Nursing Major, B.S.N.

Admission Requirements for BSN Program:

Enrollment in 200 level nursing courses will be permitted only if the student has all of the following:

1. Successfully completed all prerequisite courses (BIO 164 , BIO 174 , ENG 103 , MAT 013  or equivalent, PSY 103 , CHE 134 , and CHE 144 );
2. Earned a minimum grade of C- in the following: BIO 164 , BIO 174 , MAT 013 , CHE 134 , and CHE 144 . Students may only repeat one D or F grade (including transferred credit) to remain eligible to apply to the nursing program. Science courses up to 10 years old are accepted by the nursing department for transfer credit;
3. Successfully completed BSN Program Orientation Competency Requirements (standardized assessment test, advisor meetings, and workshops);
4. Earned a minimum cumulative (career) grade point average of 2.75. The applicant will not be considered for admission without a 2.75.  Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission to the program. The preferred GPA for admitted students is above a 3.0; 
5. Submitted ACT (or equivalent) composite score (21 or higher preferred);
6. Completed the HESI A2 admission exam with a preferred 76% benchmark (combination of comprehensive and/or selected sub-scores) (fee). The comprehensive score of 76% alone does not guarantee admission to the program; 
7. Submitted a complete program application;
8. Submitted satisfactory character references and personal interview demonstrating suitability for the nursing profession;
9. Submitted satisfactory background screening and/or drug screen (fees); and
   1. Social Security Number Trace
   2. State and Federal Criminal Records Check
   3. National Criminal Check
   4. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Employment Disqualify List
   5. Missouri Child Abuse Search
   6. OIG Medicare Fraud/Abuse
   7. NCIC (National Crime Information Center - Department of Justice)
10. Submitted satisfactory health-related information.
    Note: The following health documentation must be on file in the Department of Nursing prior to August 1 to remain eligible to progress to nursing courses:
    1. tetanus booster or equivalent within last ten years;
    2. proof of polio series;
    3. two doses of MMR vaccine or proof of positive immune titers;
    4. tuberculosis (Mantoux) skin test (annually-valid August to May);
    5. hepatitis B vaccine, series of three; and
    6. varicella (proof of disease or 2 doses vaccine). 

Rematriculation:

1.  A student not following sequenced nursing courses in six (6) consecutive semesters must have approval by their advisor, Program Director, and Dean of the College (graduation extension process).
2. Prior to final enrollment in the nursing course, the student must demonstrate competence with expected level of nursing knowledge, psychomotor skills, medication calculation, standardized test benchmarks, and culminating simulations. A fee may be charged for this process.
3. The student will be allowed to audit the courses they have completed.
4. All other program requirements stated in the Nursing Student Handbook (Section 6.2) apply to the re-matriculating student.  

Dismissal from Program:

Failure to achieve any of these progression requirements will constitute reason for the student to be dismissed (withdrawn) from the program. The faculty and administration of the Department of Nursing reserve the right to dismiss any student enrolled in the program for unethical, dishonest, unprofessional, or illegal conduct that is inconsistent with the ANA Code for Nurses and the College’s Honor Code.

Readmission:

The Department of Nursing acknowledges the responsibility of readmitting only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty, satisfy the requirements of scholarship, health, and professional suitability for nursing. Students requesting readmission must apply in writing to the nursing department’s Admissions and Progression Committee. Each student situation is reviewed on an individual basis. Requests for readmission for fall must be submitted by February 1 of the year in which readmission would occur in the fall, or by October 1 for readmission, which would occur the following spring. Readmission cannot be guaranteed to any student. Students following the curriculum plan without interruption are given priority for course enrollment.

Specific guidelines for readmission include the following:

1. Course repetition policies
   1. A nursing course may be repeated one time only (exception NSG 201 ).
   2. Only one (1) failed nursing course may be repeated.
   3. The course must be repeated within the next academic year.
   4. The course must be repeated successfully (2.0) prior to taking other nursing courses.
2. Students may appeal decisions based on course repetition policies in writing to the Department of Nursing Admission and Progression Committee with the concurrence or recommendation of the academic advisor or course instructor. Decisions on appeal requests are the responsibility of the Admission and Progression Committee and may be approved or denied based on individual circumstances and an evaluation of the request.
3. Any student readmitted to the program will be required to:
   1. Meet college readmission criteria.
   2. Meet all program admission requirements prior to readmission. 
   3. Complete the A&P committee’s individual plan to promote student success.
4. A readmitted student will be expected to meet graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission and to follow the baccalaureate degree nursing policies in effect for that academic year.

Graduation:

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is granted by College of the Ozarks to those candidates who have completed the credit requirements as described in the nursing curriculum course plan and who have met all degree requirements of College of the Ozarks. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to graduate from College of the Ozarks’ Nursing Program.

Students intending to graduate must complete a graduation (check) audit at least three semesters before they expect to graduate. The student is responsible for assuring that their academic record is in order.

Prior to Department of Nursing approval for the candidate’s licensure (NCLEX-RN^®) application, an exit interview (Program Synthesis Portfolio defense) with the Department of Nursing is required. Additionally, all student accounts must be cleared, and all clinical name badges must be returned to the Department of Nursing office.

Completion of the program does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN^® exam (refer to Section 335.066 of the Missouri Nurse Practice Act). Refer to www.cofo.edu/nursing  and the Nursing Student Handbook for details of 335.066.