Undergraduate Program
Nursing is a rapidly changing, ever-important profession. Today's nurse must have a strong academic background, balanced with deep, nurturing values, to deliver quality healthcare and shape the future of the profession. Today's nurse understands the importance of developing partnerships within the community to provide health care to its constituents. Today's nurse must understand individuals' cultural and genetic differences. Today's nurse must also understand the interdisciplinary nature of the modern health care team and learn to work effectively within the team environment. Old Dominion University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the program for today's nurse.
BSN Career Paths
Patients, family and community are a nurse's first priority. However, new nursing career paths are opening in order to keep pace with change, developing treatments, and patient care. The bachelor's program prepares highly competent nurses with strong theoretical foundations and excellent clinical practice skills, ready for entry-level professional careers in acute care, ambulatory care, rehabilitation, home, and community settings. Graduates are also prepared for progression to positions that require beginning administrative and research skills, and are prepared for graduate study.
BSN Tracks
The School of Nursing offers a BSN in two tracks: pre-licensure, and post-licensure.
Pre-licensure is designed for students who want to obtain a bachelor's degree and then become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). It's ideal for students from a variety of educational backgrounds: high school graduates, those with associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing, and military and civilians who are making career changes. During the challenging six semester academic program in the major, students participate in classes, laboratory experiences and clinical experiences under the guidance of highly competent qualified faculty.
Post-licensure is the track for those who are already licensed as an RN and who want to advance their career by earning a BSN. Students may attend classes on Old Dominion's main campus in Norfolk, Va., or may choose one of several distance learning options. The undergraduate program has been successfully delivering quality nursing education to RNs at a distance since 1987.
The BSN program at Old Dominion University attracts bright men and women from many walks of life. If you want to accept a challenge, are ready to maximize your potential and become a nurse for the 21st century, come join us!
Kay L. Palmer, MSN, RN, CRRN
Undergraduate Program Director
School of Nursing