Program Overview
The Biology — Pre-Nursing major provides students a means to use their interests and talents in serving others as a nurse. Students who enjoy science and who have a passion for helping others regain health may find fulfillment in this career. It also is an entry level profession that may lead to advanced nursing (e.g., nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist) or a doctor-of-nursing practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. in nursing.
Nurses provide direct patient care by observing, assessing and recording symptoms, reactions and progress, which provides the basis for care planning and intervention. Registered Nurses (RNs) also develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. Registered nursing requires a large base of knowledge in order to assess, plan and intervene to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. While state laws govern the scope of nursing practice, it is usually patient needs that determine a nurse’s daily job activities.
This major is designed for a student to complete three years at Asbury and then transfer to a nursing school to finish the Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The time for the BSN varies with institution and program type but is usually 14-21 months. After completing 30 nursing credits the student can transfer those credits to Asbury to complete the Asbury B.A. degree. Asbury has contractual relationships with three nursing schools — including the highly-ranked University of Kentucky College of Nursing — which offer guaranteed seats into each year’s entering nursing class to Asbury Biology Pre-Nursing students who meet their entrance criteria.
The Biology — Pre-Nursing major involves a dual degree (BA from Asbury University, BSN from a nursing school). Asbury has entered into a contractual agreement with three nursing schools (UK, EKU, and IWU) to annually accept qualified Asbury Biology Pre-Nursing students into their entering nursing classes. Guaranteed acceptance for qualified Asbury students and being able to complete two degrees in are wonderful opportunities for students eager to go into this career field. UK College of Nursing is ranked in the top 16 U.S. schools of nursing
To graduate, students must complete all major requirements, foundational requirements, and additional electives needed for 124 hour minimum degree requirement. Continuing to nursing program requires grade of “C” or better in all BIO & CHE courses, minimum science GPA of 3.00, and cumulative GPA of 3.00.
As a biology major at Asbury, you’ll spend a lot of development time in the new Shaw Collaborative Learning Center’s classrooms, faculty offices and dedicated biological science laboratories.
Unlike schools with bigger science programs, Asbury University offers students close classroom interaction with educated and accomplished professors.
With classes often under 20 students and an institutional average faculty-to-student ratio of 12:1, you’ll develop meaningful and collaborative relationships with peers and professors and always get answers to your questions.
Many find work experience as certified / state-registered nurse aides (CNA / SRNA) prior to entering nursing school. With the SRNA they can work alongside nurses at nursing homes or hospitals. They obtain this training (2-4 weeks) often at UK College of Nursing.
Upon passing the NCLEX national licensure exam, nursing students pursue careers in:
Nursing students may also choose to continue to advanced nursing practice, pursuing careers as a:
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