Pre Nursing

Congratulations on your interest in nursing! 

📌 Pre-Nursing to BSN Admission Guide (University of the Virgin Islands)

Step 1: University Admission

• Apply and be accepted to the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).

• Meet general admission requirements for undergraduate programs.

Step 2: General Education Requirements (≈43–47 credits)

• Freshman Development Seminar (FDS 100) → 0–1 credit

• Humanities → 18 credits (English, communication, foreign language, art, music, theatre, philosophy)

• Math & Science → 13–16 credits

  • SCI 100 (The Natural World: The Caribbean)

  • MAT 140 (College Algebra) or MAT 143 (Precalculus Algebra)

  • Additional natural science/math courses as advised

• Social Sciences → 9–12 credits

  • SSC 100 (Intro to the Social Sciences: A Caribbean Focus)

  • 3 more social science courses (psychology, sociology, history, etc.)

Step 3: Pre-Nursing Coursework

Prerequisites for BSN Admission:

• Freshman Studies: FDS 100, SCI 100, SSC 100

• General Education: COM 119, ENG 120, ENG 201, MAT 140, MAT 235, PSY 120, PSY 202

• Biology: BIO 151, BIO 152, BIO 240 (lab required, grade C or better)

• Pre-Nursing Course: HSC 200 Health Promotion

• Computer Literacy Exam (CLE)

Students may need 3+ semesters of full-time study to complete prerequisites. Remedial courses may extend this time.

Step 4: BSN Program Admission Requirements - webpage (https://www.uvi.edu/academics/nursing/programs/bach-science/entry-requirements.aspx)

• Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0

• Pass TEAS exam (score proficient, ≥60% in science)

• Social Security Number required for NCLEX-RN in USVI

• For transfer students: official letters of good standing and possible interview

• Submit application packet by September 30 including:

  1. Application form

  2. Official transcripts (UVI students may submit unofficial)

  3. Immunization record (COVID-19 included)

  4. TEAS results

  5. Two recommendation letters

  6. One-page essay: “Nursing: My Career of Choice” (APA format)

  7. Letter of good standing from previous institutions

Notification of acceptance by November 15. Conditional acceptance requires completion of in-progress courses.

Step 5: BSN Program Overview

Generic BSN Program:

• Duration: 4 years, 123+ credits (61 credits in nursing)

• Start: Nursing courses typically begin spring of sophomore year

• Licensure: Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam

• Required full-time study: ≥3 semesters before nursing admission

BSN Completion Program (RN-BSN):

• For licensed RNs; online program

• See UVI Online Catalog for details

Step 6: Progression & Academic Policies

• Grades: Minimum C in all nursing courses (except NUR 104 & NUR 433 → A-)

• Drug Dosage Calculation Exam: ≥90% by second attempt

• Maximum two repeats of nursing courses; third failure → dismissal

• Successful completion of all required nursing and general education courses

• Maintain overall GPA ≥ 2.0

Step 7: Advanced Placement / Credit by Exam

• Challenge eligible courses (within 5 years, grade C or above) through:

  • NLN RN Achievement Exams

  • ATI Proctored Assessments

  • Faculty-prepared exams or clinical evaluation

• Pass mark: NLN 74%, ATI Level 2, faculty exams 75%

• Fees apply for challenge exams

Courses eligible for challenge:

• Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Adult Health, Mental Health, Maternal & Newborn, Pediatric Nursing

• Some biology courses also eligible

Step 8: Graduation Requirements

• 120+ credits including general education, major, and electives

• Complete at least 2x quality points as registered credits

• Physical Education: 2 credits total

• Earn BSN degree and pass NCLEX-RN