Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science
The BS in Nursing Science program, in the top 6% of programs ranked by US News & World Report, is designed for students interested in a nursing career and seeking their first bachelor’s degree. Our program provides an exceptional professional basis for practice as a registered nurse while concurrently building a scholarly foundation that positions our students at the forefront of career advancement opportunities in both health care and academic environments.
- Hands-on clinical practice with economically and socially diverse populations in the local communities
- Immersive high-tech simulation equipment
- Career advancement
- Inter-disciplinary instruction, that includes biological, social, behavioral, medical, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, are threaded throughout the curriculum
- Leadership development
- 50% or more of our clinical placements are at UCI Medical Center
Goals
The undergraduate major in nursing prepares graduates who are able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and psycho-motor skills necessary for safe and competent practice.
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing in a therapeutic and professional manner across a variety of health care environments.
- Provide culturally sensitive care for individuals and families from various socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Incorporate principles of health promotion and health education in the nursing care of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Implement a plan of care based on the nursing process that integrates nursing diagnoses, advocacy, and caring principles.
- Integrate research while planning, implementing, and evaluating care for individuals, families, groups, and communities to ensure evidence-based practice.
- Apply management and leadership principles in the delivery of health care to individuals and families in a variety of settings.
- Pursue advanced degrees in research, clinical specialization, nursing education, and/or administration.
- Utilize informatics and technology to manage and improve the delivery of health care.
Program learning outcomes
- Earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Qualify to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.
- Be eligible for certification as a public health nurse.
- Gain baseline knowledge of research and evidence-based practice strategies and application to practice.
- Gain knowledge of specialized concentrations of nursing practice
- Be prepared for leadership role(s), including collaborative interprofessional team building.
- Be prepared for future implementation of research in EBP or pathways into advanced practice nursing roles, if desired
- You are eager to pursue licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN)
- You wish to enter the health care environment with a competitive edge
- You will be interested in advancing your career in the future
- You desire full mobility to explore all nursing pathways
Want to learn more about the different ways to become a Registered Nurse in California? Read more about it our guide.
Curriculum
The Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science is a four-year commitment for the traditional student. Students will complete their UCI general education requirements and basic science prerequisites in year-one and year-two before advancing to upper division nursing science courses in their junior and senior years. Nursing Science students must take required science prerequisite courses at UCI, unless admitted directly to the Nursing Science major as a transfer student.
Transfer students will matriculate beginning their junior year. UCI Undergraduate students who wish to change their major into Nursing can apply during the fall quarter of their second or third year.
The nursing science curriculum provides education in theory and research-based clinical practice that focuses on critical thinking, human caring, and clinical knowledge. Interdisciplinary sciences are also weaved into the curriculum so that our graduates can address the span of health care needs. Most importantly, our program prepares our graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Sample Curriculum Plans
You may review the curriculum plan for our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science program here.
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