Advantages of attending a BSN programIn a BSN program, you will have three years of nursing courses that provide hands-on experiences in a variety of health care facilities. Upon graduation, therefore, you will have many more job opportunities available to you. You will be prepared not only to provide direct nursing care to patients in hospitals but also to individuals, families, and communities in other health care settings. You will also learn how to remain current through the reading and evaluation of research studies. Leadership/managment experiences in the program will prepare you to be a leader and manager. Finally, a BSN program prepares you to continue your education in a master's of nursing program.
Advantages of attending a BSN program at the University of IndianapolisAt the University of Indianapolis, you will be taught be expert nursing faculty, most of whom are doctorally prepared. Since they are active nurse practitioners, you will be exposed to current issues and the latest technological advances in nursing. Our faculty enjoy teaching, and they truly care about helping you succeed. They will take time to meet with you outside of the classroom to assist you with your coursework, and they'll respect your opinion and encourage you. A small faculty-to-student ratio guarantees that you will receive individual attention.
Hands-on experiences at health care facilitiesAt the University of Indianapolis, BSN nursing students have two days of "hands-on experiences" (practicum) each week. Usually eight students comprise a group that is supervised by one faculty member. The group of students and faculty member meets at a health care facility for a pre-conference. During the pre-conference, students discuss with the faculty member the care needed for their patients. The students provide that care under the supervision of the faculty member. A post-conference at the end of the day is a time for students to share their experiences and the application of classroom content to the care of the patient.
The health care facilities utilized by the BSN program at the University of Indianapolis include hospitals, homes, schools, clinics, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, churches, workplaces, and other settings as needed. The health care facility that is utilized for any nursing course depends on which facility will provide the best experience for the students and will assist the students in meeting the course objectives.
Opportunities to see nurses in actionIf you have a Shadow a Nurse program and/or a Nursing 2000 program in your area, you may want to participate. Some high school students have also taken advantage of opportunities available to work in health care facilities as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
During the first semester of your freshman year at the University of Indianapolis, a course is offered that will provide shadowing experiences for all students, and you will hear nurses discuss their roles.
Specialty-area nursing in the BSN programYou can work in any specialty area in nursing, but you will need to complete the entire program, which includes all areas of nursing. If you want to continue your education by attending a master's in nursing program, you may then focus on your area of interest.
High school courses neededAll applicants to the BSN program need to have completed at least two semesters of high school biology, two semesters of high school chemistry, eight semesters of high school English, and six semesters of mathematics (such as algebra I and II, geometry, and/or calculus). Applicants do not need to take Latin. In fact, only a modern language such as Spanish, French, or German will meet the requirements of the University.
Applying for admission to the BSN programOnce you have been accepted to the University of Indianapolis, you will be assigned to a nursing faculty advisor. The nursing faculty advisor will help you identify those courses that you will need to take during your freshman year. After you have begun the second semester of your freshman year, you will need to complete an application for the BSN courses in the School of Nursing Office. Admission to the BSN nursing courses is very competitive.
Criteria for admission to the BSN programAn applicant must have completed the freshman year courses by the end of the second semester of the freshman year. By the end of the freshman year, the applicant must have a GPA of 2.82 or higher. All science and math courses must have been passed with a grade of C or higher. Selection of students for the clinical phase of the program is based on science and math grades and cumulative GPA. UIndy students who meet the requirements are selected for clinical placement prior to transfer students.
Courses required to earn the BSN degreeA minimum of 124 credit hours must be successfully completed to earn a BSN degree. The courses include liberal arts core, support, and nursing courses.
Costs and financial assistanceThe Financial Aid Office can assist you with information about tuition and financial assistance.
To further explore the BSN program at the University of IndianapolisPlease contact the University of Indianapolis Office of Admissions. They will arrange a campus visit that will include an appointment with the BSN Program Director, the Key Advisor, or a faculty member in the BSN program.
