Abilene Christian University Nursing School Review

Abilene Christian University (ACU) was founded in 1906 as The Childers Classical Institute, with the financial help of the congregation of the Church of Christ in Abilene. The name was changed to Abilene Christian College in 1920, and then to ACU in 1976.

ACU currently enrolls about 4700 students each year. Students may choose from 67 undergraduate degrees, 25 master’s degrees, and one doctoral program. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1. The city of Abilene has a population of 115,000 and is an All-America City.

Nursing Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for entry-level nurses. Students will, upon graduation, be allowed to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Students will complete at least 131 credit hours for this degree program and will be required to pass an exit exam.

Students will enter Abilene Christian University and spend the first two years in the Pre-Nursing program. During this time, they need to complete the core nursing prerequisite courses, earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, get two faculty recommendations, successfully complete the nursing entrance exam, supply proof of their CPR certification, and be in good physical health to be considered for the nursing program.

Students must complete the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Pathophysiology with a grade of at least a B before they may begin the nursing program. They are also required to take Intro to Nursing, or they may earn a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certificate instead to qualify.

Once in the program, all upper-level nursing courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, or the student will not be allowed to stay in the program. They must also have health insurance and professional liability insurance, and maintain their CPR certification.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program at ACU is designed to train students to become advanced practice nurses and assume leadership roles in the profession.

To be eligible to apply, students must have an RN license, at least one year of nursing experience, letters of recommendation, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, up-to-date immunizations, and have an interview with the program director. Students will also need to supply their transcripts and GRE scores.

This is a 38 credit hour program, with a functional major in administration and education. Students also have the option of taking the 44 credit Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students are required to finish their degree program within six years of starting it.

ACU also offers students a Post-Master Advanced Practice Nurse Certification. Applicants must have an MSN degree and will meet with the program director and the dean of the School of Nursing to determine their course of study.

Body and Soul Program

This is a program at ACU designed to help students enter health-related professional schools. Nursing students may participate in a variety of programs, including shadowing RNs in hospitals and private practice, visits to Nurse Practitioner and DNP programs, medical mission trips, and career advising.

Pursuit Program

Nursing students may assist nursing faculty by serving as research assistants, or perform faculty-guided research under the Pursuit Program. Pursuit gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience in research and creative expression.

Contact:
Abilene Christian University
1600 Campus Court,
Abilene, TX 79601
Phone:
(325) 674-2000