Nursing: Bachelors (BS.NUR)

The pre-licensure track in the nursing program prepares graduates for entry into professional practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) and admission to programs of advanced study in the discipline of nursing and related fields.

The nursing program at Castleton University is approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.

Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. They are eligible to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for the Registered Professional Nurse (NCLEX-RN®). 

Admission and Progression

All students who are qualified will be admitted into the program based on completed prerequisites and college credits earned.  Students with fewer than 30 college credits should anticipate completing the degree in four years.  Transfer students with more than 30 college credits are likely to complete the program in three years.

Students interested in the nursing major who do not initially meet admission standards may transfer into the program after establishing eligibility and applying to the program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to Castleton's general admission requirements, applicants to the pre-licensure nursing program must meet the following admission standards:

1. Graduation from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA (re-calculated to exclude non-academic courses).
2. Grades of B- or above in math and science courses.
3. Minimum SAT scores of 500 each in critical reading and math sections or ACT of 21.
4. Transfer students must have a minimum grade of B- in all courses required for the nursing major.

Applicants must submit all high school transcripts and any prior post-secondary course work for review prior to admission.  Applicants may request an interview or, alternately, may be requested to interview.

Internal Transfers

Students enrolled in other academic programs within the University are eligible for consideration for internal transfer into nursing.  Details regarding the application process are available from the Nursing Department at open sessions offered each semester or by appointment.  The selection process takes place at the end of each semester. The most qualified applicants will be accepted as space in the program allows.  To be considered for transfer the applicant must meet these minimum requirements:

1. A GPA of 2.8; recalculated to remove non-program-related credits.
2. A minimum 9-credit academic load in the semester of-or prior to-application.
3. Grades of B- or better in all courses required for the nursing major.
4. Submission of a completed application prior to the designated deadline.
5. Approval by the Student Affairs Committee in the Nursing Department.

Progression Standards

To progress in the major students must complete all courses required for the major with a grade of B- or better.  Nursing majors may repeat a maximum of two courses required for the major; each course required for the major may be repeated only one time.  Patient safety is our number one priority, thus, students whose health, performance, or behavior is judged unsatisfactory may be withdrawn from the program.

Fees

The nursing student experience is different than that of other students, thus, additional fees apply including but not limited to fees related to equipment and supplies (name badge, stethoscope, uniforms, lab coat, shoes solely for the clinical setting, pen light, and bandage scissors), the conduct of a criminal background check, drug screening, maintenance of records necessary for clearance to practice in the clinical setting, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees.  Reasonable attempts are made to communicate new fees and changes in fee structures in a timely manner.  A description of fees can be found in the student handbook and/or course syllabi.

Transportation

Students are responsible for securing their own transportation to assigned clinical placements.

Licensure

According to the Vermont State Board of Nursing: "The Board may deny an application for registration, licensure or relicensure; revoke or suspend any license to practice nursing issued by it; discipline or in other ways condition the practice of a registrant or licensee upon due notice and opportunity for hearing in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 25, Title 3, if the person:

1. Has made or caused to be made a false, fraudulent or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure registration or renew a license to practice nursing;
2. Whether or not committed in this state, has been convicted of a crime related to the practice of nursing or a felony which evinces an unfitness to practice;
3. Is unable to practice nursing competently by reason of any cause;
4. Is habitually intemperate or addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs;
5. Has a mental, emotional or physical disability, the nature of which interferes with the ability to practice nursing competently; or,
6. Engages in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public." (State of Vermont, Board of Nursing, Title 26, V.S.A.)