School of Nursing

RU Nursing Vision

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Rockhurst University aspires to be a leading educational institution for preparing professionals in the health industry. We seek to build collaborative relationships with clinical partners, affording our students leading-edge clinical educational opportunities.

RU Nursing Values

Learning is the preparation of intelligent, humble, and passionate caregivers for service to others.

Leadership is providing results through an efficient and ethical approach to our work. Integrity is individual responsibility and equality through a mutual commitment to each other and to Saint Luke’s School of Nursing.

Service through professionalism is responsibly and efficiently demonstrating greatness to every population.  Accountability is being responsible for consistency and fairness in our thoughts and actions. Excellence is the consistent dedication to be the best. Respect is a positive regard for each other through our actions and open, honest dialogue.

Our BSN Mission

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Rockhurst University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides quality education through innovative curricula. Students are educated as nurse generalists to provide high quality, safe, and evidence-based practice to diverse populations in a variety of settings. The graduates are prepared with a liberal arts education for the role of the professional nurse, which encompasses thoughtful leadership, compassionate service, scholarship, and lifelong learning.

Our MSN Mission

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Rockhurst University graduate nursing programs focus on developing compassionate thoughtful leaders, accomplished scholars, and lifelong learners with a passion for advance nursing practice that meets societal needs with diverse populations in diverse settings.

Accreditation

Rockhurst University’s Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 info@hlcommission.org.

The baccalaureate level and master’s level degree programs in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Approvals

Rockhurst’s BSN degree program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Completion of the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences BSN degree may not guarantee issue of licensure. In compliance with the Missouri Nurse Practice Act (Chapter 335 of the Missouri Statutes, section 335.066), nursing program applicants should be aware that the Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for specific reasons related to moral turpitude, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs, or conviction of a crime. Admission to and graduation from the BSN program does not guarantee eligibility for state licensure. Any candidate for licensure who has been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony will be required to submit documentation of the court proceedings for that charge or conviction to the State Board of Nursing of the state in which licensure is sought. The Missouri State Board of Nursing determines who is eligible to take the licensing examination. Questions may be directed to:

Missouri State Board of Nursing
3605 Missouri Blvd Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-0681 | www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences must comply with a state’s regulations before any educational activity can occur within that state. Those regulations determine whether the School may offer you a place in a course or program.

All pre-licensure BSN, as well as MSN students must contact the Board of Nursing in the state where they are completing their clinical rotations to learn requirements. Students desiring the opportunity to complete clinical rotations in a state other than Missouri or Kansas, must obtain special permission, and not all requests can be granted. Additional fees may apply.

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC- SARA). Missouri became a SARA state in December 2014. This allows students from NC-SARA approved states to enroll in:

• Online degree programs, certificates and endorsements that include internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching, and clinical placements; and
• Campus-based courses with out-of-state internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching and clinical placements.

The School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Nursing with three tracks: a pre-licensure track (Nursing, BSN  ) an accelerated BSN program (Nursing, Accelerated BSN (ABSN) ) and a post-licensure track, (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) . There are five tracks available for the master’s level MSN program:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nurse Educator (NE)
• Dual Track (Combined FNP and AGACNP)
• Nursing Leadership (MSN-L)

General Requirements for a Degree

Responsibility for meeting all graduation requirements rest with the student. Through faculty, advisors and administration, Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences makes every effort to advise students well.

All candidates for a degree must meet the total credit hours requirement for their degree. Undergraduate students require a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and graduate students are required to have a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average in order to graduate.

The Rockhurst pre-licensure BSN degree requires students to complete 120 total credit hours, including 60 general education/support course hours, plus 60 upper-division nursing credit hours taken exclusively through the School of Nursing.

The post-licensure RN-BSN degree requires students to complete 120 total credit hours including 54-60 general education/support course hours, a limit of 36 nursing credit hours transferred from previous diploma/associate degree programs, and 30 nursing credit hours taken exclusively through the School of Nursing for a total of 120 credit hours.

For information regarding the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, refer to the Graduate Catalog located at www.rockhurst.edu/academics/registrar.

Math and English Placement Criteria and Guidelines

All incoming undergraduate students must demonstrate college readiness in english and mathematics. Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences has defined college readiness utilizing multiple measures to include high school grade point average, ACT scores, and previously completed college coursework in composition and mathematics.  If you do not meet college readiness requirements in one or more areas, you will be required to register for specific composition and or mathematics courses supporting minimal college readiness requirements to be prepared for college level coursework.

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admission 

Early Admit Nursing for Freshmen:

1. A student interested in pursuing a BSN that is admitted to Rockhurst University as an incoming Freshman and is offered an early admit seat in the SLCHS BSN program (entering BSN program 4 semesters after starting at RU) if:
   1. Student’s High School GPA at least a 3.3 and student’s ACT is at least a 21; OR
   2. Student’s High School GPA at least a 3.2 and student’s ACT is at least a 22.
   3. Student’s High School GPA at least 3.80 with no ACT required.
2. This early admit seat is offered at the time of admission to RU (as an incoming Freshman). To secure your seat you will need to be one of the first 70 students to submit your $200 enrollment deposit (non-refundable).
    
3. Additionally, in order to maintain their early admit seat, the student must (during their 4 semesters of prerequisite coursework at RU):
   1. Complete (or transfer in from college credit earned during HS) the 60 prerequisite credit hours for the SLCHS BSN program. A minimum of 24 hours must be earned at Rockhurst. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 in all prerequisite coursework.
   2. Achievement of 3.0 GPA is required for nursing pre-requisites (Anatomy &Physiology I &II, Chemistry, Microbiology, College Algebra).
   3. No more than one retake for required nursing prerequisites (Anatomy &Physiology I &II, Chemistry, Microbiology, College Algebra).
   4. Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Chemistry, and Microbiology nursing pre-requisites must be taken at Rockhurst University.
4.  If students meet these eligibility requirements, they would then need to complete an early-admit BSN application in the final year of prerequisite coursework at RU. Formal admission will not occur until final grades for the final semester of coursework have been posted and all additional requirements have been met.

*Addendum: for any natural science course taken at the 3000 level or higher, PL1100, CT2000, and HSXXXX a grade of C or better is accepted.

Deferred Entry Nursing:

1. RU Freshman students interested in pursuing a BSN who did not qualify for a direct admit seat as an incoming freshman can earn a deferred entry seat in the BSN program if after completing their Freshman year at RU, they successfully:
   1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 in all prerequisite coursework (completing the first 2 semesters of the RU pre-nursing curriculum, with a minimum of 24 RU hours earned at RU.)
   2. Achievement of  3.0 GPA for all required nursing pre-requisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology I&II, Chemistry, Microbiology, College Algebra).
   3. No more than one retake for required nursing prerequisite courses (Anatomy &Physiology I &II, Chemistry, Microbiology, College Algebra) taken at Rockhurst University.

   4. Recommended to complete Anatomy &Physiology I &II, Chemistry, and Microbiology, at Rockhurst University.

2. If students meet these eligibility requirements AND there are seats available, they would be moved into direct admit nursing status (for the appropriate start term) and proceed according to (and be subject to) the direct admit criteria/process outlined above.

*Addendum: for any natural science course taken at the 3000 level or higher, PL1100, CT2000, and HSXXXX a grade of C or better is accepted.

Rockhurst Advantage:

A Rockhurst student interested in entering the BSN program that does not qualify for direct admit could receive a point advantage in the application pool based on the following criteria: 

1. Earn a minimum of 24 credit hours at Rockhurst in any pre-nursing program (Associates, freshmen, or transfer entry); have at least 50 of the 60 prerequisite credit hours completed
2. Have completed four of the five required nursing pre-requisites (Anatomy &Physiology I &II, Chemistry, Microbiology, College Algebra) with a minimum of four credit hours in each science course, preferably at Rockhurst University.
3. Have not repeated required nursing pre-requisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra).
4. Higher cumulative GPA’s will reflect higher associated points for admission (3.2 or higher is recommended).
5. Completes nursing pre-requisite requirements in six semesters or less.
6. Students who have completed associates, bachelors, or masters degrees.

*This is a point advantage; this does not guarantee you admissions into the program. Please check the how to apply page for application deadlines.

Admission Processes

Completed application packets will be reviewed on a schedule as determined by the College. Fulfillment of minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the College.

Please note:  The RU transfer wizard is a tool used to guide student advising regarding approved transfer credits.  However, it does not replace the pre-nursing advising process.  If you are planning to transfer in one of the required nursing pre-requisites (such as A&P, Microbiology, or Chemistry), please confirm with the pre-nursing advisor that the course meets the nursing requirements.  Nursing students are required to take Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II with labs OR Anatomy with lab and Physiology with lab.  Nursing students cannot mix course structure and curriculum for Anatomy and Physiology.

For instance, if you are taking Anatomy and Physiology I, you must take Anatomy and Physiology II.  If you take Anatomy, you must take Physiology.  The course content is taught in a continuous sequence.  If you mix and take Anatomy and Physiology I and then take Physiology (or vice versa), you will miss a major portion of required content.  The pre-nursing advisor can assist you to make sure the courses you plan to take will provide the necessary content for nursing students. 

The following minimum admission criteria are considered by the admissions committee in the selection of students for each program:

Admissions Process:

Step 1

You may start an application if you (minimum requirements for admission):

• Have at least 36 of the 60 prerequisite credit hours.
• Have completed two out of the four required natural sciences (Anatomy with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Physiology with Lab).
• Have the required science courses that are no older than five years old at the time of enrollment.
• Have not repeated required nursing pre-requisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra) more than one time.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all required nursing pre-requisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra).
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in all prerequisite coursework.
• Students transferring in two or more of the required nursing pre-requisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and College Algebra) are required to take the TEAS exam.  Results will be analyzed with the student to provide resources, support, and remediation as needed.
• Have graduated from an accredited high school (GED and HiSET also accepted).
• Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or F1 Visa.

Step Two

Apply at https://www.rockhurst.edu/nursing/how-to-apply

• Up-to-date official transcripts should include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits.
• Home-schooled students must provide proof of a GED or HiSET exam.
• A resume reflecting qualifications, work and volunteer experience.
• If you have been enrolled in another nursing program, you must provide a letter from the dean/nursing program director on official college letterhead verifying reasons for withdrawal/dismissal and eligibility for readmission.

Step Three

If you are accepted, you must provide the following to the admissions office prior to your required nursing orientation date. Some requirements will be ongoing and monitored through Clinical Student. See the Clinical Readiness Admissions and Progression Requirements catalog section for complete details. You must pass both the background check and drug screen in order to continue in the program.

• Immunizations
• Alcohol and Drug Testing
• CNE/KCANE Confidentiality Statement
• CNE Clinical Examination
• Color Blindness Screening
• CPR Certification
• Criminal Background Check
• Health Insurance
• Latex Allergy Form
• Saint Luke’s Health System Confidentiality Statement
• Student Clinical Site Consent Form
• Covid-19 Vaccination

Step Four

   Once you have been accepted, you will be required to complete all other onboarding requests as outlined in your acceptance packets.

Admission Selection Process

Following the review of the application by the College, one of the following decisions are made:

• The applicant is accepted for conditional admission. Any acceptance is contingent upon completion and maintenance of all requirements.
• The applicant is placed numerically on a stand-by list.
• The applicant is denied for admission.
• The admissions office notifies applicants of acceptance into the program. As spaces become available, applicants from the standby list are accepted according to their placement on the list.

Applicants selected for admission to the BSN degree must:

• Notify program of acceptance or refusal of the admission offer.
• Submit a $400, non-refundable deposit to guarantee their placement. This deposit will be applied toward tuition.
• Comply with all of Clinical Student and clinical compliance requirements.

• All costs associated with admission requirements, such as clinical compliance and the TEAS exam, are the responsibility of the student.

Licensure

Each State Board of Nursing requires licensure in order to practice as a registered nurse. PLEASE NOTE: A misdemeanor and/or felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NCLEX-RN® or attain state licensure. It is the student’s responsibility to contact and verify with the State Board of Nursing whether or not he or she will be able to apply for licensure and take the NCLEX-RN®. The university does not control whether or not a student receives Registered Nurse licensing upon completion of the BSN program.

General Education Course Requirements for BSN Program

All general education credits must be completed prior to enrollment in the university’s nursing program. This can be achieved by completing all required prerequisites at another college or university or by completing all prerequisites at Rockhurst University.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Admissions Process

Step One

You may start an application if you:

• Have an active unencumbered nursing license in the state of Kansas or Missouri where you practice.
• Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident.
• Have completed a maximum of 35 nursing credit hours transferred from an associate or diploma program.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 with no grade below C counting towards graduation.

Step Two

Apply at https://www.rockhurst.edu/apply

• The following items are required to complete the application:
• Contact your prior colleges to send up-to-date official transcripts, to include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits.
• If you have a transcript from outside the United States, it must be evaluated by the World Education Service www.wes.org or from Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) www.ece.org.
• Download your active, unencumbered nursing license in the state where you practice, from Nursys.com and send it to the admissions department at saintlukesadmissions@rockhurst.edu

RN-BSN Admissions Selection Process

Application packets will be reviewed by the College as soon as the application is complete. Fulfillment of minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to the College.

Following the review of the application, the admissions office will make one of the following decisions:

»    The applicant is accepted for admission. Any acceptance is contingent upon completion of all requirements.

»    The applicant is denied for admission.

The admissions office notifies applicants of acceptance/denial into the RN-BSN program.

RN-BSN to MSN Bridge Program

RN-BSN students have an opportunity to complete graduate courses that satisfy RN-BSN curriculum requirements while also making progress toward their MSN degree.

• Eligibility criteria for acceptance into this bridge program includes:
  • Students must have had a 3.2 cumulative GPA when enrolled in the RN-BSN Program.
  • Students must have completed at least four RN-BSN courses, and earned at least a B grade in all RNBSN courses taken at Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
• Approval of enrollment into the RN-BSN to MSN bridge program falls under the purview of the MSN Program Director.
• Once the MSN Director has approved enrollment into the bridge program, students must:
  • Earn at least a grade of B in each graduate course. Grades of less than B will be recorded on the transcript but will not earn graduate credit.
  • Earn at least a grade of B in all RN-BSN courses taken subsequently to enrolling in the bridge program.
  • Take no more than a total of 12 graduate credit hours selected from those that are eligible for the bridge program.
• Enrollment in the bridge program does not guarantee acceptance into the MSN program. Students must meet all admission criteria for acceptance into the MSN program following their BSN graduation.

For a list of eligible RN-BSN to MSN Bridge courses, go to RN-BSN to MSN Bridge Program  .

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