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Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

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The Idaho State University School of Nursing Traditional Nursing undergraduate degree is well-suited to students with no nursing experience who seek their first degree in nursing. This program is also well suited to students who are currently licensed practical nurses who are seeking their baccalaureate degree. This program is four semesters in length, and classes are taught primarily from the Pocatello campus through a hybrid course model, integrating face-to-face and online formats into all courses. Clinical experiences are offered in the simulation lab and various off-campus settings, including community hospitals, community health facilities, service agencies, and schools.

The Traditional Nursing program provides learning opportunities for undergraduate students to prepare them for the role of the professional nurse in today's complex healthcare system and to take the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to secure licensure as a registered nurse.

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More Information

Questions related to this degree program should be addressed to:

Katy Hopkins Headshot

Katy Hopkins

Academic Advisor

Office: Pocatello

208-282-1393

sonadvis@isu.edu

Schedule a Meeting

 

** ISU students can also book appointments through Navigate **

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Program Overview

Prerequisite Courses

Our 13 prerequisite courses are separated into 2 different lists, labeled as Set A and Set B courses and are usually completed during a student's first two years of their undergraduate degree. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C grade or higher.

The Set A courses are used to calculate an applicant's nursing application GPA and must be completed prior to applying to the nursing program. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for the nursing application and the Set A GPA calculation.

The Set B courses can be in progress during the semester the applicant applies, so long as they are successfully completed before starting the program. Most students will have two or three of the Set B courses completed and then finish the remaining courses during the semester they apply in.

If courses are taken outside of Idaho State University, official transcripts verifying successful completion must be submitted to the ISU Registrar’s Office as part of the ISU application process.

Petitions to the School of Nursing may be required to establish equivalency for courses taken from other colleges or universities.

For application GPA calculation, Set A requires a minimum of 12 credits completed on a 4.0 GPA scale.

Traditional Program Requirements

Set A Prerequisite Courses
Set A (completed before applying to SON)
ISU Course
ISU Credits
Principles of Microbiology with Lab BIOL 2233 & 2233L 4
Anatomy & Physiology 1 with Lab BIOL 2227 & 2227L or BIOL 3301 & 3301L 4
Anatomy & Physiology 2 with Lab BIOL 2228 & 2228L or BIOL 3302 & 3302L 4
Introduction to General Chemistry CHEM 1101 or CHEM 1111 & 1111L 3 or 5
Introduction to Psychology PSYC 1101 3
Child Development PSYC 2225 3
Cultural Diversity Course 
Use Objective 9 in the ISU General Education
Program for guidance
 3
   

Set B Prerequisite Courses
Set B (completed before starting program)
ISU Course
ISU Credits
Introduction to Pathobiology BIOL 2229 or BIOL 3306 3
Pharmacology for Nurses DHS 3315 or PPRA 3315 3
Nutrition for Health Professionals NTD 3340 3
Introduction to Information Research LLIB 1115 or LLIB 1125 3
Medical Ethics PHIL 2230 3
Statistical Reasoning MATH 1153 3

 

School of Nursing (SON) - Prerequisite Course Petition 

  • This process applies only to SON undergraduate prerequisite courses.
  • It does not apply to NURS courses or ISU General Education Objectives.

     Have questions? Create an appointment with your nursing advisor.

  1. Types of Course Petitions
  • Completed Course:
    If you have already taken a course that does not transfer as an equivalent SON prerequisite
    • Must have a grade of C or higher
    • C- or lower is not accepted

         Required Documents:

    • Course description (from institution website)
    • Unofficial transcript (for grade verification)
      • SON staff cannot access ISU transcripts; this document is still required
  • Course Pre-Approval
    If you plan to take a course and want to confirm it will meet SON prerequisite requirements
    • If approved, you must still earn a C or higher
    • C- or lower will not be accepted

Required Documents:

    • Course description (from institution website)
  1. Processing Time
  • Petitions take 2-3 weeks to review.
    • Processing pauses during ISU winter break (not included in review timeline).
  1. Application and Petition Deadlines
    • ABSN Application Deadline: February 15
      • Course petition deadline (if needed to apply): February 5
    • TBSN Application Deadlines: March 15 and October 15
      • Course petition deadlines (if needed to apply): March 5 and October 5
  1. No Duplicate Course Use
  • A course may only be used to satisfy one prerequisite requirement.
  • If the same course is approved for multiple prerequisites, this will create an unfulfilled requirement in DegreeWorks and will impact your eligibility to apply.

         Example:
         If BIOL 303 is approved for BIOL 2227, it cannot also be used for BIOL 2228 or BIOL 2229.

  1. Course Expiration Guidelines
  • Pathobiology and Pharmacology must be completed within 3 years of the application date.
    • If expired, you will need to submit a course petition including:
      • Original course description
      • Unofficial transcript
      • Personal statement explaining how you are actively using the content
      • Proof of relevant work experience
  • There is no expiration timeline for other prerequisite courses.
  1. How to Check if a Petition is Needed
  • Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to review transcripts and determine if course petitions are needed
  • You may also check independently using the TES system.

     TES System

Click: TES Link Connected to ISU

    Step 1: Verify Your Institution

  • If listed in TES → accepted
  • If not listed → verify accreditation

     Requirements for Accreditation:

  • Must be regionally accredited
  • Nationally accredited or non-accredited institutions are not accepted, per ISU standards

          Examples of institutions not accepted include:

    • StraighterLine, Sophia Learning, Eagle Gate, extension centers, and similar providers

    Step 2: Check Course Equivalency

    If a course transfers as a direct SON prerequisite:

  • No course petition is needed
  • Send official transcript to ISU Registrar
    • Example:

tes course petition example

    If a course transfers as an elective or non-SON course:

  • Yes, a course petition is required
    • Example:

tes course petition example

     7. Submission Process

  • To submit a course petition:
    • Complete the petition form below
    • Submit through DocuSign
  •  You will receive a confirmation email after submission from DocuSign
  •   After review, you will receive a second DocuSign email with:
    • Final determination
    • Review notes

    8. After Course Petition Review

  • Approved: Completed Course:
    Send official transcript to ISU Registrar
  • Approved: Course Pre-Approval:
    Complete the course with a C or higher, then send official transcript to ISU Registrar
  • Voided Petitions
    • If requirements are not followed:
      • Petition will be voided (cancelled)
      • You must resubmit the course petition again
      • Resubmitted petitions restart the review timeline (2-3 weeks)

Sending Official Transcripts to ISU Registrar

Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution.

    • Electronic transcripts:

        Sent via Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, Escrip-Safe, etc

        Email: tceinfo@isu.edu

    • Mailed transcripts:
      Office of the Registrar
      Idaho State University
      921 S. 8th Ave
      Mail Stop 8196
      Pocatello, ID 83209-8196

Note: Nursing advisors will request DegreeWork updates after admission into the program

DocuSign Link to Course Petition Form

Program Information and Outcomes

The School of Nursing offers two program applications each year every fall and spring semester for admission the following spring or fall semester, respectively.

Students will complete the upper-division nursing courses after applying and being accepted into the Nursing program.

Please see the TBSN-Nursing Curriculum for the upper division nursing courses and structure of the 4-semester program.

Please see the Traditional Program Sample Schedule for two sample 4-year degree plans including all General Education, prerequisite, and upper division NURS courses.

Students must meet application requirements prior to applying for and starting any upper-division NURS courses.

If you have questions after looking through the School of Nursing website, please see the Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions page for more information or make an appointment with a Nursing Academic Advisor.

Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook

Program Outcomes

Completion of the undergraduate program provides the graduate with the abilities to:

  1. Evaluate critical thinking skills based upon nursing knowledge integration, the sciences and the humanities, in planning direct and indirect care for diverse populations in rural or urban settings.
  2. Develop individual traits and personal power to interact constructively with clients, families and communities.
  3. Evaluate the broad range of technology requirements.
  4. Create effective communication with clients, families, communities and other health care providers using verbal, non-verbal, electronic and/or written modalities.
  5. Evaluate the principles of population health needs.
  6. Value behaviors congruent with current standards of professional practice, and promote the nursing profession.
  7. Appraise basic nursing science information and develop expertise in the comprehensive care of clients, families, and communities.

ISUPP 4130 Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Importance of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is a critical first step for a career in professional nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, recognizes the BS degree in nursing as the minimum educational requirement for a professional nursing practice. Recommendations by AACN state that education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of the nurse clinician.

Nurses with BS degrees are well-prepared to meet the demands placed on today's nurse. Bachelor of Science nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, health care foundations, community hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to the practice setting. Following the School of Nursing's curriculum prepares students to become professional registered nurses and includes the following essential components of all baccalaureate nursing programs: a liberal education, professional values, core competencies, core knowledge, and role development.

Finances

Estimated Undergraduate Nursing Costs

Cost of Attendance

In-State and Out-of-Sate tuition costs at ISU: Cost of Attendance

Professional Fees

In addition to ISU tuition and fees, a professional fee is assessed for all undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Nursing. Professional fees for the nursing programs support faculty salaries, instruction support services, durable and disposable equipment and supplies, faculty, and staff program travel, capital equipment, and a reserve for maintenance and purchase of major capital items.

List of current professional fees: Professional Fees

Scholarships

Idaho State University Scholarships

The School of Nursing annually awards over $100,000 in scholarships, and the School of Nursing scholarship application is available annually in April in the Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
Please see the Scholarship Office website for more information about scholarship opportunities available through ISU.

Travel Nursing

Nurse Corps Scholarship (HRSA Health Workforce)
Amount: Varies (not a fixed amount)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. national, or a lawful permanent resident
  • Accepted or enrolled in a nursing degree program at a U.S.-accredited school of nursing
  • No federal judgment liens against you
  • No existing service commitments
  • Not delinquent on any federal debt

Nurse Corps Scholarship

Nursing Scholarship

CampusRN has $15,000 in Scholarships Available to Nursing & Allied Health Students.

Career Opportunities

Nurse Careers

Search Thousands of Entry Level Jobs, Externships, & Scholarship Opportunities on CampusRN.

Faculty Openings

Apply for opportunities to teach right here at the Idaho State University School of Nursing. 

Nursing ALD

Browse their Free Job Board, Publications and Events

 

Eligibility and Selection

Eligibility Checklist: Undergraduate Nursing Application

Applicants are required to be admitted to ISU and apply separately to the School of Nursing.

To apply for admission to Idaho State University, please fill out an Undergraduate Application.

  1.  Apply as a degree-seeking student, Undergraduate Pre-Nursing major.
  2. There is a $50.00 application fee to Idaho State University.

Acceptance to the School of Nursing is competitive and meeting application eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance. School of Nursing applications are accepted two times a year.

Annual application openings for the Traditional program track:

  1. Fall semester application for a Spring semester admission start in the program
    • 8 a.m. August 15th through 5 p.m. October 15th
  2. Spring semester for a Fall semester start in the program
    • 8 a.m. January 15 through 5 p.m. March 15

In addition to the General Education requirements of Idaho State University, the student must comply with the following School of Nursing Traditional Program Requirements. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for acceptance into the School of Nursing.

  1. Completion of all ISU General Education requirements.
  2. Completion of all Set A nursing prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 higher (65% of application score.)
    • Set B prerequisites need to be completed, or enrolled and in progress, prior to the applicant's anticipated Nursing program start date.
  3. Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a Total score of 60% or higher (35% of application score.)
    • Please visit atitesting.com for more information about the TEAS exam.
    • Applicants can schedule their TEAS exam at any ISU testing center or other approved ATI testing locations (except ISU College of Technology LPN program).
    • Call the ISU Testing Center for more information or schedule your remotely proctored test at atitesting.com.
      • Test results received outside an ISU testing center should be sent to School of Nursing at ID State U BSN
  4. If accepted into the School of Nursing, the applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher among Set A and Set B prerequisite courses at the time of admission.

Please review the Application Instructions for more detailed information regarding application criteria, including important deadlines.

Application and Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to meet with School of Nursing Academic Advisor to determine their eligibility, no less than 24 hours prior to the application period closing; however applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor at least two (2) weeks prior to the application opening.

School of Nursing Advisor will confirm an applicant's eligibility to apply by reviewing the following items:

  1. Approval of any required course petitions no less than 15 days prior to the application closing date.
    • Submit the School of Nursing Undergraduate CoursePetition Form with the required documentation within
      • Course Petition Form located on the bottom of the School of Nursing page under 'School of Nursing Course Petition Process' Section: Traditional BSN Webpage
  2. Completion of Set A prerequisite course with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  3. Completion of or enrolled in-progress Set B prerequisite courses.
  4. Completed of or enrolled in-progress General Education required courses.
  5. Completion of the ATI TEAS exam with a qualifying score.
  6. Once the Advisor confirms an applicant's eligibility, they will provide the applicant with the application enrollment key to begin the School of Nursing application in ISU Community Moodle.

Admission decisions will be made and sent out via email approximately two weeks after the application period closes.

If not accepted, contact a Nursing Academic Advisor to discuss options.

Admission Process once accepted:

  1. Complete admission requirements.
  2. Successfully complete remaining Set B prerequisite courses and ISU General Education Courses.
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