Union University

At Union University, we are ready to help students enter the changing world of the twenty-first century. Not a giant research institution, Union is a learner-centered institution where classroom teaching is prized. We enable students to be grounded in the world of literature, values, ideals, history, ethics, arts, music, communication and creativity. The most important assets on the Union campus are our students and our well-prepared, highly motivated faculty who model excellence for our students while challenging them to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives.

Education at Union is not only excellence-driven, it is Christ-centered. This means more than having a campus minister and regular chapel program, although these are important components. It means a commitment to the serious integration of faith and learning. This involves a holistic approach to education with the goal of having students who are both Christianly informed and Christianly formed.

The School of Nursing

As you confront the challenges of nursing and the health care community in the twenty-first century, you'll want the finest preparation available. That's what you'll find as a nursing student at Union University: a first-tier faculty that will equip you with the professional skills you need for success, yet will also take an interest in you as a person. Empowerment. Flexibility. A commitment to the individual. A spirit of Christian service. At Union University, those principles serve as a foundation for the study of nursing. If you want to reach your professional goals and have a great time along the way, we'll get you there! The School of Nursing has been widely recognized for a record of achievement, including:

• The highest pass rate (97.5%) on the NCLEX exam for all four-year BSN programs in the state of TN (Tennessee Board of Nursing, November 2005).
• A 100 percent job placement rate.
• An award-winning faculty.
• Fully-accredited BSN and MSN programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Opportunities for practical clinical experience in diverse health care delivery settings, from acute care hospitals to nursing homes to community-based settings.
• Small classes and individual attention in an environment of Christ-centered higher education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

  Back to top

The primary degree program at Union leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Traditional BSN degree typically takes eight semesters (four years) to complete. Students take a core curriculum of courses (65 hours) shared by most Union students, then an additional 64 hours in nursing course work. The BSN curriculum provides the professional knowledge and clinical experience to prepare you for success in a variety of health care environments. It will also provide the foundation for future specialized graduate studies. Applications are accepted through March 1st each year.

Accelerated BSN (12 Months)

  Back to top

Union offers a 12-month BSN degree for adult students interested in becoming registered nurses. It is designed for students who have discovered an interest in nursing and want to move from a variety of other career areas. This option takes into account the educational, career and life experiences of the individual as well as their critical thinking ability and maturity. Students with an earned bachelor's degree in another area are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a Science GPA of 2.8 to apply for the program. Students without an earned bachelor's degree must be age 24 or older, have an ACT of 20 or greater, a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a Science GPA of 2.8. Applications are accepted through July 1st for the following January cohort. This program is offered on the Jackson and Germantown campuses.

RN-to-BSN*

  Back to top

Union offers an RN-to-BSN program, which enables registered nurses holding the associate degree or diploma to continue their studies and earn a BSN. The RN-to-BSN program offers the classroom and clinical experience needed to enhance the registered nurse's professional and leadership opportunities. The degree can generally be completed in 18 months and includes 30 hours of nursing course work. The RN-to-BSN program is also available on Union's extension campus in Germantown, TN where flexible day and evening classes are offered. In addition, rolling admission and individualized plans of study provide the perfect opportunity to finish that degree you have always wanted.

*Applicants to the RN-BSN program must be licensed RNs.

LPN-to-BSN

  Back to top

Enjoy professional nursing with all the benefits of increased pay and career opportunities! This program prepares graduates for the RN licensure exam. Applications for the program are accepted through March 1st each year for students with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a science GPA of 2.8. The program begins each Fall.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

  Back to top

The MSN program is available on the Jackson and Germantown campuses. The cohort model emphasizes group cohesion, cooperation and interactive support. Tracks in the MSN program include Administration, Education, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist. The cohort program begins each Fall. Within semesters, most courses are offered in an accelerated, 7- to 8-week format. Deadline for all application documents is June 1st.

The graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing program will be able to:

• Incorporate theory and research in advanced practice nursing.
• Assume leadership roles in one's specialty area of nursing to promote health and well being of persons in an intercultural world.
• Integrate knowledge of health care economics and policy into the delivery of cost effective, ethically responsible nursing care.
• Manage information using technology to influence nursing practice.
• Demonstrate competency in the selected nursing practice.

MSN in Nurse Anesthesia

  Back to top

The nurse anesthesia program is a front loaded, 74-semester hour, full-time graduate track. Graduates receive a MSN after successfully completing 31 months of didactic and clinical training. Currently, the program has 13 clinical sites in West Tennessee and Kentucky that include specialty rotations in cardiac, pediatric and neuroanesthesia.

The curriculum has been designed to meet practice requirements that are specific to nurse anesthetists, such as an applied human gross anatomy course that includes work with cadavers. This laboratory work will permit students to receive curricular content that focuses on anatomy related to regional anesthesia and central line placement techniques. Our nurse anesthesia track includes human cadaver lab and the Human Patient Simulator (HPS) by METI. HPS will provide students with state-of-the-art simulation training prior to and after the start of clinical rotations. The HPS will permit students to experience advanced problem-based learning techniques and begin the process of acquiring clinical skills.

The program is fully accredited and begins each January. Deadline for applications is April 1st each year. Applicants must have a BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of one year critical care experience in order to be eligible for the program.

Post-Master's Certificates

  Back to top

This program is ideal for nurses who have obtained their master's degree in nursing in another advanced practice area and now find themselves in positions that require advanced preparation. Tracks available in the Post-Master's Certificate option include Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The Nursing Administration certificate prepares nurses for a variety of administrative and leadership positions in health care delivery. The Nursing Education certificate prepares nurses for educator positions in a variety of settings such as staff development, patient education, schools and colleges. The Family Nurse Practitioner option prepares nurses for a general practice and includes the triad of adults, pediatrics and women's health. The Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist option prepares practitioners for a specialized practice such as in a hospital or specialty clinic.

Note: International students must submit a TOEFL score, financial affidavit and international application with fee in addition to the School of Nursing application and fee.

Accreditation

  Back to top

Union University's School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which covers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. CCNE is the premier accrediting body for nursing.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Union University.

For more information, visit the home page of Union University - School of Nursing.