Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Within the framework of the mission and goals of the University, the undergraduate programs in the Loretto Heights School of Nursing (LHSON) have as their dominant focus a holistic, individualized, and humanistic approach to the individual, family, and community. The curriculum is organized to focus on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and social responsibility. Upon successful completion of the undergraduate program, each graduate receives the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree which prepares students for professional practice in a variety of health care agencies and for graduate study. Graduates are eligible to take the state board licensure examination in any state.
Traditional Nursing Program
The Traditional Nursing Program extends over four and a half academic years with a summer start. The upper division nursing courses are based on the humanities, behavioral science, and natural science courses taken in the freshman and sophomore years. Clinical experiences and service learning augment classroom and skills and simulation laboratory learning experiences. Because the nursing curriculum is structured sequentially, failure to complete a course successfully may require students to wait a full year or longer to repeat coursework and reenter the sequence.
Accelerated Nursing Program
The Accelerated Nursing Program is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are seeking a second degree and/or wish to make a career change. Accelerated students complete their nursing coursework in approximately 12 months. Courses for this program include select graduate level courses. Clinical experiences and service-learning augment classroom, skills laboratory, and simulation laboratory learning experiences. To be accepted into the Accelerated Nursing Program, students must have a previously earned non-nursing baccalaureate and/or graduate degree and have met the criteria for acceptance into the undergraduate program in Nursing, including completion of all necessary prerequisites. Since the Accelerated Nursing Program is intense and fast-paced, it is strongly recommended that students not be employed. Because the nursing curriculum is structured sequentially, failure to complete a course successfully may require students to wait a full year or longer to repeat coursework and reenter the sequence.
CHOICE Nursing Program
The CHOICE (Connecting Health Occupations with Innovative Curriculum and Experience) Nursing Program provides health care workers with the opportunity to pursue a nursing degree while maintaining full-time employment. The CHOICE Nursing Program offers afternoon/evening classes, with laboratory experiences and clinical rotations scheduled primarily on the weekend. The program requirements are the same as those for the other prelicensure programs, and prerequisite course requirements must be met prior to beginning the program. Clinical experiences and service learning augment classroom, skills laboratory, and simulation laboratory experiences. The program is completed within two years (six consecutive semesters). While CHOICE is designed for health care workers, applicants who have a history, but do not currently work in the health care industry may apply, pending space availability. Because the nursing curriculum is structured sequentially, failure to complete a course successfully may require students to wait a full year or longer to repeat coursework and reenter the sequence.
Undergraduate Nursing Admission
High School Graduates
Prospective freshmen who wish to apply to the Traditional BSN program and to be eligible for Guaranteed Admission should complete the following requirements:
- Complete the Regis Freshman Application or The Common Application. Regis University accepts the Common Application in lieu of its own application and gives equal consideration to both.
- Failure to answer the Felony/Misdemeanor question will stop the processing of the application/enrollment to Regis University. If convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, a background check may be required.
- Applicants should request that official high school transcripts be forwarded to Regis University's Office of Admissions. (Transcripts must be official and may not be stamped Student Copy.)
- High school seniors should have their official ACT and/or SAT test results forwarded to the Office of Admissions from their high school or testing agency. (ACT code: 0526; SAT code: 4656.)
- Applicants should include a personal statement or essay with their application. This will allow the admissions committee to get to know the applicant better.
- Applicants should submit one letter of recommendation either from a high school counselor or a teacher.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a visit to campus to attend an information session and tour campus.
Once accepted into Regis University, the admissions office asks the applicant to confirm his/her plans for enrollment with a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $150 and room reservation deposit of $150. Admissions deposits should be received by the Office of Admissions by May 1.
Traditional Nursing Program Guaranteed Admission
Guaranteed Admission is an opportunity to earn a guaranteed spot in the Traditional BSN program. Eligibility is based on an exceptional set of rigorous standards as outlined below. Students not meeting Guaranteed Admission are still eligible to apply to the Traditional BSN program and have their applications competitively reviewed.
Newly matriculated freshmen attending Regis University (specifically Regis College) may be eligible for Guaranteed Admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional option if they successfully meet all the following requirements:
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above (includes coursework completed at Regis College and any other regionally accredited institutions at which student has completed coursework)
- Cumulative science grade point average of 3.25 or above, calculated from the following courses:
| Code | Title | SHs |
|---|---|---|
| CH 206A/207A | Chemistry for Health Related Sciences | 3.00 |
| BL 274/275 | Principles of Human Anatomy | 3.00 |
| BL 276/277 | Principles of Human Physiology | 3.00 |
| BL 254/255 | Intro to Medical Microbiology | 3.00 |
- Grade of “C” or better in all Regis University coursework
- Recommendation of pre-professional advisor
Conditions of Eligibility
Students meeting the above requirements must also meet the following conditions to maintain eligibility to progress into the Traditional BSN program in the junior year:
- Students must successfully complete two years of full time study (four semesters) through Regis College.
- Pre-nursing students may participate in Regis University’s Study Abroad program opportunities, but must make appropriate plans with the academic advisor in order to maintain eligibility for Guaranteed Admission.
- Students must successfully complete all four science prerequisites through Regis College.
- Students transferring in prerequisite science credits via Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual enrollment are ineligible for Guaranteed Admission.
- Three of the four sciences must be complete to be considered for Guaranteed Admission.
- Students must receive grades of “C” or better in all Regis University coursework.
- A student who receives a grade of C- or below is ineligible for Guaranteed Admission consideration.
- Withdrawal from a pre-nursing requisite course needs the approval of the pre-professional advisor for the student to remain eligible for Guaranteed Admission.
- Students have one opportunity to earn Guaranteed Admission. Students who do not successfully complete the Guaranteed Admission requirements, or maintain the conditions of eligibility, will forfeit the opportunity to be considered for Guaranteed Admission in the future.
- Only new freshman entering Regis College are eligible for Guaranteed Admission consideration. Transfer students are ineligible.
- Due to the insufficient course offerings available in the School for Professional Advancement, particularly related to science offerings, students enrolled in a School for Professional Advancement program are not eligible for Guaranteed Admission.
Procedures
- All pre-nursing students must meet with the pre-professional advisor to sign the Guaranteed Admission Policy Agreement at the time of matriculation.
- Evaluation for Guaranteed Admission occurs after fall semester of the students’ eligibility year (fall semester, sophomore year). Students earning progression are admitted conditionally, pending successful completion of the pre-nursing curriculum requirements consistent with Guaranteed Admission eligibility requirements. Admitted students are re-evaluated at the completion of the fourth term (spring semester, sophomore year) to ensure eligibility.
- Students not meeting Guaranteed Admission eligibility at the end of their third semester (fall semester, sophomore year) must submit additional application materials and are competitively evaluated by the LHSON Student Affairs Committee.
- Regis University students who request a change of major into pre-nursing must make an appointment with the pre-professional advisor to determine eligibility for the Guaranteed Admission program.
There is no appeals process for students not admitted to the Traditional BSN via the Guaranteed Admission policy.
Traditional and Prelicensure Programs
All applications for admission to an undergraduate nursing program require a completed application form and may include a nonrefundable application fee.
Traditional and CHOICE Nursing Programs Admission Requirements
All applicants for admission are reviewed using guidelines established by the LHSON Student Affairs Committee. All CHOICE applicants must have completed all pre-requisite courses prior to admission into the program. The admission process for all prelicensure programs is a competitive process. Only students who meet the following minimum criteria are eligible to be considered for acceptance into the Traditional, or CHOICE program:
- A grade of “D+” or lower is not permissible for completion of the degree.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.000 scale and a prerequisite science grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.000 scale.
- Ability to meet all the requirements for licensure and the physical, psychological and emotional standards established by the Colorado Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing.
- Submission of a complete application with application fee.
- Professional resume.
- One page essay addressing the provided essay prompt.
- Two recommendation forms completed by professional persons knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic, professional, and leadership potential.
- Official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended.
- Minimum competence levels in both written English and computation skills. Students with English as a second language are required to pass the TOEFL examination with a minimum score of 213 (computer-based), or complete an ELS Language Center’s level 109-Academic within one year prior to acceptance into the Program.
- The ability to become certified in CPR.
Accelerated Nursing Programs Admission Requirements
All applicants for admission are reviewed using guidelines established by the LHSON Student Affairs Committee. All Accelerated and CHOICE applicants must have completed all pre-requisite courses prior to admission into the program. The admission process for all prelicensure programs is a competitive process. Only students who meet the following minimum criteria are eligible to be considered for acceptance into the Accelerated or CHOICE program:
- A grade of “D+” or lower is not permissible for completion of the degree.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Ability to meet all of the requirements for licensure and the physical, psychological, and emotional standards established by the Colorado Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing.
- Submission of a complete application with fee.
- Professional resume.
- One page essay addressing the provided essay prompt.
- Two recommendation forms completed by professional persons knowledgeable about the applicant's academic, professional, and leadership potential.
- Official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended.
- Minimum competence levels in both written English and computation skills. Students with English as a second language are required to pass the TOEFL examination with a minimum score of 213 (computer-based), or complete an ELS Language Center's level 109-Academic within one year prior to acceptance into the Program.
- The ability to become certified in CPR.
Prelicensure Admission Requirements related to Clinical/Practicum Agency Regulations
Clinical agencies have specific requirements for both criminal background checks and drug screening. To ensure that LHSON students are able to attend the essential clinical experiences needed to complete their programs, all prelicensure program students must provide documentation of an acceptable drug screening (which may be repeated at the discretion of the LHSON at any time throughout the program) and criminal background check from the firm with which Regis University has contracted. Although prelicensure program applicants may have already completed background checks elsewhere, Regis University cannot use these results for this purpose.
A complete health history and physical examination record indicating that the student is physically able to meet the objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and is appropriately immunized is required upon admission to the program. Students who have been accepted into the program must have received the first two of three injections that provide immunization against Hepatitis B prior to beginning clinical activities. The third injection must be received at the appropriate time thereafter.
Prelicensure Essential Functions
All prelicensure programs of the undergraduate nursing program are designed to educate nurses competent in health assessment, diagnosis of nursing problems, planning patient care, implementing nursing interventions, and evaluating outcomes for individuals, families, and groups in health care facilities and communities. The LHSON has identified the observational, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills it deems essential to complete the program. If a student cannot demonstrate the essential functions, skills, and abilities, it is the responsibility of the student to request through the University’s Office of Disability Services appropriate accommodations. If a student fails to disclose fully the inability to demonstrate any functions, skills, and abilities during the application process, accommodation cannot be assured. The University will provide reasonable accommodations as long as they do not impose an undue hardship.
Traditional Nursing Honors Program Admission Requirements
To be invited to apply to the Nursing Honors Program, students must be matriculated fulltime students with junior year standing in the Traditional BSN Program and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or greater on a 4.000 scale. Eligible students receive an invitation to apply at the beginning of the nursing program. Selection for the program is competitive and determined by the Nursing Honors Steering Committee. Total enrollment in the Nursing Honors Program each year is limited to 10% of the junior class.
Additional Undergraduate Nursing Admission Categories
Admission on Probation
Traditional students who do not meet the guaranteed admission policy may be granted Admission on Probation pending completion of outstanding pre-requisite courses at or above the level specified by the Student Affairs Committee and department director on their application review.
Non-Degree Seeking/Special Students
Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to take pre-professional requirement or upper division major coursework in prelicensure programs (competitive admission programs). Exceptions require prior permission of the school Dean.
Non-degree seeking students may take a maximum of nine semester hours. Courses can be taken either on a Pass/No Pass or graded basis. Additional semester hours may be taken with the approval of the appropriate department chair.
Students seeking admission as a non-degree seeking/special student must:
- Submit a completed non-degree seeking/special student application
- Submit proof of Professional Licensure (for post-licensure programs)
Non-degree seeking students who wish to matriculate into a degree seeking program must apply and meet all admission requirements for that degree. Courses taken by non-degree seeking students will apply to degree requirements if the courses are appropriate for the selected degree and taken on a graded basis.
Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid or veteran’s benefits.
Denial of Admission
Regis University reserves the right to deny admission, continued enrollment, or re-enrollment to any applicant or student who would pose an unreasonable risk of harm to self or others, or any unreasonable risk of disruption of the academic or clinical processes of the LHSON, the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, or Regis University.
Undergraduate Nursing and Computer Literacy and Access
Students are required to have a working knowledge of computers. Students are assigned a RegisNET e-mail account in their first semester of enrollment in the program. Students are expected to be literate in using e-mail, Internet, and database services. Students should consult the Regis University website for further information at www.regis.edu.
All students in the Nursing Programs are required to have Laptops with the following technical specifications:
Hardware
- Recommended screen size: 13 inches or greater
- Screen covers for test security
- Required Wi-Fi compatible
- Required Operating system: Windows: 10 or 11, MAC: Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or higher
- Required memory: minimum 4GB
- Required hard disk space: minimum 60GB
- Required battery: minimum life recommended 4 hours or higher
- Webcam is required
Software
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint (recommend MS Office)
- Browser: most recent version of Edge, Firefox, Safari or Chrome
- Current version of Examplify
- Current version of Adobe Reader
Undergraduate Nursing Program Progression and Grade Requirements
All programs for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree have a five-year time limit for completion of all degree requirements except for the RN to MS Nursing Program which has a five-year time limit to complete the BSN degree and an additional five-year time limit to complete the MS in Nursing degree. This time limit is computed from the time of matriculation. If a student wishes to complete the degree after the time limit has expired, readmission to the program may be required.
Traditional, Accelerated, and CHOICE Program Progression
In order for progression through the Undergraduate Nursing Programs to occur, students must, in the judgment of the faculty, demonstrate the following:
- Achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course (including nursing electives). A grade of “C-” is not acceptable.
- Adequate psychological, physical, and emotional fitness for nursing skills to be performed.
- Communication skills and professional behavior adequate for the demands of nursing.
Failure of an Undergraduate Nursing Course
Undergraduate nursing students who fail a required course taken at Regis University:
- Should contact their student success coach, appropriate coordinator, and program director regarding possible options for proceeding after a course failure.
- May be allowed to repeat the course one time only with approval from the appropriate program director.
- May progress to another course provided the failed course is not a prerequisite course, and they have the approval of the LHSON and the appropriate program director.
Note: Students have the right to protest a grade received in a course. See “Appeals of Disputed Grades” in the RHCHP General Information Section of this Catalog.
Students may not progress in the program after two required course failures taken at Regis University and are therefore dismissed from the nursing program. After one year from dismissal from the nursing program, students are eligible to apply for readmission. Students should contact the LHSON Dean's office at 303-964-5735.
Success Plans
In the case academic, clinical, and/or behavioral issues identified by a program director or coordinator, a Success Plan may be initiated in order to progress in the program. A Success Plan details the specific activities, behaviors, and timeframes for remediation of the identified academic, clinical, and/or behavioral issues. Additional information about the Success Plan is found in the LHSON Student Handbook. Violation of any term or terms of the Success Plan may be grounds for course failure and/or dismissal from the nursing program.
Undergraduate Nursing Student Advising
Undergraduate nursing students are assigned a student success coach upon admission who assists them with planning their program of study. Students and student success coaches discuss the terms of the program requirements at appropriate intervals during the program. Student success coaches counsel students on meeting the requirements for the undergraduate program; however, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule advising appointments and complete all degree requirements.
Undergraduate Nursing Transfer of Credit Policy and Procedure
Policies and procedures for transfer of credit are applied in concert with policies regarding Transfer/Competency-Based Credit in the General Information section of this catalog.
The acceptance of transfer credit for the BSN is done at the discretion of the appropriate department director in compliance with the following: Transfer credit is considered only for courses taken at regionally accredited colleges and universities and for course work for which a letter grade not less than a “C-” was earned. Courses older than three years must be reviewed by the appropriate department director. An official school transcript of the course work and a copy of the course syllabus are required.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduation Requirements
Students graduate on a given date following the semester that all requirements are met and documentation of such is received in the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline. Incomplete grades and late application for graduation may delay graduation to a subsequent semester.
Students must meet the following criteria to be awarded the Bachelor of Science Nursing:
- Satisfactory completion of required academic and clinical course work.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.
- Successful completion of all computer-based competency/assessment testing programs (e.g., Kaplan requirements for prelicensure students only).
- Recommendation for the degree by the faculty of the LHSON.
For additional information on Commencement and Graduation, refer to the General Information section of this Catalog and/or www.regis.edu.