Graduates of UNCG’s traditional prelicensure BSN program are thoroughly prepared to excel in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is expected to surge by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, significantly outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. This robust job growth is driven by several key factors, including a heightened focus on preventive and primary care, increased accessibility to healthcare services, rising incidences of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity, the growing interest in community-based care, and the increasing need for healthcare services as the baby-boomer generation enjoys longer, more active lives. Embrace a promising career with a degree that equips you to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of diverse communities.
Program overview
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at UNCG is designed to be completed in just four academic years plus one summer semester, offering a streamlined path to your future career. Our rigorous program ensures you are prepared to function as a practice-ready nurse. To ensure your application is competitive for the upper division, students should excel academically while completing 16-17 credit hours each semester.
We understand that life can present unique challenges such as long-distance commuting, family obligations, or the need to work more than 10-15 hours a week. At UNCG, we are committed to your success. If you face any challenges, our dedicated academic advisors will work with you to generate strategies to accommodate your individual circumstances. Join our supportive and dynamic program to embark on a rewarding journey in nursing, where your dedication and hard work will pave the way for a successful and impactful career.
Affordability: UNCG is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. We offer competitive tuition rates and a variety of scholarships for eligible students, ensuring you can pursue your nursing dreams without financial barriers.
Educational Excellence: Our prelicensure BSN program features a rigorous curriculum delivered by experienced faculty, paired with clinical learning experiences at the top healthcare organizations in the state. Our educational excellence ensures that graduates are fully prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and nursing practice.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our cutting-edge simulation labs and learning resources provide a realistic, immersive learning environment where you can develop essential skills with confidence.
Community-Oriented Approach: Join a supportive, close-knit community where collaboration and mutual support are at the heart of our values. At UNCG, you will connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff who share your passion for nursing and are dedicated to your success.
Commitment to Your Future: At UNCG, we focus on your academic and personal growth. The School of Nursing’s Academic Enhancement Center offers tutoring and life skills support, ensuring you have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in your studies and beyond.
Take the next step in your nursing career — apply to UNCG today!
“Choosing UNCG’s BSN program was hands down one of the best choices I’ve made. The faculty were welcoming, supportive, and really prepared me for the NCLEX-RN and real-world nursing. I’m proud to be a Spartan nurse and ready to start my nursing career, all thanks to UNCG!”
– L.M., Prelicensure BSN Graduate
Program Details
Overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
A grade of “C” or better in the following courses: BIO 271/271L or KIN 291/291L; BIO 277/277L or KIN 292/292L; BIO 280/280L; CHE 104; STA 108; HDF 111; PSY 121; NTR 213; PHI 121 or PHI 220; and SOC 101 or ATY 100.
No more than two of the above prerequisite courses may be repeated to earn the minimum grade or better. Prerequisite courses may be repeated only one time.
Scores for the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) must be submitted electronically by the application deadline, February 1st. Information regarding the ATI TEAS test is available on our website.
Matriculation into the upper division is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory evaluation signed by the student’s physician of the applicant’s physical and emotional health to provide nursing care. Forms will be sent to the students who are admitted to the upper division.
*Due to the competitive nature of this program, successful applicants typically present much higher credentials for admission.
Students must be formally admitted to the School of Nursing, which is an upper division major. Admission to UNCG does not guarantee admission to the upper division major. Applications are available each year on the School of Nursing website from December 1 through February 1. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended must be submitted by February 1st, as these grades and GPA are also taken into consideration during the admissions process. Students are notified of the School’s decision regarding acceptance in early to mid-March. Students may not enroll in required nursing courses without being admitted to the School.
Priority Admissions Priority in admission (subject to space availability) will be granted to students who meet the following criteria:
Enter UNC Greensboro as new, first-time freshmen.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.50 by the end of the third semester.
Complete all but one of the following required science courses by the end of the third semester with a 3.0 (B) or better in each course completed. Courses must be completed at UNC Greensboro:
Course
Description
CHE 104
General Descriptive Chemistry II
BIO 271/271L
Human Anatomy and Human Anatomy Laboratory (or KIN 291/291L Clinical Human Anatomy and Clinical Human Anatomy Laboratory)
BIO 277/277L
Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory (or KIN 292/292L Clinical Human Physiology and Clinical Human Physiology Laboratory)
BIO 280/280L
Fundamentals of Microbiology and Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory
and at least one of the following pre-requisite courses by the end of the third semester with a 3.0 (B) or better in each course completed. Courses must be completed at UNC Greensboro:
Course
Description
NTR 213
Introductory Nutrition
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
PHI 121
Contemporary Moral Problems or PHI 220 Medical Ethics or RCO 203 Ethics in the Professions
by the end of the third semester, with a 3.0 (B) or better in each course completed. Courses must be completed at UNC Greensboro.
Complete three (3) semesters at UNC Greensboro (minimum of 45 semester hours).
Earn a score of 78 or above on the ATI TEAS-V (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
Meet all other admission requirements for the upper-division nursing major.
Students who do not meet the criteria for Priority Admissions, but who do meet the Minimum Criteria for Admission, are encouraged to apply for admission.
The School of Nursing will now offer direct admission to the nursing program for first-year students entering UNCG. Instead of waiting to apply in your sophomore year, you can apply for direct admission to the nursing program when you apply to UNCG. This means that as you complete the prerequisite courses you can already be admitted to the nursing major. Take advantage of the direct admission opportunity: Apply by November 1, our Fall 2024 Early Action Deadline, for consideration.
Direct Admission to Nursing for First Year Students
Select nursing as major.
Top 50% of their high school class.
Minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Progression to Upper Division Nursing Courses
Maintain an overall grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
Freshmen admit students must maintain a letter grade of C or above in all nursing prerequisite courses.
Students can repeat two nursing prerequisite courses in which they earn less than a C.
Prerequisite courses may be repeated only once.
Students who earn less than a C in three or more nursing prerequisite and/or science courses will be dismissed from the nursing program and will be advised to select a different major.
Prior to starting upper division nursing courses, First Year Direct Admits along with transfer admits must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and a negative urine drug screen and other SON requirements to participate in clinical experiences.
Students are notified of the School of Nursing’s admission decision early to mid-March.
Admission is highly competitive, as the number of applications typically exceeds the available spaces each year.
Students can apply for admission while still completing their prerequisite courses. However, unconditional admission will only be granted once all admission criteria have been successfully met. Students must be formally admitted to the School of Nursing to enroll in the required upper division nursing courses.
Explore the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program in the UNCG Catalog.
Plan Of Study
The degree consists of four components: Minerva Academic Curriculum (MAC), pre-requisites for the upper division major, upper division major courses, and electives sufficient for meeting degree requirements.
Minerva Academic Curriculum (MAC) provides students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and values necessary to be critical and creative thinkers, ethical decision-makers, effective communicators, and collaborative and engaged global citizens.
Students must complete 33-34 semester hours to meet the following competencies (C1-C11):
C1: Foundations (ex. HIS 101, CCI 117)
C2: Written Communication (ex. ENG 101: College Writing I)
C3: Oral Communication (ex. CST 105: Introduction to Communication Studies)
C4: Quantitative Reasoning (STA 108, required for applying to nursing major)
C5: Health & Wellness (NTR 213, required for applying to nursing major)
C6: Critical Thinking/Humanities & Fine Arts (PHI 121 or 220, required for applying to nursing major)
C7: Critical Thinking/Social & Behavioral Sciences (PSY 121 required for applying to nursing major)
C8: Critical Thinking/Natural Sciences (BIO 111/111L: Principles of Biology)
C9: Global Engagement & Intercultural Learning (ex. ATY 100, meets a nursing cognate)
C10: Diversity & Equity through Social & Behavioral OR Humanities & Fine Arts (ex. ENG 109, REL 132)
C11: Data Analysis & Interpretation through Natural Sciences (CHE 103: General Descriptive Chemistry I)
Take note! Courses used to meet the MAC categories also fulfill several of the requirements to apply to the nursing major. It is imperative to work with your academic advisor to ensure you are on track and taking courses to apply to the Upper Division nursing program, but also taking courses to meet the MAC requirements for graduation.
Second Degree Students: Minerva Academic Curriculum (MAC) requirements are waived for students with baccalaureate degrees from approved, accredited institutions.
Students must complete the following courses before entering the Upper Division:
Course
Grade Required
Prerequisites
BIO 271 (Anatomy) or KIN 291
C or better
BIO 111 +lab (with grade of C- or better)
BIO 277 (Physiology) or KIN 292
C or better
BIO 111 +lab (with grade of C- or better)
BIO 280 (Microbiology)
C or better
BIO 271 or 277
HDF 111 (Lifespan Development)
C or better
–
PSY 121 (General Psychology)
C or better
–
CHE 104 (Chemistry II)
C or better
CHE 103 (Chemistry I)
CHE 110 (lab)
–
–
SOC 101, SOC 202 (GL) or ATY 100 (GN) or RCO 215 (GN)
C or better
–
NTR 213 (Nutrition) (GNS)
C or better
–
PHI 121 or 220 or RCO 203 (GPR)
C or better
–
STA 108 (Statistics) (GMT)
C or better
–
Applicants already holding a bachelor’s degree will be required to have the following prerequisites before entering the Upper Division:
Course
Grade Required
Prerequisites
BIO 271 (Anatomy) or KIN 291
C or better
BIO 111 +lab (with grade of C- or better)
BIO 277 (Physiology) or KIN 292
C or better
BIO 111 +lab (with grade of C- or better)
BIO 280 (Microbiology)
C or better
BIO 271 or 277
HDF 111 (Lifespan Development)
C or better
–
PSY 121 (General Psychology)
C or better
–
CHE 104 (Chemistry II)
C or better
CHE 103 (Chemistry I)
CHE 110 (lab)
–
–
NTR 213 (Nutrition) (GNS)
C or better
–
STA 108 (Statistics) (GMT)
C or better
–
Students must complete all criterion courses by the end of the spring semester before taking NUR 210 and NUR 220/220L during summer session.
Take note! Students MUST TAKE at least Anatomy or Physiology (BIO 271 or 277) through the Biology Department to be prepared for Microbiology. If taking the KIN 291 or KIN 292 options, make sure at least one of the Biology options is completed, or you will not be eligible to take Microbiology.
Students must be formally admitted to the Upper Division to take these courses. NUR 210/210L and NUR 220/220L are taught in the summer, prior to enrollment in the 300-level nursing courses, to students who have been admitted to the Upper Division major.
The upper division major courses include: NUR 210, 210L, 220, 220L, 310, 310L, 320, 320L, 355A, 355B, 365, 375, 340, 340L, 360, 360L, 380, 410, 410L, 415, 420, 420L, 450, 430, 430L, 440 and 490.
Course Semester
Course Number – Course Title [Credits]
Summer Semester
NUR 210 – Fundamental Concepts in Nursing [3 cr.] with NUR 210L [1 cr.] NUR 220 – Nursing Assessment of Well Individuals [2 cr.] with NUR 220L [1 cr.]
Fall Semester Junior Year
NUR 380 – Nursing Skills [2 cr.] NUR 355A – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing I [3 cr.] NUR 310 – Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan [4 cr.] & NUR 310L – Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan [1 cr.] AND NUR 320 – Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems [3 cr.] & NUR 320L – Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems [2 cr.] OR NUR 360 – Childbearing and Reproductive Health [3 cr.] & NUR 360L – Practicum for Childbearing and Reproductive Health [1 cr.] AND NUR 340 – Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents [3 cr.] & NUR 340L – Practicum for Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents [1 cr.]
Spring Semester Junior Year
NUR 365 – Interprofessional Education Seminar [1 cr.] (take only once) NUR 375 – Nursing Informatics and Technology [2 cr.] NUR 355B – Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing II [2 cr.] NUR 360 – Childbearing and Reproductive Health [3 cr.] & NUR 360L – Practicum for Childbearing and Reproductive Health [1 cr.] AND NUR 340 – Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents [3 cr.] & NUR 340L – Practicum for Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents [1 cr.] OR NUR 310 – Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan [4 cr.] & NUR 310L – Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan [1 cr.] AND NUR 320 – Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems [3 cr.] & NUR 320L – Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems [2 cr.]
Fall Semester Senior Year
NUR 410 – Health and Illness in Older Adults [3 cr.] & NUR 410L – Practicum for Health and Illness in Older Adults Population Health Nursing [2 cr.] NUR 420 – Population Health Nursing [4 cr.] & NUR 420L – Practicum for Population Health Nursing [1 cr.] NUR 450 – Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research [3 cr.] NUR 365 – Interprofessional Education Seminar [1 cr.] (take only once)
Spring Semester Senior Year
NUR 430 – Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems [3 cr.] & NUR 430L – Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems [2 cr.] (clinical is only 7 weeks) NUR 440 – Senior Capstone [4 cr.] (clinical over 7 weeks) NUR 415 – Nursing Leadership and Management (3) NUR 490 – Synthesis of Nursing Concepts [2 cr.]
Total Credit Hours – 62
Some students may need to take elective courses before graduating. The number of electives required depends on your specific course selections and any transfer credits you have. To graduate, you must complete at least 120 credit hours. We strongly recommend calculating your total credit hours and consulting your academic advisor before entering the upper division to determine if you need any electives.
Program information sheets
Download the program information sheet for a quick reference of our program details:
INTERESTED IN EARNING A MASTER’S DEGREE? CHECK OUT OUR ACCELERATED MASTER’S PROGRAM (AMP)!
The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) provides a unique opportunity for exceptional students enrolled in the UNCG School of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to begin work on their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in leadership and management.
Complete your MSN in a shorter amount of time by taking graduate-level courses that count toward both your BSN and MSN degrees.
Students start taking MSN-level courses in the junior year of their undergraduate coursework and continue on to compete their MSN after earning their BSN.
Develop skills that will serve you well as you transition to future nurse leadership roles.
This is an appealing option for students enrolled in the Veterans Access Program (VAP)
To be eligible, students must have completed 60 credits in the pre-health curriculum, be admitted to the School of Nursing’s BSN program, and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Applications can be submitted through the UNCG School of Nursing’s website. Ensure you meet all the prerequisites and follow the application guidelines provided.
The required prerequisites could be completed on a part-time basis. The prelicensure BSN program is designed to be a full-time program due to the intensive nature of the coursework and clinical requirements.
Clinicals are typically held at various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and community health settings in the Greensboro area. Examples of our clinical partners include Cone Health, Novant Health, Atrium Health, Alamance-Burlington School Systems, Guilford County Health Department, Authoracare, Hospice of Rockingham, Hospice of the Piedmont, the surrounding VA Hospitals, UNC Chapel Hill, WakeMed, Duke Health, and many more!
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates can work in a variety of clinical and nonclinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and more. Graduates can specialize in emergency room, medical-surgical, community health, critical care, pediatrics, hospice, obstetrics, oncology, and many more nursing specialties! Graduates of the program often fulfill essentials roles in the healthcare system such as a travel nurse, flight nurse, public health nurse, telehealth nurse, forensic nurse, staff nurse, research nurse, school nurse, hospice nurse, occupational health nurse, nurse administrator and leader, nurse educator, and home health nurse. Completing your BSN at UNCG School of Nursing ensures you’re prepared to pursue specialized fields and advance your education.
It depends on how long ago the courses were taken and the specific requirements of the School of Nursing. There is no time limitation with prerequisites; however, we recommend that the science courses should be recent (within the last 5-7 years). Check with an advisor for specific guidelines and an individualized transcript review.
No, you do not have to be enrolled in UNCG first to apply for the prelicensure nursing program. However, upon acceptance, you must apply to UNC Greensboro.
The NCLEX pass rate for the program varies year to year. Check the latest statistics on the School of Nursing’s website or contact the program director for current rates.
While the BSN program is rigorous, it may be possible to pursue a minor. However, because a minor typically requires 15 to 18 semester hours of course work in the selected area of study, pursuing a minor usually means the student requires an extra semester or year to graduate. You should discuss this with your academic advisor to see if it fits into your academic plan.
Yes, there are opportunities to study abroad before entering the major or in the summer after acceptance into the nursing program.
The official evaluation of transfer credits will be completed after your application for admission to the University is complete. There are some online resources that you can use to see if the courses you completed will transfer. Only transfer courses with grades of C or higher will be considered for transfer; a grade of C- or lower will not transfer. The credit earned (assuming it was a grade of C or better) will apply toward the degree. If you are unsure if the course will meet a School of Nursing requirement, contact the Office of Student Success for a transcript evaluation. During the admission process, you are required to attach copies of your transcripts of all post-high school education, so the Admission Committee will consider your grades in the courses you completed elsewhere in making an admission decision.
Attendance in summer school is not typically required for prerequisite courses, but it may be an option to lighten your course load during regular semesters or to complete prerequisites. You will be required to take classes (NUR 210/210L and 220/220L) the summer before your junior year.
The admission process is competitive, and if the program reaches capacity, qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist. Students on the waitlist students can be notified up until the first day of class if a space becomes available in the program. Position on the waitlist is not released. If a student on the waitlist is not accepted, the student is encouraged to apply during the next admission cycle. Reapplication does not carry over into the next application cycle and does not guarantee admission.
If not accepted, you can reapply in the next admission cycle or consider other pathways such as a change of major at UNCG or exploring other nursing programs. Students who apply to other nursing programs must contact each school for information about prerequisite requirements and application deadlines. Students should talk with their advisors to better understand their likelihood of being admitted, discuss career options, and learn about campus resources. There is no maximum limit to applying to the nursing program.
Yes, prerequisite courses can be taken at accredited community colleges. Ensure the courses meet UNCG’s requirements and transfer policies here.
No, the prelicensure BSN program is for students without a prior nursing degree, while the RN to BSN program is for current Registered Nurses who want to earn their BSN. For more information regarding the RN to BSN program, click here.
Yes, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for nursing licensure through the state Board of Nursing to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). For more information about the NCLEX-RN, visit the NCSBN NCLEX page. If you are testing in NC, see the detailed information about licensure by examination on the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) website. If you are testing outside of the state of NC, check the application requirements early on the applicable Board of Nursing website.
Connect with us
For questions about the program, please email us at [email protected].
Kristie Davis-Collins, PhD, MSN-ED, RN, CNE
Director of Pre and Post Licensure Programs 336-334-4115
The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for aprofessional license and /or certification in the state for which they plan to practice.
As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. You should contact the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Yvonne Eaves at [email protected], with any questions regarding this data.
