School of Nursing

Applicants intending to study nursing are expected to have completed a rigorous college preparatory program of study in high school, including four years of English or the equivalent, two years of college preparatory mathematics, one year of biology and one year of general chemistry.

The BSN degree is a four-year degree program requiring at least 124 credits, with 69 credits in nursing including HSC 200 Health Promotion. At least three semesters of full-time study to complete pre-requisite courses, are required prior to entry into the nursing program. Students who need pre-college classes, such as English and Reading (ENG 100/WAC011; ENG101/RCA021) and Mathematics (MAT 023 and MAT 024), may need more than three semesters to complete all required pre-nursing courses. Nursing coursework begins in the spring semester of the sophomore year.

The following Technology Specifications are required to be successful in the BSN Program:

• High speed internet access
• Desktop or laptop (Mac or PC) with functioning microphone and webcam
• Desktop or laptop must have at least 2 GB of free RAM available
• Respondus Lockdown Browser, Google Chrome & Proctorio Chrome Extension software

Transfer from One Campus to Another

Students who wish to transfer to another UVI Campus must submit a letter of request to the Dean during the semester prior to the requested change.  Deadlines for requests are March 15th for Fall transfers and October 15th for Spring transfers.  The decision to approve or deny the transfer request will be based on whether space is available at the receiving campus.  Students may not transfer between campuses without written approval of the Dean.

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Prospective Students should be aware that all requirements for the degree can be completed on either the Albert A. Sheen or Orville E. Kean campus.  The BSN degree requires:

• One hundred and twenty-four (124) credits effective with the revision of 2023.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
• Thirty (30) of the last 36 credits toward the degree must be earned at the University of the Virgin Islands.
• Successful completion of the English Proficiency Examination (EPE) and the Computer Literacy Examination (CLE).  Second degree students are exempted from this requirement.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Evaluate nursing care provided to individuals, families, groups, populations, and communities across the lifespan from diverse backgrounds in a variety of settings to ensure that it is compassionate, age and culturally appropriate and based on a patient's preferences, values and needs.
2. Collaborate with members of the interprofessional health care team to manage and coordinate the provision of safe, quality care for patients, families, groups, populations, and communities.
3. Integrate scientific information and best current evidence with clinical expertise when making clinical judgments in the management of patient-centered care.
4. Use quality improvement measures to evaluate the need for change in the delivery of patient-centered care and patient outcomes.
5. Demonstrate effective use of strategies to mitigate errors and reduce the risk of harm to patients, self and others in healthcare, home, and community settings.
6. Use empirical and evidence-based information and patient care technology to communicate relevant patient information and mitigate error in the management of safe, quality patient-centered care.
7. Practice in a professional, ethical, and legal manner while managing patient-centered, standard-based nursing care.
8. Integrate leadership and management theories and principles into practice when managing a caseload of patients and making clinical judgments about their care.

Program Objectives
BSN Program Outcomes are defined as the indicators by which Program effectiveness is measured and include:    

• NCLEX pass rates (ACEN required)
• Job placement rates (ACEN required)
• Graduate/alumni/employer satisfaction rates (ACEN required)
• Graduation rates (ACEN required)
• Continuing ACEN accreditation

Assessment Methods Utilized by the School of Nursing

• NCLEX-RN first time pass rates
• Graduate, Alumni and Employer surveys
• Standardized exams (ATI), Faculty-prepared exams
• Clinical Performance Measures

Licensure Pass Rates
(Measured by graduation cohort)

2019 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 94%
2018 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 70%
2017 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 92%
2016 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 45%
2015 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 38%
2014 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 25%
2013 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program = 75%

Program Completion Rate

Generic BSN students

2017 Entry cohort - 64%
2016 Entry cohort - 51.4%
2015 Entry cohort - 41.4%
2014 Entry cohort - 47.8%
2013 Entry cohort - 44%
2012 Entry cohort - 64%
(Most recent completed cohort)
*Cohort begins with the first NUR course in the curriculum.  5-7 semesters.

BSN Completion students

2017 Entry cohort:  100%
2017 Entry cohort - 100%
2016 Entry cohort - 100%
2015 None enrolled
2014 None enrolled
2013 Entry cohort – 100%
(Most recent completed cohort)
*3-4 semesters

Job Placement Rate

2019 Graduation cohort - 83%
2018 Graduate Cohort - 75%
2017 Graduate Cohort - 100%
2016 Graduate Cohort - 54%
2015 Graduate Cohort - 50%
2014 Graduate Cohort - 10%

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ATTENTION APPLICANTS

The School of Nursing (SON) welcomes applications for the Entry Cohort of the upcoming Spring Semester.

📢BSN Program Application Information (Spring Entry Cohort)

 

📅 Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: September 30
• Notification of Acceptance: November 15
• Final Review for Enrolled Prerequisites: December 15

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✅ Basic Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive and limited. Only complete applications will be considered.

Academic Requirements

• TEAS Test (7th Edition)
  • Minimum: “Proficient” overall score
  • Science Component: At or above the 60th percentile or national mean percentile
  • Recommended Prep: Completion of BIO 151 & BIO 152
  • How to Register
  • How to Register

    Step 1: Create an ATI account.

    • Go to www.atitesting.com.

    • Click “Create an Account” (top or right side of the page).

    • Fill out the form and click “Register.”

    Step 2: Sign up for the test.

    • Log in to your ATI account.

    • Choose the TEAS exam you want to take (in-person at a school, at a testing center, or online).

    • Pick your date, time, and location.

    • Pay the testing fee to confirm your spot.

• Biology Courses

  • Must earn at least a grade “C” or better in:

    • BIO 151

    • BIO 152

    • BIO 240

  • Note: Online biology courses are not accepted

• Prerequisite Coursework

  • Must have completed or be currently enrolled in:

    • Freshman Core: ENG 100/101, MAT 023/024, FDS 100, SCI 100, SSC 100
      (Exempt if transfer applicant with 24+ college credits or a prior degree)

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

    • Health Promotion Course: HSC 200 required for September 2024 applicants

• Computer Literacy Exam

  • Taken during freshman year

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🧑‍🏫 Enrollment Options & GPA Requirements

• Full-Time Enrollment

  • GPA: 3.0 or higher

  • Employment: ≤ 20 hours/week

• Part-Time Enrollment

  • GPA: 2.75 or higher

  • Employment: 21–40 hours/week

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🩺 Health Requirements

Upload to:UVI Health Portal
Attach UVI Health Services confirmation email to your application.

Required:

• Physical Exam (within 1 year) including:

  • CBC, UA, FBG

• Tuberculosis Test:

  • PPD or Quantiferon-TB Gold test

  • Chest X-ray if positive history

• MMR Immunity:

  • 2 doses of MMR or positive titers

• Varicella Immunity:

  • 2 doses or positive titers

• Tdap: 1 dose + Td/Tdap booster every 10 years

• Hepatitis B: Full vaccine series or signed declination

• Influenza Vaccine:Not required, but recommended (especially for Study Abroad Program)

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📄 Required Documents for Application

Submit all items by mail or in person to the campus of your choice.

Application Packet Checklist

• ✔️ Completed Application Form

• ✔️ Official Transcripts from all institutions
  (UVI students may submit unofficial transcripts)

• ✔️ Full TEAS test results (all pages)

• ✔️ One-page essay: “Nursing: My Career of Choice”

  • Include at least one citation in APA format

• ✔️ Employment Attestation (statement or proof of hours worked)

• ✔️ Two Recommendation Forms from professors/supervisors

  • Email by September 30 to:

    • elion.george@uvi.edu (St. Thomas) 

    • damalia.simmonds@uvi.edu (St. Croix)

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📬 Submit Applications By Mail To:

 

Orville E. Kean Campus (St. Thomas)

University of the Virgin Islands – School of Nursing
#2 John Brewers Bay,
St. Thomas, USVI 00802-9990

Albert A. Sheen Campus (St. Croix)

University of the Virgin Islands – School of Nursing
10000 Castle Burke
Kingshill, USVI 00850

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👥 Additional Notes for Transfer Applicants

• Must submit a letter of good standing from prior nursing program directly to the Dean Dr. Lisa Lewis (lisa.lewis@uvi.edu)

• Interview with Admissions Committee is required

• Include:

  • Transcript evaluation from UVI Registrar

  • Official letter from previous nursing school

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📌 Selection Process

• Admission is based on a point system:

  • Grades in prerequisites

  • TEAS performance

  • Enrollment at UVI

  • Bachelor's degree in another field (if applicable)

• Applicants with the most points will be selected based on space availability

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⚠️ Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

• CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers
  (Available via UVICELL – CPR Schedule)

• Background Check

• Drug Screening

• Continued compliance with health requirements

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❌ Not Eligible

• National Exchange Students already enrolled in a nursing program
  (May apply only if interested in transferring into the BSN program)

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Progression Requirements for Generic and BSN Completion Students

To successfully progress in the BSN Program, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Academic Performance

• Minimum Grade Requirements:

  • C (75%) in all nursing courses, except:

    • NUR 104: Drug Dosage Calculation

    • NUR 433: NCLEX Preparation (BSN Completion students may be exempt)

  • A- or higher in NUR 104 and NUR 433

• Competency Exam:

  • Achieve 90% or higher by the third attempt on the Drug Dosage Calculation Competency Exam, administered each semester in Junior and Senior years.

  • Required if repeating NUR 208: Fundamentals of Nursing

• Overall GPA: Maintain a C (2.0) or higher

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2. Course Repeat Policy

• Only one nursing course may be repeated.

• Students who withdraw from a course may re-enroll.

• Students who withdraw failing ("WF") or fail a nursing course may re-enroll only once during their program.

• Students must register for the course the semester it is offered again to secure a spot.

• Second failure of any nursing course results in dismissal from the program.

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3. Returning Students

• Students in good standing with an interruption in nursing education must meet current admission, progression, and graduation requirements.

• Must notify the School of Nursing in advance of intent to return.

• Required to meet with an advisor and register during advisement/registration period.

• Must communicate intent to return by midterm of the semester prior to re-enrollment.

• Failure to register in advance forfeits the opportunity to secure required course(s).

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