Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Elms College baccalaureate nursing curriculum integrates a strong liberal arts and sciences core with a nursing curriculum that emphasizes nationally recognized standards and competencies for nurses and health professionals.
Elms bachelor of science in nursing students are well educated through rigorous coursework, state-of-the-art simulation labs and through diverse clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings to gain the knowledge and skills to successfully engage in professional nursing practice.
Elms nursing graduates become knowledgeable, innovative professional nurse leaders prepared to influence and drive healthcare change, make important contributions to patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.
Quick Info
- Elms boasts award-winning BSN athletes across all Division III sports. More than half (60%) of our athletes on the women’s lacrosse, softball, and basketball teams are also nursing majors.
- Clinical learning begins sophomore year
- Student-led Undergraduate Nursing Council provides continuous feedback and student experience input
- Specialized support and a dedicated nursing computer testing lab
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the Nursing (BSN).
124 credits (including Elms College core requirements).
Core Nursing Requirements
Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
NUR 1100 | Introduction to Contemporary Nursing Practice | 3 |
NUR 2103 | Medical Dose Calculations | 1 |
NUR 2107 | Health Assessment of the Adult | 4 |
NUR 2109 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
NUR 2201 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
NUR 2205 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NUR 3106 | Nursing Care of the Adult I | 5 |
NUR 3106L | Nursing Skills Lab I | 1 |
NUR 3406 | Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
NUR 3306 | Nursing Care of the Adult II | 5 |
NUR 3306L | Nursing Skills Lab II | 1 |
NUR 3405 | Nursing Research | 3 |
NUR 3604 | Children and Families | 5 |
NUR 3608 | Childbearing | 5 |
NUR 4206 | NCLEX | 2 |
NUR 4605 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult | 5 |
NUR 4700 | Population-based Health Nursing | 4 |
NUR 4707 | Nursing Leadership and Management of Care | 5 |
NUR 4902 | Senior Seminar | 2 |
Students must achieve a 77% (C+) objective test grade to pass the course unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus for all NUR (Nursing) courses. A G.P.A of 2.5 is required to progress to the next level. Failures in two courses or a second failure of the same course results in no longer being eligible for the nursing major. | 3 | |
BIO 2105 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
BIO 2105L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 1 |
BIO 2106 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
BIO 2106L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 1 |
BIO 2201 | Microbiology | 3 |
BIO 2201L | Microbiology Lab | 1 |
CHE 1905 | Biochemistry | 3 |
CHE 1905L | Biochemistry Lab | 1 |
MAT 1009 | Statistics | 3 |
PED 1408 | Nutrition and Yoga | 2 |
PHI 2408 | Health Care Ethics | 3 |
PSY 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
SPA 1001 | Spanish I | 3 |
SPA 1002 | Spanish II | 3 |
SPA 1002L | Spanish II Lab | 3 |
SWK 2004 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 1 |
SSD 3004 | Introduction to Cultural Competence | 3 |
Students must achieve a 77% (C+) to pass the non-nursing courses that are part of the nursing curriculum. Failures in two courses or a second failure of the same course results in no longer being eligible for the nursing major. | 3 |
Click to view course requirements for the Clinical Requirements:.
Elms College policy requires the all pre-licensure students to submit medical documentation in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Massachusetts Immunization Law 105 CMR 220.600:
Elms College policy and Massachusetts Department of Public Health dictates that students are required to submit the following documentation to satisfy immunization requirements for college (postsecondary institutions):
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): 1 dose within 10 years. A TD (Tetanus, Diphtheria may be accepted if it has been greater than or equal to 10 years since the last Tdap AND record of prior Tdap is submitted as well.
- Hepatitis B: Complete series of Hepatitis vaccination (2 or 3 doses based on dates of administration) or laboratory evidence of positive immunity.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Series of 2 doses at least 28 days apart or laboratory evidence of positive immunity to ALL 3 diseases (must have specific immunity for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). Birth in the U.S. before 1957 is acceptable only for non-health science students.
- Varicella: Series of 2 doses at least 28 days apart and/or laboratory evidence of positive immunity. Physician verified history of chickenpox is acceptable only for non-health science students. Birth in the U.S. before 1980 is acceptable only for non-health science students.
- Meningococcal (MenACWY, formerly MCV4): 1 dose within 5 years or a signed MDPH Meningococcal Information and Waiver Form provided by Elms College.
- Full COVID-19 vaccination
Exemptions
Students may apply for a medical or religious vaccination exemption through the Elms College Health Center. The Health Center and/or Health Advisory Board reviews all applications, and students receive notification in writing if their application is approved. All exemption approvals remain in the student’s medical file for one year from the date written, and must be renewed annually. An Elms College approved medication exemption does not automatically grant exemption for any off campus facilities.
Students enrolled in the Elms Nursing Program are required to complete a series of clinical rotations in various health care facilities that require student immunization. The college has no control over whether or not the facility will accept the college approved medical or religious exemption. Students who are not fully immunized per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Massachusetts Immunization Law 105 CMR 220.600 are not guaranteed clinical placements.
Other Requirements:
- National and state criminal background check (CORI/SORI)
- Drug screening (11 Panel)
- Annual TB screening
- Finger-printing if required by the clinical placement (e.g. schools)
- CPR (American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers)
Click to view course requirements for the Clinical Placements.
Baystate Medical Center
Baystate Noble Hospital
Baystate Wing Hospital
Berkshire Medical Center
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Mercy Medical Center (THONE)
Veteran’s Affairs (Leeds)
Local Public Schools
Local Senior Centers
Local Public Health Departments
Behavioral Health Network
Center for Human Development
Friends of the Homeless
Encompass Health
Fallon Place
Genesis Health
Hampden County House of Corrections
Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen
It Takes a Village
Mental Health Association
Square One
Western MA Eldercare