Nursing (BSN)

Accreditation

The University of Mount Union obtained approval/authorization to offer the BSN degree from the following:

• Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) granted initial approval to offer the BSN degree program.
• The Higher Learning Commission granted approval to offer the BSN degree program.
• The Ohio Board of Regents granted authorization to offer the BSN degree program. 
  
  

The baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) at the University of Mount Union is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

For further information about the program's nursing accreditation please contact the Department of Nursing at nursing@mountunion.edu or (330) 829-4142.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Mount Union is on a rolling basis for all undergraduate students. Nursing degree candidates are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible as space in this program is limited.

The application review process will include, but will not be limited to, a review of all coursework taken, grades achieved in each course, overall high school grade point average, class rank and test scores (if submitted) as well as any recommendation or reference forms required.

Priority consideration for admission to the nursing program begins at the following academic levels: 

• Admission to the University of Mount Union and
• A cumulative high school grade point average of a B+ (3.3 on a scale of 4.0) and
• Grades of “B” or higher in high school lab-based biology and chemistry coursework or a sub score of 24 or higher on the Science Reasoning portion of the ACT and
• An ACT composite score of 23 or higher

Or, for students who wish to apply through the university utilizing our test optional policy:

• Admission to the University of Mount Union and
• A cumulative high school grade point average of a 3.7 or higher (on a scale of 4.0) and
• Grades of “B” or higher in high school lab-based biology and chemistry coursework 

Students demonstrating exceptional academic potential through alternative, but related academic indicators (e.g. rank in class, SAT score, dual credit or AP coursework etc.), may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the admission committee.

NURSING DEGREE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Apply and be admitted to the University, meeting all normal admission requirements. If you are a prospective student who has already applied to the University of Mount Union, and you are now interested in applying to the nursing program, please email the Office of Admission (admission@mountunion.edu) to be forwarded a supplemental application. If you are a current Mount Union student and are interested in applying to the nursing program, please contact The Department of Nursing (nursing@mountunion.edu) to obtain a supplemental application. 

2. Indicate nursing as the first academic interest on the application for admission. 

3. Complete the questions specific to nursing applicants within your online application to the University of Mount Union. 

4. One letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf. Letters must be sent directly to the Mount Union Office of Admission. 

5. Personal Statement submitted with your application to the University of Mount Union. In 500 or more words, describe why you want to be a nurse. 

By taking steps 1-5 above, you have notified us that you are applying for admission to Mount Union and into the nursing program.   

6. *Ability to meet the Technical Standards of the nursing program: Nursing students must be able to perform certain mental, physical, and other tasks that are essential in providing care for their patients. After being admitted to the Nursing Major, nursing students must submit a signed certification statement stating that they believe that they can meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodation. The statement must be confirmed by physical examination by a professional healthcare provider. 

7. *Annual Criminal Background Check: Students enrolled in the nursing program must complete a Criminal Background Check annually prior to beginning clinical courses in sophomore year. Students enrolled in the nursing program must meet the requirements mandated by the clinical agencies, which includes a satisfactory criminal background check consistent with the agencies’ screening requirements for their employees.

8. *Health Data and Clinical Requirements: Students enrolled in the nursing program must complete all Department of Nursing Health Data and Clinical Requirements prior they start their clinical courses in their sophomore year. 

9. Note: There is no advanced placement within the Mount Union Nursing Program. 

* Note that these are mandatory requirement that must be completed prior to beginning of clinical. Clinical courses begin in fall of Sophomore year, documents must be received by the Department of Nursing no later than by end of May prior to your sophomore year.

Curriculum and Learning Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum, consisting of 130 credit hours, is designed to be completed in four (4) academic years, and follows the University’s 16-weeks semester for delivery of courses. Components of the curriculum incorporate courses in:

• Natural sciences
• Social sciences
• Humanities
• Liberal arts

Some courses fulfill more than one of the curricular requirements. The BSN degree curriculum also includes the nursing degree sequence of clinical and non-clinical courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum is based upon standards of nursing education from professional organizations, accreditation standards, state boards of nursing, and changing societal needs related to health care. The curriculum reflects a commitment to evidenced-based nursing practice for individuals, families, and communities that is grounded in an understanding of societal factors that influence health status and the delivery of health care. Students are supported throughout the BSN degree curriculum with small class sizes and intensive one-on-one instruction led by highly qualified faculty in both the classroom and health care environments. 

Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Program Learning Outcomes:

The University of Mount Union’s undergraduate nursing major is a comprehensive program that will culminate in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and allow you to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Graduates are prepared to practice as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare agencies.

Graduates of the BSN program will:

1. Integrate knowledge from nursing, the sciences and the liberal arts to make nursing judgments based on evidence.
2. Prioritize quality, safe, and holistic care for diverse patient populations using the nursing process.
3. Collaborate and communicate effectively to deliver holistic patient-centered care.
4. Analyze organizational and system leadership factors impacting the nursing profession and practice.
5. Integrate professional and ethical standards into nursing practice.

Direct-Entry Program Information

Advantages of Mount Union’s four-year, direct entry nursing program:

• You are admitted directly into the BSN Program as a freshman
• You are immediately introduced to nursing coursework, allowing you more opportunities to explore the different areas of nursing
• You can have peace-of-mind knowing you will not be placed on a waiting list
• You will have the freedom to engage with your peers and work with one another while learning without the pressure of competing for spots in the nursing program 

What does Mount Union’s direct entry BSN degree program entail?

• Rigorous four-year program
• First year focuses on a solid foundation of science, liberal arts and an in-depth introduction to the nursing profession
• Clinical rotations begin in your second year
• Hands-on experience in a variety of clinical specialty settings and clinical areas
• A Preceptorship allowing students to work with a professional nurse will successfully transition you into your real-world nursing responsibilities

Upon completion of Mount Union's direct-entry nursing program (BSN), students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN Board exam to become a License Registered Nurse (RN).