BSN Completion Program

The BSN Completion Program is cohort-driven and a minimum of 10 students is necessary to begin a new cohort. The Program is open to graduates of NCLEX-RN preparatory nursing schools (associate degree; diploma) who want to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. There are three categories of BSN Completion applicants: graduates of accredited nursing schools in the U.S. or territories, graduates of non-accredited nursing schools in the U.S. or territories, and graduates of foreign nursing schools. Requirements differ so applicants are urged to review information carefully and to speak to a nursing advisor before applying.

BSN Completion students must take at least 24 earned credits in nursing in addition to general education courses. The nursing coursework begins in the spring semester and can be completed in three (or more) semesters.

In order to qualify for admission to the BSN Program, all applicants must be accepted to UVI and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

BSN Completion applicants must either be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or be within four years of completion of their generic nursing program.

Graduates of foreign nursing schools must have a current, unencumbered license in one of the United States or U.S. territories to qualify for admission. All RNs must submit proof of licensure.

Unlicensed nurses who are accepted must enroll in NUR 433: NCLEX Preparation and subsequently pass the licensure exam. Proof of licensure is required prior to the beginning of the next semester. Unlicensed nurses may not continue and must re-apply to the BSN Completion Program once licensed.

If an unlicensed BSN Completion applicant is nearing the end of NCLEX-RN eligibility in the U.S. Virgin Islands and there are not enough students to begin a new cohort, then the applicant is strongly advised to enroll in NUR 433: NCLEX Preparation or some other NCLEX preparation course.

Applicants who are graduates of accredited U.S. nursing schools will receive a maximum of 40 credits for HSC 100, PLS 200, NUR 104, NUR 208, NUR 308, NUR 318, NUR 319, NUR 321, NUR 417 and NUR 433. Credits will be held in escrow until successful completion of NUR 418:  Community Health and then added to the student's transcript.  

Applicants who are graduates of non-accredited nursing schools and graduates who are not eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam due to length of time since graduation must pass challenge exams offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).  An overall score of 75% is needed for passing each challenge exam.  Required exams include:

• NACE II: Care of the Adult Client RN to BSN (HSC 100, PLS 200, NUR 208, NUR 308; NUR 319; NUR 417)
• NACE II: Childbearing RN to BSN and Care of the Child RN to BSN (NUR 321)
• NACE II: Care of Client with a Mental disorder RN to BSN (NUR 318)

Challenge exams are also available for BIO 151/152 (anatomy/physiology), BIO 240 (microbiology) and NUR 229 (pharmacology). Applicants will have two opportunities to take the challenge exams. Upon successful completion of challenge exams and payment of required fees, credits will be granted on the applicant's UVI transcript. A clinical challenge may also be required prior to acceptance into the BSN Completion Program.

BSN Completion applicants must have successfully completed, or be enrolled in:

• freshman year courses, including ENG 100/101, MAT 023/024, FDS 100, SCI 100 and SSC 100 (applicants with >24 credits are exempt);
• general education courses, including ENG 120, ENG 201, MAT 140, MAT 235, PSY 120, PSY 202 and COM 119;
• BIO 151/152 and BIO 240 with grades of "C" or better (online courses are not accepted);
• Computer Literacy Examination (unless exempt).

Drug Dosage Calculation competency is a requirement for all BSN Completion students.  All applicants who are accepted will be given a comprehensive exam prior to the beginning of NUR 210 (Bridge to Professional Nursing) which must be passed with a grade of 90% or better. Two additional opportunities to pass are provided during the first week of classes. Those scoring <90% on the exam are required to register for, and pass, NUR 104 (Drug Dosage Calculation).  Click here for study material.

Application Process
Admission to the University is a prerequisite for admission into the nursing program but does not guarantee acceptance into the BSN Program. All prospective BSN students must submit a separate application packet to the School of Nursing by September 30, either in person or by mail. Application forms may be downloaded from the School of Nursing website or may be requested from the School of Nursing.

Applications for the St. Thomas Campus should be addressed to:
University of the Virgin Islands, School of Nursing
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands, 00802-9990.

Applications to the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix should be addressed to:
University of the Virgin Islands, School of Nursing
RR1, Box 10,000; Kingshill, St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands, 00859-9781.

The application packet should include:

•  Completed application form
•  Copy of letter of acceptance from UVI
•  Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (not including UVI)
•  Copy of transcript evaluation completed by the UVI Office of the Registrar (if applicable)

Admission to the BSN Completion Program is open to all nurses who meet the pre-requisites and complete the application process.

Applicants to the BSN Program will be notified of acceptance, or conditional acceptance, by November 15th. Required courses in progress at the time of application must be completed successfully in order to begin the program. All applicants who are accepted into the BSN Program will have to submit documentation that meets clinical agency requirements, including a criminal background check and drug screen, immunization record and certification in CPR for Healthcare Professionals. 

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

For More Information Contact