Program Description
The undergraduate program offers curriculum tracks to meet the individualized needs of students including: (1) a four-year, full-time traditional track which culminates with the awarding of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (part-time options are available), and (2) an accelerated, year-round first or second degree program which culminates with the awarding of the BSN degree.
The Carr College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook contains a comprehensive description of all policies and procedures that apply to our students.
Curriculum Strands and Student Learning Outcomes
The following student learning outcomes/curriculum strands identify the competencies of the BSN graduate:
| Curriculum Strand |
Competencies/Outcomes |
| Nursing Process |
Uses the nursing process effectively as a basis for making evolving clinical judgments while intervening therapeutically with patients in various health states and developmental levels to restore, maintain and promote health, and to prevent illness. |
| Research |
Uses clinical judgment to apply research findings in the provision of nursing care to enhance the quality of care. |
| Critical Thinking |
Demonstrates use of critical thinking in making clinical judgments and decisions relevant to nursing problems in a variety of settings. |
| Communication |
To facilitate clinical judgment, the student communicates, collaborates, and listens effectively with patients, peers, and health team members to ensure quality patient nursing care, and to foster supportive, personal, and professional growth. |
| Leadership |
Functions appropriately in leader and follower roles when using clinical judgment to provide safe, organized, and holistic nursing care, being a change agent, and serving as a patient advocate. |
| Teaching/Learning |
Demonstrates clinical judgment through the use of teaching/learning principles to provide patients in various health states with the knowledge and skills necessary for healthy living physically, spiritually, psychologically, and socially. |
| Christian Principles |
Demonstrates commitment to Christian principles, professional ethics, and standards of practice and is accountable for using clinical judgment in nursing practice and professional growth. |
| Global Perspective |
Uses clinical judgment and global perspective to provide nursing care including cultural consideration, servant-leadership, and principles of resource conservation and stewardship. |
Admission to the Program
Unconditional admission to the undergraduate nursing program (traditional or second degree) requires a 2.78 or higher GPA in pre-nursing courses. For traditional students, junior standing is required and for second-degree students an earned undergraduate degree is required with program prerequisites. If a student’s pre-nursing GPA is 2.5-2.77 on a 4.0 scale, the applicant may or may not be considered for part-time admittance. Priority for admission is given to students with high pre-nursing GPAs. To remain in the program, the student must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in nursing, including a grade of C or higher in all nursing courses, and make satisfactory progress toward the degree.
The pre-nursing GPA will be calculated on the science and nursing courses: CHEM 1010/1010L or CHEM 1020/1020L or CHEM 1040/1040L , BIOL 2400/2400L or BIOL 2420/2420L or BIOL 3200/3200L , BIOL 2405/2405L or BIOL 2425/2425L or BIOL 3210/3210L , BIOL 2410/2410L or BIOL 2430/2430L or BIOL 3400/3400L , and NURS 3630 . Admission GPA standards are:
- A student’s pre-nursing GPA equal to or higher than 2.78 earns admission consideration for unconditional admission. This allows each student to only have 4 credit hours of a C grade.
- A student’s pre-nursing GPA between 2.5 - 2.77 may or may not earn consideration for part-time conditional admission. The student who maintains a 3.0 in nursing courses after two part-time semesters may progress to a full-time track and unconditional admission to the program.
All science and nursing courses may only be attempted twice for consideration for unconditional admission. Additional considerations in the application process include, but are not limited to, science and pre-nursing faculty references and a student’s integrity, attitude, character, and work ethic. A standardized admission test measuring a student’s knowledge and understanding of pre-nursing content will be considered in the application process.
Admissions occur up to three times per year. Students who wish to enter the undergraduate nursing program must file an admission application with the Carr College of Nursing. Students who wish to enter the traditional track fall or spring must apply for admission to the Carr College of Nursing by the following dates: March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. The deadline for summer admission is February 1. Contact the director of admissions at 501-279-4682 or email nursing@harding.edu for further admission information and application forms. No final action will be taken on an application until the student has been admitted to the University, all prerequisites have been met, and the application has been received. Official transcripts of all college credit granted elsewhere must be submitted to the registrar. Reference evaluations must be completed prior to being considered for admission. The Carr College of Nursing director of admissions and faculty advisers are available to serve in academic and career planning. Individual and group academic advising sessions are available each semester. Students are encouraged to use this assistance to plan schedules which fit individual learning needs and prevent costly scheduling mistakes.
International Students
If the applicant is not born in the United States or in a country where English is the official language, the applicant may document their English proficiency in one of two ways:
- An official TOEFL iBT composite score of at least 83 with a minimum speaking score requirement of 26 (out of 30 (90%)). The test must have been taken within the last calendar year of admission. Official TOEFL exam score report reflecting successful completion must be received no later than the nursing program application deadline date. The TOEFL iBT test can be taken in the Harding University Testing Office at the expense of the student. Please contact the Testing Office for details at 501-279-4415 or online at www.harding.edu/testing.
- If the applicant’s entire educational experience has been in the United States, the applicant is not required to take the TOEFL. To document this, the applicant must provide records/transcripts from the time that the applicant entered school in the first grade through junior high, high school, and college. If the applicant cannot provide this documentation, the applicant may appeal first to the Carr College of Nursing Admissions Committee, and then to the dean of the college.
Criminal Background Check Policy
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) requires that every nursing student in Arkansas be made aware of potential bars to being able to obtain nursing licensure. Some clinical agencies require the nursing student to undergo background checks prior to participating in clinical experiences in the agency. The Nurse Practice Act of the State of Arkansas details information regarding (1) the requirements that first-time applicants for nursing licensure in Arkansas undergo a state and national criminal background check; and (2) criminal offenses which can potentially disqualify an applicant from taking the licensure exam and/or receiving a professional nursing license. Graduating from a nursing program does not assure the student of ASBN’s approval to take the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam.
Health Documents
The student must submit health documents electronically indicating health status, completion of current immunizations including Varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B vaccinations, tuberculosis skin test (PPD/intradermal) or chest X-ray, influenza vaccination, Tdap booster, MMR series, and other laboratory results as indicated by the Carr College of Nursing, prior to participating in clinical activities of the nursing program. Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required. Health and disability insurance coverage are strongly recommended. All upper-level Nursing students are required to provide current health insurance documentation. Insurance must be maintained throughout the duration of the program. Background checks and drug screen (10-Panel) are required by clinical facilities. COVID vaccination status may be required by the clinical facilities.
Transfer of Credit
Students wanting to receive approval for pre-requisite courses taken during the summer at other institutions must receive approval through the Registrar’s office. A syllabus with a course description may be required to approve each requested course. Students may contact the director of admissions in the Carr College of Nursing for more information at nursing@harding.edu.
Honors
Nursing majors interested in honors courses are to apply through the Honors College office. Nursing courses that can be taken for Honors credit are NURS 1000 , NURS 3450 , NURS 3510 , NURS 3540 , NURS 3630 , NURS 4120 , NURS 4200 , and all Level II nursing courses; this selection of courses constitutes a full upper-division nursing honors program in collaboration with the Honors College . Students unconditionally admitted to the Carr College of Nursing who maintain a 3.25 overall grade point average may graduate as an Honors College graduate by earning a minimum of 20 hours of honors credit completing at least four honors contracts and any courses designated as (H) sections or HNRS courses. Nursing majors who wish to graduate at the highest level, Honors College Graduate with Distinction, should contact the Honors College about requirements.
Nursing Fees and Incidental Expenses
In addition to general fees, Harding administers special fees for NURS 1000 , NURS 2030/2030L , NURS 2100 , NURS 3000 , NURS 3150 , NURS 3210 , NURS 3440 , NURS 3500 , NURS 3510 , NURS 3450 , NURS 3550 , NURS 3620L , NURS 4130 , NURS 4200 , NURS 4530 , NURS 4540 , NURS 4550 , and NURS 4620 .
Beyond fees administered by the University, nursing majors incur personal incidental expenses for which students are personally responsible. These include, but are not limited to, selected clinical expenses, health-related expenses, NCLEX-RN licensure application fees, health insurance, uniforms, equipment and transportation expenses. The table below lists approximate expenses.
| Year |
Item |
Amount |
| Level I |
Uniforms, Lab coat, Name Badge, Insignia |
$250.00 |
| Equipment (watch with second hand, blood pressure cuff, bandage scissors, tuning fork, reflex hammer, near vision card, penlight) |
$175.00 |
| Stethoscope (price varies depending on type) |
$75.00 - 300.00 |
| Laptop Computer |
$1,000.00 |
| Gas for car ($25/trip x 42 trips/semester) |
| $1,050.00 |
| Level II |
Senior licensure expenses (licensure application, fees and expenses) |
$450.00 |
| Gas for car ($25/trip x 42 trips/semester) |
$1,050.00 |
Costs listed are approximate and subject to change. Computer requirement: All students involved in the nursing degree program must have ready access to a laptop computer and designated software. Specific computer and software requirements are posted on the Harding University Carr College of Nursing website. (Courses that require the student to regularly bring a laptop to class include all nursing courses numbered 3000 and above.) Each student must carry nursing liability insurance, which is included in course fees. Students are responsible for their own transportation to all health facilities where learning experiences are provided. Each student must have access to a car during the entire nursing program for individual clinical experiences.
These costs are above the usual University fees and tuition charges which are found here .
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