Bachelor of Nursing at University of Houston

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has three tracks.

1. The RN to BSN Track is a completion program, specifically designed for registered nurses who have earned their associate degree and subsequent RN licensure. 
2. The Second Degree BSN (Second Degree) Track  is a twelve-month, intensive, full-time course of study for people holding bachelor's or master's degrees in other fields who want to become registered nurses (RNs). This accelerated track is designed to facilitate a career change for the more mature and experienced student.
3. The Nursing, B.S.N. (Traditional) Track "‹ is designed for incoming University of Houston freshmen with no college credits. Students are eligible to apply to the CON Traditional BSN Track once they have completed 45 SCH in residence at University of Houston.  

RN - BSN (Track) Overview

The primary educational objective of the RN to BSN Track is to increase the career and educational opportunities available to registered nurses in the university's service region. Graduates of the program will have a broader understanding of the nursing profession and will bring that understanding to the practice of nursing in their places of employment. Graduates will be prepared to assume some leadership and management roles. 

All applicants must satisfy university requirements for an undergraduate degree in addition to the RN to BSN Track requirements below:

1. Applicants to the RN to BSN Track must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program. Applicants who have completed an international nursing diploma program that is not affiliated to a university may not have satisfied the Associate Degree requirement for admission to the University of Houston College of Nursing undergraduate RN to BSN Track due to the non-academic nature of this type of coursework. Contact an International Student Advisor in the University of Houston Admissions Office for additional information.
2. Applicants must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license.
3. Applicants must have completed all prerequisite course work prior to enrolling in the program.

Undergraduate Program Goals

At the end of the undergraduate educational program, the graduate will:

1. Synthesize knowledge from the biological sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities and nursing to provide appropriate culturally sensitive care to individuals, families and communities.
2. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication, collaboration with other professionals, and leadership and management skills.
3. Critically analyze and apply research finds to nursing practice related to disease prevention, health promotion, illness care and restoration of health.
4. Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate the outcomes of nursing care.
5. Serve as client advocates by providing health education and in monitoring and promoting access to cost-effective care.
6. Encourage lifelong learning and create a foundation for graduate study.
7. Integrate professional values and ethical, moral and legal aspects of nursing into practice in a variety of structured and unstructured settings.