The additional course work involved in BSN education enhances the student’s professional development. It also prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social issues that affect patients and influence health care delivery (AACN, 2009).

As a BSN graduate, you will have the greatest opportunity for advancement. For instance, a BSN is required for entry into a master’s program, which may in turn lead to a career in management, or to more specialized nursing positions such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator or nurse researcher. A BSN is preferred and often required for military nursing, case management, public health nursing, forensic nursing and school nursing. Because BSN prepared nurses can apply for management-level positions (e.g., clinical educator, head nurse, supervisor) and may receive differential pay according to clinical ladder policies, an average BSN has higher earning power.

Pfeiffer’s nursing program was granted initial approval in May 2009 and full approval in May 2013 by North Carolina’s nursing practice regulatory organization, the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process where non-governmental groups recognize schools and/or programs that have been found to meet or exceed certain standards and criteria for educational quality. Two national organizations accredit nursing education programs: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A degree from an institution accredited by one of these organizations ensures that you will be qualified to attend another accredited school of nursing, should you be interested in an advanced degree.

Pfeiffer offers a baccalaureate program; therefore, accreditation is from CCNE, which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate programs. Pfeiffer was also recently accepted by the American Association for Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for institutional membership. The AACN is the national voice for America’s baccalaureate- and higher-degree nursing education programs.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Pfeiffer University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

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Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 887-6791

Students admitted to Pfeiffer University may enter as pre-nursing students and apply separately for the admission to the nursing program.

Candidates must formally apply for admission to the upper division of the nursing program by Feb. 1 of the spring semester of their sophomore year. Prior to that, students must successfully complete (or be enrolled in) the required university core prerequisite courses and nursing specific courses with a grade of C (GPA 2.0) or better before applying for admission to the nursing major. Upon acceptance into Pfeiffer’s nursing program, qualified students are admitted to the upper division of the nursing major for fall admission in the junior year.

The Admissions Committee, composed of nursing faculty and various members of the Nursing Advisory Board, will select the most qualified candidates for admission into the upper division nursing major based on:

• Academic performance (cumulative GPA and science scores)​
• Written essay score
• Community service history
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS scores)
• Satisfactory health appraisal

While we recommend completion of NAI training before you enroll in sophomore courses, it is not necessary or advantageous to do so earlier. Pfeiffer partners with Stanly Community College to offer NAI training specifically for our freshmen pre-nursing majors. (Qualified applicants who are accepted into the upper division nursing major are required to have completed Nurse Assistant/Aide I certification before enrolling in junior level upper division courses.) See https://www.ncnar.org/ncna.html for more information.

The program may be completed in eight semesters (or four academic years). However, general education classes (lower division) can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. Nursing program courses (upper division) are NOT available on a part-time basis and must be taken in sequence.

Yes, some general education and prerequisite courses will transfer. However, because each student’s circumstances and transcript is different, it’s important to meet with an academic advisor at Pfeiffer to create an academic plan. Nursing major (upper division) courses cannot be transferred or substituted.

Admission is extremely competitive as the number of applications typically exceeds the number of available spaces each year. Three basic options are available for students who are not admitted into the upper division nursing major:

• Stay at Pfeiffer University and apply again the next year.
• Stay at Pfeiffer University, but change majors (e.g., exercise science, education, counseling).
• Transfer to another nursing program.

Students should discuss with their academic advisor the chances of being admitted, campus resources available and alternative career options.

The BSN nursing pre-licensure program is located in the department of nursing, which is in the division of applied health sciences. The Harris Science Building has been renovated for classroom space and a state-of-the-art nursing skills learning laboratory.

Our nursing program has agreements with CMC-Mercy, CMC-Union Regional, Stanly Regional Medical Center, Stanly Manor, Moore Regional Medical Center, Randolph Hospital and Rowan Regional Medical Center.

Pfeiffer is a United Methodist-related university that is committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship. It is the vision of the university that our students embrace the Christian values of human dignity, integrity, and service and become servant leaders and lifelong learners. The nursing program’s philosophy is consistent with the university’s philosophy and is built on caring principles.

Faculty members in the department of nursing are committed to working with you to achieve your professional goals and are eager and ready to work with you to encourage your personal and professional growth

If you are looking for a sense of community and connectedness, small classes and personal attention, Pfeiffer is for you!