Program Overview
The Joint BSN program between Virginia Wesleyan University and Sentara College of Health Sciences provides accelerated nursing education and prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Graduates are eligible for careers as registered nurses in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics. With a guaranteed admission for qualified applicants and access to Sentara Health's resources, the program fosters exceptional nursing professionals committed to safe and competent patient care.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a partnership between Virginia Wesleyan University and Sentara College of Health Sciences. This program offers students a comprehensive education in nursing, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Objectives:
The program aims to produce graduates who are:
- Prepared to provide safe, ethical, and competent nursing care.
- Equipped with the knowledge and skills to practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making in complex clinical situations.
- Committed to lifelong learning and professional development.
Program Description:
- Students complete coursework at both Virginia Wesleyan University and Sentara College of Health Sciences.
- Formal acceptance into the Sentara program occurs at the end of the first year.
- Ten qualified applicants are guaranteed admission, with additional students considered on a competitive basis.
- The program involves accelerated content, including sophomore-level courses in the spring of year one, required summer coursework, and a minimum VWU GPA of 3.3 to maintain eligibility for the Sentara program.
Careers:
- The program prepares students for careers as registered nurses (RNs) in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed to practice nursing.
- The program's connection to Sentara Health provides students with access to expert clinicians and world-class healthcare centers.
Other:
- The program is demanding and requires a high level of commitment from students.
- Incoming transfer students with more than 12 credits earned at another institution will require additional review.
- Virginia Wesleyan University also offers several preparatory programs for the medical field, including pre-professional tracks in pre-nursing/allied health, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, art therapy and counseling.
