Options Available for Study in the BSN Program
Preparation for entry into professional nursing practice at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) may be accomplished in several ways. We offer the traditional route for first time in college students who complete the first two years at UAB and then apply for admission to the School of Nursing for the upper-division nursing curriculum. The second option is available for students who transfer from another university or two-year community college. Students in this option complete all foundation and pre-requisite courses elsewhere and then apply first to UAB and then to the School of Nursing for the upper division nursing major. The third option is available for individuals who have completed a previous undergraduate degree outside of the nursing discipline and who met the UAB criteria for regular undergraduate admission. The final option is available to Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed the Associates Degree in Nursing who wish to obtain the baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) or master's degree in nursing (MSN).
Traditional option: Students who choose the traditional route began their studies as freshman at UAB and complete a series of foundational and general studies courses during the first two years of study. Students in this option work with an assigned pre-nursing advisor through the UAB office of General Studies during the first two years at the university. Prior to completion of the foundational and general studies curriculum, students make application to the School of Nursing for the upper division major. (link to BSN admission requirements). Students who complete their pre-nursing curriculum at UAB are eligible for special consideration for admission to the upper division nursing curriculum as either Nursing Scholars or Pre-Nursing Scholars.
Transfer option: Students who transfer from another university or community college complete the foundational and general studies courses at their home institution before making application. The BSN foundational and general studies courses are the same as those taken by students who complete all coursework at UAB. Two separate applications are required: one to the university and the second to the School of Nursing. Students in this option will be assigned a pre-nursing advisor who will assist them in determining eligibility for application and admission into the upper-division nursing major.
Second degree option: The third option is available for those who have completed a previous non-nursing undergraduate degree and meet the UAB criteria for Undergraduate admission. Applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major that was earned at a regionally accredited university and the first degree must have been based upon at least 120 semester hours of earned credit. Students in this option must first apply to UAB where they are assigned a pre-nursing advisor who will assist them in determining eligibility for application and admission to the upper division major.
BSN Admission Requirements for Second Degree Students
RN- BSN and RN-BSN- MSN Educational Mobility Program is accessible online and available to Registered Nurses who have earned either an Associate's Degree or Diploma in Nursing. Students may select either the RN- BSN completion or the RN-BSN- MSN completion program. Students in this option complete selected BSN foundation and general studies courses before transitioning to the final coursework for completion of either the BSN or MSN degree. Two separate applications are required for admission to the School of Nursing's educational mobility program, one for UAB undergraduate admissions and one for the School of Nursing.