Linda Dunham School of Nursing

Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs

The Linda Dunham School of Nursing provides professional learning experiences in kinesiology and nursing. The School’s mission contributes to the University’s mission by providing academic, spiritual, and professional experiences to prepare nurses and allied health providers for professional service in health care, wellness, and the sport management community.

Undergraduate Programs

Department of Kinesiology

The kinesiology curriculum is designed to introduce the student to basic understandings and skills in the areas of human movement, wellness, and management of fitness and sport. It fosters the total development of the individual physically, mentally, and socially. An undergraduate student may elect to major in Kinesiology: Specialization in Wellness Management, Kinesiology: Specialization in Allied Health, Kinesiology: Specialization in Sport Management, or Kinesiology: Specialization in Teacher Education (which leads to all-level teacher certification). The degree plan for Kinesiology: Specialization in Teacher Education is located in this Catalog in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences section.

A degree in the Wellness Management program allows students to encounter all aspects of the field of kinesiology. The B.S. in Kinesiology – Wellness Management requires students to take courses in all areas of fitness and well-being, from coaching to routine health and exercise testing techniques, through nutrition and biomechanics. Graduates from the Wellness Management program at Houston Christian University will understand how to provide therapeutic treatments and improve athletic performance at all levels of health and athletic ability.

The degree plan under Kinesiology – Allied Health will prepare students for rigorous graduate programs, including clinical programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical, or dental schools. These students will take primarily kinesiology classes and understand how exercise and nutrition can be utilized to promote health; this coursework will be paired with science courses and accompanying laboratory classes to provide a more scientific background to prepare these students for patient care. Students who graduate from the Kinesiology – Allied Health program will have addressed all prerequisite courses for most major clinical graduate programs.

Sport Management is an exciting and growing field of study, allowing practical experience to coincide with classroom learning. The B.S. in Kinesiology—Specialization in Sport Management at Houston Christian University provides students an in-depth look at the world of sport as a business enterprise. With a major in Sport Management, students will learn to understand sport as a business with special consideration given to principles of marketing, management, media, and law. This degree will prepare students to work in professional sport, collegiate sport, and other sport business driven enterprises. The program at Houston Christian University is unique because it combines both kinesiology and business. Students are required to take a number of courses from the Archie W. Dunham College of Business along with their kinesiology courses to fulfill the requirements of this degree.

BS in Kinesiology Allied Health Requirements
Kinesiology Specialization in Wellness Management Requirements
Kinesiology Specialization in Sport Management Requirements
Kinesiology Minor Requirements

Department of Nursing

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing

The Linda Dunham School of Nursing faculty developed an innovative curriculum for the undergraduate nursing programs that are designed to prepare nurses who practice competently within and significantly impact acute care and community settings. The logical sequencing of the curriculum includes:

Studies in a Christian Liberal Arts Core Curriculum that includes a strong base of humanities and fine arts requirements as well as Christianity.
Prerequisites for scientific and behavioral science foundations for the study of nursing.
Development of basic knowledge, skills and values in nursing (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, and Core Nursing Competencies).
Studies become more in-depth with application of major concepts in nursing and development of nursing competencies in courses on Adult Health, which includes acute, chronic, and critical illnesses, and Specialty Care which includes Mental Health Nursing, Obstetrical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Community Population Health, and Critical Care Across the Lifespan. The focus includes individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Additional knowledge, skills and values are developed in Informatics-Evidence Based Practice, Transition to Practice, and Nursing Leadership.
In addition, throughout the program, students are expected to participate in Nursing Student Association to develop professionalism and contribute to the profession.
Community life and worship activities are included and expected throughout the program.

Applicants to the nursing program are to meet the same admission requirements that all applicants must meet as stated in the Houston Christian University Catalog.

Objective criteria (TEAS or HESI A2 Admission Test; and grade point averages, science grade point average, completion of all pre-requisites towards the degree; and hours taken at HCU), are used to rank candidates for selection for entry into the program, depending on the number of eligible candidates and availability of faculty and clinical experiences. Standardized exams are given at checkpoints throughout the curriculum and a comprehensive exam is administered at the end of the undergraduate programs. The exams are used as measures of retention of learning and competence to enhance students’ ability to take the RN licensure exam.

Houston Christian University’s Linda Dunham School of Nursing offers a rigorous nursing curriculum that includes academic and clinical performance requirements. To be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, the student must successfully complete both elements of the program. Students who receive a nursing degree from Houston Christian University will have been exposed to the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and perform the clinical tasks typically expected of registered nurses. The Houston Christian University Linda Dunham School of Nursing does not guarantee that each person admitted to its nursing program will pass all elements of the program, or that those graduated from the program will be able to pass the licensure exam and/or secure employment as a nurse. Attaining these goals depends on the degree to which the student diligently applies him or herself to the studies, and on the economic forces influencing the health care industry. Neither of these factors is within the control of the Houston Christian University Linda Dunham School of Nursing.

The BSN nursing programs are accredited by the following agencies:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Telephone: (404) 975-5000
Fax: (404) 975-5020
Website: www.acenursing.org

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
Telephone: (404) 679-4500
Website: www.sacscoc.org

Texas Board of Nursing
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200
Austin, TX 78701
Telephone: (512) 305-7400
Website: www.bon.state.tx.us

NOTE: RN licenses are issued by the Texas Board of Nursing, not the University.

The Board of Nursing may refuse to admit a person to the R.N. licensure examination if the person has been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or to any individual with lack of fitness or good character to practice nursing by any reason of physical or mental illness, intemperate use of alcohol or drugs, or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct which is likely to deceive, defraud, or injure patients or the public. Under its procedures, the Board is required to conduct a background check of these areas.

An individual enrolled or planning to enroll in the nursing education program who has reason to believe he or she may be ineligible for the R.N. license, may petition the Texas Board of Nursing for a declaratory order as to the person’s eligibility. Neither the University nor its faculty can answer this question for a person. The Board of Nursing may be reached at: Texas Board of Nursing, 333 Guadalupe #3-460, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7400 website: www.bon.state.tx.us.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The mission of the BSN Program is to provide academic, spiritual, and professional experiences to prepare individuals to be Registered Nurses within inter-professional teams as they provide compassionate, holistic care in diverse communities.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Major Requirements

Admission Procedures and Polices for the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

To be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, applicants are required to have:

Been accepted to HCU through the general undergraduate admission process.
Met the minimum 3.0 GPA cumulative and 3.0 Science GPA
Transcripts that reflect no more than two grades of “D” or “F” in the required science courses, or more than one grade of “D” or “F” in a nursing course (if more, not eligible for admission)
ATI TEAS or HESI A2 admission test. Please contact the Linda Dunham School of Nursing for further details regarding the admission exam.
Completed all nursing prerequisite courses (see above) with grade of “C” or better.
Been selected for program entry after applying to the nursing program.
A clear criminal background check and no evidence of drug or alcohol use/abuse.

Progression in the Program

To progress within the nursing program courses involving direct patient care, students are required to have:

An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
No grade less than a “C” in the nursing courses.
Satisfactory performance on Drug Calculation Proficiency exams.
Transcripts that reflect no more than two grades of “D” or “F” in the required science courses, or no more than one grade of “D” or “F” in a nursing course.
A clear criminal background check and no evidence of drug or alcohol use/abuse.
Completed hospital orientation modules, including any specific orientation requirements for assigned clinical agency.
Current CPR for health care providers, including newborn, infant, pediatrics and adult, and AED training.
Updated required immunizations, including COVID.
Updated annual tuberculosis screening.
A current statement of good health from a physician, advanced practice RN, or physician’s assistant.

Graduation

Candidates eligible for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are required to:

Complete a minimum of 121 semester hours for the baccalaureate degree in nursing with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Have earned the prescribed number of points in the Nursing Student Association and demonstrated competence as required for the curriculum checkpoints.
Apply to take the State Board Examination for RN licensure.
Complete all general requirements for graduation as outlined in the Catalog, including CLW points (different from NSA points, which are also required).

RN-to-BSN online, competency-based completion program for registered nurses prepared with an Associate Degree*

Candidate applications are reviewed individually by the admissions office and the nursing faculty for BSN completion status. RN-BSN Admissions requirements:

Graduation from an Associate Degree nursing program
Unencumbered RN license
Work experience as RN preferred
2.75 GPA
Membership in a nursing professional organization (such as TNA or specialty) preferred
RN-BSN students must complete all the requirements for the BSN degree before graduation including CLW points.

*The closure of the RN-to-BSN online program has been approved by SACSCOC and is currently in teach-out. No new students are being admitted.

BSN-Honors College

The BSN-Honors program integrates the Honors College courses and the BSN degree plan requirements. Highly motivated freshman who are admitted into the Honors College and who are interested in nursing receive provisional admission to the BSN-Honors program. Students can receive full admission into the BSN program in their third (Junior) year after successfully meeting all BSN admission and progression criteria, including criminal background check from the Texas Board of Nursing. They must pass the nursing courses and remain full time in the Honors College to stay in the joint admission program.

BSN-Honors College Requirements

Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs

Department of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program prepares professional nurses for post-graduate roles as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Leader. The accessible on-line program integrates the AACN Master’s Essentials.

Admission Procedures and Polices for the Master Degree in Nursing

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program, applicants are required to have:

Graduated from a BSN program
An unencumbered RN License
- FNP and PNP tracks require an unencumbered Texas RN License
One or more years of work experience as an RN
3.0 GPA

MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program will prepare the graduate to function as the primary health care provider for clients of all ages. FNPs conduct health promotion, perform health assessment, and manage well, acutely ill, and chronically ill clients of all ages in ambulatory and sub-specialty settings. Graduates will meet the criteria to sit for either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner or the American Nurses Credentialing Center Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Requirements

MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PNP-PC) program will prepare the graduate to function as the primary health care provider for children and adolescents. PNP-PCs conduct health promotion and child development, perform developmental and health assessment, and manage well, acutely ill, and chronically ill children and adolescents in ambulatory and sub-specialty settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care Requirements

MSN, Nurse Educator

The MSN Nurse Educator (NE) program track will prepare and equip the graduate to function as nurse educators in the clinical and academic settings.

MSN, Nurse Educator Requirements
MSN, Nurse Educator Certificate

MSN, Nurse Leader

The MSN Nurse Leader (NL) program track will prepare and equip the graduate to function as top, mid, and front-line nurse leaders.

MSN, Nurse Leader Requirements
MSN, Nurse Leader Certificate

RN-to-MSN online, competency-based completion program for registered nurses prepared with an Associate Degree

The RN-MSN program prepares professional nurses for general practice in a variety of roles and settings and provides options for specialized practice as Nurse Leaders or Nurse Educators.

Logical Sequential RN-MSN Curriculum Plan

The Linda Dunham School of Nursing faculty developed an innovative curriculum for undergraduate nursing programs that are designed to prepare nurses who practice competently within and significantly impact acute care and community settings. The logical sequencing for the RN-MSN baccalaureate and master’s nursing curricula includes:

Successful completion of accredited Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program.
Prerequisites for scientific & behavioral science foundations for the study of nursing.
Baccalaureate nursing courses, including Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Informatics and Evidence Based Practice, Community Health and Nursing Leadership, add to the initial knowledge, skills and values developed in the ADN programs.
Studies become more in-depth with in the bridge courses to the RN-MSN courses, Theory Integration and Research Integration.
Advanced knowledge, skills and values are developed in the graduate courses required for the MSN program degree plan chosen by the student, including for the Nurse Leader or Nurse Educator.

RN-MSN Candidate applications are reviewed by the admissions office and the nursing faculty for BSN completion and MSN completion status. RN-MSN Admissions requirements:

Graduation from an Associate Degree nursing program
Unencumbered RN license
Work experience as RN
2.75 GPA
Membership in a nursing professional organization (such as TNA or specialty) preferred

RN-MSN students must complete the requirements for the BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA (including CLW points) before proceeding to the MSN bridge courses.

RN-MSN, Nurse Educator Degree Requirements
RN-MSN, Nurse Leader Degree Requirements

Graduation: Candidates eligible for graduation with a Master of Science in Nursing degree are required to 1) Complete the required semester hours for the MSN track they are enrolled in with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 2) complete all general requirements for graduation as outlined in the Catalog.

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

655 K Street NW, Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
Telephone: 202-887-6791
Website: www.ccneaccreditation.org

Department of Kinesiology

Master of Science in Kinesiology: Specialization in Sport Management

The Master of Science in Kinesiology Specialization in Sport Management prepares students for an advanced career in the business of sport. The M.S. in Sport Management allows students to hone their skills in the classroom with advanced courses in such areas as sport marketing, sport finance, and sport facility and event management. Furthermore, graduates from this program will further their knowledge with opportunities in internships and research.

Graduation: Requirements for a degree in Master of Science in Kinesiology include completion of the degree plan with either the thesis or non-thesis option plus completion of all HCU Graduate School criteria.

Master of Science in Kinesiology: Sport Management Requirements