Nursing, Pre-Licensure Program (BSN)

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2022–Spring 2023 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, NU_BSNOW, NURSBSNOW

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 graduates are 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 master's and doctoral degrees in nursing.

Students will use innovative Patient Simulation Centers and conduct clinical in acute care and community-based settings.  

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

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To complete the degree in the minimum number of hours listed, some hours from the General Education Requirements must be satisfied by courses defined by the unit and/or program. Using other courses to satisfy General Education requirements will require additional hours to complete the degree requirements. See the Degree Requirements tab for specific coursework.

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 NURS 101 is only required for new students with less than 24 earned college credits.

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 a minimum of 12 credit hours at the University of Louisville with 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

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Completion of the 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. Students using other coursework will require additional hours to complete the degree or will reduce the number of available electives.

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BIOL 102 is a prerequisite for BIOL 260, BIOL 261, BIOL 262. BIOL 102 is not required if students have satisfactorily completed BIOL 260, BIOL 257, or any other Biology course at the 200 level or above.

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Nursing math competency requirement. This requirement may alternatively be met with a minimum Math ACT sub-score of 25 or an approved higher level mathematics course; however, additional elective course work may be required to meet the 120 minimum credit hour degree requirement.

Flight Plan

Flight Plan With Summer Courses

Flight Plan Without Summer Courses

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Select one of the following: PHIL 207; PHIL 211; PHIL 222; PHIL 323; or PHIL 325.

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/Pages/lpn-rn.aspx).  For RN licensure questions in other states, please contact the respective state board of nursing (ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm).