Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Program Description
Registered Nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) from Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU). The program builds on previous nursing education and experience and is designed to position nurses for leadership roles and career advancement in a variety of healthcare settings. In recognition that nurses are broadly educated and have transferable knowledge and skills, the program provides the opportunity for further study in professional nursing practice.
The RN to BSN Program is a 61-credits that is sequentially structured and can be completed in approximately 1.5 calendar years. The Program, based in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (October 20, 2008), prepares registered nurses to be providers, designers, leaders, managers, and coordinators of care as well as accountable members of the nursing profession. The program also provides nurses with the ability to implement evidenced-based practice in the delivery of professional nursing care based on higher-level competencies throughout a variety of clinical settings. Evidence-based practice incorporates scientific findings in the delivery of nursing care that includes both theory and practical clinical skills required by the field of nursing to provide leadership and render safe, culturally appropriate patient care.
Mission of the Program
The RN to BSN Program supports the Mission of PHSU by seeking to improve the health of diverse populations by providing academically rigorous, evidence-based nurse education in an inter-professional environment to prepare registered nurses who demonstrate excellence in nursing practice embracing equity and culturally effective care to patients, families, and communities, utilize informatics to support decision making, transform health care, and serve others through health promotion; and to have positive impacts through service to communities at local, national and global levels.
Vision of the Program
The Nursing Program vision statement is future-oriented and supports the Vision of PHSU by aspiring to be recognized for excellence and innovation in education, leadership, advocacy, research and culturally competent nursing practice.
VALUES
The Nursing Faculty and Administration support the Guiding Principles of PHSU and are committed to supporting the core values of the Nursing Program as recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. The core values for nursing education are firmly based in science and the arts that support the provision of caring and compassionate patient-centered care. The registered nurse is prepared to practice with patients, including individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of healthcare environments. The nursing student understands and respects the variations of care, the increased complexity, and the increased use of healthcare resources inherent in caring for patients.
The core values of the Nursing Program serve as the foundation of nursing practice at the BSN entry-level and applicable for advanced practice nursing as well. The “carative values” that guided in the development of the curriculum for the Nursing Program are based on the nursing theorist, Jean Watson (2001). The following are the core values shared by the faculty:
- Caring
- Diversity
- Trust
- Ethics
- Excellence
- Holism
- Spirituality
- Evidenced-Based Decision-making
- Patient-Centeredness
- Transformative Power of Technology
- Willingness to Embrace Change
At the time of graduation from the Nursing Program, nursing students are expected to:
- Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in professional accountability, leadership, professional behaviors and responsibility for nursing judgments and actions within a moral, ethical and legal framework, utilizing the most current information resources with a commitment to continuous professional development.
- Utilize the most current informatics and technology resources to communicate, manage knowledge, educate, mitigate error and support decision making to promote patient safety, quality care services.
- Function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision making to achieve quality patient care and improved patient outcomes.
- Facilitate safe, holistic and effective patient/family centered care outcomes through use of evidence-based research and other science-based, humanities and research frameworks.
- Promote a culture of caring to provide holistic, compassionate, culturally competent patient-centered nursing care based on a comprehensive and focused health assessment across the lifespan using sound clinical judgment.
- Evaluate the implications of policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, a social justice in healthcare delivery including the health of vulnerable populations and healthcare disparities.
- Advocate for patients, families, communities, and the nursing profession, applying values and utilizing an ethical framework, clinical reasoning, and cultural competence.
- Implement individual and population-focused interventions to promote health and to prevent and manage disease and injuries by identifying threats to safety and develop strategies to minimize risk of harm to individuals and populations.
INSTITUTION ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Complete the Electronic Application for Admission to PSHU.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- Demonstrate English and Spanish proficiency in speaking, reading and writing.
- Provide evidence of Criminal Background Screening Results.
- Send US $25 nonrefundable application processing fee.
PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a regionally accredited institution.
- Hold an active license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in any state with eligibility for licensure in Puerto Rico.
- Provide evidence of active membership in the College of Professional Nursing in Puerto Rico.
- Submit an employer certification of at least one year of experience in clinical nursing practice.
- Submit two letters of recommendation (from persons who can attest your capacity for bachelor level work).
- Complete an interview with the Admission Committee.
- Read and sign the document Essential Performance Standards provided by Admissions.
- Have attended eight regular trimesters (or received transfer credit equivalent to the first two trimesters, have satisfactorily met all the approved clinical requirements, and have satisfactorily completed all course work and examinations as required by the faculty.
- Have met all the requirements for satisfactory academic progression.
- Received a passing grade on all required examinations.
- Have shown a behavior considered acceptable to academic instructors and supervisors.
- Have received the recommendation of the Nursing Faculty as presented to the Promotions Committee. The Committee reviews both cognitive and attitudinal aspects of performance. The recommendations are then submitted to the Dean for approval.
- Have settled all financial and library obligations with PHSU.
- Attend the commencement exercise.
Students who have successfully completed the BSN program and wish to practice in the US are eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Each state Board of Nursing has different licensure requirements. The requirements for eligibility to take the NCLEX and to get a license/registration are determined by the board of nursing/regulatory body (BON/RB). If you are interested in information about eligibility and licensure/registration requirements, you should contact the BON/RB where you wish to practice. PHSU SON will assist you in understanding the requirements.
GRADING SYSTEM
Nursing program defines grades of nursing and support courses based on the following system:
| Percentage | Grade | Honor Points |
| 100-87 | A | 4 |
| 86-77 | B | 3 |
| 76-67 | C | 2 |
| Below 67 | F | 0 |
| I | Incomplete | |
| IP | In Progress | |
| P | Pass | |
| NP | Not Pass | |
| W | Withdrawal | |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal |
All students are required to obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50. An “I” (Incomplete) grade will only be allowed under very special circumstances as determined by the faculty. The student must complete the “I” (Incomplete) by the following trimester or an – “F” will be recorded for that course. The “I” (Incomplete) grades are part of the academic record as are the final grades.
Clinical requirements and supporting documents for all newly admitted nursing students must be submitted prior to beginning the first clinical nursing course. These include the following:
- ANNUAL STANDARD PRECAUTIONS (BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS – BBP) TRAINING
All students are required to participate in BBP training annually. All students must attend the specified safety orientation, and successfully complete blood – borne pathogen training prior to being allowed into clinical work. Students are expected to acquaint themselves with the location and contents of manuals, Minimum Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and posted notices related to Blood-Borne Pathogens. Additional information about this process is in Appendix C, Protocol for Student Exposed to Blood and Body Fluids. - HIPPA TRAINING
All students are subject to the US Department of Health and Human Services “Privacy Rule” contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act (HIP AA) of 1996. This federal law is designed to guarantee patient confidentiality and protects against the misuse or inappropriate disclosure of individually identifiable health information. As part of the clinical experience, students are allowed access to protected health information as necessary to provide patient care. Completion of the HIPAA Education Module is required prior to enrollment in clinical courses and annually thereafter. Illegal disclosure of patient confidential information is grounds for dismissal from the Nursing Program and carries the possibility of legal action. - CPR CERTIFICATION
Submit the signed front and back copy of your card to the Nursing Program. CPR cards must be renewed before the due date for clinical requirements and may not come due for renewal at any time during the semester. - HEALTH INSURANCE
Provide a copy of your current health insurance card or proof of coverage. If your name is not included on the card, you will be asked to submit a letter from your insurance company verifying your coverage. At any time should your coverage change, please copy and provide updated information.
First Trimester
| Courses | Required Associate Degree of Nursing | Credits |
| NUR 3110 | Family Dynamics | 3 |
| NUR 3580 | Evidenced-Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NUR 3120 | Care of the Adult in the Acute Care Setting I | 6 |
| Subtotal | 12 |
Second Trimester
| Courses | Credits | |
| NUR 3130 | Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 4120 | Care of the Adult in the Acute Care Setting II | 7 |
| Subtotal | 12 |
Third Trimester
| Courses | Credits | |
| NUR 3170 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family | 5 |
| HCS 4510 | Global Health Care Issues | 2 |
| NUR 4030 | Pediatric Nursing | 5 |
| Subtotal | 12 |
Fourth Trimester
| Courses | Credits | |
| NUR 4040 | Leadership and Management | 4 |
| NUR 3140 | Community Health and Disaster Preparedness | 5 |
| HCS 3520 | Health Care Informatics | 3 |
| IHD 919 | Inter-professional Perspective in Health Disparities | 1 |
| Subtotal | 13 |
Fifth Trimester
| COURSES | TITLE | CREDITS |
| NUR 4580 | Nursing Specialty Practice | 8 |
| NUR 4590 | Senior Seminar Capstone | 4 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Total | 61 |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CHE 1110 CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES (4 CREDITS)
This course is a study of selected topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry oriented toward health sciences. Forty-five (45) hours lecture and 30 laboratory hours. Pre-requisite: None.
ENG 1010 ENGLISH COMPOSITION I (3 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the development of the student’s skill in writing expository prose, using various essay modes and effective essay-writing techniques, emphasizing the conventions of standard written English in academic writing. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: Satisfactory score on the English Placement Examination.
BIO 1010 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I (4 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the study of the organ systems from the perspective of their structure, process, and regulation. This course specifically deals with the language of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, cells, tissues, integumentary, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and special senses. Forty-five (45) hours lecture, 30 laboratory hours. Pre-requisite: none.
BIO 2030 MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES (4 CREDITS)
This course addresses the study of microbial life on earth, including microbial cell biology, growth and metabolism, genetics, diversity and evolution, effects on the environment and the interactions between microorganism and high forms of life. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between microorganism and humans and current efforts to track and control infectious diseases. Forty-five (45) hours lecture, 30 laboratory hours. Pre-requisite: none.
PSY 1010 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (3 CREDITS)
This course introduces the student to the scientific study of behavior, principles of motivation, emotions, perception, learning, memory, thinking, personality, and biological basis of behavior. The course introduces basic concepts of developmental psychology. Forty-five (45) hours lecture. Pre-requisite: none.
BIO 1020 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II (4 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of body systems using an integrated approach. Systems include the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive and urinary systems, and embryo/fetal development and pregnancy. The course will culminate in the understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple systems failure as commonly seen in aging. Forty-five (45) hours lecture, 30 laboratory hours. Pre-requisite: BIO 1010.
PSY 1020 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 CREDITS)
This course provides the student with a comprehensive overview of human development. Topics highlight the major milestones at each developmental stage from conception to death. The course explores the mechanisms of adjustment and adaptation to the problems of everyday life and looks at effective coping strategies that are functional at every stage of the life cycle. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: PSY 1010.
ENG 1020 COMPOSITION II (3 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the development of the student’s reading skills, emphasizing research and critical evaluation of scientific reading. This course also reinforces the student’s writing skills by emphasizing expository prose using persuasive argument, cause and effect, problem solving and a fully documented critical research paper. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: ENG 1010.
MTH 1050 COLLEGE ALGEBRA (3 CREDITS)
This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of algebra. Concepts covered includes: linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; Cartesian plane and graphing; polynomial and rational functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: COMPASS Algebra score >30.
SPC 1030 PUBLIC SPEAKING (3 CREDITS)
This course introduces students to the basic skills necessary to succeed in public speaking situations: preparing and practicing, using verbal and nonverbal communication cues effectively, and giving and receiving constructive criticism. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: none.
MTH 1130 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS (3 CREDITS)
This course is an introduction to concepts and application of data collection, presentation of data, extraction of useful information from data and the analysis and interpretation of such information. The focus of this course is on the commonly used statistical techniques applicable to specific health care problems and research in the medical field within the context of nursing. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: none.
EPI 3100 PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY (3 CREDITS)
This course provides students with and understanding of the core principles of epidemiology of human disease prevention and treatment, with emphasis on emerging infectious and blood borne diseases. Students will develop detailed case studies that demonstrate their application of appropriate scientific principles to community and global health issues. Forty-five (45) hours lecture. Pre-requisite: none.
NUR 2330 NUTRITION (3 CREDITS)
This course builds upon the psychology of human behavior, physiology and biochemistry to provide the student with a foundation of knowledge in nutrition science. Students will apply these principles to individuals in designing plans for healthy growth and development across the lifespan and to population issues such as obesity and chronic diseases. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: CHE 1110.
NUR 3030 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (3 CREDITS)
This course focuses on the physical and chemical processes within the human body that can lead to disease, injury or death of an individual. Emphasis is on the adolescent through elderly lifespan. The student will focus on the human response to altered levels of function related to diseases, formulation of nursing diagnosis, and therapeutic intervention. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite BIO 1020.
NUR 3150 NURSING RESEARCH (3 CREDITS)
This course will provide students with the principles of research, including the structure, methods, ethics and procedures. Students will explore both theory-testing and theory-generating research and the appropriate methodologies for them. Certification in Protection of human subjects’ web-based education from the N.I.H. will be completed by students. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: none.
NUR 3580 EVIDENCED-BASED NURSING PRACTICE (3 CREDITS)
This course is an introduction to knowledge-based care, critical thinking and reasoning based on nursing theory. Grounded in the experience of nursing as a caring, practice profession creating the art and science of nursing, students will be introduced to a variety of nursing frameworks, models, theorists and best practices. The concepts of person, health, nursing, environment, caring and transitions will be explored. Students will be guided into examining a nurse theorist and how it compares and contrasts to their personal philosophy of nursing. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: MTH 1130.
NUR 2120 FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING PRACTICE (5 CREDITS)
This course is a foundations class which introduces the nursing student to basic principles of nursing science at the baccalaureate level and the professional roles of direct care provider, manager of care, member of the multidisciplinary health care team, as well as an accountable member of the nursing profession are introduced. Student accountability and commitment as an active participant in the teaching, learning, and evaluation processes are necessary for successful completion of the course and progression to the next level nursing course. Forty-five (45) hours lecture and 90 clinical/skills laboratory experience hours are requirements of the course. Pre-requisite: ENG 1010, ENG 1020, BIO 1010, BIO 1020, BIO 2030, CHE 1110, PSY 1010, PSY 1020, MTH 1050, MTH 1130, SPC 1030.
NUR 2310 HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION (3 CREDITS)
This course presents the basic principles and concepts involved in the assessment of clients across the lifespan, moving from wellness to illness. Students will apply concepts from anatomy and physiology and the foundations of practice and health promotion issues and planning. Fifteen (15) lecture hours, 45 hours of simulation lab, 45 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite or co-requisite: NUR 2120.
NUR 2320 PHARMACOLOGY (3 CREDITS)
This course provides students with the basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutic so that they are prepared to assume the role of the nurse in drug therapy. Specific emphasis will be placed on drug classifications and the most common medications used to treat diseases across the lifespan. Students will learn to utilize internet-based resources for researching pharmaco-therapeutic and herbal/over the counter medications. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: NUR 2120.
NUR 3110 FAMILY DYNAMICS (3 CREDITS)
This course explores the dynamics of family function during times of crisis, stress, or when behavioral health conditions affect one or more family members. Students will explore assessment models for use with diverse family populations and review communication techniques that facilitate relationship building. The course also focuses on the relational and therapeutic aspects of viewing the family as a unit of care. Special family situations such as substance abuse, emotional or physical handicaps, chronic illness, and terminal illness will be discussed. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: PSY 1020, Co-requisite: NUR 2120.
NUR 3120 CARE OF THE ADULT IN THE ACUTE CARE SETTING I (6 CREDITS)
This course prepares the nursing student for the care of clients in various health care settings across the lifespan. The curse is comprised of didactic and clinical components. The didactic portion provides the student with the theoretical foundation of nursing practice, and the clinical component affords the student the opportunity to practice the art and science of nursing in acute settings such as hospitals, settings such as hospitals, clinical care centers, as well as community settings such as long-term care and primary care clinics. Students must demonstrate the ability to think critically utilizing knowledge from the life and social sciences and humanities, as demonstrated in case reports. Forty-five (45) lecture hours and 135 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 2120.
NUR 3130 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING (5 CREDITS)
This course teaches students to apply and integrate the concepts of therapeutic communication, and therapeutic use of self within the context of the nurse-client relationship. This course focuses on the nursing care of individuals and families with mental health issues throughout the lifespan. Mental wellness is viewed in relation to client education, growth and development. Consideration of cultural, ethical, and spiritual influences in relation to mental health issues is emphasized. Nursing students will focus on integrating the biological, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of clients with moderate to severe emotional issues. Forty-five (45) lecture hours and 90 lab and clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 2120.
HCS 3520 HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS (3 CREDITS)
Students utilize the latest in healthcare technology to further their understanding of the use of electronic databases, computerized medical records, and medical decision support systems. Students will be exposed to the applications of technology systems in the monitoring and treatment of emerging and chronic disease management and palliative care. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: none.
HCS 4510 GLOBAL HEALTHCARE ISSUES (3 CREDITS)
Students will demonstrate advanced understanding of theoretical constructs of human behavior, leadership, organizational dynamics and epidemiology as applied in case studies of major global health issues and the informatics used in support various population databases. Topics include preventable and emerging new infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases in minority populations, and selected orphan diseases. Forty-five (45) lecture hours. Pre-requisite: EPI 3100
NUR 3140 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS (5 CREDITS)
Students will apply the principles of population health and epidemiology in both individual and family case studies, as well as in disaster scenarios. Students will discuss disease prevention in the context of emerging global diseases, as well as within the constraints of personal and national financial resources. Forty-five (45) lecture hours and 90 clinical/simulation experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 2120.
NUR 3170 NURSING CARE OF THE CHILD-BEARING FAMILY (5 CREDITS)
This course presents the principles and concepts, as well as the clinical support, to care for clients and their families during childbearing. The health processes of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-partum periods, as well as selected high risk or unhealthy processes, are presented. Emphasis is placed upon normal physiology and pathophysiology as the basis for clinical decision-making in the care of obstetric patients in both the ambulatory and acute care settings. Forty-five (45) lecture hour and 90 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 3120.
NUR 4120 CARE OF THE ADULT IN THE ACUTE CARE SETTING II (7 CREDITS)
Students will gain experience in working with adults in the acute care setting, as well as the families of acutely ill individuals. Clinical experience will include palliative and end of life care. Students will be expected to plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive plans of care including principles of pharmacology, nutrition, pathophysiology, and psycho-social aspects of care. The student will also provide client and family education that is individualized to the specific client situation. Thirty (30) clinical conference hours and 225 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 3120.
NUR 4030 PEDIATRIC NURSING (5 CREDITS)
This course presents the principles and concepts as well as the clinical support to care for the well/ ill child and family. Students will use family systems theory in the development of comprehensive plans of care for the newborn through adolescence, with an emphasis on disease and injury prevention nutrition, assessment and treatment of common pathologic conditions and disorders of development. These principles will also be applied to families with special needs. Forty-five (45) lecture hours and 90 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite: NUR 3120.
NUR 4040 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (4 CREDITS)
This course prepares nursing students for clinical practice as a registered nurse at the Bachelor’s degree level. The student will assume the role of nurse manager/clinical leader. The course emphasizes the leadership, management and ethical decision- making process in the delivery of health care in diverse multicultural settings. Whenever possible, nursing students may spend additional hours in their chosen specialty field. Thirty (30) conference hours with faculty mentors and 90 clinical experience hours. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: NUR 4120.
NUR 4580 NURSING SPECIALTY PRACTICE (8 CREDITS)
Nursing students will have the opportunity to develop their role further within their chosen specialty practice with guidance from faculty mentors. Fifteen (15) lecture/conference hours with faculty mentors, 315 clinical experience hours. This course is a component of a Specialization Certificate in Mental Health for students selecting the practice area of Mental Health for students selecting the practice area of Mental Health. Pre-requisite: NUR 3130, NUR 3140, NUR 3170, NUR 4030 and NUR 4120.
NUR 4590 SENIOR SEMINAR CAPSTONE (4 CREDITS)
Nursing students are provided the opportunity to utilize theory, practicum and evidenced-based research as the foundation of an in-depth focused practicum experience at a senior level. The purpose of the capstone experience is to help students gain confidence in time management, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, documentation, informatics and psychomotor skills under the direct supervision of clinical preceptors. Fifteen (15) lecture hours and 135 clinical hours. Pre-requisite or Co-requisite: NUR 4580.
For more details of PHSU tuition and fees please refer to: Cost of Attendance
ALL TUITION AND FEES ARE PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE REGISTRATION.
Ponce Health Sciences University reserve the right to increase the tuition or other fees as deemed necessary.
The conferred Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) by a regionally accredited institution of higher education, the active Registered License (RN) and at least a year of nursing practice will be awarded as a prior learning experience in the School of Nursing at PHSU. This eligible student has fulfilled the BSN lower division general education requirements as well as nursing program entry requirements equivalent to 60 hours of academic credits upon admission to the RN to BSN Program. The transferred RN to BSN student will be required to take and satisfactorily approve the sequence of 61 credits of the BSN curriculum to complete 121 credits for graduation of the RN to BSN Program. No additional courses will be transferred. Students must meet application requirements.
Requests for transfer of credits must be made two weeks before admission to the program. A Transfer Credit Request form must be filled in the Admissions Office.
It is the responsibility of the student to facilitate the Associate Degree Credential, the copy of RN active license and a certification of the nursing practice experience. These documents must be sent to the PHSU Admissions Office.
An Ad-Hoc transfer of credits committee with representation from the offices of students and academic affairs, a nursing faculty member and the Associate Dean of Nursing evaluates the request and makes final decisions based on institutional and programmatic transfer of credits policies and procedures.
- Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice
Grading System
Nursing program defines grades of nursing and support courses based on the following system:
| Letter | Grade |
| A | 90-100 |
| B | 89-80 |
| C | 79-70 |
| F | Below 69 |
| E | Extended |
| I | Incomplete |
| IP | In Progress |
| P | Pass |
| NP | Not Pass |
| W | Withdrawal |
| AW | Administrative Withdrawal |
All students are required to obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50. An “I” (Incomplete) grade will only be allowed under very special circumstances as determined by the faculty. The student must complete the “I” (Incomplete) by the following trimester or an – “F” will be recorded for that course. The “I” (Incomplete) grades are part of the academic record as are the final grades.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate universities attended
- Letter of Recommendation Format – Written by individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional work and skills
- Certificate of No Penal Record (Criminal Background check)
- USD $35.00 Application Processing Fee (check or money order payable to Ponce Health Sciences University)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Deadline to submit a complete application – May 30