Nursing

Academic Departments and Program Requirements

Nursing

Related Pages

Maria Toth, Chair; Program Director—RN to BSN Track
Cristina Tansey, Program Director—Pre-Licensure Tracks

Faculty

Charity Adedokun
Cara Davis
Jessica Galbally
Tiffany Harris
Pamela Hudson
Sister Paula Jameson
Theresa Pitkin Walker
Brittany Schugsta
Venus Smith
Jami Sybesma
Cristina Tansey
Maria Toth
Felicia Vickers
Edward Walton

Margaret Lacey, Emerita
Kathleen Lawler, Emerita
Stephanie Trinkl, Emerita
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Program Accreditation/Approval

The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing at Immaculata University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

The pre-licensure track is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Programs Offered

Degrees - Majors

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the following tracks:

  • Pre-licensure BSN, 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN, and LPN to BSN
  • RN to BSN (degree completion – part-time students only)

Mission

The Immaculata University Division of Nursing is dedicated to the holistic preparation of professional nurse scholars and leaders through the empowerment of all individuals to pursue the Catholic values of faith, community, service, knowledge, virtue, and truth.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the BSN Program, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate a holistic perspective in all areas of professional practice;
  • value the dignity of self and others in professional practice by seeking truth, acting justly, and fostering peace;
  • exhibit professional values based on ethical, legal, and moral standards for professional nursing practice;
  • act as a change agent to promote the health and welfare of all people;
  • integrate evidence, clinical judgment, inter-professional perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care;
  • identify the impact of cultural forces, particularly the social, economic, and political aspects, on the health of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and the global community;
  • employ inter-and intra-professional communication and collaborative skills to deliver safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care;
  • exhibit skills in using patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice;
  • apply teaching-learning principles in promoting health;
  • evidence an awareness of and interest in lifelong learning.

Nursing Degrees

Nursing (BSN) – Pre-licensure BSN Tracks
(Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: BIOL 205, 208, 209, 210; CHE 100; FNU 208; MATH 110; NUR 200+, 202, 304, 307, 308, 311, 314, 333, 404, 405, 408, 410, 435; PHI 209*; PSY 101*, 208, 324; SOC 202*; and THE 408.

*For 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN Track, PHI 209, PSY 101, SOC 202 are fulfilled by initial bachelor’s degree as part of transferred core block.

+For LPN to BSN Track: 15 credit hours toward the degree will be given for the following courses: FYS First Year Seminar (3), two open electives (6), Creativity Elective (3), and NUR 200 Nursing Concepts (3).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Immaculata University views each application based on a holistic approach taking into account all of the admission criteria. Application materials are based on the candidate’s current status:  prospective, transferring (external transfer), or current Immaculata University student (internal transfer).

Prospective Students must meet the following criteria (Traditional BSN and LPN to BSN tracks only):

  • Fulfillment of basic requirements for admission to the College of Undergraduate Studies.
  • High school transcript with a GPA in the general range of 3.0 or higher with courses to include three (3) units of mathematics (one of which is algebra) and two (2) units of science, with related laboratory or the equivalent.
  • Acceptable SAT or ACT scores (optional for Fall 2023).
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from: teacher(s), coach(es), employer(s), or counselor(s).
  • Essay explaining the choice to pursue a career in nursing.
  • Evidence of legal authorization to work for any employer in the United States. *
  • Application to Immaculata University online at www.immaculata.edu/apply OR through The Common Application at www.commonapp.org
  • For LPN to BSN track students only: submit a current and valid LPN license.

External Transfer Students must meet the following criteria:

  • Transcripts from high school and previous college(s) documenting successful completion of at least 24 credits of study at an accredited institution.
  • College GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • In addition to meeting the general University requirements, all science courses must be completed with a grade of “C+” or better. Required science courses must be taken within five years of admissions. Students are permitted only two attempts to complete a science course successfully and it must be completed at Immaculata University. A withdrawal is considered an attempt.
  • Two letters of recommendation from: teacher(s), coach(es), employer(s), or counselor(s).
  • Essay explaining the choice to pursue a career in Nursing.
  • Evidence of legal authorization to work for any employer in the United States. *
  • Application to Immaculata University online at www.immaculata.edu/apply  OR through The Common Application at www.commonapp.org
  • All External transfer applicants are reviewed by the Division of Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee.

Internal (Immaculata University) Transfer Students must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of minimum of 24 credits or two full semesters at Immaculata University.
  • Immaculata transcript with GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • In addition to meeting the general University requirements, all science courses must be completed with a grade of “C+” or better. Required science courses must be taken within five years of admissions. Students are permitted only two attempts to complete a science course successfully and it must be completed at Immaculata University. A withdrawal is considered an attempt.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from: teacher(s), coach(es), employer(s), or counselor(s).
  • Essay explaining the choice to pursue a career in Nursing.
  • Submission of the Immaculata University application:
  • Current part-time students meet with Center for Undergraduate Advising personnel and complete the undergraduate application at www.immaculata.edu/apply
  • Current students interested in admission to the Division of Nursing complete the application process in consultation with the Executive Director in the Center for Undergraduate Advising.
  • Evidence of legal authorization to work for any employer in the United States. *
  • All Internal transfer applicants are reviewed by the Division of Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee.

2nd Degree Accelerated BSN Track

Cohorts begin each January. The application deadline is July 15.

  • Complete an online application.
  • Successfully complete a minimum of 61 credits of the 73 credits of prerequisites prior to the fall semester preceding the cohort start date. You may complete the remaining 12 credits during the fall semester.
  • Submit two recommendations from faculty, employers, or supervisors.
  • Submit all official transcripts to Immaculata University.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
  • Provide evidence of legal authorization to work for any employer in the United States.
  • If you are an international student, please review the additional admission requirements at https://www.immaculata.edu/admissions/international-students/
  • Pass the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) admission/progression assessment with minimum performance level of ‘Proficient.’
  • Complete all clearances required by Immaculata’s Division of Nursing.
  • Complete a physical and all immunizations required by the Division of Nursing.
  • Successfully complete all science coursework with a minimum of a C+ within five years of admission.
  • A minimum grade of C+ is required in MATH 110.
  • A minimum grade of C+ is required in FNU 208.

Note: Admission to the Nursing Program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the Pre-licensure program.

* Students who are unable to provide evidence of documented legal immigration status or citizenship will not be able to complete the required clinical experiences, which will impact their ability to meet course outcomes. In addition, they may be unable to obtain a RN license and secure employment in healthcare.

Nursing Division Clinical Requirements (may be revised in order to meet guidelines or requirements of the program’s clinical affiliation requirements or regulatory bodies)
All students enrolled in the Pre-licensure BSN program must meet and maintain the following clinical requirements by the announced due date. Students are responsible for all costs incurred. The Division of Nursing (DON) utilizes a web-based vendor to track these requirements, with an additional fee charged directly to the students by the vendor. Students will receive details regarding the process following enrollment in NUR 200.

Clinical requirements include the following* (See the Pre-licensure BSN student handbook for more details)

  • Completed within three (3) months of the first clinical course (i.e., NUR 202)
    • Proof of 2-dose varicella vaccination, verification of a history of varicella by a healthcare provider, or a positive antibody titer
    • Proof of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunization as evidenced by a positive antibody titer
    • Proof of full vaccination series and Hepatitis B surface antibody titer following completion of full vaccination series.
    • Proof of Diphtheria & Tetanus Toxoids/Acellular Pertussis (TdaP) vaccine within the past 10 years.
    • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
  • Completed within three (3) months of the first clinical course (i.e., NUR 202) and repeated annually:
    • Influenza vaccine
    • Negative QuantiFERON blood test (if positive, student needs to provide evidence of a chest x-ray [normal results])
    • Physical exam, including attention to Performance of Essential Functions (performed by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or a nurse practitioner)
    • Evidence of current health insurance
    • Evidence of current CPR certification (bi-annual renewal and only American Heart Association- BLS Health Care Provider is acceptable).
    • Evidence of negative 10 panel drug screening
    • PA child abuse clearance*
    • FBI background check*
    • PA state police criminal background check*

*Note: The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing requires the Nursing Program to inform applicants that “the Board shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No.64), known as ‘The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act,’ or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law in the United States or any other state, territory or country unless:

  • at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction;
  • the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the Board that he/she has made significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure of the applicant should not be expected to create a substantial risk of harm to the health and safety of patients or the public or a substantial risk of further criminal violations; and
  • the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act.”

“The term ‘convicted’ shall include a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere. An applicant’s statement on the application declaring the absence of a conviction shall be deemed satisfactory evidence of the absence of a conviction, unless the Board has some evidence to the contrary” (The Professional Nursing Law, amended Dec. 20, 1985, P. L. 409, No. 109). The PA State Police Criminal Background Check also serves to enforce the Older Adult Protective Services Act-Amend, Act of 1997, P. L. 160, No. 13 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Progression Requirements:

The Pre-licensure BSN Program requires that students:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or higher
  • Achieve a minimum performance level of Proficient on the nursing examination (i.e., ATI TEAS) before enrollment in the first nursing course (i.e., NUR 200); students may repeat this examination one time only per academic year. The second attempt should be taken at least 15 days after the first attempt to allow for remediation. Complete nursing courses in the order listed in the program sequence plan.
    • Traditional pre-licensure students: Complete the nursing program within five (5) calendar years of the start of the first nursing course (NUR 200).
    • 2nd degree ABSN students: Complete the nursing program within four (4) calendar years of the start of the first nursing course (NUR 200).
  • A maximum of only two (2) nursing courses (clinical, non-clinical or elective) may be repeated.
  • A nursing course (clinical, non-clinical or elective) may only be repeated once.
  • Students are permitted only two attempts to successfully complete a nursing course. A withdrawal is considered an attempt.
  • Pass the theory, lab, and clinical requirements of each nursing course concurrently. A clinical grade of “Unsatisfactory” will result in a clinical failure, which is equivalent to a course grade of “F.”
  • Pass all nursing courses with a grade of “C+” or better.
  • In addition to meeting the general University requirements, all science courses must be completed with a grade of “C+” or better. A required science course may only be repeated once and must be completed at Immaculata University. A withdrawal is considered an attempt.
  • A minimum grade of C+ is required in MATH 110.
  • A minimum grade of C+ is required in FNU 208
  • Maintain satisfactory personal performance that is consistent with professional responsibility and accountability. Clinical performance and behavior must be in compliance the ANA Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice and the Ethical Code.
  • Meet Attendance Requirements: Students are required to attend all scheduled learning activities (class, lab, and clinical) since they are essential to meet the course and program objectives. Excessive classroom absences may jeopardize the student’s ability to master the course objectives. All clinical and lab absences must be made up to meet course and program objectives. An additional fee may be charged.

Note: The nursing progression requirements may be revised in order to meet the guidelines or requirements of the Pre-licensure BSN program’s regulatory bodies.

Nursing (BS) – RN to BSN Track
(Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
(Accelerated Degree Program – part-time students with RNs only)

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: ENG 241; NUR 312, 350, 370, 426, 434, 451 (minimum of 35 upper division NUR credits required); ORBH 325; PHI 209; POL 352; PSY 101, PSY 324; SOC 202; THE 408; a minimum of 9 credits in natural sciences (must include 6-8 credits of natural sciences with a lab); and 30 credits in Lower Division Nursing (see admissions requirements for RN to BSN above).

Immaculata University’s requirements for this BSN degree include the completion of 126 credits and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale). Students must receive a grade of “C” or higher in all NUR classes to progress in the program.

RN to BSN Track Overview

The accelerated RN TO BSN nursing program is comprised of the required major core courses, which are necessary for earning a BSN degree. The RN to BSN nursing program delivers 50 of the 126 credits necessary for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

The program is open to registered nurses who meet the following criteria:

  1. graduate from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program
  2. current state licensure as a registered nurse

Documentation of all of the above must be submitted with the application for the program.

Progression and Retention

Progression and retention in the nursing program requires that the student

  • Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or greater
  • Obtain a grade of C or greater in all nursing courses—a nursing course with a grade less than a C must be repeated before the student may progress to subsequent nursing courses.
  • Submit evidence annually of current registration.
  • Students will be dismissed from the program for any violation in the Nurse Practice Act of any state.
  • Students may be dismissed from the program if their GPA falls below 2.0.

Please note: Students must obtain a grade of “C” or higher in all nursing courses. A nursing course with a grade less than a “C” must be repeated before the student may progress to subsequent nursing courses.