This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The School of Nursing offers a traditional curriculum in the baccalaureate program as well as the online R.N.-B.S. completion. Successful completion of curricular requirements results in a Bachelor of Science degree. Note that the applicant is responsible for seeking advice from the School of Nursing on courses taken prior to admission.

Program goal

The goal of the VCU School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is to prepare students with foundational competencies as nurse generalists for entry into professional nursing practice.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competence to practice person-centered care across the lifespan and across the continuum of healthcare systems
  2. Integrate theories and concepts from liberal education and related disciplines into nursing practice
  3. Exhibit professionalism that reflects the inherent values fundamental to nursing
  4. Display effective interprofessional teamwork skills
  5. Demonstrate professional nursing practice grounded in the application of current evidence
  6. Utilize information technologies and processes related to patient care delivery
  7. Show competence in leadership, quality improvement and patient safety to provide quality health care
  8. Apply health promotion and disease prevention competencies at the individual and population levels

Other information

Our international and non-native English-speaking students bring different perspectives and new thinking to our nursing programs. To ensure that all incoming student are prepared for the school’s academic rigor, all international applicants and non-native English speaking applicants without a degree from a U.S. high school, college or university must provide additional information with their applications according to the English language proficiency guidelines on the program admission tab.

While an unrestricted R.N. license from a U.S. state or territory is not required for admission to the Ph.D. program, if a student plans to engage in research activities that require licensure, the student will need to obtain a license. The student will work with the faculty adviser to determine if a license is needed or to consider alternative methods for conducting the research. Students can consult with CGFNS International and the Virginia or relevant state or territory board of nursing for the steps needed to obtain an R.N. license.

A background check and drug screen are not required for admission but may be required by an agency/site in which the student is conducting research.