2016-2017 University Catalog

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

ACCREDITATION
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326; www.acenursing.org.

DR F.M. CANSECO SCHOOL OF NURSING

The mission of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is to prepare professional nurses to improve the well-being of complex and diverse populations. The purpose of the baccalaureate program in the College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is to educate baccalaureate nurses who are outstanding clinicians, scholars, health advocates, mentors and leaders who will be instrumental in addressing the health care needs of communities. The curriculum focuses on preparing expert clinicians to work in partnership with communities.

Nursing students pursue professional courses based on knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences, the humanities and communication skills. Upon successful completion of requisiste course in these disciplines, students are eligible to apply for admission to the Canseco School of Nursing for clinical nursing coursework.

Students seeking admission to the nursing program must apply directly to the School of Nursing. Admission to the University does not automatically guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.

The Canseco School of Nursing (CSON) offers a basic (generic) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with an accelerated track (RN/BSN) for the student who is already a Registered Nurse licensed in Texas.

All prospective nursing students should seek advisement from faculty of the School of Nursing, in order to plan a program of study that meets the needs of the student as well as the requirements of the degree plan. Upon completion of prescribed freshman year coursework, including prerequisite science courses, students should submit a record of their grades in freshman year courses, two letters of reference, the signed "acknowledgment of licensure requirements" form and the School of Nursing application form.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (BSN)
Students are eligible for admission to clinical nursing courses when the following requirements have been met; however meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the nursing program, only consideration.

1. Acceptance by Texas A&M International University and a declared nursing major.
2. Completion of University Core Curriculum and BSN Additional Requirements with a grade of “C” or better and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*.
3. Completion of required science courses (Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Chemistry, Microbiology and Pathophysiology) with a grade of “C” or better and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*. Coursework in the sciences must have been completed within five years of the date of admission, anything older will not be accepted. In the event a science course was taken more than once, the science grades for that course will be averaged (including any “C” or below).
4. Completion of a lower level WIN course taken from either the University Core Curriculum or BSN Additional Requirements.
5. At student’s expense, students must take the HESI Admission Assessment or HESI A². The test is administered by the University Testing Center in the semester before admission. Scores in the entrance exam will be considered in the admission process.
6. A federal background check will be conducted by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). A copy of postcard sent to student by the TBON, indicating clearance, must be submitted.
7. Complete application must be received by completion or in the last semester of completing both University Core Curriculum and BSN Additional Requirements.

*Minimum GPA and other requirements are subject to change. Please see the undergraduate admissions counselor before every semester for most updated information and current amendments.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (RN/BSN)
Registered Nurses seeking admission to the RN/BSN program apply directly to the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. Admission to the University does not automatically guarantee admission to the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. In addition to completing all requirements for general admission to the University, the student must meet the following criteria:

1. Acceptance by Texas A&M International University and a declared nursing major.
2. Submit a complete admission application to the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing.
3. Provide evidence of current licensure without restrictions as a Registered Nurse in Texas.
4. A 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better cumulative gradate point average in all nursing core courses.
5. At student's expense, verification of criminal background screening and drug screen by a company or agency designated by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Due no later than the 12th class day of the first semester.

TRANSFER APPLICANTS
The Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing may accept transfer coursework taken from another accredited Texas nursing program. Transfer applicants must be transferring from the other Texas nursing program in good standing. A letter from the Dean of the other institution stating good standing status will be required. Transfer applicants must meet all of the University and the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing admission requirements stipulated above.

DECLARATORY ORDER Requirements OF THE TEXAS BOARD OF NURSING (TBON)
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing adheres to the TBON rule on declaratory order regarding eligibility for licensure. A petition for a declaratory order is a formal disclosure to the TBON regarding an eligibility issue that may prevent an applicant from taking the NCLEX examination upon completion of a nursing program. The declaratory order process permits the TBON to make decisions regarding a petitioner's eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program.

The Petition for Declaratory Order can be found here.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR DISABILITIES
TAMIU provides reasonable accommodation to qualified students with a disability. Upon admission, a nursing student who discloses a disability and requests accommodation may be asked to provide documentation of his or her disability for purpose of determining appropriate accommodations, including modifications to the program. The TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences will provide reasonable accommodations, but is not required to make accommodations that would substantially alter the nature or requirements of the program or provide auxiliary aids that present an undue burden. To matriculate or continue in the curriculum, the nursing student must be able to perform all the essential functions either with or without accommodation.

Requests for accommodation should be directed to:

Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services
Senator Judith Zaffirini Success Center (ZSC) 138
(956) 326-2230

GRADING POLICY
The Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing has adopted a grading scale in line with other Texas nursing schools, as required by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON).

A=100-90
B=89-80
C=79-75
F=74 and below

Nursing students admitted to the program must achieve a grade of C or better and pass both clinical and theory components in order to pass the course.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing adheres to all general requirements and procedures of the University for graduation. Students are eligible to apply for graduation when the following criteria is met:

1. Completion of required semester credit hours
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.0
3. Completion of all clinical coursework

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IIN NURSING (BSN and RN/BSN)
A minimum of 120 semester credit hours (SCH) is required for either BSN or RN/BSN programs.

1. University Core Curriculum: 42 SCH as outlined in the recommended degree plan
2. BSN Additional Requirements: 21 SCH including, BIOL 2415 or BIOL 2421, CHEM 1370/1170 or CHEM 1311/1111, MATH 1342, PSYC 2314 and BIOL 2102. NURS 2320 and 2321 must also be taken before admission into either program (BSN or RN/BSN).
3. BSN (after admission): 57 SCH including, NURS 3610, 3410, 3310, 3311, 3611, 3411, 3412, 4610, 4410, 4310, 4611, 4411 and 4412.
4. RN/BSN (after admission): 28 SCH including, NURS 3510, 3410, 3311, 4611, 4411 and 4310. An elective chosen from NURS 3312 or 3210 must also be taken before graduation.
   
   

For all CONHS policies and procedures, please review our BSN Student Handbook.
For more information, contact our Undergraduate Admissions Counselor at 956.326.3110 or nursing@tamiu.edu.