Program Overview
- Bachelor's Degree
- RN to BSN Completion Degree
*New* Acceptance into Baptist University = Acceptance into the Nursing Program!
For more information, please visit our Nursing progression webpage.
Nurses promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. They have a unique scope of practice and can practice independently, although they also collaborate with all members of the health care team to provide the care needed by each patient as an individual. Be a part of the backbone of the health care system and become a nurse today.
Baptist University offers two pathways for a baccalaureate degree program in Nursing.
- Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (traditional program)
- RN to BSN Completion Program (for Current RNs seeking their BSN)
Graduates of the Baptist University nursing program have an outstanding track record in the workplace. Employers seek out our nursing graduates because they are well prepared with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a leader in the nursing profession.
Bachelor's of Science in Nursing
This selection is a four-year bacalauretae degree for first-time licensure students
Nursing is a highly respected field, and there is a great demand for highly skilled nurses around the globe today. Employers seek out our graduates because they are well prepared with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a leader in the nursing profession.
- Personal, one on one instruction from nursing faculty
- An innovative teaching environment incorporating traditional classroom education with simulated clinical experience.
- Outstanding clinical experiences that provides you with first-hand training in the most advanced scientific and medical concepts
- A collaborative learning environment that includes strong mentoring, tutoring and academic support.
- A safe, friendly campus environment
- Integration of the baccalaureate nursing program with the Baptist Memorial Health Care system
Upon successful completion of the nursing program, non-licensed graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination to achieve the title of licensed registered nurse.
RN to BSN Completion Program
Our RN to BSN curriculum builds on the prior learning experiences of the diploma or associate degree nurse focusing on advancing the knowledge and skills in Public Health nursing, leadership, and nursing research for evidence-based practice. All of which are essential for nurses seeking to provide a higher level of quality care.
This program accommodates the working diploma or associate degree graduate or licensed registered nurse who wishes to obtain the baccalaureate degree. Students may enroll in and complete General Education/Pre-Professional courses concurrently with professional nursing courses if desired. The courses in the RN-BSN program are offered in a variety of formats; online, blended, flex or face-to-face. Students select the delivery format best suited for them.
Progression Into The Nursing Program
ACCEPTANCE TO BAPTIST UNIVERSITY = ACCEPTANCE TO THE NURSING PROGRAM!
For more information, please visit our Nursing progression webpage.

Why Choose Nursing at Baptist University?
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Personal, one on one instructionfrom exceptional nursing faculty
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An innovative teaching environmentincorporating traditional classroom education with simulated clinical experience.
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Faith-Based Atmosphere
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Rich clinical experiencethat provides you with first-hand training in the most advanced scientific and medical concepts
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Collaborative learning environmentthat includes strong mentoring, tutoring and academic support
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A safe, friendly campus
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Relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care System
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Employers seek out our nursing graduatesbecause they are well prepared with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a leader in the nursing profession.

Nursing Career Opportunities
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Pediatric Nursing
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MATERNAL NEWBORN NURSING
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PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
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POPULATION HEALTH/COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING
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CRITICAL CARE NURSING
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MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING
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ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING
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NURSING ADMINISTRATION
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CLINIC ROLES
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HOSPICE
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CASE MANAGEMENT
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AND MANY OTHERS
Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate in nursing degree program at Baptist Health Sciences University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (655 K Street NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).
The baccalaureate in nursing degree program is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing (Health Related Boards 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-615-532-5166; tn.gov/health).
Program Goals
The goals of baccalaureate nursing education at Baptist University are to:
- Prepare professional nurses as generalists who:
- Provide comprehensive direct and indirect person-centered care for diverse populations along the health-illness continuum, in a variety of health care settings.
- Promote equity, inclusion, quality, and safety as well as stewardship of health care resources.
- Use research to guide evidence-based practice.
- Prepare graduates to successfully pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Provide an avenue for graduates of Associate Degree in Nursing and Diploma programs to attain the knowledge and competencies of the professional nurse at the baccalaureate level.
Program Learning Outcomes
Using previously learned concepts (i.e., from the liberal arts, sciences and nursing) the graduate will:
- Apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to address simple to complex situations.
- Translate research-based evidence into practice for safe, high-quality patient-centered outcomes.
- Practice holistic care in a variety of health care settings for diverse populations across the lifespan and the health-illness continuum.
- Integrate cultural, economic, social, environmental, genetic, regulatory, and political factors in designing care for individuals, families, and communities.
- Use standardized terminology, information systems, and patient care technology effectively.
- Use effective communication and collaboration skills with members of the health care team, patients, and support networks.
- Synthesize principles of leadership and management, accountability, and life-long learning while functioning in multiple roles of care (i.e., provider, designer, manager, and coordinator) to ensure a safe practice environment.
- Incorporate legal and ethical precepts, as well as standards of practice, in serving as advocates for the patient and the profession.
- Integrate principles of quality improvement and safety to ensure optimum care.
Technical Standards
The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the nursing program for the performance of common nursing functions:
Communication
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people, and the ability to be easily understood. Reading, writing, recording and documenting patient information required.
Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking
Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.
Hearing
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs; to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.
Vision
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.
Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.
Mobility
Physical ability, flexibility, strength and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care.
Behavioral
Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently and to handle strong emotions.
Program Progression
To obtain a bachelor of science in nursing degree, students are required to successfully complete a total of 122 semester hours of course work. The program is designed to accommodate high school graduates and transfer students.