Nursing Degree Program
Prepare for a career in healthcare with a nursing degree from SMWC in our on-campus degree program.
Bachelor of Nursing Overview
As a nursing student at The Woods, you will be prepared to assume a role in professional nursing or advance to graduate education. As healthcare changes, you will be ready to integrate technology, utilize data, apply evidence-based findings, communicate and collaborate effectively and creatively plan solutions for the best client outcomes.
Rooted in the strong foundation of liberal arts, science, and Catholic education, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are expected to demonstrate the following outcomes:
- Utilize effective communication and collaboration skills through oral, written, and technology media with patients, nursing colleagues and interprofessional team members.
- Promote holistic health, including spiritual well-being, through the support of wellness and health-related activities for self and patients.
- Guard patient safety through critical thinking, information technology, data analysis and risk management strategies.
- Provide effective, culturally sensitive and compassionate nursing care through the use of the nursing process that is supported by current, evidence-based research as indicated by educational preparation and scope of practice.
- Demonstrate effective leadership and management abilities through the competent coordination of patient care across the health care continuum.
- Advocate for social justice through the promotion of access, resources, quality health care and prudent health policies.
- Exhibit professionalism through upholding the values ethics, and standards of nursing.
At SMWC, you will benefit from a variety of simulated and real-world educational experiences. The nursing skills lab and modern chemistry labs provide students with state-of-the-art equipment and a simulated hospital learning environment. Thanks to our partnerships with local healthcare organizations, students also have access to off-campus simulation centers and opportunities for clinical experiences.
Are you ready to become an SMWC nursing student? Here’s what you need to know.
- Applications will be accepted until the cohort is filled
- High school diploma or its equivalent, such as a general equivalency degree (GED).
- Successful completion of the pre-nursing core course work with a grade of “C” or better and can only be repeated once for grade improvement, including BI 231 Anatomy and Physiology I and BI 232 Anatomy and Physiology II.
- All attempted cognate courses must be completed with a “C” or better before graduation from the BSN program:
- PS 111 Psychology
- CO 111 Intro to Communication
- CH 121 General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
- MA 117 Quantitative Reasoning
- BI 252 Microbiology for Allied Health
- BI 330 Bioethics
- KHS 275 Human Nutrition
- If a student does not earn a “C” during the second attempt for prerequisite or nursing courses, they are dismissed from the program for a period of three years.
- The Nursing Admission, Progression, and Reinstatement Committee will review all previously earned college credit, and students must have earned an overall 2.5 GPA.
- Students need to score a 58% (“proficient”) on the Assessment Technology Inc. (ATI) entrance examination identified as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within the last two years of the admission deadline. Regardless of the location of the testing site, a student may only attempt this exam twice per admission cycle. If students attempt this exam more than twice, regardless of the location, the Department of Nursing will only look at the first two scores.
- For information on testing dates, please contact Morgan Reardon
- Current criminal background check within the last 30 days of application.
- Negative 10-panel Drug Screen within the last 30 days of application.
- Proof of Immunizations including COVID-19 and Flu, CPR/BLS certification, negative TB test, and personal health insurance are also required for admission.
- If a student is ineligible for the nursing program they must wait a full year to reapply the following fall. If the student is ineligible for two consecutive years in a row, the student is not eligible to reapply for a period of three years.
- A student cannot have failed out of another nursing program within the last three years.
- Incoming college freshmen and transfer students are eligible to apply for direct admittance into the nursing major if they have successfully completed dual credit Anatomy & Physiology I/II, or an equivalent, and have earned an ATI TEAS score of 58% or higher. Please contact our Program Support Specialist, Morgan Reardon, for more details.
All students are required to meet admission standards and take required courses.
Major
120 credit hours required
Our program is accredited by the following organizations:
- Indiana State Board of Nursing has accredited the undergraduate nursing program and may be contacted at https://www.in.gov/pla/nursing.htm
- The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org)
- In addition, the College is accredited by the regional Higher Learning Commission. Public comments may be communicated at https://www.hlcommission.org/
Is there a required entrance test for the BSN program?
Yes, the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is required with a score of 58%. Students who have passed the TEAS within the last two years may request an official transcript from ATI. A student is allowed to take the TEAS examination twice during an admission cycle. But if a 58% score is not attained for two consecutive admission cycles a student in eligible to apply for the SMWC nursing program for a period of three years.
How are students selected for the program?
The pre-nursing first year is open to any student. Acceptance into the major occurs June 1 of each year. The program is authorized to admit 32 students per year. Students are selected based on meeting the admission requirements such as overall college GPA, science GPA and TEAS score. A clean criminal background check and drug screen are also required.
Is there a waiting list for the BSN program at SMWC?
Not at this time.
What are the prerequisite courses I must take before beginning nursing courses?
Students are required to complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a grade of C or higher with two attempts maximum per course along with 30 hours of college credit to be eligible for the major. Students are also required to have earned a C or higher in all cognate courses if they have already been taken.
Where will I attend class and clinical?
Nursing students will spend most of their class time in Hulman Hall. This building houses the chemistry and biology labs as well as the nursing simulation laboratory. Clinical courses take place at our partner locations including Providence Healthcare, on campus; Union Hospital, Regional Hospital, and Hamilton Center in Terre Haute, Indiana. You may also complete clinical courses at other approved sites. Approval will be determined by Marcia Ann Miller, Ph.D., R.N., department of nursing chairperson.
Is the BSN program offered online?
No. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is not available online.
What if I am an out-of-state student? Will I be licensed in my home state?
Our B.S. in Nursing curriculum allows students to be eligible for licensure in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
What is the estimated cost of the BSN program?
The cost of a credit hour is the same for nursing as any other course at SMWC. There is an additional $225 cost for each clinical course. There are ten clinical courses in the program. This fee pays for your ATI testing package, your licensure review course, malpractice insurance, nametag and consumable products. Students must pay for their own uniforms, shoes and textbooks. All of these costs are included in the financial aid calculations.
Is financial aid available for nursing students?
Currently, nursing students are able to apply for any campus scholarships for which they meet the criteria.
I am a licensed RN, can I still complete my BSN?
If you are a licensed RN interested in completing your BSN on campus please contact us. We accept RN-BSN students on a case-by-case basis if space is available.
Why study nursing at SMWC?
The nursing department faculty at SMWC bring their real-world experience to the classroom and clinical teaching to help you learn how to deliver compassionate care. Graduates of our nursing program are prepared when they go into the healthcare world.
What are SMWC alumni doing with their nursing degree?
Students with nursing degrees make an immediate impact in healthcare upon graduation. Some of the jobs that you can get with a nursing degree:
-ER Nurse
-Critical Care Nurse
-Pediatric Nurse
-Clinical Nurse
What is the average salary of someone with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
$72,786
