Dr. Sheri R. Noviello, Interim Dean
Suite 4002E, Health Sciences and Business Administration Building
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (B.S.N.); a Master of Science in Nursing degree (M.S.N.); Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology (B.S.E.P.) and Athletic Training (B.S.A.T.); an Associate of Applied Science degree program with a major in dental hygiene, offered in cooperation with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College; and a minor in Nutrition.
The baccalaureate program in nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is designed to give the student the basic knowledge, skills, and values that build upon the foundation provided by the University Core Curriculum and that are required for professional careers in nursing. Moreover, through a series of sequenced courses, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences prepares the student for advanced study in nursing. The curricula adhere to a systemic approach which emphasizes the connections between the concepts of Holism, Caring, Competence, Health, and Teaching/Learning. The College offers a curriculum for Registered Nurse applicants leading to the B.S.N. or to both the B.S.N. and M.S.N. Please contact the college directly for information about this curriculum.
The College’s programs stress the importance of critical thinking skills, an appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives, and the application of knowledge to address policy disputes and social problems related to health care. The program leading to the baccalaureate degree in nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. This program provides a major measure of eligibility for the national licensing examination in nursing, leading to use of the title Registered Nurse. Applicants who have a conviction for a felony may not be eligible for licensure; it is recommended that these applicants consult with the Dean of the College before seeking entrance to the program. Both the bachelor’s degree (B.S.N.) and the master’s degree (M.S.N.) programs in the College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education [One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone: 202-887-6791 Fax: 202-887-8476].
The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology (B.S.E.P.) degree prepares students to work in a wide variety of settings, such as cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, corporate fitness/wellness, hospital health promotion and outpatient rehabilitation, human performance laboratories, and private practice. Students are involved in classroom, laboratory, clinical, and field experiences that include theoretical and hands-on activities in clinical and non-clinical settings that often include health appraisal and education, exercise testing and prescription, and administrative leadership skills. Graduates are prepared for and encouraged to seek certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The degree also provides a strong foundation for advanced or professional studies in exercise physiology, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related areas. Students interested in further study in these areas are responsible for satisfying specific admission requirements in those programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training (B.S.A.T.) degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Successful completion of the degree program qualifies the student to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. An individual posting a passing score on the exam is recognized as a Certified Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and is eligible to apply for state licensure and work as an athletic trainer in clinical and school settings, professional sports, and colleges and universities. Students in the program receive training under the direct supervision of one of the institution’s BOC-certified athletic trainers in the areas of injury prevention, pathology of illnesses and injuries, assessment and evaluation, care of acute injuries and illnesses, pharmacology, therapeutic exercise and modalities, psychosocial intervention and referral, health care administration, and professional responsibilities.
Students may have the opportunity to gain work experience relating to their major, clarify their career goals, and earn money to help finance their education through the VSU Cooperative Education Program. Co-op students are placed, on a competitive basis, in work assignments within health care institutions. Interested students should contact the VSU Office of Cooperative Education (telephone 229-333-7172).
Grade Point Average Requirement for Pre-Nursing Majors
Students entering the University directly from high school may declare a major in pre-nursing. In order to continue as a pre-nursing major, students must maintain a GPA of 2.8 or higher on all course work undertaken. If in any given semester a student’s overall GPA falls below 2.8, the student will have one academic term to bring it back up to or above 2.8. If the overall GPA remains below 2.8 for two consecutive semesters, the student will be requested to change majors. Any student who fails to respond to that request will automatically be transferred to an undeclared major status.
Students who enter the University as transfer students who wish to declare a major in pre-nursing must have a GPA of at least 2.8 on all course work undertaken. Upon acceptance as a pre-nursing major, a student must maintain a 2.8 overall GPA as described above.
Students changing majors from another program within the University must also have at least a 2.8 overall GPA to transfer to the pre-nursing major and will be subject to the same maintenance requirements already described.
