BSN FAQs

How often does the School admit students into the nursing major?

The UTC College of Nursing starts a cohort into the nursing major every fall and spring semester. The application deadline is March 15 for fall and September 15 for spring admission.

What are the admission requirements?

Please refer to the BSN Admissions page for information including GPA and prerequisite requirements.

**Enrollment is limited, and the number of qualified applicants often exceeds the number of students who can be admitted. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance. Pre-nursing majors not admitted to the College of Nursing can reapply the following semester or change to the undecided major to explore other career opportunities.

Is the UTC College of Nursing accredited?

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

Does UTC have an associate of science in nursing (ASN)?

UTC only offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. For those who have already received their ASN, they can complete the Gateway RN‐BSN track.

What is UTC College of Nursing’s NCLEX pass rate?

Where do students complete their clinical experiences?

The UTC College of Nursing is fortunate to have three major hospitals near the campus including a level one trauma center at Erlanger Hospital. Although the majority of clinical experiences are in the hospital setting, students also have the opportunity to experience a variety of clinical experiences. These experiences are in nursing homes, clinics, home health agencies, schools, mental health facilities and the health department.

Does the School use simulation?

The UTC College of Nursing has a state of the art simulation lab where students have an opportunity to practice their clinical skills in a safe environment. Students will have simulation experiences at each level of the curriculum.

Are there opportunities for graduate studies after completion of the BSN?

The UTC College of Nursing offers a DNP - Doctor of Nursing with concentrations in Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. We also offer a post master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice for those with an advanced practice degree and a BSN to DNP in Nursing Administrations Systems. Students in this program can also enroll in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and earn an MBA concurrently.

Does the School offer information sessions for potential students? 

The UTC College of Nursing works with the UTC Admissions office to offer a combined University campus tour and College of Nursing Information session once a month from September through April. For more information on dates and times for these sessions, please visit the UTC Admissions website. 

Individual appointments may also be scheduled with the College of Nursing Professional Advisor, 423-425‐4670.

What is the difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Bachelors degree in Nursing?

An Associate Degree in Nursing generally takes 2‐3 years to complete. Although they are RNs, they do not have the college degrees that allow them to work in all settings. In addition, Associate degree nurses are limited in areas of management and graduate study. Nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree are called professional nurses, can work in any setting, and are more likely to attain higher salaries because they can work in different management positions. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree generally takes 4 years to complete.

What can high school students do to prepare to study nursing?

• Take all of the biology and chemistry courses offered in high school.
• Join health career clubs at your school
• Talk with nurses in different areas and find out what they do
• Learn and practice excellent study skills
• Learn to read and write well

Questions?

If you have additional questions or would like to meet to discuss the program further, please contact:

Leah Barrett
College of Nursing Professional Advisor
423-425‐4670
[email protected]