There are many programs available for people who want to pursue a bachelor's in nursing degree. The programs include those for people with no medical background, ones for someone who already is a licensed vocational nurse and others for those with an associate's degree in nursing or for someone who is already a registered nurse. An individual interested in a bachelor’s degree in nursing should contact a nursing undergraduate adviser at an accredited college to inquire about the admission requirements. Usually, for admission, a candidate must obtain a C or better in general education classes, have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and pass an essay exam.
Individuals need to complete all prerequisite courses prior to entering the nursing program. These courses includes speech communication, English/composition, basic biology, health care ethics, human anatomy and physiology, life span growth and development, microbiology, statistics and several others. Individuals who have completed these courses will have the foundation to move forward in the pursuit of a nursing career.
Program courses are the essence of the nursing profession and all successful candidates must pass the courses. Completing these courses takes an individual closer to a bachelor’s degree. The program includes such courses as foundations for professional nursing, health assessment, nursing in acute and chronic illness, applied path physiology, geriatric nursing, community health nursing and leadership and care management.
Individuals interested in a nursing degree must also successfully pass a background check in order to to be considered eligible to participate in a bachelor of science in nursing program. According to the 1995 amendments to Vulnerable Adults Act, people with a negative background are forbidden to exercise direct contact with patients, meaning people who have been convicted of certain crimes are not eligible to work as a nurse.
Other requirements for a bachelor's degree in nursing include meeting a cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification deadline and a health and immunization deadline. Individuals must possess a CPR card before starting a nursing program as well as demonstrate the ability to administer CPR. In addition, students must show proof of immunization as well as good health by passing a physical examination. Students must be in good health to complete the nursing program.