School of Nursing and Allied Health Catalog
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
The School of Nursing and Allied Health provides professional learning experiences in kinesiology and nursing. The School’s mission contributes to the University’s mission by providing academic, spiritual, and professional excellence to prepare nurses and allied health providers for service in the health care and 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 (which does not lead to teacher certification), Kinesiology- Specialization in Allied Health (which does not lead to teacher certification), Kinesiology—Specialization in Sport Management (which does not lead to teacher certification, 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.
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.
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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 School of Nursing and Allied Health 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 (Perspectives on the Health Care Delivery Systems, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology-Pharmacology, 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 Nursing Research. Nursing Leadership is the focus of the courses Transition to Practice and Professional Issues in Nursing.
- In addition, throughout the program, students are expected to participate in Nursing Student Association to develop professionalism and contribute to the profession.
- Demonstration of competence in reading English, Writing English, and functional use of computer technology.
- Community life and worship activities are included and expected throughout the program.
The goal of the School of Nursing and Allied Health is to educate nurses to create health care delivery systems to meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups in society. Health care focuses on health promotion and disease prevention, as well as community-based care. The curriculum reflects this focus and includes opportunities for service-based learning. All courses required for the BSN degree are offered at HCU.
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 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 School of Nursing and Allied Health 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 School of Nursing and Allied Health 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 School of Nursing and Allied Health.
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
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
Telephone: (404) 679-4500
Website: www.cacscoc.org
Texas Board of Nursing
333 Guadalupe #3-460
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 BSN program prepares professional nurses for general practice in a variety of roles and settings. In the various roles and settings, the BSN nurse will facilitate the designing of health care systems for providing cost effective, competent care to individuals, families, groups, and communities. The baccalaureate program is preparatory for leadership in nursing and interdisciplinary health care teams and graduate education.
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:
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- 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 admission test. Please contact the School of Nursing for further details regarding the TEAS 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:
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- An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- No grade less than a “C” in the nursing courses.
- Satisfactory performance on the Math Proficiency Exam for Nurses.
- 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.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the required competencies at the Novice Level, Advanced Beginner, and Graduating Level Curriculum Checkpoints by passing an examination and demonstrating safe practice and critical thinking while performing nursing skills.
- 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.
- Updated annual tuberculosis screening.
- A current statement of good health from a physician.
Graduation
Candidates eligible for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are required to:
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- Complete a minimum of 120 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.
RN-to-BSN Degree (Online) Requirements
BSN-Honors College
Highly motivated freshmen who are admitted into HCU’s Honors College and who are interested in nursing may apply for joint admission between the Honors College and the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Through this admission, freshman Honors College students are pre-approved and receive Provisional Admission to the nursing program from the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. They pursue a special coursework sequence which allows them to complete both the Honors College requirements and the BSN program requirements in four (4) years by taking select nursing courses during their sophomore year.
Students must pass the nursing courses and remain full time in the Honors College to stay in the joint admission program. Students can receive full admission into the BSN program in their third (Junior) year after successfully completing all the School of Nursing and Allied Health criteria including criminal background check clearance from the Texas Board of Nursing.
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 or a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Graduates have increased autonomy and independence in their practice and are eligible to apply for national certification. The accessible on-line program integrates the AACN Master’s Essentials and the IOM’s Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health Recommendations. (Pillars I, III, & X)
The degree of Master of Science in Nursing provides the graduate the opportunity to complete the following program outcomes:
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- Synthesize theory and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for applications in the care of clients
- Provide advanced nursing care based upon in-depth client assessment in an area of specialization
- Evaluate ethical, moral, and legal precepts in client care
- Design culturally competent interventions based on current, valid evidence
- Apply research methods to investigate problems that influence advanced nursing care
- Analyze public policy and issues that affect advanced nursing practice and health care delivery systems
- Collaborate with other disciplines to provide care in a variety of settings
- Integrate peer review and/or peer guidance in advanced practice
- Participate in leadership and development of the profession
- Enhance the basis for life-long learning and/or doctoral study
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner Track
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track 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) track 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 Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or 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. Graduates will be prepared for Certified Nurse Educator, Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator, and Nursing Professional Development exams.
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. Graduates will be prepared for Nurse Executive Board Certification.
MSN, Nurse Leader Requirements
MSN, Nurse Leader Certificate
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).
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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 MS 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: Sports Management Requirements