Carson-Newman University Nursing School Review

Carson-Newman University (C-N, CNU), until 2012 known as Carson-Newman College, began in 1851 as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary. In 1880 it was renamed to be Carson College, and merged with Newman College in 1889. A Baptist and liberal arts school, it specializes in four year bachelor’s degrees, and also offers master’s programs.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional Program

The BSN program is for students wishing to begin their careers in nursing. This four year program starts with three semesters of foundation courses, and then begins clinical nursing classes that will prepare the graduate to take the licensure exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).

No matter what BSN track students take, they all must meet the same requirements to apply. They must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and earn a C or higher in their Biology, Chemistry, Child and Family Studies, English, and Food and Nutrition courses. They also must take the TEAS exam with a 60% or better, and pass a background check.

BSN – Accelerated Program

The accelerated program for the BSN degree involves eight continuous semesters of study, with the clinical nursing classes starting in August.

BSN – Fast-Track Program

This BSN fast-track is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, and who now want to begin a nursing career. This program takes 16 months of full time study to finish. Admission to this full time program is in the summer semester.

To apply for this program, students must meet the admissions criteria listed above. They must also have a bachelor’s degree, and hold a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students must complete the following prerequisites before they may be admitted into the program: English Composition, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Chemistry, Nutrition, Human Development through the Lifespan, and Statistics.

Honors Program BSN

Students that have a high school GPA of 3.65 or better and an ACT score of 29 or higher, or an SAT composite score of at least 1310 may apply to the BSN Honors Program.

The Honors Program offers additional courses that encourage students to push their academic boundaries, and requires a Senior Thesis for graduation.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN Program

This program allows LPNs to continue their education, earn a BSN degree, and sit for the RN licensing exam. LPNs may challenge certain sophomore and junior year nursing courses for credit toward the program.

LPNs must meet the same admissions standards as students entering the traditional BSN program. They must also hold a current LPN license.

BSN Partners in Nursing (PNE)/ROTC Program

Students enrolled in the Army ROTC program at C-N will complete the traditional four year BSN degree program. After graduation, they will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, and will be eligible to take the RN licensing exam.

RN to BSN Online Program

This program is for RNs who want to complete their BSN degree. Students must have completed an associate degree or diploma nursing program, hold a current RN license and complete the BSN prerequisites listed above.

After taking two professional nursing courses, they will be able to finish the rest of their classes online. When taken full time, this program can be completed in as little as a year.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The MSN program for FNPs is designed for nurses who wish to move into a more advanced clinical practice role. Graduates of the FNP program will be allowed to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam.

To apply, students must hold a BSN degree, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and GRE scores within the last ten years. They must also hold a current RN license, have references, and submit a letter of goals and aspirations.

Students in this program will complete a total of 45 credits and a master’s thesis or advanced practice project.

MSN – Nurse Educator (NE)

The MSN program for NEs is designed for nurses who wish to take a leadership role in nursing curriculum and instruction.

To apply, students must hold a BSN degree, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and GRE scores within the last ten years. They must also hold a current RN license, have references, and submit a letter of goals and aspirations.

Students in this program will complete a total of 35 credits and a master’s thesis or advanced practice project.

Dual Track MSN Family Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Educator

The Dual Track MSN program offers students the chance to study both the FNP and NE tracks. Graduates of the FNP program will be allowed to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam.

This program has the same admission requirements as the other MSN programs. Students in this program will complete a total of 54 credits and a master’s thesis or advanced practice project.

Post Master’s FNP

This Carson-Newman University program is for the nurse who wishes to specialize in family/gerontological nursing, and wants to become board certified in that field.

Students must have a master’s degree in a nursing specialty, 3.0 GPA or higher, current RN license, resume, letters of recommendation, a letter of personal goals and one year of professional nursing experience.

This program takes up to 36 credits to complete, depending on whether or not the student has a background as a practitioner. Students must complete this program within five years of beginning it.

Post Master’s NE

This is an individualized program for the nurses interested in becoming faculty.

Students must have a master’s degree in a nursing specialty, 3.0 GPA or higher, current RN license, resume, letters of recommendation, a letter of personal goals and one year of professional nursing experience.

This program takes a minimum of 15 credits to complete, includes a Nursing Education Internship during the final semester, and must be finished within five years of beginning it.

MSN for RNs (RN to MSN)

RNs who hold a Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing may apply to the MSN program. They will not earn a BSN during the process of completing their graduate degree.

Students must complete their core liberal arts classes before entering the program, and must meet the MSN admission requirements listed above. Once accepted into the program, students will complete one semester of undergraduate courses and a semester of transition courses, before beginning their studies in the track of their choice.

Contact:
Carson-Newman University
2130 Branner Avenue,
Jefferson City, TN 37760