Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Prelicensure Option

Prepare for a career in nursing. Students who choose to major in nursing begin with two years of study in biology, chemistry, psychology, math, communication and liberal arts.

With its primary mission to prepare its graduates for careers as professional nurses, the nursing major ensures that each student has a strong foundation in science and other elements of the liberal arts before they begin their focus in the field of nursing.

By working closely with their advisors, nursing students construct a schedule of relevant courses that will provide them with a solid base of knowledge. Students apply to the nursing program at or near completion of all prerequisite courses. The nursing program of study requires formal admission to the program.

Elmhurst nursing graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which enables them to apply for a license as a Registered Nurse (RN).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Elmhurst University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

Nursing Program Major Requirements

The nursing sequence consists of the following required NRS course units that incorporate didactic and/or clinical practice:

  • NRS 300 Health Assessment
  • NRS 303 Conceptual Basis of Professional Nursing Practice
  • NRS 308 Foundations for Professional Nursing Practice
  • NRS 309 Adult Health Nursing I
  • NRS 315 Adult Health Nursing II
  • NRS 316 Family Health: Childrearing
  • NRS 321 Pathophysiology – Pharmacology I
  • NRS 322 Pathophysiology – Pharmacology II
  • NRS 403 Leadership and Management in Health Care Organizations
  • NRS 407 Policy, Finance and Legislation
  • NRS 408 Mental Health
  • NRS 409 Family Health: Child Bearing
  • NRS 410 Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Professional Nursing
  • NRS 411 Synthesis: Adult Health III Complex Care
  • NRS 412 Synthesis: Community and Public Health Nursing
  • NRS 414 Synthesis: Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Professional Nursing Practice
  • ENG 105 Composition I
  • ENG 106 Composition II
  • BIO 107 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIO 108 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
  • BIO 221 Microbiology for Health Professionals
  • CHM 101 General Chemistry
  • CHM 103 Elementary Organic and Biochemistry
  • PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science
  • PSY 315 Lifespan Development
  • PSY 327 Psychopathology
  • College-level mathematics course
  • MTH 345 Elementary Statistics
    or MTH 346 Statistics for Scientists
    or PSY 355 Statistics for Scientific Research

Students must complete two approved courses in mathematics to fulfill requirements for the BSN degree.

A variety of elective courses are available to meet the needs and interests of nursing majors.

Nursing majors are encouraged to elect courses in other divisions of the University or to complete a second major or minor in a related or complementary field.

Possible Minors with Nursing

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