Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Overview

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The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston (UTHealth) has several exciting opportunities that lead to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Graduates of our programs are prepared to take the licensure examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Our graduates have a high degree of success in passing this exam and are highly sought after by employers.

Upon the successful completion of the baccalaureate program in nursing, graduates will be able to:

• Provide patient centered nursing care using a systematic approach (i.e., the nursing process) to meet health care needs for individuals, families, populations and communities in diverse settings.
• Demonstrate principles of collaboration with inter-professional team members, patients, and families to resolve complex health problems to promote, improve, or maintain optimum health.
• Plan and implement evidence-based interventions based on the principles and methods of the research and evidence based practice processes.
• Utilize informatics to recognize, locate, evaluate, store, and classify information in order to mitigate error and use the information to support patients', nurses’ and other providers’ decision making.
• Demonstrate professionalism by accepting responsibility and accountability for nursing practice, patient outcomes and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Utilize management and leadership theories, concepts, and skills in the practice of professional nursing.

Program Options

Pacesetter BSN Program (4 semesters - 15 months)

The Pacesetter program is best suited for prospective students who are interested in getting into the field of nursing. This is a full-time, four (4) semester program, which consists of clinical, skills lab and nursing theory courses. Students will apply the theoretical nursing concepts to patient care in the clinical settings. Students use their final 16 weeks doing full-time clinical rotations. Pacesetters “live the life of a nurse” while still completing their degrees, making them more job ready upon graduation. Fall, spring and summer semester starts are offered for this program. Previous degree not required.

RN-BSN 

The RN-BSN program is designed for current registered nurses (RN's) or student enrolled in an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) looking to continue their education and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The RN-BSN program offers a flexible enrollment options to meet the need of working nurses. The 100% online curriculum includes an accelerated path which allows for completion in two (2) semesters, or traditional enrollment which is three (3) semesters, or a student can choose a slower pace and take as many as five (5) semesters to complete. Fall, spring, and summer semester starts are offered for this program.

Additional Opportunities 

Honors Program 

Academically talented Pacesetter BSN students can explore exceptional opportunities for involvement in nursing research through the Honors Program at UTHealth. Students selected to participate will get first-hand experience in connecting research practice to science. Learn more. 

Veteran's BSN  

This program will facilitate the transition of veterans into professional nursing by providing an opportunity for 10 veterans per semester to receive academic credit for prior military training and experience while addressing the unique needs of veterans. Both Pacesetter BSN and RN-BSN students are eligible to apply. Learn more.