Health Sciences: Pre-Nursing Concentration
All pre-nursing students will be Health Sciences majors with a pre-nursing concentration. Admission to the University does not imply acceptance to the nursing program. Applicants are ranked based on their GPA for the general education and prerequisites required by the program combined with points from a holistic admissions process. Fifty percent of the prerequisites and general education courses must be completed by the application deadline. Special consideration will be given to students completing all of their prerequisite and general education coursework at CSU Pueblo, veteran status, first generation students, and residency in Southeastern Colorado. Only students admitted to the Nursing or Health Sciences majors are eligible to take nursing courses as indicated in their degree plan.
The BSN program is very competitive. If a student is not admitted to the BSN program they can complete the BS in Health Sciences which will prepare them for the accelerated Nursing Program, and other health related graduate degrees at other institutions such as Public Health, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Health and Healthcare Administration.
With a degree in Nursing, you have a wide range of career options in healthcare, from direct patient care to administration, education, and specialty fields. Here are the most common career paths:
1. Clinical Nursing (Direct Patient Care)
Registered Nurse (RN): Provide direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient facilities.
Critical Care Nurse (ICU Nurse): Care for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit.
Emergency Room Nurse (ER Nurse): Provide immediate care for trauma and emergency patients.
Medical-Surgical Nurse: Care for patients with various conditions in a hospital setting.
Pediatric Nurse: Provide care for infants, children, and adolescents.
Geriatric Nurse: Specialize in caring for elderly patients.
Home Health Nurse: Provide medical care to patients in their homes.
Hospice Nurse (Palliative Care): Care for terminally ill patients.
2. Advanced Practice Nursing (with Further Education)
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnose and treat patients independently (Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric NP, etc.).
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Provide expert care in a specialized area (cardiology, oncology, neurology).
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administer anesthesia during surgical procedures.
Nurse Midwife (CNM): Provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.
3. Nursing Administration and Leadership with further education.
Nurse Manager: Supervise nursing staff and oversee patient care units.
Director of Nursing: Lead nursing departments in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Serve as the top nursing executive in a healthcare organization.
Nursing Supervisor: Manage staffing, patient care, and administrative duties.
4. Nursing Education and Training
Nurse Educator: Teach nursing students at colleges or universities.
Clinical Nurse Instructor: Guide nursing students during their clinical rotations.
Continuing Education Coordinator: Organize training and workshops for nurses.
Nursing Skills Lab Coordinator: Manage and teach in nursing simulation labs.
5. Community Health and Public Health Nursing
Public Health Nurse: Work in health departments, promoting community wellness.
Community Health Nurse: Educate and support underserved populations.
School Nurse: Provide health services to students in K-12 schools.
Occupational Health Nurse: Ensure employee health and safety in workplaces.
6. Telehealth and Remote Nursing
Telehealth Nurse: Provide virtual patient consultations and education.
Nurse Triage Specialist: Assess patient symptoms and provide guidance via phone or video.
Remote Case Manager: Coordinate patient care and monitor chronic conditions.
7. Specialty Nursing Roles
Oncology Nurse: Care for cancer patients and administer chemotherapy.
Cardiac Nurse: Care for patients with heart conditions.
Orthopedic Nurse: Treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Psychiatric Nurse (Mental Health Nurse): Support patients with mental health conditions.
Infection Control Nurse: Prevent and control the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
Wound Care Nurse: Specialize in treating chronic wounds and ostomies.
8. Research and Clinical Trials
Clinical Research Nurse: Coordinate and monitor clinical trials for new treatments.
Nurse Scientist (with PhD): Conduct research to improve nursing practices.
Data Analyst in Nursing Research: Analyze healthcare data to identify best practices.
9. Nursing Informatics
Nurse Informatics Specialist: Use technology to improve patient care and healthcare systems.
Electronic Health Record (EHR) Coordinator: Manage health record systems.
Clinical Documentation Specialist: Ensure accurate and complete patient records.
10. Legal and Forensic Nursing
Legal Nurse Consultant: Advise legal teams on medical cases.
Forensic Nurse Examiner: Work with law enforcement to support victims of violence.
Correctional Facility Nurse: Provide care for inmates in prisons.
11. International Nursing and Travel Nursing
Travel Nurse: Work short-term assignments in different locations (domestically or internationally).
Medical Missionary Nurse: Provide care in underserved areas globally.
Cruise Ship Nurse: Offer medical care to passengers and crew on cruise ships.
12. Entrepreneurship in Nursing
Private Practice Nurse Practitioner (NP): Open your own practice (depending on state regulations).
Health Coach (Certified): Provide wellness coaching to clients.
Nurse Consultant: Advise healthcare facilities on improving patient care.
Healthcare Business Owner: Start a home health agency, staffing agency, or medical spa.
13. Advanced Careers with Further Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Lead healthcare organizations or teach at the highest academic levels.
Nursing Researcher (PhD): Conduct and publish nursing research.
Healthcare Policy Advocate: Develop policies to improve nursing and patient care.
Specific Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Policies & Procedures
Students are responsible for all undergraduate admissions policies and procedures as outlined in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
The BSN program is very competitive. If a student is not admitted to the BSN program they can complete the BS in Health Science which will prepare them for an accelerated nursing program, entry level Master degree in Nursing or graduate degrees in several other heath science oriented professions such as Public Health, Athletic Training, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Healthcare Administration.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
There are two ways to apply for admission to the Nursing Program.
Admission as a High School Senior to Nursing Program as a Freshman
Slots for admission as a freshman are limited. Admission is not guaranteed as students with the highest GPA’s and ACT/SAT scores will have priority selection. Preference is given to students graduating from Southern Colorado high schools and/or Health Academy programs. In order to be admitted directly in to the program as a freshman, students must:
- Demonstrate proof of high school diploma. Students must show proof of 3 years of science, including biology and chemistry and proof of algebra or equivalent.
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Have minimal math scores for enrollment in MATH 156.
- Remain a full-time CSU Pueblo student and maintain a 3.0 cumulative average and 3.0 nursing prerequisite average while taking courses at CSU Pueblo.
- Have prerequisites and general education completed by the start of the second semester sophomore year.
If students do not have these requirements, they will lose their opportunity to progress directly into the nursing program.
Students denied admission as freshman are eligible to apply as second semester sophomores.
Admission as a Second Semester Sophomore from CSU Pueblo or Transfer from an Accredited School
All pre-nursing students will be Health Sciences majors with a pre-nursing concentration. Admission to the University does not imply acceptance to the nursing program. The undergraduate program is very competitive and applicants are assigned an admission score based on their GPA for the general education and prerequisites required by the program and holistic admission components such as first generation status. Completion of all pre-requisite courses at CSU Pueblo will also be given special consideration for admission. Fifty percent of the prerequisites and general education courses must be completed by the application deadline. Only students admitted to the Nursing or Health Sciences majors are eligible to take nursing courses as indicated in their degree plan. For the basic nursing option student admission:
- Requirements are a minimum GPA of 3.00 for all required general education and prerequisites. All prerequisites must be passed with a C or better (C- is not acceptable) and be completed prior to the term of entrance into the nursing program. Students receiving a grade less than C in a nursing prerequisite course are not eligible for admission. Prerequisite courses may be repeated one (1) time only for admission eligibility.
- All general education must be completed prior to the term of entrance into the nursing program.
- The student needs to be admitted to CSU Pueblo first, and then submit a separate application to the nursing program the year prior to the spring (basic) or summer (accelerated) term they plan to start the program. During the pre-nursing phase of the application process, students will be advised by the pre-nursing advisor.
Students will be notified via email of their admission status to the program. Those students who are accepted to the program must return receipt of acceptance by the stated deadline or the admission status will be revoked.
Students who are residents of another country must have a TOFEL of 550 or have completed the University requirements of English and Speech skills.
Undergraduate Nursing Program Application Process
Applications to the nursing program may be obtained at http://ceeps.csupueblo.edu/nursing or in the nursing department. The completed applications must be submitted to the School of Nursing by the scheduled deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applicants should contact the School of Nursing with questions regarding applications.
Undergraduate Post Acceptance Requirements
Before a student starts the nursing program they must attend a mandatory orientation.
The following must be submitted through the nursing tracking system after receiving a Net ID number from the University and instructions from the Department of Nursing prior to orientation. Failure to do so by the stated deadline will result in loss of admission status.
- Background check per Colorado Law. (House bill 97-1084).
- A urine drug screen.
- Current certification in CPR (Health Care Provider-C or equivalent).
- Current physical examination within the last year and current immunizations including, hepatitis B series, TB test or two step if necessary, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, covid-19, tetanus and varicella and/or titers.
- Proof of current health insurance.
- Proof of current nursing student malpractice insurance from organization specified by School of Nursing.
The following must be submitted to the School of Nursing prior to orientation by the stated deadline:
- Current unofficial transcripts showing completion of all prerequisite and general education classes.
- Return receipt for program acceptance.
In order to register for undergraduate nursing courses, students must have unconditional acceptance into the nursing program and follow their option degree plan, or register by permission of the undergraduate nursing program director.
RN-BSN Admissions Requirements
- Complete application to the nursing program.
- Proof of active, unrestricted Colorado Registered Nurse license by the end of the first semester of the program. (or current enrollment in a Colorado Community College or a compact state ADN program)
- Residency in a Colorado Nursing Compact State.
- All prerequisites must be passed with a C or better (C- is not acceptable) Students receiving a grade less than C in a nursing prerequisite course are not eligible for admission.
Degree Plus to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated (BSN) Option
Students will be notified by email of their admission status to the program. Those students who are accepted to the program should acknowledge acceptance by return email.
The degree-plus student is expected to meet with the pre-nursing advisor for advisement and plan development. The student must have a cumulative nursing prerequisite GPA of 3.0 and follow all admission and post acceptance requirements set forth in the Basic Nursing Option. Due to the intensity of the curriculum, it is advised that the student not work and be able to attend to their studies full-time. Students must maintain a cumulative nursing 3.00 GPA to progress.
Admission to this option is very competitive and applicants are assigned an admission score based on their GPA for the prerequisites required by the program and holistic admission components such as first generation status. Completion of prior degree at CSU Pueblo will also be given special consideration for admission.
Time Limits
For applicants to all options (except registered nurses), Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Intro to Human Development, and Pathophysiology completed (5) years or more before applying to the nursing program will not be accepted as satisfying the prerequisite requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and synthesize information relevant to assessing and improving population health and healthcare issues.
- Exhibit the ability to read and interpret scientific research with application of the scientific methods, statistics, study design, and reporting in the health sciences.
- Evaluate and integrate critical concepts and skills acquired in the health sciences curriculum to common professional problems in the health science fields of interest.
- Exhibit effective oral and written communication as well as mass communication regarding subjects related to the health sciences in an individual and group setting.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge, skills and critical problem solving in a field-based and/or clinical setting.
- Successfully enter into a health science related career or into a graduate program.
Specific Program Requirements
Program Overview
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 35 |
| Core Requirements | 11 |
| Concentration Requirements | 4 |
| Total Credits | 50 |
Specific General Education Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 223 & 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| BIOL 224 & 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| General Education: World Language | 3 | |
| General Education: English | 6 | |
| General Education: History | 3 | |
| General Education: Humanities | 3 | |
| General Education: Social Science | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
- CID 221 will be accepted in lieu of CID 103 but student must complete additional Gen Ed Humanities.
Specific Core Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 2 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) and Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) 1 | 4 |
| NSG 207 | Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BIOL 220 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
- 1
Students interested in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant or Occupational Therapy should take CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (GT-SC2) (4 c.h.) & CHEM 121L General Chemistry Lab I (GT-SC1) (1 c.h.)
Specific Concentration Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 206 & 206L | Introduction to Microbiology and Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
- HS 101 not required but highly recommended for entry into the BSN program.
- CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L will be accepted for CHEM 111 and CHEM 111L
Total credit hours before applying to the BSN Program: 46
Students cannot graduate from the Pre-Nursing concentration. Students will apply to the Basic Pathway for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing during the Spring semester of their Freshman year. The Basic Admission Pathway is for students that have completed at least 23 credits (fifty percent) of prerequisite nursing coursework.
If a student is not admitted into the Basic Admission Pathway they can change their major to Health Sciences (Pre-Accelerated Nursing) and pursue the Accelerated Admission Pathway. Students must complete the BS in Health Science and the Accelerated prerequisites with at least a 3.0 GPA for preferred admission into the accelerated BSN program. Students can earn up to 15 credits of nursing classes that will count for both the BS in Health Science and the BSN while completing the BS in HS as long as the student earns at least a B in the courses. Please see the BS in HS Pre-Accelerated Nursing curriculum for the courses.
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for students planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening Humanities | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| General Education World Language course (Humanities) | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions Not required, but encouraged for Nursing. | 2 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 206 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL 206L | Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| NSG 207 | Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 |
| General Education History, Humanities, Social Science | 9 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
NOTE: Pre-Nursing students must apply for the Nursing program by May 25th of the year proceeding their desired admission in January (May 25th of their freshman year for most).
If the student is not accepted into the BSN program they would continue in the BS in Health Science program choosing either the Health Science Pre-Accelerated Nursing concentration (which could allow them to continue with some Nursing classes and result in possible admission to the accelerated Nursing program) or Health Coaching, Public Health, or Pre-Athletic Training concentration.