Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Program Overview
- Prerequisites
- Admission Requirements
- Orientation
- Tuition Costs
- Resources
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare a competent, self-directed, general practitioner of nursing who can assume increasing responsibility and leadership in the delivery of nursing care. For individuals seeking to become a registered nurse, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-licensure program provides the broad educational preparation necessary to make an efficient transition into the complex world of health care. In consideration of the preparation of a general practitioner, all individuals who apply for admission and are enrolled in the undergraduate program must be able to perform the essential functions required of a registered nurse.
To become a RN, students must
- graduate from an accredited nursing program and
- pass the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Acceptance to the upper division nursing program is highly competitive.
Patient care
- Learning experiences are provided at a variety of institutions and agencies: Acute care hospitals as well as community agencies including public schools, home health agencies, nursing homes and day care centers provide a broad variety of clinical nursing practice experiences.
- The Smart Hospital, a virtual hospital in which computerized simulators serve as patients, is a learning laboratory for students to gain confidence and competence in giving safe patient care.
The BSN is offered in two main formats: campus-based and accelerated online:click or tap here for a comparison of the two formats.
Prerequisites
Applicants with transfer coursework from non-regionally accredited institutions are encouraged to submit their courses early to prevent delays in registration. Course materials can be submitted through the Non-Regionally Accredited Transfer Credit Requestportal.
To learn how to navigate your path to graduation, view our Experiential Major Maps.
Admission Requirements
Basicadmission requirements* must be met before a student can be accepted. Prospective students must apply to the university through theOffice of Admissions, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts to the UT Arlington’s Admission’s Office. The Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) must be completed prior to progressing in the application process.
After admission to the University, a College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) UndergraduateAcademic Advisor will review the application file for nursing specific requirements.Students should review the CONHI undergraduate program specific requirements. Specific program requirements can be found in theUniversity Catalog - Nursing, Undergraduate Programs.
Applicants requesting to change their major should submit the Undergraduate Change of Major Form
* Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in all UTA accelerated online programs. See our state authorizations pagefor details. Currently enrolled students who reside in ineligible states will need approval to continue uninterrupted in their programs in accordance with applicable state laws. Approval is not guaranteed.
Orientation
New students are encouraged to attend an online orientation session before beginning the program. The orientation session is held daily at 4pm. In this session, students will meet their advisors and obtain more information about the program. Students should check their UTA student emails for instructions on how to join a session.
Resources
Policies
Prelicensure Lower- Division Policies
Course Load
Undergraduate education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the nursing program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with undergraduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.
Study Time Recommendations
In general, for every-one semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 3 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 9 hours of study time, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.
Employment Recommendations
It is recommended that a student’s employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters. Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program.
Scholarship/Aid
Students seeking financial aid assistance, should contact the Financial Aid, Scholarships and MAV ScholarShop resources.
Academic Calendar
Students should review the academic calendar prior to enrolling and prepare accordingly.
Tutoring
E-tutoring is available for all undergraduate students experiencing academic difficulty. Please visit Online Tutoring - Division of Student Success - The University of Texas at Arlington (uta.edu) for more information.
AO Nursing and Health Information Session
Upper-Division Program
Admission Process
BSN applications must be submitted by the BSN application deadline; there areno exceptions. If applying as a new UT Arlington student, allow ample time for the admission process. Admissions processed after the BSN application deadline may result in a delayed application and subsequent denial from the upper-division nursing program.
| BSN Application Deadline | BSN Application Term | UT Arlington Admit Term |
| January 15 | Fall term post BSN application deadline | Fall term prior to the BSN application deadline |
| June 1 | Spring term post BSN application deadline | Spring term prior to the BSN application deadline |
Upper-Division Program Admissions Process
Admission Exam - TEAS Admissions Assessment Exam
All students are required to take a standardized entrance exam to evaluate prospective students and their potential for successful program completion. Pre-Licensure BSN students admitted to UT Arlington as freshman or transfer students - are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam for their standardized admission exam to the upper-division nursing program. Scores must be submitted by the submission deadline for the application to be considered complete.
Deadline to Submit TEAS Scores
- Spring Applicants:June 1
- Fall Applicants:January 15
Test Information
- The TEAS exam is a four-hour, computer-administered exam required for application to UT Arlington’s Pre-Licensure BSN programs.
- The TEAS exam is an assessment of a student’s academic preparedness for health science-related programs. Higher scores indicate greater academic preparedness.
- There are four exam sections: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
- UT Arlington's Pre-Licensure BSN program requires student meet a proficiency score in each section to be eligible to apply. Proficient scores range from 58.7%-77.3%. Test may be repeated to achieve a higher score.
- The TEAS exam can be taken every 30 days with a maximum of 3 times a year.
- If the TEAS exam is repeated, all sections must be re-taken. Submitted scores must be from the same test administration.
- Passing scores are valid for 2 years.
For more information about the three step registration process, score information, and test day procedures, please visit theUTA Testing Services webpage.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Immunization Requirements
Information onpre-Licensure nursing immunization requirements can be found on this page.
Specific information about each vaccination can be found in the FAQs document here.
Make sure to use the most recent information available when applying to the BSN Program.
Criminal Background
The CONHI requires students complete two criminal background checks (CBCs).
Texas Board of Nursing (BON):
The Texas BON CBC is processed through IdentoGo. IdentoGo uses a scanner to digitally record fingerprints. Results are sent directly to the student. The BON does not share CBC results.
- Completed prior to upper-division application deadline
- Students receive instructions from their academic advisor and in the Introduction to Professional Nursing course
- Students provide the College of Nursing with the following information, which is sent to the BON. Permission is required to share personal information with the BON.
- Name (first, middle, last)
- Student ID number
- Date of birth
- First five numbers of your social security number (please do not include all nine numbers)
- UTA email address
- Mailing address
- Your permission to send your information to the BON
- IdentoGo will email students with scheduling information to complete fingerprints
- Results: The BON will send students either a blue postcard or letter within two to four weeks of submitting fingerprints.
- Blue postcard/blue card indicates no criminal activity (no further action required)
- Outcome Letter:
- Eligible to take NCLEX (no further action required)
- Declaratory order required (must create Nurse Portal account and follow instructions provided by the BON: Texas Board of Nursing - Declaratory Order
- Questions: Please email conhiadmin@uta.edu
GroupOne criminal background check: Online criminal background check
- Completed prior the JR I semester start. Program coordinators will communicate the instructions and deadline through JR I Orientation course in Canvas.
- Results are sent directly to the College of Nursing.
- An eligibility letter from the BON, indicating the student is eligible to take NCLEX, is required for a student with a history of criminal activity.
AO BSN Upper-Division Program Virtual Information Session
Links to individual videos:
- Part 1 – Introduction to the AO BSN Program and Selection Process
- Part 2 – Minimum Requirements to Apply
- Part 3 – Important College of Nursing and Health Innovation Policies for Applicants
- Part 4 – AO BSN Prerequisites
- Part 5 – Frequently Asked Questions about the AO BSN program
Upon completion, we invite you to participate in a survey about this session:Please click or tap here to access the survey.
Your feedback is appreciated.
AO BSN Upper-Division Program Application Instructions
- Log in to yourMyMavaccount using your NetID and password.
- From the home screen, select “Admissions”
- From the Admissions screen, select “NURS Upper-Division Application”
- At the “Application Definition Code” drop down menu, select the program for which you are applying
- The “Term” for which you can apply will default to the current application period
- Select “Begin Application”
Upper-Division Admissions Resources
Students wanting to join the upper-division BSN program should utilize these resources.
Transfer Student Admission
Refers tostudents who have successfully completed prerequisite courses with a C or above including NURS 3366 Pathophysiology and NURS 3365 Pharmacology and Junior I courses for the BSN Program: Holistic Health Assessment and Clinical Nursing Foundations at another college or university.
Transfer Student Requirements
Students are required to:
- Complete theTransfer Nursing Student Application
- Complete the minimum required scores on the admission exam as stated on the admission brochure
- Provide a “good standing” letter from the outside institution’s nursing department
- Submit a course syllabus and a content outline of the course(s). If the course is a clinical course, a list of nursing skills learned in the course(s) must also be submitted.
All requirements must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment and Student Services Assistant Dean.
If accepted:
- a student must attend a mandatory in-person orientation.
- a student may select the campus-based program or the accelerated online program.
Students who have not completed the required courses will be ranked with the incoming junior class.
If previously admitted to a nursing program at an institution outside of UT Arlington, the “Transfer Nursing Student Policy” must be adhered to.
Current Upper-Division Students
Upper-Division Course Sequencing
The upper-division nursing curriculum is divided into four semesters to provide continuity, and integration in the learning experiences. Approximately 200 students are admitted into the BSN campus-based program each fall and spring semester. Summers may be offered depending upon space availability.
Upper-Division Courses
Upper-Division Policies
Student Success
We believe the Student Success Program is one of the key factors in the success of our nursing graduates.
The Student Success Program was initially implemented in 2004 to increase retention and graduation rates of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses) by providing activities to support their success. As a more far-reaching need was identified, the program expanded to include all undergraduate nursing students in the off-campus and on-campus pre-licensure programs.
Overview
With the launching of the online program in 2010, the program was conceptualized to address the unique needs of online students. Year-round interventions include conference calls, one-on-one meetings, and test preparation and study webinars.
All pre-licensure nursing students can benefit from Student Success services. Beginning during JR I Orientation and continuing until graduation, the Student Success Coordinators assist students with the transition into nursing school, provide stress management strategies, and support students through classroom and online presentations that focus on clinical course content. Peer mentors are coordinated through Student Success. These current nursing students have excelled in the classroom and clinical setting; peer mentors provide guidance and support through their success tips.
Students may be referred to the Student Success Center by faculty or they may seek assistance directly with the coordinator and faculty. The most common areas of student need include: study skills, time management, test-taking strategies, math, HESI comprehensive exam and course preparation sessions. Referrals may be made to the Counseling and Psychological Services office and financial aid office.
A course, Learning Professional Nursing and Life Skills (NURS 2232), is offered to assist students who experience challenges with testing, time management, study habits, and/or professional behavior. This course is required for students who fail a nursing course and/or score below a preset standard on the course HESI tests. Refer to the course syllabi for more information related to the course.
The Center has relocated to the second floor of Pickard Hall, room 220. There are five computers housed in the area, a large open room for group studying or meetings, and resources that can be checked for current student use. The Center is open Monday through Friday throughout the year.
Success Tips
Top Five Tips from Students to be Successful in Nursing
- You must manage your time well, stay organized, and use a calendar.
- Limit the number of hours you work to 16 per week. This will allow you to complete the assignments and really learn the information.
- StudyEVERYPlan to study a minimum of 20-30 minutes EACH day for EACH course. Daily studying will help you retain the information.
- Use the resources available to you. This includes clinical faculty, lead teacher, peer mentors, student success, family, and friends. They can support and encourage you.
- And, to be successful in nursing school and in nursing, stay positive, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself!
Test Taking Skills
To be the most successful on nursing school tests, you must know the material and understand how to apply the information on a test. Good test taking strategiesDO NOTreplace knowledge, but they can enhance your ability to do well on tests when you are well informed. Review sometest taking tipsyou can use.
Success Coordinator information can be foundhere.
Student Success Coordinators
Deana Furr, PhD, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Undergraduate Nursing
UTA Faculty Profile
Email: dfurr@exchange.uta.edu
Phone #: 817-272-4865
Office: PKH 641
