes appropriate rapport with clients and colleagues
• Has the ability to work in groups on course activities
• Maintains therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues
• Respects cultural diversity and rights of others
• Works effectively in small groups as a team member and as a team leader
• Practices verbal and non-verbal therapeutic communication
• Recognizes and attempts to resolve adverse events for both clients and colleagues
3. Communication: Communication abilities (hearing, speaking, reading, and writing) sufficient for interaction with others in verbal, written, assisted, and electronic form.
• Writes and communicates English effectively so as to be understood by the general public
• Has the ability to complete written assignments, participate in classroom discussion/activities, and complete group projects
• Has the ability to focus in class without making disruptive interruptions
• Communicates therapeutically with clients, families, and groups in a variety of settings
• Documents client data and nursing care completely and accurately
• Provides health teaching information for clients, families, and/or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
• Has the ability to use a variety of computer programs and platforms
• Must be able to give and receive constructive feedback, process feedback, and utilize it to conform behavior to expected professional standards
4. Physical Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
• Able to attend and participate in class
• Has the ability to push, pull and/or lift a minimum of 30 lbs. of weight
• Has mobility and stamina sufficient to function for up to a 12-hour clinical experience in various settings
• Lifts, moves, positions, and transports clients without causing harm to client or self
• Has the ability to move around client’s room, work spaces and treatment areas, in all clinical settings
• Has the ability to stoop, bend, squat, and reach overhead as required to deliver care safely in emergent and non- emergent situations
• Performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to recommended procedures and professional standards
5. Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care
• Performs physical activities necessary to accomplish nursing skills, including but not limited to: putting on sterile gloves, donning mask and gown, operating a manual and electronic blood pressure cuff, using sterile technique and performing essential client care
• Performs correct hand washing technique
• Provides or assists with activities of daily living
• Administers all routes of medications to maintain client safety
• Has the ability to use computers and other electronic devices
• Performs electronic keyboarding/documentation and/or extensive writing
• Calibrates and uses equipment correctly (e.g. syringes, vials, ampoules, medication packages)
• Has the gross and fine motor ability to grasp small objects (e.g. IV tubing, syringe, dropper)
6. Auditory: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
• Has the auditory ability to participate in class lectures and contribute to discussions
• Has the auditory ability to participate in verbal exchanges among health care personnel and clients
• Has the auditory ability to monitor alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help
• Has the auditory ability to distinguish changes in tone and pitch for example when listening to a client’s respirations, cardiac, and abdominal auditory characteristics when using a stethoscope
7. Visual: Ability to Observe and Assess Visual Cues
• Has the visual ability to observe audio-visual aids and client, peer, and faculty responses.
• Has the visual ability to read medical documents; see small calibrations on sphygmomanometers, syringes, and thermometers; observe patient responses to interventions or health problems; and detect color changes
• Performs nursing skills such as inserting urinary catheters and IV devices, counting respirations, and preparing or administering medications
• Has the visual ability to discriminate colors, changes in color, size, and contour of body part
• Has the visual ability to identify, prepare, and administer medications accurately and safely by all routes
8. Tactile: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment
• Performs palpation functions correctively for physical examination and therapeutic interventions such as pulses, temperature, texture, firmness, softness, and physical landmarks
9. Emotional Stability: Emotional stability sufficient to tolerate rapid and changing conditions and environmental stress
• Establishes therapeutic interpersonal boundaries
• Provides clients with emotional support and respect differences in patients, families and other students
• Complete all responsibilities in the assessment and implementation of nursing care for patients in a timely, safe and effective manner
• Adapts to stressful situations and changing environments while maintaining professional conduct and standards
• Have adequate environmental awareness and emotional stability to remain calm and function effectively in multiple, complex settings that may be stressful, noisy and may be potential harmful
• Take responsibility for their own actions
• Poses no threat to self or others
• Performs potentially stressful tasks concurrently
10. Professional Behavior: Behave in a respectful, ethical and professional manner with others
• Interacts respectfully with peers, faculty, superiors, clients, and families
• Strives to provide quality client care
• Applies knowledge and clinical reasoning
• Reflects on own behavior and clinical performance with clients; engages in self-evaluations
• Has the ability to interact with peers and colleagues appropriately
• Has the ability to collaborate with clients, families, and others in nursing situations
• Integrates ethical behavior in nursing practice
• Performs activities safely, so as to not injure or harm others or self
• Recognizes that all students represent the nursing profession and must behave accordingly
• Respects and adheres to the policies and procedures of the School of Nursing and clinical agencies
Application for Accommodation Prior to Matriculation
The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with approved accommodation(s). In order to request accommodations, students must contact the UA Office of Disability Services (ODS) and follow the registration process. CCN faculty collaborate with the Office Disability Services (ODS) within the scope of the core performance standards to establish reasonable accommodations. Throughout a student’s career, the CCN will work with the student and ODS to ensure accommodations are reasonably facilitated and maintains safety for the student and patient.
Program of Study:
During the first four semesters of the curriculum plan, designated as lower division, students take required sciences, humanities, and other courses that help to prepare them to function as a professional nurse. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing requires the completion of the courses designated in the following program of study. Elective hours may be used to complete a major portion of the University Core Curriculum; additional courses, however, may be required. Students may choose to enroll in summer session(s) to meet requirements and to adjust the program of study to meet individual needs. Students should also review core curriculum requirements in the Academic Records and General Academic Policies section of this catalog. Bold letters indicate courses that meet specific University core curriculum requirements.
NOTE: The Capstone College of Nursing reserves the right to make modifications in its program and policies as necessary, but every effort will be made to implement the general program for full-time students.
Lower Division Program of Study
Apply for Upper Division Promotion:
The Capstone College of Nursing welcomes applications for promotion from current, transfer, and second degree students. CCN accepts students into the upper division two times per year; in the fall and spring. Promotion to the upper division is competitive, as spaces are limited. The number of students promoted each semester is dependent upon available resources.
Promotion to the upper division requires successful completion of the lower-division courses designated on the Capstone College of Nursing BSN program of study. Students may apply and be considered for promotion to the upper division during the final lower-division semester if they will have completed all courses prior to the semester for which application to the upper division is made. In such instances, promotion to the upper division may be granted conditionally, pending successful completion of all courses required for promotion.
Spaces in the upper division are limited and meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee promotion to the upper division of the nursing curriculum. When the number of students seeking promotion to the upper division exceeds the number of spaces available, the most qualified applicants are granted admission. Those applicants who present the strongest academic records and who show the most promise for success in the upper division will be promoted.
Application Deadlines:
All application dates are subject to change
Eligibility Requirements for Promotion:
Students who complete at least 32 credit hours in residence at The University of Alabama will be given preference.
Application for Promotion Link:
Click the link below to open the Upper Division promotion application. Please keep in mind, all transfer students must be admitted to The University of Alabama prior to applying for Upper Division promotion.
Upper Division Promotion link: https://nursing-admissions.oitapps.ua.edu
Students may have completed many lower division courses at another institution. College transcripts should be mailed to:
University of Alabama Office of Records
Box 870134
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Transfer Credit Information:
The Capstone College of Nursing welcomes transfer students to apply to the upper division. Transfer students are defined by CCN as students who have completed less than 32 hours of the required lower division coursework at The University of Alabama.
Follow the same instructions listed under the in-state transfer course information tab with the exception of ensuring the course transfers over as the appropriate course for the program of study. If you have any question about whether the course will transfer over correctly, please visit the UA Registrar’s transfer equivalency table to verify. If you do not see the course listed, feel free to reach out to CCN Office of Student Services at (205) 348-6639.
Alternative Programs Offered:
The Capstone College of Nursing baccalaureate program is a high demand, limited access program. Due to limited enrollment in the upper division and a large applicant pool, many qualified transfer applicants are unable to be admitted to our upper division courses. The Capstone College of Nursing is unable to provide any predictions regarding the acceptance or denial of any applicant. The Capstone College of Nursing welcomes transfer students to our BSN program. Promotion decisions for upper division transfer students are based on the following:
The Capstone College of Nursing welcomes students with a bachelors degree in another field to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students should meet and provide the following criteria for their application:
Lower Division Advising:
Scholarships:
Please complete the appropriate application to be considered for Capstone College of Nursing Scholarships. See Below for Instructions:
Incoming Freshman Scholarship Information:
Current CCN Student Scholarship Information:
Additional Information:
Resources:
Health Requirements:
Students will be sent health requirement information upon admission to the upper division.
Honor Society:
In 1922, six nurses founded Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Click here to learn more.
Catalog:
Students should refer to the UA undergraduate catalog for more information about the BSN program components click to view the UA undergraduate catalog
For more information please contact CCN at 205-348-6639
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between lower division and upper division coursework?
Lower Division:
All students declaring nursing as their major are admitted into the lower division at CCN. The courses included in the lower division coursework provide a basis for student’s to successfully complete the nursing program.
Upper Division:
Upon completion of lower division coursework, students are invited to apply to the upper division of the nursing program. The upper division is the professional phase of the program which introduces students to a variety of nursing courses with labs in a variety of clinical settings.
What are the requirements for upper division promotion?
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for promotion into the BSN program:
When are students admitted to the upper division?
Students are admitted to the upper division in the fall and spring. Promotion to the upper division is competitive and spaces are limited.
May I enroll in Nursing classes before I finish the core curriculum?
No. As a rule, students are required to complete the entire core curriculum before beginning nursing coursework.
Do you offer an online BSN program?
No. Due to the clinical requirements of the BSN program, the University of Alabama does not offer an online BSN program.
Should I follow the core curriculum as it is listed on the UA catalog?
We advise all of our students to follow the program of study for the lower division at the Capstone College of Nursing so they do not get behind in science courses. Each science course at The University of Alabama builds on previous semesters so it is important to stay on track. However, our academic advisors work closely with each student to ensure they complete their coursework on time for upper division promotion.
Does a degree in nursing prepare me for the national licensing exam (NCLEX)?
Yes. The Capstone College of Nursing coursework provides students the materials and instruction through lecture and clinical experiences to prepare students for the NCLEX.
Who should I contact about the BSN and 2nd degree program?
For more information about the BSN or 2nd degree program, please contact the Office of Nursing Student Services at nursing@ua.edu or 205-348-6639.
Can I take classes at a community college over the summer?
Yes. Students who are behind or want to get ahead are encouraged to take courses at The University of Alabama or another transfer institution. However, when taking courses at another institution, please check the transfer equivalency table to ensure the course will transfer appropriately UA Transfer Equivalency Table.
Can I practice in other states when I graduate with my BSN?
Yes. The NCLEX is a national licensure exam but you will have the flexibility to apply for licensure prior to graduation in your last semester at CCN.
How long does it take to finish my BSN?
The upper division coursework is a five semester program. The BSN program as a whole will take a total of seven semesters from start to finish at The University of Alabama.
How much does it cost?
Tuition varies based on the number of credit hours per semester.
Tuition rates change regularly. For the most updated tuition schedule for online coursework, visit https://studentaccounts.ua.edu/cost/.
When do I apply?
Application to the RN Mobility program is a two-step process. Students must first be accepted into The University of Alabama. Students must then apply to the Capstone College of Nursing for promotion into the upper-division of the nursing curriculum.