Undergraduate Nursing

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is to provide education for aspiring nurses.

There are three programs of study at the baccalaureate level – Basic, LPN to BSN, and RN to BSN. Each is offered to a different type of entering student. The Basic track is offered for high school graduates and transfer students. College graduates with a non-nursing degree and transfer students who have completed the prerequisite courses are eligible to enter the Upper Division of the Basic track.

Basic Track

The Basic track is segmented into two divisions: the Lower Division and the Upper Division. The Lower Division encompasses the first two years of the program and requires completion of liberal education courses in natural and physical sciences, psychosocial sciences, humanities, and fine arts. A foundation in liberal education provides the prequisite knowledge for the development of critical thinking and decision making for nursing practice. The Upper Division is during the last two years of the program with concentration of nursing courses at the junior and senior levels.

LPN-BSN

The LPN to BSN track is a program for the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Applicants must possess a valid LPN license in the United States and all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in the nursing courses. Applicants accepted into the LPN to BSN program will be admitted into the Upper Division program to begin nursing courses.  Applicants must apply and be accepted into the uppder division program. 

Important notice regarding state-specific policies:

For additional information about how your state of residence may affect the refund policy that applies to you and information about how to file a complaint with pertinent state authorities about online programs, please see Student Financial Services.

RN-BSN

The RN to BSN track is an online program for the registered nurse (RN) who holds an associate degree in nursing and wishes to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The RN must possess a valid RN license in the United States. The RN can complete the degree requirements in one academic year of full-time study, including one summer-- a total of 12 months. A part-time plan of study is also available.

Undergraduate Nursing Program Outcomes 

      The graduate of the baccalaureate program at Howard University Division of Nursing will: 

  1.  Synthesize knowledge from liberal arts, sciences, and humanities, and nursing discipline in critical thinking and decision-making for the implementation, management and evaluation of safe, holistic care for individuals, families, and communities.
  2. Practice professional nursing within ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice.
  3. Provide culturally competent care across the life span in partnership with the inter-professional health care team.
  4. Demonstrate communication skills essential to the role of the nurse as provider, designer, manager, coordinator of care, and member of the profession.
  5. Collaborate with colleagues and other members of the inter-professional health team to promote health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
  6. Engage in professional role behaviors that serve to improve nursing and health care delivery systems and address the changing needs of a multicultural society.
  7. Apply leadership and management skills to provide quality, cost-effective nursing in a variety of settings.
  8. Engage in critical inquiry and incorporate evidence-based research in the practice of  professional nursing. 

Undergraduate Nursing Handbook

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the nursing program must apply and be accepted by Howard University.  Howard University Admission

The Division of Nursing at Howard University is structured into two divisions: Lower Division and Upper Division, each designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation and advanced nursing education.

 

  • Lower Division: The Lower Division encompasses the freshman and sophomore years, focusing on general education requirements and foundational coursework in mathematics and sciences. Students complete essential prerequisites that prepare them for the rigorous nursing curriculum in the Upper Division. This phase emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and foundational knowledge necessary for professional nursing practice.

 

  • Upper Division: The Upper Division includes the junior and senior years, where students engage in nursing-specific coursework and clinical training. This phase integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. Students gain expertise in areas such as but not limited to medical-surgical nursing, maternal and child health, community health, and leadership in nursing practice. Through clinical rotations, they develop essential skills to provide competent, compassionate, and evidence-based care.

 

The structured progression from the Lower to the Upper Division ensures that graduates of the program are well-equipped to enter the nursing profession as skilled and knowledgeable practitioners.

Lower Division Admission Requirements

LOWER DIVISION ACADEMIC PLAN OF STUDY

Applications for admission is accepted for the Fall and Spring semester.

Internal Transfer Students (change of major)

External Transfer Students – apply via the University (link below)

Upper Division Admission Requirements

UPPER DIVISION ACADEMIC PLAN OF STUDY

Applications for admission is only accepted for the Spring semester.

Upper division applications are exclusively available to current Howard University students majoring in nursing.

Admission Deadline: February 28, 2025 11:59 PM

  • Complete all prerequisite courses
  • Submit official transcript(s) from all academic institutions previously attended
  • Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Achieve a minimum science grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Includes prerequisites: Mathematics (College Algebra), General Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology I & II
  • Successful completion of an admissions examination (current Test of Essential Academic Skills –TEAS-VI®)
  • Submission of a personal statement essay
  • Complete Casper Assessment

Transfer Students  

Howard University Admission

  • Complete all prerequisite courses
  • Submit official transcript(s) from all academic institutions previously attended
  • Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Achieve a minimum science grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Includes prerequisites: Mathematics (College Algebra), General Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology I & II
  • Successful completion of an admissions examination (current Test of Essential Academic Skills –TEAS-VI®)
  • Submission of a personal statement essay
  • Complete Casper Assessment
  • Request the upper division application link - nursingud-app@howard.edu 

(Transfer students are to email Upper Division Application, all Official Transcripts and TEAS score results to nursingud-app@howard.edu after Common Application is complete)

LPN-BSN Admission Requirements

***Applications for admission is only accepted for the Fall semester.***

  • Complete the Howard University Admission
  • Complete all prerequisite courses
  • Complete all courses in lower division plan of study LOWER DIVISION ACADEMIC PLAN OF STUDY
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Hold a current LPN License
  • Request the upper division application link - nursingud-app@howard.edu
    • Submit official transcript(s) from all academic institutions previously attended
    • Achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
    • Achieve a minimum science grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Includes prerequisites: Mathematics (College Algebra), General Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology I & II
    • Successful completion of an admissions examination (current Test of Essential Academic Skills –TEAS-VI®)
    • Submission of a personal statement essay
    • Complete Casper Assessment

RN-BSN Admission Requirements

RN-BSN PROGRAM SCHEME

Applications for admission is only accepted for the Fall semester.

For admission questions, please email student affairs email at cnahsnursingstdaffairs@howard.edu.