University of the Incarnate Word Nursing School Review
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) of Texas was established by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who arrived in San Antonio in the late 1800’s to work with cholera victims. Years later, the Sisters secured a charter, which allowed them to start schools in the area. College classes were added to the original school in 1909 and the name of the school was College and Academy of the Incarnate Word and was accredited in 1925 and was recognized as a university 15 years ago. In 2000, the university began offering degrees in China, and was the first American university permitted to do so by the Chinese government. That same year, the University of the Incarnate Word started Universe Online, which was used for online learning. Today, the school offers several baccalaureate and master’s degree programs.
Undergraduate Programs
The University of the Incarnate Word’s Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions offers two undergraduate programs; the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The Traditional BSN program allows students to graduate and apply to write the NCLEX-RN, in order to be certified as a Registered Nurse. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Applicants can enter the program from high school, or after completing the prerequisite courses outlined by the School of Nursing. Some applicants are also seeking out nursing as a second-degree option.
Students applying directly from high school can start nursing courses in their first year of university. These applicants must hold a 3.5 GPA and have a combined Math and Verbal SAT of 1100. Those applicants who have completed the prerequisite coursework, must also write the HESI Admission Assessment and score a minimum of 75 on all sections. These applicants must also submit immunization records and a criminal background check. Transfer student applicants must complete a series of prerequisites before application including; Introduction to Psychology, Adult Development and Aging, Anatomy and Physiology, Statistics and several more.
RN to BSN or MSN Program
The University of the Incarnate Word offers a program for licensed Registered Nurses to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The classes are eight weeks long, and can be taken in the evenings or online. Admission requirements for the RN to BSN program include a GPA of 2.5 or above, a minimum of a “C” grade in all prerequisites, an up to date immunization record, a CPR Certificate, a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas and six months of nursing work experience.
The RN to MSN program is for students who already have an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree in another field and would like to obtain a Master’s degree in nursing. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and have a minimum of three years of practice.
Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN)
This program has two streams; Clinical Nurse Leader or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Classes can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, and require a minimum of 42 credit hours. Classes are geared toward working students, as they are held online or during evenings and weekends.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)
Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the University of the Incarnate Word must hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree and have completed 500 clinical practice hours during that degree. Applicants must provide transcripts from all post-secondary education and show proof of RN licensure. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and provide reference letters.
Contact:
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway,
San Antonio, TX
78209-6318, United States
(210) 829-6000
