Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Program Description
Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides quality education to a diverse student population through innovative educational programs. You can be a part of the next great class at Rockhurst. Applying is quick, easy and free!
We're No.1!
Niche, one of the largest online college search resources for students, has ranked Rockhurst University’s nursing program as the best in Missouri in their Best Colleges 2025 rankings. Find out why!
Advantages of Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences
With a BSN degree from Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, you get a quality education from a proven program with more than 115 years of experience training community-minded health care professionals. Our history in the city and region enables us to provide clinical placements and networking opportunities to advance your nursing career.
Why do students choose Rockhurst University?
- Low faculty-to-student ratio, making sure you get the attention you deserve
- 1:1 faculty-to-student ratio for NCLEX success coaching
- In May 2023, our BSN graduates had a 97% NCLEX Pass Rate! *
- Rockhurst exemplifies all that a Jesuit education has to offer – the highest caliber of academics, leadership and service to others. This is the foundation on which RU, along with the other 27 Jesuit institutions nationwide, builds its experience.
- Great financial aid, work-study, and scholarships available
- A campus located in the heart of Kansas City, close to the Country Club Plaza, shopping, nightlife and restaurants
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition discount per credit hour for Saint Luke's Health System employees and area colleges (MOU)
*MSBN 2nd quarter results
Prospective Students
The health care industry will continue to outpace other occupations by growing as much as 31% by 2026. Our affiliations with the largest and most prestigious health care systems in Kansas City provide invaluable opportunities toward finding nursing jobs. The first step is applying. Questions? Just ask!
Note: International students are not currently eligible to enroll in the nursing program.
Learning Outcomes
Students are educated as nurse generalists to provide high-quality, safe, and evidence-based practice to diverse populations in various settings. Rockhurst graduates are prepared for the professional nurse role, which includes our University values of leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
Course Map
Experiences
- Nursing faculty with industry, clinical and teaching experience
- Networking opportunities with the largest employers in the Kansas City area
- Local volunteer opportunities outside of the classroom through our student organizations
- Academic advising and peer tutoring available through the Student Resource Center
Outcomes
- Students will successfully graduate within their cohort time frame
- BSN students express satisfaction with the BSN program
- Students successfully pass NCLEX examination
- Students will obtain employment within 12 months of graduation
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements
Upon the recommendation of the faculty, Rockhurst University will confer the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing upon students who have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completion of the 120 hours of the required program of study for the BSN degree
- Completion of the 60 semester hours of nursing coursework within four years of enrollment at Rockhurst University
- A cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.0 with no grade below C counting toward graduation
- BSN students must earn a minimum of 30 nursing credit hours from Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences to meet the residency requirement
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | 60 Required | |
| NUR 3100 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 3120 | Health Assessment and Promotion | 4 |
| NUR 3160 | Introduction to Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 3180 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 3200 | Foundations of Professional Nursing | 6 |
| NUR 3220 | Adult Health Nursing I | 6 |
| NUR 3240 | Community and Mental Health Nursing | 6 |
| NUR 4050 | Adult Health II | 5 |
| NUR 4120 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 2.5 |
| NUR 4150 | Maternal Child Nursing | 5.5 |
| NUR 4160 | Gerontology | 2 |
| NUR 4350 | Complex Care (8 weeks) | 6 |
| NUR 4400 | Transition to Professional Practice (8 weeks) | 5 |
| NUR 4750 | Nursing Leadership (8 weeks) | 3 |
| Elective | 1 Required | |
| Total Credits | 60 Credits | |
The BSN program has prerequisite requirements requiring coursework to follow a specific order. A 1-credit hour nursing elective course must also be taken prior to graduation. The nursing elective must be approved as listed in the academic course catalog and taken at Rockhurst University.
FAQs
How do I apply to the BSN program?
The application process varies depending on if you're a first-time freshman or transferring in, but we'll guide on through the entire process on how to apply.
How many students apply to the BSN program?
About 400 students apply for each of our spring and fall enrollment cycles.
What is the average GPA required?
Our GPA standard will vary from semester to semester, but generally, accepted students will need a minimum GPA of at least 2.7.
How long is the BSN program?
Two years or four semesters including clinical rotations.
Can you be a part-time student?
No, this is a full-time program with a minimum of 15 credits per semester including clinical rotations.
Am I automatically an RN upon completion of this program?
The Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares BSN students to sit for the Registered Nurse licensing examination after graduation. Each State Board of Nursing requires licensure in order to practice as a registered nurse, so students sit for the state exams relevant to where they want to practice. (Note: A misdemeanor and/or felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NCLEX-RN® or attain state licensure. It is the student’s responsibility to contact and verify with the State Board of Nursing whether or not he or she will be able to apply for licensure and take the NCLEX-RN®).
How will I pay for my education?
- We offer financial aid (Department of Education loans, grants, scholarships). Complete your FAFSA application to help determine eligibility for need-based federal financial aid (Saint Luke’s College FAFSA Code: 009782).
- We accept third-party scholarships
- Work-study positions available
- Personal or parent loans
Will my previous credits transfer?
- Refer to the Course Equivalency Guides
- Transfer credits must be college level
- Transfer credits must be a C or above grade
- Schedule an appointment with an admissions representative to go over your transcript(s)
- Email an admissions representative your unofficial transcript(s)
- Transfer credit is accepted from regionally accredited institutions (contact your college counselor to verify accreditation status)
How do I check my application status?
- Fall application notifications are sent in March
- Spring application notifications are sent in October
- Contact admissions@rockhurst.edu to speak with an Admissions Counselor about the status of your app.
What kind of computer do I need before I start in your program?
Recommended minimum computer specifications:
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 (or higher)
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Mac OSX 12
- RAM: 8 GB (or higher)
- Hard Drive: 128 GB minimum (or higher) SSD highly recommended
- Wireless network card 802.11AC
- Headset with microphone capability required
- Web camera required
- Google Chrome - The University recommends using Google Chrome for university email and for most learning applications
Software applications required:
- Microsoft Office 365 – Students can download Office 365 using their Rockhurst email
- Course Instructors will advise if their courses may require specific computer software, from a specific Publisher
- Supported internet browser: Google Chrome
- Adobe Reader – Students can download Adobe Reader using their Rockhurst email
How do I reapply?
Please note that a dismissal from the nursing program does not mean a dismissal from Rockhurst University. Students may explore other options to continue their studies within the university.
How much does the BSN program cost?
Note: BSN program tuition is not reduced by merit scholarship aid, but students in the program are eligible to apply for need-based scholarships.
MSBN Site Visit
Rockhurst University Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences baccalaureate degree nursing programs will be hosting a routine site visit with the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) on October 3, 2024. As a constituent of the program, you have the opportunity to submit third-party comments. Please direct any comments to MSBN (Melinda.Bridge@pr.mo.gov).
