The B.S.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) - Nursing students pursue professional courses based on knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences, the humanities, and computer and communication skills. Upon successful completion of requisite courses in these disciplines as well as the university's core curriculum requirements, students are eligible for admission to the upper-division clinical studies of the College of Nursing.  Licensed nurses (LVN's and RN's) can continue their education to achieve the BSN degree through the distance education program, offered at four sites: Houston, The Woodlands, College Station and Huntsville, TX.

The MSN - The Master of science in Nursing Degree Program builds upon baccalaureate nursing education.  Students have opportunities to practice using the latest health care research and technology. The program's curriculum is organized to provide advanced content and clinical experiences that will prepare graduates as advanced practice nurses to deliver primary health care and services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Two additional graduate level concentrations are currently under review for offering in the areas of nursing education and nursing administration.

Are there degree programs for nurses with an R.N. who want to obtain their B.S.N.?
Yes, The College offers a RN-BSN program.


What kind of nursing research is done at the College of Nursing? 

Students have an opportunity to participate with faculty engaged in basic and applied research projects and grants related to health and illness across the lifespan.

 

I can give you that information over the phone, but you probably would like to review it more thoroughly by reading it on our website at www.pvamu.edu/nursing: and  clicking on “prospective students” and then “transfer students”. Our website contains all the information the CON requires for clinical admission. After reviewing the information and you still have a specific question, you can always speak to our admission counselor, Ms. Anderson. At the website, you will find a Prospective student letter that will explain the admission qualifications, policies and procedures for admission to the clinical studies. It will also include a Grid sheet that will list the 63 hours of prerequisite that are required and what coursework is equivalent in the various colleges/universities in the Houston-Metroplex area. Lastly, you will find the guidelines and a Nursing Entrance Test (NET) testing schedule, which is also required for admission to the clinical studies here at the College of Nursing.

 

The NET is a computerized exam that the CON uses to test the math and reading comprehension skills of incoming students. You must make an overall composite score of 70% or above on the Math section; and a Reading Percentile “Rank” score of 50% or above the Reading Comprehension section. Students are allowed to take this exam 2 times to pass both parts. The cost is $25.00 (payable by money order or casher’s check ONLY). You must bring or mail the $25.00 payment to the College of Nursing-Houston-Center address by the registration deadline listed on the Testing Schedule with the other required documents. We do not register students over the phone for the NET. We do not reserve seats for this exam. You must pay in advance to schedule yourself to take this exam on the specific date you are requesting to take the exam. You must take and pass the NET by the application deadline date for Spring (October 1^st) and Fall (March 1^st). NET taken after the application deadline will be for the following semester. We do NOT accept NET tests scores from other colleges or universities (including tests given by Educational Resources, Inc. (ERI) at various locations). Tests are usually scheduled on Wednesdays (and sometime Saturdays) at the College of Nursing and Saturdays on the Main Campus in Prairie View for continuing students attending our University. The test is given once a month at each location. Seating is limited. Please go to our website at www.pvamu.edu/nursing for complete information on the admissions process before attempting to take NET. 

 

Yes, you must complete all 63 hours to be admitted to the CON. Actually, you are most competitive if you have completed all 63 hours. However, you can apply for admission to the College of Nursing while in your last 15 hours of the prerequisite courses.. For example, if you are applying for spring admission, you should be completing your prerequisites by the end of the Fall semester (December). If you are applying for Fall admission, you should be finishing your prerequisites Spring (May) if possible. If you will be finishing in the summer, you must not be lacking no more than 9 hours to complete in the summer before classes begin in the Fall. All 63 hours must be completed before you can enroll in clinical studies at the CON. You must show proof of registration in missing coursework by presenting official, sealed transcripts with coursework listed or a copy of the students fee receipt to confirm admission to complete final classes required for admission.

 

Students are required to have the coursework listed on the grid sheet, but there a few exceptions that will be accepted: a) For the English 2311 (Technical Writing) Freshman Composition II(English 1302) can be substituted; b) Spch 1003 Fundamentals of Speech may be substituted with Introduction to Speech, Public Speaking, Business Communications for Health Professionals, and Interpersonal Communications; c) VPA (Visual & Performing Arts) course is credited with any 3 hours fine arts course in art, music or drama. No humanities or literature course can be credited; d) Psych 2413 Fundamentals of Statistics can be substituted for Elementary Statistics (Math) if a student has already taken this course. PVAMU CON prefers student to take the Psych 2413; e) Phil 2013 Introduction to Philosophy can be substituted by Logic or Ethics (Intro. To Ethics) ONLY; no other philosophy course, anthropology or humanities course will be accepted; f) Hdfm Human Development & Lifespan can be substituted with Psychology course Human Growth and Development. Adolescent, Child, infant, or Adult Psychology will NOT be accepted for this course; g) Huse Ecology Human Nutrition can be substituted with Basic Nutrition & Diet, etc. It has to be a 3-hour course. No 1 or 2-hours course is credited. No vocational nursing coursework is credited; h) Comp 1003 Computer Education can be substituted with a 3-hours course computer application course class, such as Introduction to Computer Education or Computer Applications, Windows Applications, etc. World history and African American History is NOT accepted for U.S. History. For students coming from another state, Am. Government 1 (Federal & Judiciary) is acceptable overall. However, students coming from out-of-state must take Am. Government II (State & Local or Texas). If there are any questions regarding other substitutions, check with Ms. Anderson or have the prospective student present a course description of the specific course they would like to use for approval.

 

What is the GPA requirement for the College of Nursing?

All students must have a 2.75 or above for their overall/university GPA requirement and a 2.75 or above for the support area/science GPA to qualify for possible admission to PVAMU CON. There is no GPA “cut-off” average (i.e. if we start our selection at students who have a 3.00 or above GPA, etc.)

 

You must satisfy or complete the TASP/THEA test to be admitted to the Main Campus, as well as the College of Nursing. However, the College of Nursing does not accept the B or C- rule exemption from other colleges or universities (this means you took remedial courses before you were able to take coursework such as English, History, Government, and College Algebra and received an A, B or C in the course and earned an exemption from the TASP/THEA.) The CON does not exempt you for being an “out –of-state student. The only TASP/THEA exemptions for the CON is someone with an Associate’s Degree or high, SAT/ACT/TAAS/TAKS, or prior college education 1989. All other students must take and pass all 3 sections (Reading & Math = 230 or TASP/THEA tests, such as Compass, Access, Accuplacer with passing/completed scores. Any additional questions asked or that you think would be helpful, let Ms. Anderson know at vfanderson@pvamu.edu and it can be included on this page.