Nursing, Pre-Licensure Program (BSN)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2021–Spring 2022 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Unit: Nursing
Academic Plan Code(s): NU_BSN, NURSBSN

Program Information

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a four year program that consists of four semesters of lower division course work and four semesters of upper division course work that prepares students for a career in professional nursing by providing a dynamic course of study that is both theoretical and practical. As citizens of a larger community, our focus is to address the complex health care needs of diverse and dynamic populations through nursing education, research, scholarship and service. Our students graduate prepared to demonstrate excellence in nursing science, practice and leadership in a variety of settings for the benefit of clients across the lifespan and to meet the evolving health care needs of society. Our BSN program also provides the necessary foundation for masters and doctoral degrees in nursing.

Students have access to innovative Patient Simulation and Standardized Patient Centers. Faculty have the highest qualifications and conduct research in their areas of specialization.

By including a core of knowledge in the humanities and the behavioral, physical, and biological sciences, as well as theory and practice of professional nursing graduates of the BSN program will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Degree Summary

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Departmental Admission Requirements

New Students and Transfer Students

Students are admitted directly into the Lower Division of the Nursing Program.

Please refer to the catalog pages containing the admissions details for the School of Nursing.

Current Students

Students who have completed at least one semester in another school/college of the University of Louisville and have a minimum college grade point average of 2.8 may apply to the School of Nursing.  They must complete an online change of major form that can be found in ULink.  Students admitted through this process must be advised before registering for courses in their first semester in the nursing program.

General Education Requirements

All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Completion of the BSN degree in the minimum number of hours requires using some credit hours from courses included in the school and/or program requirements to satisfy General Education requirements. Additional General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

Program/Major Requirements

Flight Plan

Flight Plan With Summer Courses

Flight Plan Without Summer Courses

Degree Audit Report
Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan.  What-if reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

To create either report:

1. Log into your ULink account.
2. Click on the Academic Progress tile.
3. Next, click on "View my Degree Audit" to run a Degree Audit report in the Undergraduate Advising area. 
4. To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, or create a What-if report.

Flight Planner
Based on your major, the Flight Planner tool may be available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan.  The Flight Planner can be found in the ULink Student Center.  Consult with your advisor for assistance with the Flight Planner.

Graduates from the UofL School of Nursing are prepared to apply for RN licensure upon graduation; however, educational preparation does not guarantee professional licensure. If you have questions regarding Kentucky RN licensure, please contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing (kbn.ky.gov/apply/Pages/Examination/examination.aspx).  For RN licensure questions in other states, please contact the respective state board of nursing (ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm).